{"id":1505,"date":"2026-11-03T15:43:35","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/?p=1505"},"modified":"2026-11-03T15:43:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:13:37","slug":"wills-wonts-cants-argumentative-reflective-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wills-wonts-cants-argumentative-reflective-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"The Wills, the Won\u2019ts and the Can\u2019ts \u2014 Argumentative Reflective Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n
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ICSE English Composition<\/div>\n
\n \ud83d\udcd8 Classes 9\u201310<\/span>\n \u2696\ufe0f Argumentative \/ Reflective Essay<\/span>\n \ud83c\udfaf 20-mark composition practice<\/span>\n \u23f1\ufe0f Up to 30 minutes<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n
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\u270d<\/div>\n

What this composition helps you practise<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\ud83d\udcdd<\/div>\n
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Essay Question<\/div>\n

Composition Prompt<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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There are three kinds of people in the world\u2014the wills, the won\u2019ts, and the can\u2019ts. 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\ud83d\udd0e<\/div>\n
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Before You Read<\/div>\n

Composition at a Glance<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\u2696\ufe0f Argument + Personal Reflection<\/div>\n
\n 20<\/span>\n marks<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Recommended length:<\/strong> approximately 300\u2013350 words<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Position taken:<\/strong> the writer places himself among the \u201cwills\u201d<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Recommended time:<\/strong> up to 30 minutes<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Focus:<\/strong> self-positioning, reasons, examples, incident and conclusion<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83e\udded<\/div>\n
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Plan Before Writing<\/div>\n

Essay Outline<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Introduction: Agree with the statement.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Man has done the impossible by sheer will power.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Meeting challenge is the essence of life.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Examples from history.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 5<\/span>\n Qualities which put me in the category of \u2018wills\u2019.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 6<\/span>\n An incident to justify the above.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 7<\/span>\n Conclusion: Great souls have will, feeble one\u2019s have only wishes and wishes we know lead nowhere.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83d\udcd6<\/div>\n
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Read the Essay<\/div>\n

Model Essay<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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There is much truth in the statement \u2018There are three kinds of people in the world\u2014the wills, the won\u2019ts, and the can\u2019ts. The first accomplish everything, the second oppose everything, and the third fail in everything.\u2019 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 \u2018wills\u2019 have been known to achieve the impossible. The \u2018won\u2019ts on the other hand oppose challenges and hence miss opportunities that come their way, while the \u2018can\u2019ts\u2019 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, \u201cPeople do not lack strength, they lack the will.\u201d<\/p>\n

People in the category of \u2018will\u2019 are blessed with a positive attitude and an optimistic approach to problems. They firmly believe in the words of Edmund Burke, \u201cHe that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper.\u201d The spectacular progress in all fields of human endeavour is because of their never say die attitude. On the other hand, the won\u2019ts 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\u2019ts lack self confidence and application which makes them fail in everything they take up.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018Wills\u2019.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2018God helps those who help themselves\u2019. The won\u2019ts and the can\u2019ts, have no place in the highly competitive world of today for, \u201cGreat souls have will, feeble ones have only wishes\u201d and wishes we know lead nowhere.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Practice tip:<\/strong> When a prompt asks which category you belong to, do more than name the category. Explain the qualities that justify your choice and include at least one specific incident that shows those qualities in action.\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83d\udca1<\/div>\n
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Writing Technique<\/div>\n

Understanding This Composition<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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1<\/div>\n

The writer first interprets the three categories<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The opening explains what the \u201cwills\u201d, \u201cwon\u2019ts\u201d and \u201ccan\u2019ts\u201d represent before the narrator identifies his own category. This ensures that the personal claim grows from an understood idea rather than appearing suddenly.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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2<\/div>\n

Qualities are connected with behaviour<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The model links the \u201cwills\u201d 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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3<\/div>\n

General examples lead into the personal claim<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The essay first refers to human achievement and historical examples, then places the writer among the \u201cwills\u201d. This progression moves from a broad idea to a personal position in a logical way.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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4<\/div>\n

A concrete incident provides evidence<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The fractured-leg incident gives the writer\u2019s claim something specific to rest on. Instead of merely saying \u201cI am determined\u201d, the narrator describes a situation in which persistence helped him continue his studies and perform well.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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5<\/div>\n

The conclusion connects wish with action<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\ud83d\udcda<\/div>\n
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Language Builder<\/div>\n

Useful Vocabulary and Expressions<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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resolve<\/div>\n
Firm determination to do something.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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physical prowess<\/div>\n
Great physical strength or skill.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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wavering mind<\/div>\n
A mind that is uncertain or unable to remain firm in a decision.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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impediment<\/div>\n
Something that blocks or slows progress.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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replete with<\/div>\n
Filled with or containing many examples of something.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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sheer dint of<\/div>\n
By means of great effort, determination or a particular quality.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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daunt<\/div>\n
To make someone feel afraid, discouraged or less confident.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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perseverance<\/div>\n
Continued effort despite difficulty, delay or failure.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\u270d\ufe0f<\/div>\n
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Your Turn<\/div>\n

Try It Yourself<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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Q<\/div>\n

Practice Prompt<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Write approximately 300\u2013350 words<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\u2713<\/div>\n

Before You Submit<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Have you clearly stated which category or position represents you?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Have you explained the qualities behind that choice?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Have you used reasons rather than only motivational statements?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Does your personal incident actually demonstrate the qualities you claim?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 5<\/span>\n Does the conclusion return naturally to your central position?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 6<\/span>\n Have you checked grammar, spelling and punctuation?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83c\udfaf<\/div>\n
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Exam Tip<\/div>\n

ICSE Composition Guidelines<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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For ICSE Examination Year 2027, the composition should be approximately 300\u2013350 words<\/strong>. Question 1 carries 20 marks<\/strong>, and the specimen paper recommends spending no more than 30 minutes<\/strong> on it.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Official ICSE 2027 English Syllabus<\/a><\/p>\n

Official ICSE 2027 English Language Specimen and Draft Marking Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\ud83d\udd17<\/div>\n
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Continue Learning<\/div>\n

Related ICSE English Resources<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83d\udcda<\/div>\n
Explore More ICSE English<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n Hub<\/span>\n ICSE English Essays for Classes 9 and 10<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Narrative<\/span>\n Expected to Do Very Well but Could Not \u2014 Narrative Essay<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Argument<\/span>\n Hobbies Are a Waste of Time \u2014 Argumentative Essay<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Argument<\/span>\n Teenagers Today Are More Worldly Wise Than Their Parents \u2014 Argumentative Essay<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Guide<\/span>\n Importance of Writing a Good Composition<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reading Time: <\/span> 10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span> ICSE English Composition \ud83d\udcd8 Classes 9\u201310 \u2696\ufe0f Argumentative \/ Reflective Essay \ud83c\udfaf 20-mark composition practice \u23f1\ufe0f Up to 30 minutes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"iawp_total_views":4,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-english-essays"],"modified_by":"sanjjeett","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1505"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1505"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1505\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1511,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1505\/revisions\/1511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}