Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This composition shows how to narrate achievement through a sequence of preparation, nervousness, performance and recognition. The model begins with selection at school level, moves to the national competition and final round, and ends with the joy of winning an award and bringing honour to the school.
Composition Prompt
You have represented your school in national inter school competition. Describe your excitement on being selected, the competition and the joy you felt at having brought honours to your school.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
I had for quite sometime been preparing myself, for the extempore debate competition to be held in our school. This was a prelude for selecting the team, which was to represent the school in the National Inter school competition, to be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 10 October. Students from different schools across the country would be participating, in various extracurricular activities like music, singing, dancing, dramatics, debating, and quiz competition. Besides awarding individual performances best performing teams would also be awarded shields. It was therefore a matter of pride, to represent the school at such an event.
It was with keen anticipation, I counted the days for the debate competition. On the D-day, I was initially nervous with stage fright, as my name was announced. Fortunately for me, I was asked to speak on ‘The present education system has outlived its use’. The subject being close to my heart, I spoke for the motion, offering good reasoning with conviction. I was overjoyed as my name was announced in the team that was to represent the school at the national event.
The national meet was indeed a gala affair, with teams from reputed schools taking part. The huge auditorium, with its lights and the elaborate arrangement overwhelmed me. This made me initially uneasy and anxious. However, as the preliminary round got over, I gained confidence and was selected to participate in the final round, which was to be held on the concluding day of the competition.
On that day my heart skipped a beat, as I approach the stage to speak on a subject unknown to me. There had been other speakers before me, on different subjects. The applause that they received intimidated me. Gaining my composure, I opened the slip offered to me by the announcer. The subject was “Should students take part in extracurricular activities.” I got 3 minutes to plan my speech, after which I had to speak extempore for 10 minutes. My previous experience in such events in school stood me in good stead. I capitalised on this, using funny antidotes and examples which caught the imagination of the audience. The tremendous round of applause as I finished my presentation made my spirits soar high.
I waited with bated breath as the results were announced. My joy knew no bounds when my name was announced to receive the best speaker’s award. I felt a little nervous walking towards the dais, to receive the award from the Lt. Governor of Delhi, the crowd gave me a standing ovation. Our school also got the first runner up shield for the best all round team.
The award, besides bringing good name to my school also boosted my confidence, which would make me a better person in future.
Understanding This Composition
Preparation gives the achievement a foundation
The model begins before the national event with an internal school competition used to select the team. This shows that representing the school is itself something the narrator has worked towards.
Stage fright makes the success believable
The narrator feels nervous when called to speak and later feels overwhelmed by the large national venue. These moments of anxiety prevent the achievement from appearing effortless and make the growth in confidence more meaningful.
The national competition raises the stakes
The reputed schools, large auditorium and preliminary round make the national event feel larger than the school selection. Qualifying for the final therefore becomes an important achievement before the prize is even announced.
The final round centres on performance under pressure
The unknown topic, short preparation time and applause received by earlier speakers create pressure. The narrator regains composure, uses previous experience and engages the audience, turning preparation into performance.
The ending connects honour with personal growth
The best speaker award brings recognition to both the narrator and the school. The final reflection adds another layer by showing that the experience also strengthens confidence and contributes to personal development.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
You have been selected to represent your school in an important inter-school competition. Describe how you prepared, your feelings on being selected, the pressure of the competition, your performance and your emotions after winning recognition for your school.
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 achievement composition, keep the focus on the journey to success. Include preparation, nervousness, the challenge itself, your response under pressure and the emotional effect of the result rather than devoting most of the essay only to the prize.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme