ICSE Total English Class 10 Solution : Chapter 14

1. Give your arguments for or against animals being used in public and street performances.

Answer: For : Animals Being Used in Public and Street Performances
Using animals in public and street performances has long been a part of various cultural traditions across the world. One of the strongest arguments in favor of such performances is that they provide a source of livelihood for trainers and performers. These individuals often rely on their expertise to train and manage animals, offering them a stable income. This job allows the trainers to showcase their skills while also entertaining the public. In some communities, such performances are a vital part of the local economy, with street performances attracting both locals and tourists, providing economic benefits to the area.

Moreover, such performances can also offer significant entertainment value for children. Watching animals perform tricks or interact with their trainers can be both exciting and educational for young audiences. It offers them a glimpse into the animal kingdom in an entertaining setting, which may spark curiosity about animals and nature. For children, these performances may be their first introduction to animals they might otherwise not encounter.

Additionally, with proper training and care, animals involved in performances can lead fulfilling lives. They can form a strong bond with their trainers, who understand their needs and capabilities. In many cases, these animals are treated well and receive regular veterinary care to ensure their health and well-being.

In conclusion, while there are certainly ethical considerations surrounding the use of animals in performances, when managed responsibly, such activities provide livelihoods, entertain the public, and contribute to cultural heritage. Responsible regulation and animal welfare standards can mitigate potential issues and ensure that animals are treated with respect and care.

Against : Animals Being Used in Public and Street Performances
Using animals in public and street performances raises significant ethical concerns regarding their treatment and well-being. One of the most pressing issues is that many animals in such performances live in captivity, far removed from their natural habitats. This confinement often leads to physical and psychological stress, causing them to experience suffering and distress. In many cases, animals are forced to perform unnatural tricks or actions, which can be both physically and mentally harmful.

Animals involved in street performances are often subject to harsh training methods, including starvation, punishment, and excessive control, all of which are designed to make them perform on command. This treatment, in addition to the stress caused by their unnatural living conditions, can have long-term negative effects on their health. In many instances, the animals appear malnourished, injured, or ill, and are subjected to a life of deprivation and mistreatment by their trainers.

Moreover, animals used for public performances would often be better off in more suitable environments such as zoos or, ideally, in the wild, where they can roam freely and live in their natural habitat. The captivity that they are subjected to in street performances prevents them from fulfilling their natural instincts and behaviors, which can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being.

Instead of relying on such entertainment, there are numerous alternative employment opportunities for trainers that do not involve the exploitation of animals. Trainers can work in areas such as wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, or even education, where they can use their skills in a more ethical and productive manner.

In conclusion, the use of animals in public performances often leads to abuse, exploitation, and a lifetime of captivity for the animals. It is our responsibility to find more humane and ethical alternatives that respect the well-being of animals and offer trainers dignified career paths that do not involve harm to animals.

2. “There is no such thing as equality between the sexes.” Express your views either for or against this statement

Answer: For the Statement: “There is no such thing as equality between the sexes.”

Despite significant progress in gender equality, there is still no true equality between the sexes in many parts of the world. In many societies, patriarchal norms still dominate, and men often hold the reins of power and control. Women continue to face systemic discrimination that restricts their opportunities and rights. Even though there have been reforms and advancements in some areas, such as women’s right to vote and access to education, the reality is that women are still significantly disadvantaged in multiple spheres of life.

The societal role of women is often confined to traditional expectations such as managing the household and bearing children. These roles are deeply ingrained in cultural practices, leading to unequal expectations from both men and women. While men are often encouraged to pursue careers and leadership roles, women are still expected to prioritize family responsibilities. This division of labor results in economic inequalities, with women earning less than men for the same work and often being denied opportunities for advancement in the workplace.

The deeply ingrained gender prejudices continue to affect women’s representation in positions of power and decision-making. Although a few women have broken barriers and reached leadership positions, such as in politics or business, they remain exceptions rather than the rule. For the majority, the obstacles remain vast and unyielding. Traditional beliefs about gender roles continue to influence attitudes toward women’s abilities and aspirations, limiting their access to opportunities in various fields, including science, technology, and politics.

In conclusion, while the idea of equality between the sexes may be promoted in some societies, the reality is that men continue to hold the majority of power, and the social, economic, and political structures are still inherently unequal. True equality remains a distant dream for many women.

Against the Statement: “There is no such thing as equality between the sexes.”

The statement that there is no equality between the sexes is becoming increasingly outdated, especially in the context of modern advancements in education, employment, and social rights. In many parts of the world today, both men and women enjoy equal opportunities to pursue education and careers. Over the years, gender discrimination has been progressively eliminated, and both genders now have the right to access the same resources, participate in similar activities, and contribute equally to society.

One of the most notable signs of this equality is the growing number of women in leadership positions, both in politics and in business. In countries like Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, women have served as heads of state. Similarly, women in many countries are making significant strides in industries traditionally dominated by men, such as science, technology, and engineering. The fact that women have increasingly stormed male bastions and excelled in various fields shows that true equality is gradually being achieved.

In the workplace, women now occupy positions in every sector, from corporate boardrooms to government offices, and are increasingly represented in positions that were once exclusively male-dominated. Equal pay laws and affirmative action programs have played a significant role in addressing gender disparities in income and job opportunities, creating a more level playing field.

Moreover, legal reforms in many countries have provided equal rights for both men and women. Women are now entitled to the same rights as men, whether it’s in marriage, property ownership, inheritance, or parental rights. In addition, both genders have the right to vote and participate in the democratic process in most countries.

In conclusion, while there is still work to be done, there is undeniable progress in achieving gender equality. Women now have access to opportunities and rights that were once denied to them, and in many areas of life, the gender gap is narrowing. Therefore, the notion that there is no such thing as equality between the sexes is no longer accurate in the modern world.

3. Science is a good servant, but a bad master. Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer :- For the Statement: “Science is a good servant, but a bad master.”
Science, in its essence, is a tool created to serve humanity, designed to make life easier, safer, and more efficient. It has undeniably been a good servant in countless ways, revolutionizing industries, improving healthcare, advancing technology, and enhancing our understanding of the world. From life-saving vaccines to communication technology, from agricultural advancements to the discovery of new materials, science has proven itself to be an invaluable servant that contributes to human progress and well-being.

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In conclusion, while science has undoubtedly improved the quality of life, it is important to remember that it should remain a servant, not a master. If we allow science to dominate, we risk losing sight of the broader human values that define us as a society. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance, ensuring that science serves us rather than dictates our lives.

Against the Statement: “Science is a good servant, but a bad master.”
The statement that “science is a good servant, but a bad master” is often used to caution against the potential dangers of scientific advancements. However, this view overlooks the transformative power of science when it is properly harnessed and integrated into our lives. Science, in fact, is neither inherently good nor bad, but a tool that can lead to progress and prosperity when used with responsibility and foresight.

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In conclusion, science is not inherently a “bad master.” It is a tool that, when used wisely, can lead to tremendous progress and improvement in every aspect of human life. Instead of fearing science, we should embrace its potential while ensuring that it is applied in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.