ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution : Chapter 6

Study the topics given below. See which category of essays seems to appeal to you most. Jot down your response in your notebook. Time and practice may prove that your true strength lies in a particular direction.

(i) The advantages and disadvantages of living in a city.

Answer:- Living in a city has its share of both advantages and disadvantages, which makes it a subject of much debate. The advantages of city living are numerous. First and foremost, cities offer better homes and modern amenities, making life more comfortable. The availability of quality education and a wide range of job opportunities also make cities attractive to those seeking to improve their standard of living. With all the advanced gadgets and technology, city life is often more convenient. Entertainment and leisure options are abundant, from cinemas to shopping malls, parks, and restaurants. Additionally, cities are well-connected with other parts of the country and the world, making travel and communication easier and faster. Overall, living in a city often means a more comfortable, yet busy, life.

However, city living also has several disadvantages. The cost of living in a city is generally high, with expensive rent and smaller accommodations being a significant concern. Daily expenses, including food and resources, also tend to be higher compared to rural areas. While entertainment options are available, they can be costly, adding to the overall financial burden. Cities are often plagued by pollution, which affects air quality and can lead to health problems. The fast-paced lifestyle can be overwhelming, leaving little time for relaxation. Many city dwellers find themselves constantly busy, struggling to balance work, social life, and personal time. Despite the comforts that city life offers, it can sometimes feel like a life without peace of mind.

In conclusion, living in a city presents both significant benefits and challenges. While it offers modern amenities and opportunities, it also brings with it higher costs, pollution, and a hectic lifestyle that can affect overall well-being. The key lies in finding a balance that allows one to enjoy the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages.

(iI) Your first day at your present school.

Answer:- My first day at my present school was a day filled with mixed emotions—excitement, nervousness, and curiosity. My father’s transfer meant that we had to relocate, and that included moving to a new school. The day began with an admission test, which, naturally, made me a bit anxious. However, the test was simple, and I managed to complete it without too much trouble.

After the test, I was introduced to my new teachers and classmates. I was pleasantly surprised by how helpful everyone was. The teachers welcomed me with warm smiles, and the students were eager to make me feel comfortable. I was introduced to some of the seniors, who were kind and shared useful tips about school life. Their friendly attitude immediately made me feel at ease in this new environment.

During lunch, I had the opportunity to sit with my new friends. We shared our meals and talked about our previous schools, hobbies, and interests. It was nice to bond with them, and by the end of lunch, I felt like I had already made a few connections.

After lunch, we went to the library, and I browsed through the books. The library was spacious and well-stocked with a variety of subjects, which I liked. I spent some time exploring the shelves and selecting a few books to read later.
In the afternoon, I attended my first dance class at the school. The teacher was encouraging, and the class was a lot of fun. I was a bit shy at first, but I quickly warmed up and enjoyed the experience.

Overall, my first day at school was a very pleasant one. I liked the school premises, the helpful teachers, and the friendly students. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, and by the end of the day, I was looking forward to many more days at this wonderful new school.

(iII) The destructive forces of nature (such as earthquakes and floods).

Answer:- Natural calamities, such as earthquakes and floods, are destructive forces of nature that can strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of death, devastation, and despair. These events not only cause physical damage but also emotionally and mentally affect the victims. One such example is the earthquake in Gujarat, which occurred in 2001. It shook the region with such intensity that entire towns were reduced to rubble. Buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and many people lost their lives in an instant. The destruction was widespread, leaving survivors without homes, basic resources, or any sense of security.

Similarly, floods in Uttar Pradesh and Assam have caused immense suffering over the years. In these regions, heavy rains cause rivers to overflow, submerging entire villages and towns. Crops are destroyed, livestock is lost, and homes are washed away. The people who live in these areas are often left stranded without food or shelter. During such times, the community is forced to depend on relief work carried out by the government and various charitable organizations.

Relief work plays a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. Volunteers and government agencies rush to the affected areas, providing essential supplies such as food, clean water, medicine, and temporary shelter. Despite these efforts, the recovery process is long and difficult. Rehabilitation takes time, as it involves rebuilding homes, restoring basic services like electricity and clean water, and helping the community recover emotionally.

The condition of the victims after a calamity is often heart-wrenching. Many lose loved ones, their homes, and everything they have worked for. The psychological trauma can last for years, and the road to recovery is often slow and painful. However, with collective efforts and resilience, people begin to limp back to normalcy, slowly rebuilding their lives and their communities.

In conclusion, while natural disasters are beyond our control, the human spirit and efforts to rebuild and recover often shine through, demonstrating the strength and determination to overcome the destructive forces of nature.

(IV) The world as it appears to a dog.

Answer:-  The world as it appears to a dog can vary significantly based on whether it is a pet dog or a stray. For a pet dog, the world is generally a place of comfort and security. It is provided with food, care, and regular health check-ups by its owner. The dog feels loved and happy, living in a warm home where it is often the center of attention. The bond it shares with its owner creates a sense of belonging and safety. Every day is filled with walks, playtime, and moments of affection, making the world appear kind and enjoyable.

However, when a pet dog steps outside the house with its master, it is exposed to a different side of the world. As it looks at the stray dogs on the streets, it might feel a sense of longing for the freedom that those dogs seem to have. While a pet dog enjoys the comforts of home, it may also feel confined within the walls of its house, knowing that it is restricted in certain ways. The stray dogs, in contrast, roam freely, but their lives are far from easy. For the pet dog, the outside world, with its stray dogs, might seem like a prison where it cannot venture freely.

The world for a stray dog, however, is harsh and unforgiving. It has no home, no consistent source of food, and must rely on the mercy of human beings for sustenance. Stray dogs often have to scavenge for food, facing the constant threat of being kicked, abused, or chased away. Though they have the freedom to roam wherever they please, their lives are filled with constant struggles for survival. They lack the safety and comfort of a loving home, and their freedom comes at the cost of their security.

In conclusion, a dog’s perspective of the world can be vastly different depending on whether it is a pet or a stray. While a pet dog experiences a world of love and security, a stray dog faces a life of hardship and survival, with little comfort but the freedom to roam. Both lives reflect the complex relationship between freedom and dependence, comfort and struggle.