ICSE Total English Class 10 Solution : Chapter 13

Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following: [20]

(i) Write a short story to bring out the truth of the statement: ‘As one door closes, another always open’.

Answer:-As One Door Closes, Another Always Opens
A young man, full of hope and dreams, went to an interview for a job he had long desired. He dressed meticulously in a crisp suit and polished shoes, ready to make a lasting impression. The interview went well, but unfortunately, the board rejected him. Feeling defeated and disheartened, he walked out of the building, questioning his abilities and wondering what went wrong.

As he walked down the street, lost in his thoughts, he noticed an old man struggling with his car, which had broken down. The young man hesitated at first but then decided to help. Despite his freshly pressed clothes and the time he had just spent preparing for the interview, he approached the car and, after a few moments of tinkering, managed to get the engine running again. The old man, grateful and relieved, offered to give the young man a lift.

During their conversation, the old man learned that the young man was job hunting. The young man shared his disappointment about the rejection and expressed his desire to find a job. The old man, after glancing at the young man’s certificates, was impressed by his qualifications and drive. He told the young man that his company was hiring and offered him a position right there in the car.

The young man was stunned but overjoyed. His moment of dejection had led him to an unexpected opportunity. What he had perceived as a setback had, in fact, opened the door to something far better. He realized that sometimes, when one door closes, another door opens, but we must remain open to new possibilities and not dwell too long on the closed doors.

(II) Narrate an incident from your experience which brings out the following message: ‘Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today.’

Answer:-Procrastination is a habit that can lead to unnecessary stress and failure. I learned this lesson the hard way during an inter-school debate competition in the 10th grade. The event was announced a month in advance, and I was excited to participate. My teacher encouraged me, saying I had good speaking skills, and I confidently submitted my name.

At first, I told myself I had plenty of time to prepare. The topic was “Technology is Making Us Lonelier,” and I needed to research, write my speech, and practice delivery. But instead of starting immediately, I kept delaying. “I’ll do it tomorrow,” I thought—and tomorrow never came. Days turned into weeks, and before I knew it, only three days were left.

Panicked, I rushed to gather information, scribbled down points, and tried memorizing them. But the more I hurried, the less confident I felt. The night before the competition, I stayed up late, rehearsing in front of the mirror, but my speech was disorganized, and my arguments were weak.

On the day of the event, my hands trembled as I stepped onto the stage. The moment I faced the audience, my mind went blank. I stammered, forgot my lines, and had to pause awkwardly. The judges looked unimpressed, and my competitors spoke smoothly, making me feel even worse. When the results were announced, my name wasn’t among the winners. I felt humiliated, especially since my teacher had believed in me.

That day, I realized how foolish I had been. If I had started earlier, I could have refined my arguments, practiced properly, and delivered a strong speech. Instead, my laziness and overconfidence cost me a chance to succeed.

From then on, I made a promise to myself—never to postpone important tasks. Whether it was homework, projects, or personal goals, I began working on them as soon as possible. This change not only improved my performance but also reduced stress and boosted my confidence.

The experience taught me that time wasted is opportunity lost. Procrastination may seem harmless at first, but it always leads to regret. Now, I live by Benjamin Franklin’s famous saying: “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”

(III) ‘Teenagers of today are more influenced by their friends than by their parents.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer:- In today’s fast-paced world, teenagers are undeniably more influenced by their peers than by their parents. Several factors contribute to this shift, making friends a dominant force in shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and choices.

Firstly, modern lifestyles have drastically reduced parent-teen interactions. With both parents often working long hours, teenagers spend more time with friends at school, on social media, or in extracurricular activities. This constant exposure to peer groups means their opinions, fashion choices, and even moral values are shaped more by friends than by parental guidance.

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Thus, in an era of digital connectivity and evolving social dynamics, friends undoubtedly hold greater sway over teenagers than parents do.

Against the View: While peer influence is undeniable in teenage years, the idea that friends shape young people more than parents is an exaggeration. In reality, parental guidance remains the strongest force in a teenager’s life, even in today’s rapidly changing world.

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Ultimately, while friends certainly affect teenage behavior regarding fashion, entertainment, and social habits, parents guide the more substantial aspects of life. The teenage years represent a transition toward independence, not a rejection of parental influence. With open communication and mutual respect, parents continue to be their children’s most trusted mentors long after adolescence ends.

(IV) Describe a typical local market scene in a village.

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(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.

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