{"id":1560,"date":"2026-11-03T15:48:51","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/?p=1560"},"modified":"2026-11-03T15:49:07","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:19:07","slug":"tradition-obstacle-to-progress-argumentative-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/tradition-obstacle-to-progress-argumentative-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"Tradition Is an Obstacle to Progress \u2014 Argumentative Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 9<\/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 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 argumentative composition shows how to reject a broad statement without making an equally broad counterclaim. The model argues that tradition can guide progress, while also recognising that harmful traditions should be discarded.<\/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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\u201cTradition is an obstacle to progress.\u201d Give your views for or against the statement.<\/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 For-or-Against Argument<\/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> against the statement<\/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> definition, benefits, examples, qualification 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: What is tradition?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Tradition plays a noble and significant role in our life.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Tradition helps in progress.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Historical evidence in support of the above.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 5<\/span>\n Not all traditions are good.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 6<\/span>\n Conclusion: A virtue that guides our lives.<\/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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\u201cTheirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die,\u201d
said Lord Tennyson about the noble tradition of discipline in the patriotic fighting forces across the world. The word \u2018tradition\u2019 means unwritten beliefs and customs handed down from one generation to another which we knowingly or unknowingly adhere to in our daily life. It is the emotional fabric, which binds us to our forefathers and makes us distinct from one another. Some of the finest moments are in upholding the tradition of the family, clan, or country. Men have laid down their lives for upholding noble traditions making them immortal and great.<\/p>\n

Tradition plays a noble and significant role in our life. It lays down guidelines for simple and even complex decision-making so that we can utilise our time more effectively. Take for example the complex decision of marriage. If there is a tradition of marrying in the same or related clan, then the decision is easier and more acceptable. Its advantages are evident in the Indian society. This has proved to be more successful than love marriages in the west, with fewer cases of divorces and broken homes.<\/p>\n

It also has a lot of emotional and ornamental value, which is practised very proudly by our armed forces. Some of them being passed on from the British Army. The ceremonial parade, flag hoisting, and many others are fine traditions that should be maintained at all cost.<\/p>\n

Tradition is a stimulant to progress. One does not have to worry about doing mundane or even important things, for there is a set custom or procedure. It is a scientific approach where the final outcome is assured without having to experiment. It makes us emotionally and physiologically peaceful, so that we can focus all our energy for self advancement and progress.<\/p>\n

The tradition of holding the flag high in the face of adversary has made many ordinary men immortal and great. They did not think twice before laying down their lives upholding this tradition. Their act of bravery has at times changed the course of a battle and even history.<\/p>\n

However not all traditions are good. There is need to weed out traditions and practices like untouchability, child marriages, and dowry. These have no place in modern society. Enlightenment and education has enabled us to differentiate between good and bad. It should be our endeavour to promote the good and weed out the bad traditions, in keeping with the time.<\/p>\n

Following a tradition is a virtue, which helps us lead a happy and progressive life. It guides and saves us from many pitfalls and dangers. It is not an obstacle to progress for in the words of Somerset Maugham, \u201cTradition is a guide and not a jailor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Practice tip:<\/strong> When arguing against a sweeping statement, avoid replacing it with another sweeping statement. A stronger essay can defend the value of tradition while also admitting that some customs become harmful, outdated or unjust and therefore need reform.\n <\/div>\n\n
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\ud83d\udca1<\/div>\n
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Writing Technique<\/div>\n

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

The essay defines the key term first<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Before arguing about whether tradition obstructs progress, the model explains what it means by tradition. Defining a key word can prevent an argumentative essay from becoming vague or inconsistent.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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2<\/div>\n

The writer gives tradition a practical role<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The model argues that established customs can provide guidelines, continuity and shared procedures. This turns the discussion from sentiment alone towards the practical function the writer believes traditions can serve.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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3<\/div>\n

Examples broaden the argument<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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Family customs, ceremonial practices and traditions of courage are used to illustrate different kinds of continuity. In your own essay, examples should directly support the particular point being made rather than simply decorate the paragraph.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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4<\/div>\n

A qualification makes the position more credible<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The essay explicitly states that not all traditions are good and names practices it believes should be removed. This prevents the argument from becoming an unconditional defence of everything inherited from the past.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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5<\/div>\n

The conclusion reframes tradition as guidance<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The final paragraph returns to the original statement and rejects the idea that tradition must necessarily obstruct progress. Its closing image of tradition as a guide rather than a jailor gives the essay a memorable final judgement.<\/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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adhere to<\/div>\n
To follow or remain faithful to a rule, belief or practice.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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emotional fabric<\/div>\n
The network of shared feelings and connections that holds a group together.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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ornamental value<\/div>\n
Value connected with ceremony, appearance or symbolic display.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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stimulant to progress<\/div>\n
Something that encourages or supports advancement.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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adversary<\/div>\n
An opponent or enemy.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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weed out<\/div>\n
To identify and remove something harmful or undesirable.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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endeavour<\/div>\n
A serious and determined effort.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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pitfalls<\/div>\n
Hidden difficulties, dangers or problems.<\/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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\u201cModern society should preserve only those traditions that remain useful, fair and meaningful.\u201d Express your views either for or against this statement.<\/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 explained what you mean by \u201ctradition\u201d or the key term in the prompt?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Is your position clear and consistent?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Have you used relevant examples to support individual points?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Have you acknowledged exceptions or limitations where they strengthen your argument?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 5<\/span>\n Does the conclusion answer the original statement directly?<\/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 for-or-against<\/strong> prompt, take a definite position, but thoughtful qualifications can strengthen the argument when they do not contradict your central stance.<\/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 Argument<\/span>\n Commercialisation of Festivals Has Eroded Their Real Significance \u2014 Argumentative Essay<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Argument<\/span>\n India Has Always Believed in the Value of the Family \u2014 Argumentative Essay<\/span>\n \u2192<\/span>\n <\/a>\n\n \n Argument<\/span>\n Joint Family System Has Lost Its Value in the Present-Day Context \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> 9<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span> ICSE English Composition \ud83d\udcd8 Classes 9\u201310 \u2696\ufe0f Argumentative Essay \ud83c\udfaf 20-mark composition practice \u23f1\ufe0f Up to 30 minutes \u270d What […]<\/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":2,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1560","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\/1560"}],"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=1560"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1560\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1590,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1560\/revisions\/1590"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}