Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This personal narrative shows how misplaced certainty can drive a sequence of poor decisions. The model establishes the narrator’s weakness in Mathematics, builds confidence around an untested assumption, creates a sharp reversal in the examination hall, and ends with a lesson about preparation and hard work.
Composition Prompt
Recall a time in your life when you were certain about something but were later proved terribly wrong.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
I have always been scared of numbers which was the reason for my poor score in Mathematics. This had been my Achillies heel, for in spite of doing well in all subjects, my poor performance in Maths always let me down.
I therefore devised a strategy to overcome my weakness. I somehow was certain, that teachers gave hints of important questions to students taking tuition from them. Since my parents did not share this conviction, I befriended Mohan, who was taking tuition in Maths from my class teacher. Showering him with chocolates and gifts, I soon became one of his best friends.
As the final examinations approached, I decided to put my strategy to work. I broached the subject subtly, seeking hints of important questions given to him by the teacher. He was taken aback, but denied any such hints. I kept pestering him to ask the teacher and he finally agreed.
A day before the exams, I went over to his place and jotted down all the important questions, specified by the teacher. I spent the night memorising the answers to the questions. By morning I felt reasonably pleased with myself, for I had at last found the solution to my problem. In the examination hall I confidently surveyed the surroundings. The sight of boys nervously flicking pages of books amused me. A little later as the bell rang the examination commenced.
I stared at the question paper in disbelief. It was an entirely different paper, with different set of questions for which I was totally unprepared. My mouth turned dry and my limbs felt weak and numb. With considerable effort, I tried to gain composure, but in vain. The invigilator noticed my discomfort and enquired if I was unwell. She sent me to the dispensary, where after taking a tranquiliser I was advised rest.
Needless to mention, I got a big zero in Mathematics and consequently was not promoted. It was indeed a heavy price I paid, for realising an old adage “Success is ninety nine percent perspiration and one percent inspiration”.
Understanding This Narrative
The weakness is established before the mistake
The narrator’s fear of Mathematics explains why an easy shortcut seems attractive. This makes the later poor decision understandable even though it is clearly flawed.
Certainty grows without real evidence
The narrator becomes convinced that tuition students receive important questions and then interprets the situation according to that belief. This is a useful way to show misplaced confidence developing step by step.
Overconfidence is shown through behaviour
Before the examination begins, the narrator feels pleased and even finds the other students’ nervous revision amusing. Showing confidence through behaviour makes the coming reversal sharper.
The reversal is immediate and physical
The unfamiliar question paper produces disbelief, dry mouth, weakness and loss of composure. Physical reactions help the reader experience the shock rather than simply being told that the narrator was wrong.
The consequence gives weight to the lesson
The narrator’s failure and non-promotion make the mistake costly. The final lesson about hard work therefore follows naturally from the events instead of sounding like an unrelated moral added at the end.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Narrate an incident when you were completely certain that your judgement was correct, but events later proved you wrong. Explain why you believed it, what happened, and what you learned from the experience.
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 personal narrative built around a mistaken belief, create a clear contrast between what you expected and what actually happened. The lesson should emerge from the incident and its consequences, not replace the narrative itself.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme