Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by sanjjeett
What this composition helps you practise
This composition combines argument with personal reflection. It asks the writer to choose one of the three categories, explain the qualities associated with that choice, and support the claim with reasons or incidents from experience.
Composition Prompt
There are three kinds of people in the world—the wills, the won’ts, and the can’ts. The first accomplish everything, the second oppose everything, and the third fail in everything. By giving reasons or referring to some incidents, state in which category you fall.
Composition at a Glance
Essay Outline
Model Essay
There is much truth in the statement ‘There are three kinds of people in the world—the wills, the won’ts, and the can’ts. The first accomplish everything, the second oppose everything, and the third fail in everything.’ Man is the only creature in the universe endowed with mental faculty which gives him the will and the resolve to accomplish difficult tasks. This mental strength enabled him to conquer space and the imposing mountains. He broke new ground in science and technology, art and almost all fields of human endeavour not because of physical prowess, but his firm resolve and willpower. All of us possess this quality in big or small measure. Men in the category of ‘wills’ have been known to achieve the impossible. The ‘won’ts on the other hand oppose challenges and hence miss opportunities that come their way, while the ‘can’ts’ lacking in self confidence meekly surrender before challenges and hence fail. Such lesser mortals lead an ignoble existence for people with a wavering mind and feeble will, cannot succeed in life. According to Victor Hugo, “People do not lack strength, they lack the will.”
People in the category of ‘will’ are blessed with a positive attitude and an optimistic approach to problems. They firmly believe in the words of Edmund Burke, “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper.” The spectacular progress in all fields of human endeavour is because of their never say die attitude. On the other hand, the won’ts have a negative and pessimistic attitude to problems. They find reasons for not taking on the task and are an impediment to progress. The can’ts lack self confidence and application which makes them fail in everything they take up.
The history of mankind is replete with instances of ordinary people achieving great things, by sheer dint of willpower and hard work. The Wright Brothers, broke their limbs, but they finally succeeded in achieving their dream of flying. Such heroes are my ideals, and I place myself firmly in the category of the ‘Wills’.
To me life is a challenge to be faced boldly and optimistically. This positive attitude makes me see an opportunity in a difficult situation. The never say die attitude, impels me to take on the challenge, for I know that my efforts will not be in vain. The thought of failure does not daunt me, for I believe it is a stepping stone to success. I have confidence in myself and am convinced that my perseverance will sooner or later bear fruit.
Few years back I fractured my leg in an accident, just before the final examination. Most of my friends thought that I would repeat the class. However, I took this as a challenge and with the help of my best friend updated myself by taking notes from him. Despite the pain and discomfort, I not only passed the examination but also got 3rd rank in the class, to the surprise of my parents, teachers, and friends.
This small incident in my life made me firmly believe that one can accomplish anything provided one has a firm resolve. One must therefore not only wish and aspire for something, but also work with resolve to achieve it, for ‘God helps those who help themselves’. The won’ts and the can’ts, have no place in the highly competitive world of today for, “Great souls have will, feeble ones have only wishes” and wishes we know lead nowhere.
Understanding This Composition
The writer first interprets the three categories
The opening explains what the “wills”, “won’ts” and “can’ts” represent before the narrator identifies his own category. This ensures that the personal claim grows from an understood idea rather than appearing suddenly.
Qualities are connected with behaviour
The model links the “wills” with optimism, self-confidence, perseverance and a willingness to face challenges. Naming qualities is useful, but the argument becomes stronger when those qualities are connected with actions and decisions.
General examples lead into the personal claim
The essay first refers to human achievement and historical examples, then places the writer among the “wills”. This progression moves from a broad idea to a personal position in a logical way.
A concrete incident provides evidence
The fractured-leg incident gives the writer’s claim something specific to rest on. Instead of merely saying “I am determined”, the narrator describes a situation in which persistence helped him continue his studies and perform well.
The conclusion connects wish with action
The final paragraph returns to the importance of resolve and distinguishes simply wishing for success from working towards it. This gives the essay a clear closing idea linked directly to the chosen category.
Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
Try It Yourself
Practice Prompt
Some people see a difficult situation as an obstacle, while others see it as a challenge. Which kind of person are you? Give reasons and refer to an incident from your own experience to support your answer.
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 prompt asking you to identify your own category or position, state it clearly and support it with reasons and a relevant incident rather than writing only in general terms.
Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus
Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme