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 wealthy are not happy”.
| Subject | English |
| Type of Essay | Argumentative Essay |
| Essay on | The wealthy are not happy |
| Board | ICSE |
| Class | Class 9 and 10 |
| Important Link | English Essays for ICSE Class 9 and 10 |
‘The wealthy are not happy’. Give your views for or against the statement.
- Introduction: The wealthy are not happy.
- Happiness is a state of the mind.
- Ignoring health in the pursuit of wealth is the prime cause of unhappiness.
- Importance of earning wealth.
- Wealth is the root cause of all unhappiness.
- Threat of deprivation of wealth from others, and from the family, causes stress and tension.
- Conclusion: Mindless pursuit of wealth is the root cause of unhappiness.
“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free, if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed,” said Edmund Burke. True wealth is not about money, but about relationships, good health, and continued self-improvement. It is happiness that comes in utilising the wealth for a good cause. However, wealthy people in the process of accumulating and protecting wealth lead a tense and unhappy life.
Happiness is a state of the mind. As we all know money cannot buy happiness. Therefore one should be content with what one has and strive for self improvement. Unfortunately in the materialistic age one is engaged in the pursuit of worldly luxuries and comforts that only money can buy. In this process other important aspects of life like family relationships, social and even health are compromised.
Ignoring health in the pursuit of wealth is the prime cause of unhappiness for most wealthy people. A healthy man is usually happier for ‘Health is wealth’. Such a person lives a happier and contended life, than a man blessed with only wealth, Since wealth cannot guarantee good health.
The importance of earning wealth cannot be disputed, for it is difficult to visualise living a decent life without money. However attaching too much importance to money is a great folly. There are indeed many things that money cannot buy, like the love and affection of parents, spouse, friends, and relatives.
Wealth is also the root cause of unhappiness in the world. Most people are unhappy in its pursuit. While the poor toil day and night to earn money for a decent life, the wealthy spend sleepless nights worrying about safeguarding it. They live in constant fear of thieves, criminals, and anti-social elements. Besides these, issues like taxation and legal matters are a constant source of stress and tension.
The threat of deprivation of wealth is not only from others, but also from the family. The innumerable cases of family disputes being fought in the legal courts are a proof of this. Quite often they lead to crimes like murder and abduction. The souring of family relationship and business disputes cause anxiety and tension, leading to hypertension, brain tumour, haemorrhage, and other deadly diseases.
The key to happiness is therefore being happy with what one has. Just as one should eat to live and not live to eat, similarly accumulating wealth should not be the sole purpose of life. One should use wealth for a good cause and for the welfare of the society. Great souls like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi were not wealthy during their lifetime, but their contribution in the field of social welfare would continue to inspire generations.
Benjamin Franklin rightly said, “Wealth is not his, that has it, but his that enjoys it.” To be happy one must have enough wealth, to lead a respectable life and use it to acquire rich experiences, maintain relationships, and use it for a good social cause. Mindless pursuit of wealth is the root cause of unhappiness.
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.
