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 “Should punishment be retributive or reformatory”
| Subject | English |
| Type of Essay | Argumentative Essay |
| Essay on | Should punishment be retributive or reformatory |
| Board | ICSE |
| Class | Class 9 and 10 |
| Important Link | English Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10 |
Should punishment be retributive or reformatory? Discuss.
- Introduction: What is ‘retributive punishment’?
- The state took upon itself the role of policing the society.
- Humantarians advocated for reformatory form of punishment which lays stress on reforming the person.
- The reformatory form of punishment considers that a convict can be modified and corrected by proper counselling and environment.
- Conclusion: Reformatory form of punishment is desirable for it addresses the root cause of the problem.
‘Give a dog a bad name and hang him’. This is retributive or avenging punishment. Here the criminal is severely punished, to deter others to obey the law. The effect of such a form of punishment on the public is debatable, but the effect it has on the criminal is evident. Such punishments existed up to the nineteenth century when the legal codes were severe and the penalties harsh. This was consciously done, to compel people to obey and fear law. It was also felt that criminals or people who broke the law should be kept away from contaminating the society.
The state thus took upon itself the role of policing the society. The effect on the criminal, was disastrous. They suffered brutalities in prison and were bullied into submission. Punishment like flogging and solitary confinement, even denial of food and water were the order of the day. Being in the company of hardened criminals, they imbibed their skills and nursed a secret hatred for society. They came out of prison more hardened and dangerous. Their animosity towards society further aggravated as people shunned and looked down on them. Exasperated they took to crime on a much larger scale. Thus a small time offender, became a hardened criminal.
This negative aspect of retributive punishment made humanitarians campaign for prison reforms, which resulted in a quantum shift in the ideology of meting out punishment. The prison codes have been modified and savage penalties have been abolished. Prisoners today enjoy human rights, which are duly respected. This is because of growing conviction, that reformatory form of punishment which lays stress on reforming the person is more desirable than punitive.
The reformatory form of punishment considers a convict a human being, who can be modified and corrected, to become a good citizen. Thus in imprisoning the criminal the state sees this as an opportunity to reform him. Jails today are therefore equipped with television, libraries, and vocational training centres. Besides formal education, vocational training is also given to prisoners so that they can live a normal life on completing their term. Thus offenders are reformed to become good citizens.
Indeed, the reformatory form of punishment is desirable for it addresses the root cause of the problem, which could be poverty or deprivation. This is also in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy “Hate the sin, not the sinner.”
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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.
