It is better to be born a genius than talented: Argumentative Essay

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Last Updated on December 15, 2024 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 be born a genius than talented”

SubjectEnglish
Type of EssayArgumentative Essay
Essay onIt is better to be born a genius than talented
BoardICSE
ClassClass 9 and 10
Important LinkEnglish Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10

It is better to be born a genius than talented. Discuss.

  • Introduction: What is a genius and talent?
  • Would like to be born a genius, for it is inborn while talent is acquired.
  • Genius thrives in an adverse environment.
  • They are rarely born after centuries, leave a legacy for posterity.
  • Conclusion: Would like to be born a genius and make innovative contribution to society.

“Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see,” said Arthur Schoperhauer. Thus while talent can be acquired by constant practice, genius is inborn and cannot be acquired. The word ‘genius’ implies very extraordinary native power, especially as displayed in original creations, discoveries, and achievements. The originality of the work of a genius is an inborn inspiration, independent of instruction or training, which drives a person to do something with original excellence.

A genius is not born every day. They are as rare as the blue moon. Talent on the other hand, is an ability which can be acquired by learning or instruction. Thus while talent is a capacity to learn to do a thing well, genius is an inborn inspiration, an instinct that drives a man to excellence. In other words while a ‘genius’ does what it must, a talent does what it can.

Given a choice I would like to be born a genius, for imagine having to bestow something new and inspiring in science and literature like Newton or William Shakespeare. They were trailblazers who left behind a rich trail for others to follow.

A person blessed with a specific talent in any field of human activity is also great, but what set a genius apart is the originality. It is because of this that the painting of Monalisa by Leonardo Da Vinci is referred to as the work of genius, though there are many good paintings by talented painters.

Geniuses have been known to thrive in the most unfavourable of environment. Illustrious personalities like William Shakespeare, Mirza Ghalib, Tulsi Das, and Munshi Premchand were born in acute poverty, but blessed with genius they rose to the pinnacle of glory, which made them immortal. They did not have the privilege of a formal education, but the literary wealth they bequeathed makes the so-called educated men blush with ignorance. Their words loaded with wisdom and truth, are as relevant today as they were then. A few of them like Mirza Ghalib, was unaware of his genius. Had it not been for his patrons, who painstakingly compiled his utterings, the world would have been much poorer.

Geniuses are God’s gift to mankind. They have blazed a new trail in various fields like Beethoven in Music, Albert Einstein in Science, and Mahatma Gandhi in Social Welfare to name a few. They have left behind a legacy so rich and varied, which would continue to inspire generations. They have set benchmarks, against which ordinary mortals set about acquiring talent, basking in their reflected glory.

I would therefore like to be born a genius and make some innovative contribution to the society, rather than be reduced to a mere copy. This is not to demean talented people, for they are also great men. But when it comes to a choice, why choose a replica, when you can have the unique.

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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.

It is better to be born a genius than talented: Argumentative Essay

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