Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This story shows how to build a plot around three compulsory elements without making any of them feel artificially inserted. The suitcase creates the central danger, the photographer makes the crucial connection, and the soldier becomes the character who acts when the situation turns critical.
Composition Prompt
Write a story in which a suitcase, a photographer, and a soldier play important roles.
Composition at a Glance
Story Outline
Model Story
This story pertains to the period when terrorism in Punjab was at its peak. The people in the state lived under the shadow of terror, let loose by mercenaries from across the border. There were daily incidents of murder, bomb blast and other heinous crimes committed by these misguided elements. The people lived in constant fear for their lives and property. The police constantly published photographs of dreaded terrorists, offering handsome rewards for their capture dead or alive.
One fine day a clean-shaven, muscularly built gentleman walked into a studio located in Civil Lines, the main commercial market of Hoshiarpur, carrying a medium-sized suitcase. He requested the photographer for a passport size photograph, which he wanted to affix on his visa application. He required the photo by evening, for he had to go to Delhi the very next day. After the photo shoot, he requested the photographer to keep his suitcase, for he had some urgent shopping to be done prior to his departure. The photographer was initially not reluctant, but seeing a hundred rupee note thrust into his pocket he agreed.
No sooner had the strange gentleman left the shop, the photographer’s friend Colonel AK Singh, a soldier in the Indian Army walked in, carrying the local daily newspaper. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, Col. Singh thrust the newspaper toward him, expressing his annoyance at the deteriorating law and order condition of the state. On the front page was a photograph of a terrorist, which bore a striking resemblance to the stranger, who had just left the shop. The photographer immediately told Col. Singh about the stranger and his suitcase.
Col. Singh heard him intently, and instructed him to call the local police immediately. The telephone lines being dead the Colonel took charge. Fearing the worst, he instructed all the shopkeepers to immediately vacate the building. The word spread like wildfire and in no time the entire commercial centre wore a deserted look, as everyone scampered to safety.
Col. Singh cautiously moved toward the suitcase and with deft fingers opened it. There was a time bomb, which was to explode in a minute. With trembling fingers he set about defusing the deadly device. Time seemed to stand still, as the timer ticked away. Everyone held their breath in apprehension. Luckily the device was defused and everyone heaved a sigh of relief. The police had also come by now. Col. Singh became an instant hero, press photographers crowded around him recording his picture and statement in their video cameras. The grateful shopkeepers offered him a cash reward, which he politely declined, saying he had just done his duty.
The future of the country can never be in peril, till it has such brave soldiers, who are ready to sacrifice their, today, so that we can live a happy tomorrow.
Understanding This Story
The background establishes danger immediately
The opening explains that the story takes place during a period of serious unrest. This gives the later suspicion surrounding the stranger and suitcase a context in which the characters’ alarm makes sense.
The suitcase becomes the central plot object
The stranger leaves the suitcase with the photographer, turning an ordinary studio visit into the source of the story’s main danger. The object is therefore essential rather than decorative.
The photographer provides the crucial connection
The photographer recognises the resemblance between the stranger and a photograph in the newspaper and tells the soldier about the suitcase. His role moves the story from suspicion to action.
The soldier drives the climax
Once communication fails, the soldier takes charge, clears the area and faces the danger directly. The ticking timer creates urgency and turns his action into the climax of the story.
The ending resolves both danger and theme
After the immediate danger is removed, the final lines shift from action to reflection on duty and courage. A short reflective ending can work well when it grows naturally from the character’s actions.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Write an original story in which a schoolbag, a police officer and a shopkeeper play important roles. Make all three elements essential to the development and ending of the story.
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 story-writing task containing compulsory characters or objects, make each required element meaningful to the plot. The story should have a clear beginning, development, climax or turning point, and ending.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme