1. “A time when I learned a valuable lesson.” (Narrative)
Sample Answer:
Life often teaches us lessons in unexpected ways. One of the most valuable lessons I ever learned was during a debate competition in Grade 9. I had always been confident about my speaking skills, so I assumed that preparation was unnecessary. With this overconfidence, I walked onto the stage thinking I could improvise.
When it was my turn, I started strong but quickly ran out of points. My opponents, who had clearly prepared well, spoke fluently with facts, quotes, and examples. The audience applauded them, while I stumbled and repeated myself. I felt embarrassed and wished I had taken it more seriously.
After the competition, my teacher said kindly, “Confidence is good, but preparation is essential.” Her words stuck with me. Instead of feeling defeated, I promised myself that I would never take another opportunity lightly. The next time, I researched thoroughly, rehearsed, and even sought feedback from classmates.
The following year, I won the debate championship. That victory was sweet, not because I beat others, but because I had beaten my own laziness. The lesson I learned was simple yet powerful: talent without effort is wasted. Preparation, discipline, and humility are the real keys to success.
2. “Do you agree that social media does more harm than good?” (Discursive)
Sample Answer:
Social media has become an inseparable part of our lives. While it connects billions of people, the question remains: does it do more harm than good? In my opinion, it is a double-edged sword.
On the positive side, social media allows us to stay in touch with friends and family across the globe. It spreads awareness about social issues, provides educational resources, and even helps businesses grow. Many students benefit from study groups and online tutorials that are shared widely.
However, the negative impact cannot be ignored. Excessive use of social media leads to addiction, wasting precious hours that could be spent productively. Cyberbullying, fake news, and unrealistic standards of beauty also harm young minds. Research shows that heavy social media use is linked to anxiety and low self-esteem among teenagers.
The truth is, social media is neither inherently good nor bad—it depends on how we use it. If we limit our time, verify information, and follow positive content, it can be a powerful tool for learning and connection. But if misused, it becomes a trap.
Therefore, social media does more harm only when we allow it to control us, instead of us controlling it.
3. “Describe a place you visit when you need peace of mind.” (Descriptive)
Sample Answer:
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life, I seek refuge in a small park near my house. Hidden between tall buildings, it is my personal sanctuary where time seems to slow down.
The park greets me with the soothing fragrance of jasmine flowers. A narrow path lined with old trees leads to a wooden bench by a small fountain. The sound of trickling water blends with the gentle rustling of leaves, creating a melody far more comforting than any song on my playlist.
Birds hop around fearlessly, as if they, too, have made this place their home. Children laugh in the distance, their innocent voices adding a touch of joy to the calmness. Yet, my favorite time to visit is in the early morning, when the world is still asleep and the sky glows with the soft colors of dawn.
In this peaceful setting, I can breathe deeply, reflect on my worries, and find clarity. It is not a grand or famous place, but to me, it is priceless. The park is more than just greenery—it is the space where my mind finds balance, and my heart regains strength.
4. “Examinations are the best way to test knowledge.” Discuss.
Sample Answer:
Examinations have always been considered the standard method to test students’ knowledge. However, the question of whether they are truly the best method is worth examining.
On one hand, exams encourage discipline and regular study. They allow teachers to assess a large number of students fairly under the same conditions. Examinations also motivate students to revise, recall, and present information within a time limit, which can be a useful life skill.
On the other hand, exams often create unnecessary stress. Many students memorize information only for the sake of passing, and forget it soon after. Examinations fail to measure creativity, problem-solving skills, or practical ability. For instance, a student good at science experiments may not perform well in a written test, yet may still possess deep knowledge.
A better approach could be a combination of exams, projects, and continuous assessment. This way, students are tested not only on memory but also on application and creativity.
Therefore, while examinations are important, they should not be the only way of testing knowledge. Education should focus on true understanding rather than just grades.
5. “The most memorable day of my life.” (Narrative)
Sample Answer:
The most memorable day of my life was when my family surprised me with a trip to the beach on my 15th birthday. It was special not because of the destination but because of the joy it brought.
The morning began like any other, and I expected a quiet celebration at home. Suddenly, my parents asked me to pack a bag. Within an hour, we were driving towards the sea. I felt a rush of excitement as the salty breeze touched my face.
At the beach, the sight of endless waves crashing against the shore was mesmerizing. My sisters and I built sandcastles, chased each other, and collected seashells. Later, my parents set up a picnic with my favorite food. Just as the sun began to set, they surprised me with a cake shaped like a seashell. Everyone sang for me, and I felt truly loved.
That day taught me that happiness lies in simple moments spent with family. The laughter, the love, and the golden sunset etched themselves into my memory forever. Even today, whenever life feels heavy, I close my eyes and relive that magical day.
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