The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse: Argumentative Essay

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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 “The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse”

SubjectEnglish
Type of EssayArgumentative Essay
Essay onThe greater the power the more dangerous the abuse
BoardICSE
ClassClass 9 and 10
Important LinkEnglish Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10

“The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse.” Give your views for or against the statement.

  • Introduction: The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.
  • Examples from history of Hitler and Idi Amin.
  • More in an autocratic system of government.
  • Need for proper check and balance by autonomous investigating agencies and dynamic judiciary.
  • Free press plays an important role in highlighting abuse.
  • Conclusion: Much truth in, the above statement; Need for effective check and balance.

“The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse”, said Edmund Burke. It sums up what power can do to normal mortals. The feeling of power and authority works like an intoxicant on people. It makes them arrogant, proud, and audacious. They feel that they can get away with almost anything. In the absence of any accountability it leads to corruption.

There are many instances from history where good men once bestowed with absolute power become autocratic and corrupt, bringing their country to ruins. We have the example of Adolf Hitler, who was an epitome of a patriot, but no sooner did he become Germany’s Fuehrer, he let loose the scourge of war, which culminated into the Second World War. The war crimes perpetuated against Jews in his regime, shall forever be a blot on the history of mankind. In India too we had the Rajas and Maharajas who enjoyed absolute power over their subjects, which made them corrupt and immoral.

Such people usually are known to thrive more in an autocratic, or oligarchy system, where the head of the state has unbridled power. The abuse of power by dictators has led to general dissatisfaction and bloody revolutions in their country. This was witnessed in the Philippines and Uganda, where the government of Presidents Marcos and Idi Amin were overthrown.

Since power is susceptible to abuse, there is need for a proper check and balance on people occupying positions of power and authority. This calls for setting up autonomous institutions, investigating agencies, and a fair and dynamic judicial system, to bring the defaulters to book. Our present laws need to be made more stringent, so that corrupt officials are indicted and imprisoned. This would be an effective deterrent to others for not harbouring dishonest intensions.

A free press in a democracy also helps in highlighting the misuse of power. It acts like a watchdog keeping a close watch on the working of the government and its officials. There is therefore, need to encourage free and impartial reporting to prevent abuse of power.

Undoubtedly, there is much truth in the statement ‘the greater the power the more dangerous the abuse’. To prevent misuse of power there is a need for a proper system to ensure accountability, with effective checks and balances. People in authority should be adequately compensated, so that they do not adopt corrupt practices and exercise power without fear and favour. In the absence of these measures the words of Lord Aston,”Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely,” would continue to haunt us.

Looking for more essays? Check out our complete ICSE English Essays Hub for all topics.

Also check

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.

The greater the power the more dangerous the abuse: Argumentative Essay

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