TOPICS FOR ARTICLE & SPEECH

1.Plastic Bags Should be Banned: Pros and Cons

Plastic bags, though useful in many ways, have proved to be extremely harmful to the
environment due to one single reason – they are non-bio degradable, which means they do not
decompose easily making their disposal a huge challenge. Environmental conservation is a
critical aspect that every nation should prioritize. Plastic bags are a great enemy to the
environment because they are not biodegradable and contributes to environmental pollution
among other hazards. Plastic bags are made of chemicals that are toxic to both humans and the
environment.

Our soil takes almost 500 years to decompose one plastic bag. Burning them also does not help
as it releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere. Despite its extreme harmful effects, plastic
bags are extensively used today because they are light weight, convenient, durable and
economical.

Plastic bags are the hash one pollutants of land and ocean. Banning them would mean that we
will forever be free from the extreme damages it causes on our environment. Our lands and
oceans will have a lot less litter in them. The adverse health effects it causes on humans, animals
and marine life is irrevocable. Banning them will tread us on a much healthier journey.

Plastic bags are manufactured using petroleum and produced in quantities of trillions per year.
Such huge volumes of petroleum can instead be directed towards more important basic
necessities like automobile fuel.

Banning plastic bags will mean that we will have to find a more organic material as an alternate.
A well-known alternate for plastic bags are paper bags. The commodity paper is extensively used
today and hence is already under mass production, causing a huge toll on our environment by the
number of trees being cut down for this sake. Now introducing paper bags will only adverse this.
In that case, introducing any other organic material as an alternate for such an extensively used
product will only mean a greater depletion of the already minimized natural resources. Plastic
bags have harmful effects that are related to how they are used. Using plastic bags to heat food in
a microwave cause the release of toxins to the food in it, which upon consumption by humans
cause diseases like cancer, asthma and ulcers. Plastic bags that end up in water bodies cause
deleterious effects to aquatic life. This is as a result of inappropriate disposal of these plastic
bags. The policy of recycling plastic bags has terribly failed because people do not adhere to
rules as they are ignorant regarding harmful effects of plastics.

Banning plastic bags will definitely reduce harmful effects. Although not immediately because
an environmental clean-up will be required. The ban and will regulate disposal of plastic bags
through policies of taxation and fines. The world would be a better place without environmental
pollution because animals will not die due to consumption of plastic bags, humans would not
contact illnesses and the physical and biological aspects of the environment would remain
unchanged by plastic bags.

We can either look at the cons of banning plastic bags as a problem or opportunity. On realizing
the need, the problem of having less natural resources can turn into an opportunity to create more
natural resources by planting more trees.

2.Safety of Women in India

As we all know that India is a most famous country all over the world for its great tradition and
culture where women are given most respected place in the society from the ancient time. It is
the country where women are considered as safer and most respected. Women are given the
place of Goddess Lakshmi in the Indian society. Indian women are found working in all fields
like aeronautics, space, politics, banks, schools, sports, businesses, army, police, and many more.
We cannot say that this country has no any women concern however we cannot ignore positive
points for women in India.

Women have been advancing, progressing and have proved that they can beat men in any sector
they are in. Be it sports, arts, science, politics, service or for that matter any where, she has stood
at par with what a man could do. Yet, she still fights for equality.

Women are harassed not only in the night or evening but also in the day time at their home,
working places, or other places like street, club, etc. It is found through the survey that the reason
of sexual harassment is the lack of gender-friendly environment and improper functional
infrastructure such as consumption of alcohol and drugs in open area, lack of adequate lighting,
safe public toilets, sidewalks, lack of effective police service, lack of properly working helpline
numbers, etc. A huge percentage of women have no faith that police can curb such harassment
cases. There is an urgent need to understand and solve this problem of women safety so that they
can also grow equally like men in their own country.

Some Tips Regarding Women Safety

1.Self defence techniques are the first and foremost thing to which each and every woman must
be aware of and get proper self-defense training for their safety. They must be aware of some
effective defence techniques such as kicks to groin, blocking punches, etc.

2.Generally most of the women are gifted with sixth sense which they must use whenever they
become in some problem. They should at once avoid any situation which they feel bad for them.

3.Escape and run is also a good way to reduce some risks of women whenever they become in
problem. They should never go with any unknown person alone at some unknown places.
4.Women must understand and feel their physical power and use accordingly. They never feel
themselves weak than men and take some self defence training.

5.They should be careful while communicating with someone on internet in the cyberspace.

5.Pepper spray can also be proved as a useful self-defence tool however it has a drawback that
some people cannot be harmed through it even after full-face spray. It may not stop the attacker
so women should not depend on it completely and use other techniques also.

7.They must have all the emergency numbers with them and whatsapp also if possible so that
they can immediately tell to their family members and police.

8.Women should be very conscious while driving the car and going to any trip. They must lock
all the doors of car while travelling with own or private car.

It is high time that the law has been changed with regard to cases like these. There has to be
stringent punishments and fast tracks to monitor these kinds of cases. When the law is stringent
in a country, before committing a crime, at least the offender would think twice on committing
the crime. I agree that with one punishment, the nation is not going to get better, but with
consecutive punishments, it would be under a controllable situation. Nothing changes overnight,
but in due course it does create an effect.

Conclusion

Women safety is a big social issue which needs to be solved urgently by the effort of all. It is
inhibiting the growth and development of the country and most importantly hurting the half
population of the country in all aspects (physically, mentally, and socially).

3. Women Empowerment In India

Women empowerment is a burning issue which refers to making women independent of their
own. Women empowerment gives them the liberty to make their own choice. Women
empowerment ensures that every women has equal rights in a society as men have. Women
empowerment eradicates thoughts of inequality between men and women. It is a call for women
to raise their voice against social issues like domestic violence, dowry demand.

Women empowerment can be practiced in every society by giving good education to girls of the
society, treating them equally like boys. Girls should be given equal rights and should be
allowed o keep their views on social and family matters. They should be given opportunities to
achieve their dreams. For this, we need to create safe workplaces for girls, allow them for jobs,
free them from ancient old restrictions or limitations to household works.
Even today, in some parts of the society, women are not given the rights to lead a life they want.
Girl children are not sent to school or allowed very less education. Girls are not allowed to share
their views on any matters be it concerning them or not. They are not allowed to take decisions
of their own. They live a life full of restrictions. To beat, such issues women empowerment is a
must for the society.

Women empowerment turns a girl’s dreams into reality. It is both beneficial for them and the
society. We should support and encourage women empowerment in all aspects of life.

In women empowerment, societies also play a major role. We as citizens, should make our
environment safer for girls, allow them to fulfill their dreams, live a restriction-free life. We
should make them feel comfortable in their work place. For this, it is very essential to inculcate a
noble vision in our mind. We should first start this from our own family and homes.As said,
charity begins at home. We should first teach our children to respect girls and not to differ
between girls and boys in any manner. We should raise our voice on cases like female foeticide,
dowry system and child labour to make our society healthier.

We can make our society and nation develop more faster by accepting the contribution from girls
towards the nation. History has set motivating examples on how girls have achieved their
dreams. We can bring the change in our society, as change comes from within us.

4. WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation is the only way to save water in the future to solve the problem of water
scarcity. In India and other countries of the world, there is a major shortage of water, which has
caused the common people to make long distances for drinking water and also to make necessary
water to meet everyday tasks. On the other hand, in adequate water areas, people are wasting
more water than their daily needs. We all need to understand the importance of water and
problems related to lack of water in the future. We should not ruin and pollute useful water in
our life and encourage water conservation and conservation amongst the people.

Water is a priceless gift for humanity by nature; Life is possible on earth due to water. In India
and other countries people are battling water scarcity while three-fourths of the earth is
surrounded by water. Due to the water scarcity, people teach us to save water and protect the
environment, life and the world because of the difficulties faced by people in different areas.We
must stop the waste of water, use the water properly and should maintain the quality of water.

Clean water is a very important element of life, so to protect the future, we need water
conservation. If we save water, then we save life on the whole world and on earth. Water is
called universal liquid, hence it is the main ingredient in assuring quality of life. We should
pledge to use it according to the need of water so that it can be polluted without mixing it
together. Water pollution will save us by preventing other dirt and industrial pollution in water.
Proper pollution management should be done, all of which must be followed.

Therefore, we should understand the importance of clean water on earth and instead of wasting
water, we should do our best to save it. We must be protected from being wasted in our clean
water and polluted by industrial wastes, sewage, hazardous chemicals and other dirt. The main
reason for water scarcity and water pollution is always increasing the population and rapid
industrialization and urbanization are increasing. Due to lack of clean water, people cannot meet
their basic needs in the near future. By the purpose of "Save water, save life and save the world",
we need to come together to deal with the lack of clean water in the most appropriate ways.

By assessing very low percentage of safe and safe drinking water on the earth, water
conservation or water conservation campaigns have become very important for all of us. Due to
industrial wastes, large sources of water are being polluted daily to promote the proper water
management system by promoters in all industrial buildings, apartments, schools, hospitals etc.
to bring more efficiency in saving water. The common people should run an awareness program
to learn about possible problems with drinking water or lack of water. There is an urgent need to
eliminate the behavior of ordinary people about the wastage of ordinary water.

5. AIR POLLUTION: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION

The World Health Organization defines air pollution as “the presence of materials in the air in
such concentration which are harmful to man and his environment.”

In fact air pollution is the occurrence or addition of foreign particles, gases and other pollutants
into the air which have an adverse effect on human beings, animals, vegetation, buildings, etc.

Cause of Air Pollution:

The various causes of air pollution are:

(i) Combustion of natural gas, petroleum, coal and wood in industries, automobiles, aircrafts,
railways, thermal plants, agricultural burning, kitchens, etc. (soot, fly ash, CO2, CO, nitrogen
oxides, sulphur oxides).

(ii) Metallurgical processing (mineral dust, fumes containing fluorides, sulphides and metallic
pollutants like lead, chromium, nickel, beryllium, arsenic, vanadium, cadmium, zinc, mercury).

(iii) Chemical industries including pesticides, fertilizers, weedicides, fungicides.

(iv) Cosmetics.

(v) Processing industries like cotton textiles, wheat flour mills, asbestos.
(vi) Welding, stone crushing, gem grinding.

Effect of Air Pollutants:

The air pollutants have adverse effect on human beings, animals, vegetation, buildings. Air
pollutants also change earth’s climate.

(i) Dust and smoke particles cause irritation of the respiratory tract and produces bronchitis,
asthma and lung diseases.

(ii) Smog harms plant life through glazing and necrosis besides reduced availability of light. In
human beings and animals it produces respiratory troubles.

(iii)Due to excessive combustion activity, the content of C02 has been steadily rising. As carbon
dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere it absorbs more and more of the reflected infrared
radiation. This could cause an increase in temperature referred to as the green house effect.
Melting polar ice caps and glaciers could cause sea levels to rise, flooding most of the major
population centres and fertile lands.

Automobile Exhausts are one of the major sources of air pollution. The important pollutants are
Carbon monoxide, Benzpyrene, Lead, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur compounds and Ammonia.

Control of Air Pollution:

1. Industrial estates should be established at a distance from residential areas.

2. Use of tall chimneys shall reduce the air pollution in the surroundings and compulsory use of
filters and electrostatic precipitators in the chimneys.

3. Removal of poisonous gases by passing the fumes through water tower scrubber or spray
collector.

4. Use of high temperature incinerators for reduction in particulate ash production.

5. Development and employment of non-combustive sources of energy, e.g., nuclear power,

geothermal power, solar power, tidal power, wind power, etc.

6. Use of non-lead anti-knock agents in gasoline.

7. Attempt should be made to develop pollution free fuels for automobiles, e.g., alcohol,
hydrogen, battery power. Automobiles should be fitted with exhaust emission controls.

8. Industrial plants and refineries should be fitted with equipment for removal and recycling of
wastes.

9. Growing plants capable of fixing carbon monoxide. Growing plants capable of metabolising
nitrogen oxides and other gaseous pollutants.
11. Afforestation of the mining area on priority basis.

6. Causes of Air pollution in Delhi

The primary cause of air pollution is the burning of crops by the farmers from the neighbouring
states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Farmers burn rice stubbles at the end of the Kharif season
before commencing the planting of crops for the Rabi season.

The wind directs the smoke towards Delhi and worsens the already polluted atmospheric air. The
smog in Delhi traps the pollutants and dust particles and makes it difficult to breathe.

Traffic pollution- Delhi has a high number of environmentally friendly CNG-run buses. In spite
of this, the air pollution due to vehicular emission is tremendous. It is because of the reduced
green cover over Delhi. The past two decades have seen a rampant growth of real estate all over
the city.

The onset of winter

The air becomes stagnant at the beginning of winter. The dust particles get trapped in the cold
and damp air thereby affecting weather conditions. It results in the development of smog all over
the area. It reduces visibility to a great extent. As a result, there were numerous vehicular
accidents on the highways.

Growth in population

Of late, New Delhi has become an overpopulated city. Naturally, it adds to noise as well as air
pollution.

Lack of public infrastructure

India has a reputation for investing less in public means of transport. It makes people resort to
bringing out their private cars on the roads. It causes unnecessary congestion of traffic thereby
contributing to the increase in pollution levels.

Construction activity

The NCR and its neighbourhood has seen tremendous construction activity in recent times. As it
is, the quality of outdoor air is pure. The rampant increase in the construction activity adds to the
problems.

Industrial pollution

It is a collective malaise in many cities in India. The release of industrial wastes into the air and
water is one of the primary reasons for air pollution. Dumping and burning of garbage contribute
broadly as well.
Diwali Time

The Delhi Government did its best to curb air pollution by banning cracker sales. However,
religious fervour saw people bursting crackers and worsening the already polluted air.

The magnitude of Air Pollution in Delhi

Pollution has been known to cause allergies, disease, damage to crops, and in extreme cases,
even death.In addition, air pollution creates an imbalance in the natural gases that make up our
Earth’s atmosphere. These imbalances slowly aid in the depletion of the Ozone layer, an
essential region of the stratosphere that soaks up most of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV)
rays.As the Ozone depletes, the rate of global warming increases. If enough air pollution clutters
our environment, it creates the danger of more rapid deterioration of the Ozone layer.

7. Importance of Outdoor Games

We live in a technologically progressing environment. It is definitely a boon for us. However, it

also has deprived us of many things. One among them is the outdoor activity. Nowadays, nobody
is interested to engage in outdoor games and other activities. The current generation is not even
aware of the importance of outdoor activities.

It is the duty of every parent to make their wards understand the benefits of outdoor games. If
your kid is interested in electronic gadgets, try to show him that the outdoor activities are more
entertaining and thrilling. To help you and your kids understand the value of outdoor games, we
have listed out some of the well-known benefits of outdoor activities.

Benefits of Taking Part in Outdoor Games

The most appropriate form of physical exercise: Do you spend a lot of money for the gym?
Don’t you think that engaging yourself in an outdoor activity might be far less expensive
compared to a gym? I definitely think so. Obesity, which is one of the major problems in the
current generation can also be reduced with the help of these activities.

Connect with the outside world: One of the major drawbacks of the world we live in is that we
do not have any idea of the people or happenings around us. We all are interested in getting
information about happenings in different parts of the world. However, we do not have
information about the person living next door. Instead of confining yourself within the four walls
of a room along with an electronic gadget, you should definitely try to take part in any outdoor
activity at least once. This will help you understand that connecting with the outside world is a
whole lot easier with outdoor activities.

Enhance your creativity: When you spend time with your mobile phones or computers, you do
not get the chance to develop your creativity. The idea of improving your skills using a mobile
phone app is completely different from that of a real world. You will get a lot of ideas and
opportunity to showcase your creativity once you start participating in the outdoor activities.

Makes your children independent: It is not always good for your child to be dependent on others
for even the most trivial matters. By connecting with the outside world through outdoor activities
will make your child independent. This can indeed develop the decision-making skills of your
child. The various outdoor activities will also help your child understand the ways to deal with
the different types of people in our society.

Helps to Learn:. A lot of studies show that outdoor activities help children to learn and develop
their knowledge. Spending more hours at school and tuition will not make your kid smarter if
you repaired him from taking part in the outdoor activities. These activities are, in fact, the
means for your kid to experiment his knowledge and understand the things better.

Helps to develop your social skills: Nowadays, there are a lot of institutes which provide training
on developing interpersonal and social skills in people. There will not be any need of such
institutions if you try to understand the essence of outdoor games in one’s life. While engaging
in outdoor activities, you will get the opportunity to mingle with the outside world. This will help
to develop your social and interpersonal skills without the help of any institution or third parties.

The best training for a team leader: Do you find difficulty in working as a team? Taking part in
any of the outdoor activities is one of the best solutions to eliminate this problem. No matter
where you work, to be a team leader you need to know how to handle a group. This can be easily
understood with the help of outdoor games and activities.

Hence, if you wish to make your kid smarter, give him the opportunity to mingle with the outside
world. For a better future, outdoor activities are definitely necessary.

8. VALUE BASED EDUCATION IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR.

Education system without inclusion of moral values is a system which is incomplete in itself.
The most important crux of the education system is the ethics and it is must that these ethics are
propagated among the upcoming generations.

In today’s times most of us aspire to be a successful entrepreneurs, engineer, doctor, lawyer and
the list goes on and on with each profession respectively but very few aspire to be a good human
being first. There is nothing wrong in having big aspirations but one should not achieve them by
compromising on moral values. Every day on our way to work we come across people ,victims
of road rage, people fighting over a pity issues. These days while going through newspaper we
read lot about corruption, abduction ,killing , rape cases and so on.

Recent study on behavioral issue among youths has shown increase in number of incidences
related to crime that are even taking place at school level. Children lying to their parents ,
disrespecting elders and people emotionlessly ignoring to let an accident victim die on the roads
has become common sight. While we have lots of development happening in various other fields
of life but unfortunately our moral values are depleting by every passing day.

It is high time we as responsible citizens of society need to take very concrete and constructive
steps to work on moral values at a very tender age. If the foundation laid is strong then the
building will obviously stay strong. Similarly, the children must be given a strong base at a
tender age of what morals are and how to inculcate them in their life. Though some of the
schools are making an effort towards this by having value education and life skills a compulsory
class in their timetable, which is a great effort, I am not sure if they are covering all the deeds
and values that are to be planted in the students’ thought-process to make them exceptional
beings.

