It is better to have brains than beauty: Argumentative Essay

Q: Q2: What is the structure of a well-written essay for ICSE exams?

A2: A well-written essay typically follows this structure: Introduction : Introduce the topic and present the thesis statement or main idea. Body : Develop the main points or arguments with supporting details and examples. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the topic. Conclusion : Summarize the key points and restate the thesis in light of the arguments made. Offer a closing thought or reflection.

Q: Q6: Can you provide tips for writing a compelling argumentative essay?

A6: To write a compelling argumentative essay: Choose a Clear Position : Clearly state your stance on the issue. Provide Strong Evidence : Support your arguments with facts, statistics, and examples. Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge and refute opposing views to strengthen your position. Conclude Effectively : Summarize your arguments and restate your position in a convincing manner.

Q: Q7: Are there any common mistakes to avoid in ICSE essays?

A7: Common mistakes to avoid include: Off-Topic Writing : Ensure your essay directly addresses the given topic or prompt. Poor Organization : Structure your essay logically with clear paragraphs and transitions. Overuse of Complex Vocabulary : Use vocabulary appropriately and avoid using words you are not comfortable with.

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Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by sanjjeett

Hello students, we are providing English Essays for ICSE students. These essays are useful for ICSE Class 9 and 10 studying students. The resources for English Essays are not proper and organised. So, to help students we have created English Essays Series for ICSE students. In this article, you will find an argumentative essay on “It is better to have brains than beauty”

Subject	English
Type of Essay	Argumentative Essay
Essay on	It is better to have brains than beauty
Board	ICSE
Class	Class 9 and 10
Important Link	English Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10

Table of Contents

“It is better to have brains than beauty.” Give your views for or against the statement.

Introduction: “Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless, peacock and lilies for instance.”
Beauty is not lasting, it declines with age. The brain and mental faculty improves and grows with age.
The brain has an all pervasive impact on us, while beauty can at best razzle dazzle for a moment.
Beauty can enthrall us for the moment, while the brain reaches out and influences the lives of people.
The brain impacts our personality.
Conclusion: Undoubtedly, it is better to have brains than beauty.

“Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless, peacock and lilies for instance,” said John Ruskin. It is better to have brain than beauty, for it is useful to us and the society. While physical beauty is purely visual, the beauty of the brain is all encompassing. It enables the individual to perform great deeds and make a valuable contribution to the society. On the other hand physical beauty is but ‘skin-deep’ as most beautiful people are superficial. Beneath their exterior countenance lie base qualities of jealousy, wickedness, pride, and arrogance.

Furthermore beauty is not everlasting, it fades out with age and time. The beauty which is at its peak in youth, withers with age making it unrecognisable in old age. On the contrary the brain and mental faculty improves and grows with age. People become wiser and more experienced, others look up to them for advice and direction.

The brain has an all pervasive impact on us. It influences our words and actions. Thus a person with a pleasing mental disposition, leaves a satisfying influence on others, for a long time. While a person blessed with beauty and glamour can at best razzle dazzle for a moment. No sooner such a person is out of sight than he/she is forgotten. Some beautiful people live in vain unnoticed and unsung. A noble mind on the other hand brings out the inner beauty of the person. It is because of this, personalities like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi, who by no stretch of imagination could be called beautiful, left an indelible impact on society. Their noble deeds and actions, which were the outcome of a dignified mind would inspire generations. People gratefully remember them as Mother and Mahatma respectively.

Beauty can at best enthrall us for the moment, while the brain can reach out and influence the lives of countless people inspiring them profoundly. This is exemplified in the life and travails of Florence Nightingale. She could have lived a normal life like

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Guidelines for writing an argumentative essay

Jot down all the points that come to your mind under the heads ‘for’ and ‘against’.
Decide whether you are going to write ‘for’ or ‘against’ the statement. In case you are to discuss or give advantages and disadvantages, then you have to dwell on both aspects of the subject.
Begin with a statement of your assertion on the issue, whether it is for or against the proposition. State its importance and relevance.
In the body of the composition justify your assertion, by giving practical, and historical evidence, to substantiate your point.
Begin each point/justification in a separate paragraph, substantiating it logically.
Refute your opponents arguments/points already listed by you point by point, with practical and historical evidence to support your assertion.
Don’t use first person. Instead of saying, “I don’t think global warming is worth worrying about”, you may say, “A two degree rise in temperature over the next hundred years makes global warming a trivial problem.”
Reserve your strong points or argument towards the end.
Conclude with a well-thought out personal view on the subject.

Pitfalls of writing an argumentative composition

Having chosen your line of argument, do not waiver, by acceding to the point in favour of the opposition. You may only do so if you are required to discuss the subject, where you have to dwell on both the aspects.

Writing this type of composition is very rewarding. You should attempt it only if you have complete knowledge of the subject. Illogical arguments or arguments not properly supported by factual data or evidence would be counter-productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on English Essays

Q1: What types of essays are included for ICSE Class 9 and 10 students?

A1: Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10 students typically include descriptive essays, narrative essays, argumentative essays, and reflective essays. These essays cover a range of topics from personal experiences and observations to debates on social issues and creative writing.

Q2: What is the structure of a well-written essay for ICSE exams?

A2: A well-written essay typically follows this structure:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and present the thesis statement or main idea.
Body: Develop the main points or arguments with supporting details and examples. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the topic.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points and restate the thesis in light of the arguments made. Offer a closing thought or reflection.

Q3: How can I improve my essay writing skills for ICSE exams?

A3: To improve your essay writing skills, practice regularly and seek feedback on your work. Focus on organizing your thoughts clearly, using appropriate vocabulary, and adhering to grammatical rules. Reading various essays and writing on different topics can also help enhance your skills.

Q4: Are there specific formats to follow for different types of essays?

A4: Yes, different types of essays may have specific formats:
Descriptive Essays: Focus on vividly describing a person, place, or event. Use sensory details to paint a clear picture.
Narrative Essays: Tell a story or recount an experience with a clear sequence of events and personal reflections.
Argumentative Essays: Present a clear argument on a topic, supported by evidence and counterarguments.
Reflective Essays: Reflect on personal experiences or events, exploring their significance and impact.

Q5: How important is it to adhere to word limits for ICSE essays?

A5: Adhering to word limits is important as it demonstrates your ability to convey ideas concisely and effectively. It also ensures that you follow exam guidelines and avoid overloading your essay with unnecessary information.

Q6: Can you provide tips for writing a compelling argumentative essay?

A6: To write a compelling argumentative essay:
Choose a Clear Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue.
Provide Strong Evidence: Support your arguments with facts, statistics, and examples.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and refute opposing views to strengthen your position.
Conclude Effectively: Summarize your arguments and restate your position in a convincing manner.

Q7: Are there any common mistakes to avoid in ICSE essays?

A7: Common mistakes to avoid include:
Off-Topic Writing: Ensure your essay directly addresses the given topic or prompt.
Poor Organization: Structure your essay logically with clear paragraphs and transitions.
Overuse of Complex Vocabulary: Use vocabulary appropriately and avoid using words you are not comfortable with.

Q8: Where can I find additional resources for writing English essays?

A8: Additional resources for writing English essays can be found in:
Textbooks: Refer to your ICSE English textbooks for guidance and examples.
Online Guides: Explore educational websites and writing guides for tips and sample essays. XamContent offer a large number of English essays for icse students.