Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This narrative-descriptive composition shows how to build an adventure around an unexpected emergency. The model moves from an ordinary train journey to discovery of danger, evacuation, a courageous rescue, sudden loss of belongings and finally a safe return home.
Composition Prompt
On a train journey you detect a bomb in the compartment, you help in evacuating and rescuing the passengers and in the confusion lose your baggage. Give a detailed account of your adventure.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
Last year after spending the Christmas vacations with my cousin in Jalandhar, I took a train to Lucknow. My cousins had come to see me off at the railway station. The Himgiri Express fortunately was on time. Depositing my luggage under the seat, I got down, to bid farewell to them, hugging and promising to meet soon.
I stretched myself on the lower berth, after a long tiring day. The train was packed to capacity. Sitting opposite my berth was an old man and a child. Talking to them I learned that they were also going to Lucknow, where the old man’s son was working. Soon I settled down to sleep. Turning in the berth my purse accidentally fell through the gap. I hurriedly got up to retrieve it. While shifting the baggage of other passengers, I saw a metallic object, near my purse. Sensing danger I collected my purse and rushed to the ticket collector with the news of my discovery. Soon there was an apprehensive crowd around my berth. The conductor and the security guard confirmed the presence of a suspicious object that could be a bomb. The frightened passengers rushed towards the door of the train, to jump out. I caught hold of the alarm chain above my berth and pulled it with all my might. After what seemed an eternity the train came to a halt.
People trampled over each other to get out of the train, with whatever luggage they could lay their hands on. I somehow also managed to get out. The compartment was soon separated from the train and people ran around searching for their near and dear ones. I found Mr Fared Ali, the gentleman sitting opposite my berth sobbing. He told me that his grandson was probably in the compartment and pleaded to help retrieve the child. His pleas however fell on deaf ears, as no one was willing to enter the compartment that could blow up any moment. Seeing the old man’s grief, I decided to venture into the compartment. Taking a powerful torch, I peered in shouting ‘Salim, Salim’. My shouts were answered by a frail voice calling out for help. I saw him lying on the floor of the compartment below a berth grievously injured. Lugging him on my shoulder, I leapt towards the door and scrambled down the train. As I set foot on the ground the compartment blew up behind me. So strong was its impact that we were flung to the ground. The people helped us move away from the burning compartment. The old man with tears in his eyes fell at my feet, thanking me for what I had done.
I looked around for my baggage that I had left on the tracks, but to my dismay it just was not there. I desperately searched but all in vain. My ticket, purse, everything was in the bag. I was at a loss for I had nothing on me to reach home. Fared Ali patted me on my shoulders assuring not to worry, for he would take care of everything.
The relief train came at daybreak. On reaching Lucknow around noon, we were accorded a tumultuous welcome, by friends and relatives, who were waiting for us since morning.
Understanding This Composition
The danger is discovered accidentally
The narrator does not begin the journey looking for trouble. A fallen purse leads to the suspicious object. This accidental discovery makes the transition from an ordinary journey to an emergency feel sudden and dramatic.
The narrator responds before becoming heroic
The first actions are practical: informing the ticket collector, involving security and pulling the alarm chain. This establishes responsibility before the later rescue raises the stakes.
Evacuation creates confusion and urgency
Passengers rush towards the doors, carry whatever belongings they can and search for relatives after leaving the compartment. These actions create a believable atmosphere of panic without interrupting the main sequence.
The rescue becomes the climax
The old man’s missing grandson gives the narrator a clear reason to re-enter the compartment. The frail reply, discovery of the injured child and explosion immediately after the escape create the most intense moment of the adventure.
A second problem prevents an abrupt ending
After escaping the explosion, the narrator discovers that the baggage has disappeared. Fared Ali’s offer of help connects the rescue with the resolution, and the relief train provides a natural final stage before the safe arrival home.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
During a train journey, an unexpected emergency forces passengers to leave the compartment quickly. Give a vivid account of how the danger was discovered, how you helped others, what difficulty you faced afterwards, and how you finally reached safety.
Write approximately 300–350 words.
Before You Submit
ICSE Composition Guidelines
For ICSE Examination Year 2027, the composition should be approximately 300–350 words. Question 1 carries 20 marks, and the specimen paper recommends spending no more than 30 minutes on it.
For a narrative-descriptive adventure, make the sequence of discovery, reaction, decision, danger and resolution easy to follow. Keep the narrator central to the action, and use only the details that help the reader understand how the situation developed and was finally resolved.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme