Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This composition shows how to describe a person through qualities, habits and meaningful incidents. The model focuses on a mother’s industrious nature, compassion, guidance, discipline and perseverance, allowing the reader to understand her influence through concrete examples rather than general praise alone.
Composition Prompt
One of your parents has influenced you considerably. Give details of the influence.
Or
Many people play very important roles in our lives. Describe in vivid detail any one person and show how he/she has played a very special influence in your life.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
We are blessed for having parents to look and care for us. They are an incarnation of God, for they bring us into the world, and also take care of us when we need them the most. They are the ultimate role models, for no other person influences us more than our parents. They are there in our sorrow, mitigating our grief and jubilant in our happiness, multiplying it manifold. We not only imbibe good virtues from them, but also learn to differentiate between good and evil. They leave an indelible impression on our mind, which consciously or unconsciously influence our life. Though I love both my parents, I am however more influenced by my mother.
She has a positive and overwhelming influence on me. So much so that my friends call me a mama’s boy. She is by nature very industrious and loving. Getting up early in the morning, she goes about the daily chores. After serving breakfast, packing my lunch box and sending me to school, she goes to office. In the evening she has ample time for me hearing my adventures through the day and then helping me with my homework. Her stellar qualities of head and heart have drawn me close to her. She is very large hearted and forgiving by nature and has often stood by me even when I was at fault. Nevertheless, she is strict and stern so that I do not repeat it again. This understanding makes me share all my worries and apprehensions with her. She encourages me to take decisions, at the same time giving me dispassionate advice and suggestions, which boosts my confidence.
She is an embodiment of love and compassion. Last summer when I was down with typhoid, she was by my bedside day and night caring for me, taking leave from office she regaled me with stories and episodes, so that I do not feel lonely and depressed. Her dedication to work has a great influence on my outlook to life. It has enabled me to appreciate emotions like love and compassion, which makes one a good human being.
Her willpower and perseverance makes me proud of her. Despite her busy work schedule, she persevered to complete her PhD after doing her post graduation quite some time back. She accomplished this feat in the face off many odds, like insufficient time and my illness. I have great respect for the redoubtable spirit, which makes her face great odds with a positive approach.
I do not have to look elsewhere, for inspiration. She is my mentor and guide. Her only advice to me is to be myself, with a clear objective in life. According to her nothing is impossible, provided one strives for it. She firmly believes in the words of H.W. Longfellow, “Life’s battle don’t always go to the stronger or the fastest man, But sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.”
Understanding This Composition
The person is introduced through the idea of influence
The opening explains why parents can become role models before identifying the mother as the person who has had the strongest influence. This gives the composition a clear direction from the beginning.
Daily routine reveals character
Her early morning routine, office work, time for the narrator and help with homework demonstrate industriousness and care through action. Small everyday details can often describe a person more effectively than broad adjectives.
Influence is shown through a specific incident
The illness episode gives a concrete example of compassion and sacrifice. A descriptive personal essay becomes more convincing when an important quality is attached to a memorable event.
Achievement reinforces the quality of perseverance
The mother’s completion of a PhD despite work, limited time and family responsibilities illustrates determination. This shows how the narrator’s admiration grows from observing what she actually does.
The conclusion identifies the lasting influence
The final paragraph presents the mother as a mentor and guide and connects her influence with the narrator’s outlook on effort and purpose. A strong conclusion should explain what has changed in you because of the person.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Describe a teacher, relative or friend who has influenced the way you think or behave. Use specific habits, incidents and examples to show how this person has affected your life.
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 descriptive composition about a person, use carefully selected details, habits and incidents to create a vivid picture. When the prompt asks about influence, make sure you explain the effect the person has had on your own outlook, choices or behaviour.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme