{"id":1616,"date":"2026-11-03T17:58:01","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T12:28:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/?p=1616"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:58:02","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T12:28:02","slug":"advantages-disadvantages-being-young-discursive-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/advantages-disadvantages-being-young-discursive-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Young \u2014 Discursive Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n
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ICSE English Composition<\/div>\n
\n \ud83d\udcd8 Classes 9\u201310<\/span>\n \u2696\ufe0f Discursive 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 discursive composition shows how to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of a stage of life before giving an overall judgement. The model presents the strengths of youth, then its pressures and vulnerabilities, and concludes that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.<\/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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The advantages and disadvantages of being young.<\/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 Advantages and Disadvantages<\/div>\n
\n 20<\/span>\n marks<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n 1<\/span>\n Recommended length:<\/strong> approximately 300\u2013350 words<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Approach:<\/strong> discuss both advantages and disadvantages<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Recommended time:<\/strong> up to 30 minutes<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Overall judgement:<\/strong> advantages outweigh disadvantages<\/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 youth?<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 2<\/span>\n Advantages of youth \u2014 Mentally and physically at its peak, more adaptable.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 3<\/span>\n Advantages of youth \u2014 Innocent with no prejudice, optimistic, and positive attitude.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 4<\/span>\n Advantages of youth \u2014 Forever enthusiastic and daring.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 5<\/span>\n Disadvantages of youth \u2014 Life stressful because of parents and peer pressure.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 6<\/span>\n Disadvantages of youth \u2014 Heart rules over mind, easily influenced by friends.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n 7<\/span>\n Conclusion: Advantages of youth far outweigh disadvantages.<\/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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\u201cHis best companion, innocence and health. And his best riches ignorance and wealth. How happy is he who crowns in shades like these? A youth of labour with an age of ease,\u201d said Oliver Goldsmith. This vividly sums up what youth is all about. It is however sad, that youth comes only once, what precedes it, is childhood, which is spent in play and frolic and what follows is old age and misery. Youth is the prime of one\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

Youth is the \u201cage of ease\u201d being mentally and physically in the pink of health. Their minds are fresh and hence more receptive to new ideas and thoughts. Physically too they are mature with all faculties functioning optimally. Being so endowed this is the appropriate time for them to choose a specific stream for study that would lead them to their future career.<\/p>\n

Their innocence and ignorance are a blessing, making them free from prejudice or doubt. Their approach to life is therefore more positive and optimistic. It is this attitude which makes them enthusiastic and daring. Often attempting what old people think to be impossible to achieve.<\/p>\n

The youth of today are however not a very happy lot, for despite good health and the comforts of modern life they have to study hard at school and at home. Their peers and parents expect too much from them causing stress and anxiety which leads to psychological imbalance, depression and frustration that sometimes proves fatal. The increasing trend of youth taking the extreme step of suicide, is an indication of the stress they are under.<\/p>\n

Lacking in experience and wisdom they are more emotional than logical, in deciding important matters. This makes them vulnerable and hence get easily misguided. This is evident in the increasing number of young people taking drugs and indulging in criminal activity because of bad company.<\/p>\n

Notwithstanding these disadvantages, one still longs for youth to come back. One is reminded of William Shakespeare when he said, \u201cAll the world a stage, and all men and women mere players: They have their exit and entrances: And one man in his time plays many parts.\u201d It is unfortunate however, that in this play of life the part of youth has no retake. One must therefore live the part truly and sincerely.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

\n Practice tip:<\/strong> In an advantages-and-disadvantages essay, group related advantages together, then discuss the disadvantages clearly, and use the conclusion to show your overall assessment.\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 introduction defines the stage of life<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The opening places youth between childhood and old age and presents it as an important stage of life. This establishes the subject before the essay begins weighing its advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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2<\/div>\n

The advantages are grouped logically<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The model first discusses physical and mental readiness, then openness to new ideas, optimism, enthusiasm and daring. Grouping related benefits gives the first half of the essay a clear direction.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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3<\/div>\n

The essay then shifts clearly to disadvantages<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The transition to academic pressure, parental expectations and peer pressure makes the change of direction easy to follow. Clear transitions are especially useful when a prompt requires both sides of an issue.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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4<\/div>\n

The disadvantages are linked to limited experience<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The model argues that inexperience can make young people more vulnerable to emotional decisions and outside influence. In your own essay, avoid sweeping claims and support such points with reasonable, relevant examples.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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5<\/div>\n

The conclusion gives an overall judgement<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n
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The final paragraph acknowledges the disadvantages but still treats youth as a precious, unrepeatable stage of life. This provides the assessment required in a balanced composition instead of ending with a mere summary.<\/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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prime of one\u2019s life<\/div>
The period when a person is considered to be at a strong or flourishing stage of life.<\/div><\/div>\n
in the pink of health<\/div>
In very good health.<\/div><\/div>\n
receptive<\/div>
Willing and able to accept new ideas or suggestions.<\/div><\/div>\n
endowed<\/div>
Naturally provided with a particular quality or ability.<\/div><\/div>\n
peer pressure<\/div>
Influence from people of the same age or social group to behave in a certain way.<\/div><\/div>\n
vulnerable<\/div>
Open to being harmed, influenced or affected easily.<\/div><\/div>\n
misguided<\/div>
Led towards a wrong judgement or course of action.<\/div><\/div>\n
notwithstanding<\/div>
Despite something that has just been mentioned.<\/div><\/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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Being a teenager brings both freedom and pressure. Discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of this stage of life and give your overall view.<\/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
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1<\/span>Have you discussed both advantages and disadvantages?<\/span><\/div>\n
2<\/span>Are related advantages grouped together rather than scattered?<\/span><\/div>\n
3<\/span>Have you used a clear transition before moving to the disadvantages?<\/span><\/div>\n
4<\/span>Have you avoided unsupported generalisations about all young people?<\/span><\/div>\n
5<\/span>Does your conclusion give an overall judgement rather than merely repeat earlier points?<\/span><\/div>\n
6<\/span>Have you checked grammar, spelling and punctuation?<\/span><\/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 an advantages-and-disadvantages<\/strong> prompt, discuss both sides clearly. You may still give an overall judgement in the conclusion after considering the major benefits and drawbacks.<\/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 Personal<\/span>\n What You Like or Dislike About Being a Teenager<\/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 Argument<\/span>\n Our Forefathers Were Luckier Than Us \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> 8<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span> ICSE English Composition \ud83d\udcd8 Classes 9\u201310 \u2696\ufe0f Discursive 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-1616","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\/1616"}],"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=1616"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1623,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1616\/revisions\/1623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xamcontent.com\/cisce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}