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 “Pen is mightier than the sword”
| Subject | English |
| Type of Essay | Argumentative Essay |
| Essay on | Pen is mightier than the sword |
| Board | ICSE |
| Class | Class 9 and 10 |
| Important Link | English Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10 |
“Pen is mightier than the sword.” Give your views for or against the statement.
- Introduction: The power of a pen ruled by the mind, is mightier, than a sword, ruled by the muscle.
- The noble ideas and thoughts penned by great revolutionaries led to big revolutions.
The pen influences the mind and brings permanent transformation, while the effect of force is temporary. Example, Emperor Ashoka.
- The writings of sages have a profound influence on our life like the Ramayana and Gita.
- The changes brought about by the pen are humane and noble, eliciting love, affection, peace. That by the sword lead to hatred, animosity and more violence.
- Conclusion: The pen rules the mind and heart of the people, and is therefore mightier than the sword.
“Power flows from the barrel of a gun”. People who believed in the above dictum have been thrown into oblivion. This is for the power of a pen ruled by the mind, is far mightier, than a sword, ruled by the muscle. The sword may conquer the body, but it can never conquer the heart and mind of the person. The sword may elicit fear and compliance which is short-lived, but the pen influences the mind and its effect is everlasting.
The noble ideas and thoughts penned by great revolutionaries led to big revolutions. The fiery slogans of ‘liberty, equality and fraternity’ put forth by Rousseau and Voltaire ignited the French Revolution. Similarly, Das Kapital authored by Karl Marx, fired the imagination of millions suffering exploitation under autocratic rule. This led to the communist revolution, which swept across Asia and Europe. The revolutionary thoughts expressed by writers in their books, continue to influence our lives even today. Their writings moulded history, and are more resounding than all military victories. Thus while we remember them with respect and awe, great conquerors like Napoleon, Taimur, and Hitler are hated and forgotten. Closer to home words penned by Mahatma
Gandhi awakened the Indian masses from age-old slumber, to fight for independence.
By influencing the mind one can bring about a permanent transformation, while the use of force can only subdue the opponent temporarily. The Great Emperor Ashoka realised this after the long and arduous battle of Kalinga. Moved by the teachings of the Buddha, he renounced violence and set forth spreading his message of love and compassion. He achieved greater glory and fame by winning the hearts of the people, spreading his empire in Asia.
Besides works of great revolutionaries, the writings of sages and religious leaders have a profound influence on our life. Great epics like the Ramayana and Gita written by Valmiki and Vedvyas inspire us, and shall continue to inspire generations till eternity. The stoicisms and noble behaviours of lord Rama and Arjuna, would have faded from the memory, had they not been immortalised by them.
The pen is mightier than the sword for it has changed the course of history, leaving an indelible impression on mankind. The changes brought about by it are humane and noble, eliciting love, affection, peace, and tranquility. While change brought about by the use of the sword brings with it negative feelings of animosity, anger, and hatred.
It is because of this that John Milton said, “Who kills a man, kills a reasonable creature. God’s image, but he who destroys a good book, kills reason itself, kills the image of God as it were in the eye.” Indeed the power of the pen of great writers is an image of God. They rule the minds and hearts of the people, and are mightier than the sword.
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.