Morals are those that can differentiate between the right and wrong, the good and bad. But the
irony is such that what is right and good to one might not be the same to the other. So, it is very
essential to ensure that the right and good norms are taught in such a way that at any situation
they have to be moral in their thinking. The teaching, if executed in an innovative way with
simpler ideas yet effective ones, it can reach the students easily and make a great impact. It is
also important to ensure that the children have perceived the morals and are sure to inculcate
them in their lives. Only then will the purpose of education be complete.

Hence, moral education is a concept that has to be given immense importance in the education
system because when it is given in the right way to everybody possible then the result is a better
today and a better tomorrow. Values that are important for our moral and mental characteristics,
that shape our character. The purpose of man is to live not only a life but a good life with moral
values.

Family is probably the most powerful agent of value education in nearly all the societies.
Certainly, it is the first and paramount influence on young children. It establishes role models,
inculcates prejudices and offers a model of social hierarchy. School provides the most effective
way for most modern societies to influence the attitude and belief of youth on a mass media.

9. GAMES AND SPORTS SHOULD BE MADE COMPULSORY FOR STUDENTS

A perfect way to start the day at school would be to begin with 20-30 minutes of physical
activity. After participating in some games involving exercise, students will be more relaxed and
ready to apply themselves to their studies. They will learn faster and will be able to retain
knowledge better.

Just as the body requires physical exercise in order to perform to its optimum level, the brain also
benefits from regular physical activity. It is my firm belief that students must give equal
importance to the value of the effect that physical exercise has on the brain as well as it does on
the body.
The aim of sports in school is not only to create champions but also to train the body and the
mind of youngsters. The sports events must be looked upon as a compliment to the class work. If
the class teaching can develop mental skill than sports can also develop physical skills.Many
things can be done only on field. The spirit of play is there in children and they like to take part
in sports and games.By taking part in games, children keep themselves away from undesirable
things. So, sports must be made compulsory in schools.

Sports and games are given lesser attention in Indian schools since it is considered a just physical
activity. But sports and games encompass more than just the benefits of physical things, it
increases in confidence, self-esteem and mental alertness which makes them an essential part of
the curriculum. Games and sports should be made an integral part of a student’s life.

The value of games and sports is too much. We play the game as true player. It is not our aim to
win a sport by foul means, we must play a fair game. Sports teach us cooperation, sportsmanship,
team spirit and discipline. The benefits of playing sports are several, and it leads to balanced
mental growth. It teaches the children life skills like social skills, team efforts, leadership,
patience. It inculcates confidence, discipline and playing without crossing the rules. Above all, it
builds sportsmanship, which is very essential where it helps to deal with both winning and losing
with grace. All of these experiences and habits are also useful in their future life including career.

It also serves as the best icebreaker for fresh students, and helps in friendship and faster
assimilation. Therefore taking into consideration all these merits, the schools should include
sports environment with proper facilities, dedicated instructors and time to help their students
pursue sports.

Slowly, educationalists and government departments have realized the importance ‘games and
sports’ and have been making steps to make them as an integral part of the present- day school
education. And times are changing and games and sports which were looked upon merely as a
‘period of break’. Now games and sports have become a new medium which helps to develop the
inborn sports talents of students. If the government and educationalist initiatives are properly laid
down, one can see a different face of the students in future.

10.AGGRESSION AND SLEDGING IS ESSENTIAL PART OF SPORTS- DEBATE

Good morning everyone; I am here to speak on ‘Aggression and sledging are an essential part of
Sports', and I am going to speak against it.

I strongly feel aggression and sledging are not essential part of sports. Sports are meant to test
one’s physical and mental endurance; they are purpose is not to incite people to get involved in
brawls or altercations leading to scuffles.
People who become aggressive and start sledging are those who don’t understand the spirit of
sports and sportsmanship. If one has to win a game, one must do it by the dint of their skill or
excellence in performance; sledging is an immoral and vile way to annoy your opponent.

Aggression and sledging are an essential part of sports :-

FOR-

In sports especially in cricket, football, the players tend to become aggressive and also does
sledging with other players.

This is justified to some extent as, cricket, football requires not only physical activity but also
mental tactics especially when your team is losing.

Aggression and sledging are done to intimidate players of other team, so that they lose their
confidence and calm and thereby might even lose by a single notch own.

As my learned opponent has said aggression and sledging are not ethical in sports but I
completely disagree on this.. In my point of view aggression and sledging is an art in which
opponent lose their confidence and simply play into the hands of sledger . It wlll act as better
strategy for sports-man. My cheerful friends I am not only the supporter of aggression and
sledging, there are many sportsmen who are in favour of these practices. According to Michael
Clarke aggression is best weapon in Battle ground of cricket. My opponent has said that showing
aggression in field is reflection of that sportsman image. I regret tha My fellow opponent has
only said dark side of anger but worthy judges It is not true aggression leads to self evaluation
and self motivation when It does not cross it's line.. It act as tonic to player but the thin line
between violence and aggression should not be crossed by players. wholeheartedly support
sledging as means of self booster. It tarnishes opponent’s confidence and that is what sledger
wants.. Sports should always

judge with team spirit and some intelligence of player. And in my view sledging is an element of
intelligence.

AGAINST-

Although aggression and sledging are done , it is justified to some extent only. It is never correct
to verbally abuse or weaken someone down mentally.

This might create a bad impact and hamper future tournaments. This might even affect the
ongoing game as everyone has different capabilities to bear aggression and intimidation.

11.DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS - IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT

Respected ladies and gentleman, honorable chairman and guests , greetings

Today I am Girish Bhattacharya a member of ISSO Environmental activists and am present here
to talk on an important issue at hand, i.e our global world. The climatic conditions are seen to be
getting worse due to the acts carried out by us humans.

There are many projects going on which lead to the release of dangerous gases, dumping of
waste in sea and by products of production systems that create a negative impact on our
environment. People do not realize that their carbon footprint is enlarging to such a degree that
there will come a point when the world will be small compared to that footprint.

There will come a time when destruction and harm will come in the way of the people. A lot of
developmental projects which are centred around our society, but they have given rise to toxic
gases that were damaging the environment at an incredible rate.

We ,as citizens protested against these companies when they refused to shut their business for
their own greed, therefore, giving rise to police officials shutting their projects down.

With pride, I say that the community has bestowed upon us the prize to save the mother nature
from getting completely shattered and destroyed. So dear friends it is our duty to stand together
and put an end to the few harmful developmental projects that have been harming the society
along with the environment surrounding it.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

1..Advertisements have become a big business. They are promoted by celebrities drawn from
various fields like films, sports, etc., leaving their inuence on all people specially the young.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The Impact of Advertisements on the younger generation’.

IMPACT OF ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION

By Rehan Jose

The advertisement industry has a tremendous impact on the younger generation. As citizens of
the modern world, advertisements have become a part of the daily lives of youngsters and they
have got used to being bombarded with numerous advertisements over the course of their day.

Advertisements have become so common for them that they often do not even realize that they
are hearing or viewing them. So they have a pervasive influence on the youth. In the ever-
expanding world of consumerism and advertising, companies are constantly looking for new
ways to sell their products to the youngsters by making their commercials and campaigns more
memorable, to leave an impact on their minds. The younger generation has become their prime
target because they have more spending power than ever before and increased avenues at their
disposal. Therefore companies spend enormous amounts of money to rope in popular lm stars,
cricketers, musicians etc. to endorse their products. This helps to ensure popularity and early
brand loyalty. In the last decade many superbrands have looked towards new and outrageous
ways to capture young audiences through appealing campaigns as these youngsters are
cognitively and psychologically quite defenceless against advertisements.

Clearly, advertisements represent ‘big business’ and has a signicant effect on young people who
need to be educated about the effects of advertising, that is, media literacy. This will prove to be
helpful in mitigating the harmful effects of advertising on youngsters.

2. The present-day youth are greatly stressed due to cut-throat competition and consumerist
culture. Write an article in 150-200 words on the causes of the stress on the modem generation
suggesting suitable solutions. (Delhi 2010)

CAUSES OF STRESS ON THE MODERN GENERATION

By Girish Nair

The main cause of stress on the modern generation is the cut-throat competition and consumerist
culture prevalent in our society. This always puts them under pressure of efficiency and
productivity.

The modern environment is highly competitive and calls for relentless effort on the part of each
youngster. To achieve the goals they have to devote all their time and capacity, without rest. So
they have no time to care even for their own selves. They have no time for relaxing or to pursue
something of their own interest sounds like a luxury to them. The effects of this stress on the
youth also visible in their physical being whereby they have increased pulses and a lot of tension
in their muscles.

With increased professionalism and specialisation there seems no practical and suitable solution
for this stress due to the competition. In this age of consumerism, it is not surprising that the
youth of today are also constantly vying to outdo each other in acquiring material things. But
now it is high time each one of us sat back in quiet introspection to contemplate where we are
actually heading in this high-speed pace.

Our health and well-being will have to be our primary concern for, as they say, “a healthy mind
lies in a healthy body”. Let us stop living like robots. We are humans and have to behave
likewise and not like machines which are our own creation.
3.As compared to the older generation the youth of today are greatly inclined to pursue
adventurous activities either for money or for fun. There is a latest craze for joining reality
shows, rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on which
life you would prefer—safe or adventurous. (All India 2010)

LIVE LIFE, DON’T JUST EXIST

By XYZ

To lead a life of adventure is certainly very exciting and amazing. It involves breaking free of
certain social conditioning and challenging yourself to work upon your mental fears, which are
mostly in your mind, and discovering unlimited freedom and opportunities. We, therefore, need
to be willing to undertake adventure as it is a necessary part of happy existence.

It is important to spend your limited time on earth doing some of those things that make a
difference and give one enjoyment rather than simply sinking all the time playing the normal
routine game of “delayed gratification”. Taking action helps one to build a more enriching life
and enables you to embrace life with more passion each day.

The desire for sameness never contributors to anything exciting but makes our life and spirit dull.
A variety of sports and recreation are adventurous to a lot of people today. Some people race
cars, skydivers jump out of an aeroplane, mountain-climbers scale peaks etc. This helps them to
escape their daily stress and gives them a ‘high’. So it is important to live life to the fullest and it
is also surely worth making the effort to ‘live’ with an adventurous spirit.

4. India is standing at the threshold of joining the developed nations but that is not possible till
we achieve complete literacy in the country. The contribution of students may be very significant
in achieving our goals. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The Role of the Students in
Removing Illiteracy’

THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN REMOVING ILLITERACY

By Ria Das

Illiteracy is still a major blot on India, after more than sixty years of its achieving independence.
To an extent it exemplies India’s failure to reach out to its masses.

The removal of illiteracy has to be tackled on a priority basis and students can play an important
role in achieving this goal. Since they are in the process of receiving education themselves they
are most appropriate for also putting forth their services to achieve the goal of educating the
illiterate masses. Students should be encouraged to carry the lamp of knowledge by organizing
events such as, ‘Each One, Teach One’. If every student resolves to teach two illiterate persons
in a year during his vacations, it will in the long run help to eradicate illiteracy.
The government should also render full support to students in terms of infrastructure in their
contribution to the Indian Literacy Campaign. Students can also play a vital role in the
programme of Adult Literacy. If all our students get together and try to work towards achieving
literacy among the masses, then the day is not far when India too will join the league of countries
that have attained hundred percent literacy

5.. Compulsory value-based education is the only remedy for inculcating values among the
future citizens of the country. This will also help in the prevention of crime in the country. Write
an article in 150-200 words on the need of compulsory value-based education. (All India 2010)

Value-Based Education

Value-based education is an educational philosophy, an approach to teaching and learning that

underpins away a school organises itself develops relationships and promotes positive human
values. Schools that adopt such an approach report that there is a qualitative improvement in
pupils’ attitude and behaviour.

The purpose of value-based education is to help the school community think about and reect
upon positive universal values and practical implications of expressing them in relation to
themselves and the community as a whole. Value-based education also supports schools in
promoting an inclusive school ethos and the methods of working raise achievements and help
pupils to raise their self-esteem and take responsibility for their own behaviour and learning. It
also enables students to examine the kind of life that is worth living and to consider what kind of
life they want for themselves.

At the core of value-based education lies an agreed set of principles, deeply held convictions
that underpin all aspects of school life and work. The process is holistic and developmental,
demanding a greater deal from the school’s community. Value-based education is thus a
philosophy for developing and supporting schools of excellence.

6.. Increase in the number of vehicles causes pollution and traffic jams. Write an article in 150-
200 words for ‘The New Indian Express’, Delhi, highlighting the urgent need to solve these man-
made problems, giving suitable suggestions. You are Madhav/Madhuri. (Delhi 2010)

THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION

Cities, in general, have a great deal in common with vehicles. In fact they often seem to be
turning into vehicles. India’s population and its traffic is concentrated within its cities.

The increasing number of vehicles in Delhi is putting our city at the risk of completely losing
clean air to breathe. Delhi would have, in fact, been buried under a pollution load if the Supreme
Court had not intervened to introduce cleaner fuels and emissions technology in the city, in the
form of CNG-run public vehicles. Moreover, increase in the number of vehicles also means
getting stuck in rush traffic hour which has also become a routine. It is high time we now look
towards solving this problem of heavy traffic congestion which is taking a toll both on our health
and our time.

The traffic police department must use technology for controlling and monitoring the movement
of vehicles at important and busy crossroads for which the department officials can also take the
help of Close Circuit T.V. Drives should be launched to educate the masses about the importance
of driving in their respective lanes only and to follow traffic signals strictly. Violation of these
should result in fines and in case of repeated offence the driving license of the person should be
confiscated. Pollution check of vehicles by owners at regular intervals should be made
mandatory. This can also contribute a lot in saving the environment from pollution. Thus, we as
responsible citizens just need to make a start.

7. Corruption has become the order of the day. It has entered all walks of life. Write an article for
your school magazine in 150-200 words on ‘The Role of Youth in combating corruption’. You
are Vijay/Vineeta. (Delhi 2011 2010)

ROLE OF YOUTH IN COMBATING CORRUPTION

By Vineeta Vijay

The problem of corruption is not new though it has reached unprecedented proportions in recent
years. It is as old as society itself and cuts across nations, cultures, races and classes of people.

Corruption is rampant in our political and social life and like cancer seems to be gnawing into
the vitals of the society. It has been argued that one of the many obstacles to the development of
poor countries is corruption. The youth of the society have a lot of responsibility in combating
corruption. They are aware of this phenomenon but negligent towards this issue. It is the youth,
especially the students, who have to take cudgels against the demon of corruption and crush it
altogether.

A beginning can be made in this direction by holding anti-corruption drives. The ill-effects of
corruption in public life should be publicised through the internet, facebook and blogs. The
uprising young citizens need to join hands as one and battle against corruption. They need to
spread awareness, more so in rural areas and equip them with knowledge about this burning
issue.

Recently the name of Anna Hazare has become synonymous with combating corruption so the
youth of India have an idol among them whom they can follow. The dedicated efforts of the
honest youth are bound to succeed in the long run in demolishing and vanquishing this social evil
which has earned us a bad name.

10. India is said to be a young country and is emerging as a global power. The youth is getting
increasingly concerned about the problems of corruption, environment, pollution, misuse of
natural resources, etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on your vision of India in 2040.
(Comptt. All India 2010)

MY VISION OF FUTURE INDIA

By Feba Roy

Most of us have a massive psychological barrier against looking at the future vision of India and
those who see the future as growing directly out of the present also often narrow their vision.

It is my belief that the year 2040 will belong to those who try to see diversity as a value in itself,
not as an instrument for resisting new monocultures of the mind or as a compromise necessary
for maintaining communal and ethical harmony. India of the future will be central to the world
where the idea of diversity will be cherished as an end in itself. My vision statement is not a
prediction of what will actually occur, nor is it a wish list of desirable but unattainable ends. It is
actually a statement of what we believe is possible for our nation to achieve seeing the level of
concern that our present-day youth is showing about problems of corruption, environmental
pollution, misuse of natural resources, etc.

An essential requirement for envisioning India in 2040 is to recognise that the parameters which
determine national development have changed i in recent years and will change further in the
future. This is likely to open up greater; possibilities than ever before. The growing influence in
the fields of technology, education, information, productive skills etc. lend credence to the view
that India will ; definitely achieve and sustain higher economic growth and development in the
coming decades.

11. Due to the globalization of food industry and fast food culture, traditional healthy diets are
increasingly being replaced by unhealthy junk food containing articial additives and preservative
chemicals. Write an article in 150-200 words for a national daily on the need for inculcating
healthy dietary habits. (Comptt. All India 2010)

NEED TO INCULCATE HEALTHY DIETARY HABITS

By Sam Kurien

Due to globalisation and the advent of fast food culture, traditional healthy diets have been
replaced by unhealthy junk food that has no nutritional value. Children and even adults have
become quite fond of this junk food essentially because it is palatable and caters well to their
taste buds.

Though junk food does not come with a statutory warning, it is , actually harmful for our health
if we eat it on a regular basis as it contains articial additives and chemical preservatives. Hence
the need arises for inculcating healthy dietary habits. I feel childhood is the best stage to
inculcate good food habits. Through constant reinforcement and an emphasis on healthy eating
choices at home parents can ensure that their kids continue to eat healthy even when they are
away from home.

Parents should remember that kids learn their eating habits from them so they should lead by
example and eat healthy themselves. This will encourage their kids to follow in their footsteps.
Children’s initial refusal to eat healthy food should not discourage the parents. Repeated
exposure to healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, milk etc. will ensure that the kids
might want to try it out at some point. So, constant encouragement is needed to make them try
out healthy food but do not force anything.

Aim to make good nutrition a way of life than a rule and healthy eating habits will come
naturally and not something that is being enforced.

12. Travel is an important part of a man’s education. It enables a person to learn manners,
customs, languages and history of different people and places and also widens the circle of one’s
acquaintances. Write an article in 150-200 words on “Travel, an Important Source of Education”.
(Comptt. All India 2010)

TRAVEL – AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF EDUCATION

By Nisha Ninan

To travel is to discover. If not necessary, travel is a very important aspect of education, an

experience to learn on personal levels with hands-on experience.

