The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society: Argumentative Essay

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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 “The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society”

SubjectEnglish
Type of EssayArgumentative Essay
Essay onThe advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society
BoardICSE
ClassClass 9 and 10
Important LinkEnglish Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10

“The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society.” Discuss.

  • Introduction: Concept of a democratic society; more advantageous.
  • People enjoy fundamental rights and have freedom of speech, work, religion.
  • The right of franchise enables them to elect the government of their choice; makes the people master of their own destiny, unity in diversity.
  • Few disadvantages plague the system, created by narrow-minded political and religious leaders.
  • Democratic society offers stability and better quality of life than any other form of society.
  • Conclusion: Living in a democratic society has many advantages and is the hope of the future.

‘Government of the people, for the people and by the people, shall not perish from the earth’, said Abraham Lincoln. He was indeed very prophetic, for people living in a democratic society have a say in the working of the government. Such a democratic society is therefore bound to be good and successful. India, the largest democratic country in the world, is an excellent example, a diverse but vibrant and progressive society.

This is for people living in a democratic society have absolute freedom to live their life. They enjoy fundamental rights and have freedom of speech, work, religion, and doing business. This makes their life happy, secure, and progressive for there is no interference of the state in personal matters that exist in an autocratic or communist society.

The right of franchise enables people to elect the government of their choice. Such an elected government caters to the regional aspirations of the people, thereby safeguarding their identity and individuality in terms of language and traditions. The encouragement of different cultural and social practices removes feeling of alienation and deprivation, among different sections of the society. The constitution of the country guarantees equality, and justice for which special concessions like reservation are extended to backward classes and women, enabling them to join the mainstream of the society.

This active participation of the people in the government, makes them the master of their own destiny. In fact it is an ideal system that can cater to the needs of the large and diverse society as ours, truly exemplifying the concept of unity in diversity.

There are a few disadvantages plaguing the system. Some of them are real and others created by narrow-minded political and religious leaders. Such misguided elements create a fear among the minorities, because the very concept of democracy is based on majority rule. The sectarian leaders often project imaginary grievances of a section with an eye on votes for garnering more power and clout. This vote bank politics and appeasement, often leads to strife and violence.

Democratic societies are however plagued with slow pace of development. This is because valuable time and energy is lost in discussion, debate, and getting public opinion before implementing major decisions. This often leads to monetary losses, and slows down the pace of economic development, which is harmful for a developing country like India.

Nevertheless living in a democratic society offers stability and better quality of life than any other form of society. The last century saw the fall of many fascist, communist, and autocratic societies. They failed miserably in addressing the diverse aspirations of the people. Some were able to usher in stupendous growth and development, like communist USSR, autocratic Iran and Iraq, under the rule of the Shah and Saddam Hussein. However, they broke up and paved the way to fundamentalism and chaos, which is still tormenting the people.

Living in a democratic society has many advantages. It is the hope of the future. There is need to nurture it with great care and respect. The anomalies that have inadvertently crept into the polity like casteism, regionalism, fundamentalism, for vote should be done away with. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

Looking for more essays? Check out our complete ICSE English Essays Hub for all topics.

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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.

The advantages and disadvantages of living in a democratic society: Argumentative Essay

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