When people travel to a new place they absorb and remember information faster and retain it
longer just by experiencing it themselves. Travelling to other parts of the country provides the
opportunity to see different cultures practising their everyday lives. It also enables a person to
learn the manners, customs, languages and history of different people and places and widens the
circle of one’s acquaintances. While travelling to each new place gives us a different experience,
all of these travels will add up to a worldly view that instils a feeling of connection with people,
places and events from all over the globe.

In the past few years it has become a norm for people from one country to travel to another
country as a part of their education programme. As wonderful as it is to read about places and
people who interest us, to experience a personal visit to these places and interact personally with
these people allows us to understand and even appreciate their world in a more lasting and
meaningful way.
Our minds open up to new things, people, places and experiences Very few ways allow for
greater learning than travel. It is one of the best and most entertaining ways to get an education.
While classes, books and internet sites are great ways to learn and build your knowledge base,
travel takes what you have already learnt and expands upon it.

13. India is making strides in the field of technology. Technology has made life easier and more
comfortable than it used to be earlier. At the same time people are turning to be more and more
lazy and disease-prone. Write an article in 150-200 words on the disadvantages of too much of
technology. (Comptt. All India 2010)

DISADVANTAGES OF TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY

By ABC

India has made rapid strides in the technological field. Technology has made our life more
easygoing and comfortable than ever before. But these comforts bestowed on us through
technological advancements is doing us more harm than good.

In the 21st century, technology has evolved to accommodate a more convenient lifestyle and
meet every need that could possibly need fulfilling. With the right technology in your home, you
might just never feel the need to even leave your bed. Our entire lifestyle has slowly but surely
been completely taken over by technology. This is having an adverse effect on our well-being.
We have become lazy and disease-prone.

Modern technology has given us everything we want, whenever we want and more than we
actually need, with the result that we have become a weak society. Unlike the older generation,
modern-day children do not have the space and freedom of moving about and end up cramped in
front of their computers and video games. This sedentary style of living causes the child to be
antisocial, thus making him socially weak. Also there is added risk of obesity from less
locomotion. A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with wrong food habits, has made us prone to
illnesses.

Though technology has greatly contributed to human development, it has its flip side and it is
adversely affecting our health.

14. You are Keshav/Karuna, a social worker and counsellor. You are concerned about the
stressed behaviour of both parents and students during the time of examination. Write an article
in 150-200 words to be published in a local daily on ‘Supportive parents and stress-free students’
giving ideas to enhance healthy and meaningful PARENT- WARD rapport and for making the
atmosphere relaxed and encouraging during examination time. (CompIt. Delhi 2012)

SUPPORTIVE PARENTS AND STRESS-FREE STUDENTS

 By: Karuna Kishore

Most of the students and their parents are under constant pressure and usually suffer from high
levels of stress especially during the time of examinations. This does them no good because it is
a parents duty to reduce stress in their children and help them overcome it.

Young students should not be left alone to struggle in the most difficult and significant period of
their life. They need to get endless support from their parents. Better interaction between
students and parents can help to settle various problems amicably and create a relaxed
atmosphere during the time of examination.

Moreover, parents have to be practical and realistic in their expectations. They should always
remain positive and acknowledge even the minor achievements of their children. A healthy and
meaningful parent-ward rapport can help a student overcome stress easily. Every parent should
give their child encouragement and support, especially during academically stressful times.

Encourage your child to aim to do their best and be assured that it is the earnest effort they make
and not the result that matters the most. Students who live in supportive environments, develop a
range of coping strategies and become more resilient.

15. You are Keshav/Karuna, a social worker and counsellor. You are concerned about senior
class students ignoring sports activities owing to the pressure of examination and coaching
classes. Write an article in 150-200 words to be published in a local daily on how sports not only
promote physical fitness but also influence our scholastic achievements. (Comptt. Delhi 2012)

SPORTS – NOT TO BE SIDELINED

By Karuna Santhosh

It has become an unfortunate trend that senior class students are ignoring sports activities due to
the pressure of examination and coaching classes. They seem to have forgotten the fact that
sports not only promote physical fitness but will also influence their scholastic achievements.

Colleges, in an effort and interest, to promote sports and games, encourage the admission of
students who have excelled in sports by allotting a sports-quota to them. Besides a fun and
exciting way to get involved in competitive physical activities, playing sports in high school can
also help with college admissions. Sports provide for a well- rounded character. They help
develop skills based on teamwork and comradeship, as well as teach young people how to set
goals and persevere through hardships to achieve those goals.

Moreover, members of the college admission board are aware of the time and commitment that
goes into being a part of a team sport. They are more interested in giving admission to those
students who are able to strike a keen balance between sports and academics and who show a
depth of commitment to a wide range of activities.
 Participating in sports help to develop these additional traits in a student. Indulging in a sport
positively influences academics by providing an avenue to release the pent up pressure and
easing the minds of students at the time of examinations.

16. Your family has recently shifted from Kota in Rajasthan to Ernakulam in Kerala, where your
house is situated in the midst of beautiful flowering plants and fruit-yielding trees. Every minute
and every second, you are experiencing the joy of being in the lap of nature. Write an article in
150-200 words on the diversity of nature that you have experienced. You are Latha/Lalitha of
Class XII. (Delhi 2013)

JOYS OF BEING IN THE LAP OF NATURE

By: Latha James, Class XII

When my family shifted from Kota in Rajasthan to Ernakulam in Kerala, I was really excited
because I had heard about the diversity of nature one gets to experience in this district. Also, I
was extremely happy to be moving away from the dry and arid climate of Rajasthan. But nothing
could have ever prepared me for the natural joy I experienced when I reached Ernakulam.

Ernakulam is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In addition to getting a glimpse of the
traditional rural Kerala lifestyle and the variant villages, to the coconut plantations and the coir
villages, it was a relish to see the scenic views of the dense green tropical forests and colourful
birds that enveloped us in an aura of peace and warmth and brought us closer to nature. It was a
treat to be in the midst of the simple and unsophisticated rustic life and the gorgeous greens.
Though Ernakulam is a developed district, yet it has managed to retain its natural beauty. It is
also one of the nest natural harbours in the world and a major centre of trade and commerce.

Moreover, our house is situated in the middle of beautiful flowering plants and fruit-yielding
trees and each and every second we are experiencing the enormous joy of being in the lap of
nature.

17. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Poverty is the cause of all evils’, to be
published in the Young World of ‘The Hindu’, Chennai. (Delhi 2013)

Poverty – The Cause Of All Evils

By: ABC, Correspondent, The Hindu

Chennai . 16 February: Poverty, in one way or another, is the fundamental cause of all evils. It
fosters desperation which, in turn, breeds crime. The lack of money breeds all negative
characteristics that people loathe; it breeds hatred, anger and jealousy.
Poverty also breeds racism, classism, ethnicism as the society itself stratifies to define classes to
separate the rich from the poor. It makes people dishonest as they will do anything to get even a
little bit of scarce money. In today’s world, poverty has become the root cause of all evils,
because it has the power and ability to make people compromise their once held and respected
values, cultures and religious beliefs.

Poverty has created a new race of people with common marks of frustrations, loss of hope,
prospects and value of life. Poverty leads to illiteracy, unemployment, dissatisfaction among
individuals, corruption and crime and all these handicaps not only the growth of individuals but
also the growth of the nation as a whole. There is an urgent need also to find solutions to reduce
the gap between the rich and the poor.

Thus, poverty is indeed one of the biggest problems that is affecting our society and it definitely
stands as a major obstacle in the development of an advanced, progressive and peaceful nation.

18. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the topic, ‘Obesity among
School Children’. You are Mohini/Mohit. (All India 2013)

OBESITY AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN

By Mohini Mohan

Obesity among school children is a global problem that is on the rise. It appears to increase the
risk of subsequent morbidity, whether or not obesity persists into adulthood.

Recent studies on urban Indian school children report a high prevalence of obese and overweight
children. Outcomes related to childhood obesity include hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
orthopaedic and psychosocial problems.

The present generation children are more of couch-potatoes who refrain from indulging in any
kind of physical activity and are conned indoors most of the time. They have neither the urge nor
the time to play outdoor games. A majority of children prefer to spend their time either glued to
the television or the computer. Lack of physical activity combined with eating junk food makes
children easy prey to diseases and ailments which were never heard of in childhood. Added to
this is the lack of time because of which a child’s parents and teachers are unable to pay due
attention to the child’s diet.

The need of the hour is thus a possible role of change in the dietary pattern and the physical
activities of children so as to ensure that they lead healthy lives. Games, yoga and other sports
should be made a compulsory part of school curriculum. Also it is imperative that all junk food is
banned from school canteens which should replace this with healthy nutritious foods.

19. You are Raman/Ruchika. Write an article in 150-200 words for your school magazine on the
topic, ‘Life without Modern Gadgets’. (All India 2013)
 LIFE WITHOUT MODERN GADGETS

By Ruchika Ram

Modern gadgets have enslaved us. They have made the world jump forward with a leap, built a
glittering civilization, opened up innumerable avenues for the growth of knowledge, and added
to the power of man to such an extent that it is possible to conceive that man could triumph over
and shape his physical environment.

Our life is driven by gadgets and gizmos so much so that we cannot imagine even a day without
them. On the domestic front, electronic kitchen appliances have proved to be a boon for
housewives and relieved pressure off them. The biggest brands in mobile phones are also
focusing on the present day needs and visualising them in their gadgets. Our life comes to a
pause whenever we are disconnected from the internet.

Education, communication, commerce and industry are all dependent on modern gadgets. These
modem gadgets have brought us to a height of extreme convenience to such an extent that we
have forgotten our roots of simplicity—the simplicity of doing things ourselves instead of a
‘machine’ doing it for us, the simplicity of working together physically instead of creating our
own workspace at home, conning ourselves to a lonesome boundary in life.

Life has really widened its prospect and with these modem gadgets around we can do everything
happily and conveniently. We can do our personal stuff on these and make them an important
‘member’ of our life.

20. Last week as you were coming back from school you happened to see a huge plastic bag full
of leftovers of food being ung into the middle of the road from a speeding car. You wondered
how people can be so devoid of civic sense. Write an article in 125-150 words on why we lack
civic sense and how civic sense can be inculcated in children at a very young age. You are
Shiva/Shamini. (All India 2014)

NECESSITY TO INCULCATE CIVIC SENSE

By Shiva Prasad

It is indeed astonishing how people in our country can be so devoid of civic sense. It is not
considered as an important value so it is not inculcated in children at a very young age and is not
practised and encouraged at home.

When people talk about cleanliness of public places in India, civic sense or the lack of it is often
quoted as one of the prime reasons for the squalor that we see all around us. And this horrid state
of apathy is not limited to the lower and uneducated sections of society. Even the affluent and
educated folks are devoid of civic sense. This is because civic sense is not inculcated in us from
a very young age. Therefore steps should be taken up to inculcate civic education at the school
level itself. Incentives should be given to people who show and practise civic sense. Use of
dustbins should be encouraged and there should be stringent laws for those who out basic civic
sense.

This change has to come from within each individual. If things are left to rot they become self-
perpetuating. Each one of us should try to resolve, to breathe and reside in a pristine and
hygienic surrounding.

21. You saw a stray dog beaten to death by a group of boys. Their act infuriated you and you
scolded them for their cruel act. You decided to write an article on cruelty to animals. Write the
article in 125-150 words. You are Nikhil/Naina. (All India 2014)

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

By Nikhil Nelson

Cruelty to animals or animal abuse is the human infliction of suffering or harm upon animals for
purposes other than self-defence or survival.

Animals are being beaten up and starved every day and millions of animals die each year
because of human atrocities. The plight of stray dogs and cows is a common sight in India. It is
inhuman to let them roam around on the streets, let them eat garbage dumped on the roadsides
and exposing them to being hit by fast-moving traffic. Ill-treatment and cruelty of these helpless
creatures should be stringently discouraged. Shelter homes should be created for stray animals.

To create awareness regarding the ill-treatment of animals campaigns, drives and street plays
need to be organized. Moreover, we need to observe Animal Rights Day.

Though we have a long way to go, but gradually by making the public more aware about the
issues of animal cruelty and by making the society realise the importance of animal rights, we
will eventually learn to live in harmony with them

22. A newspaper report on a recent terrorist attack in your locality shattered you. You decided to
write an article in a local daily on terrorist attacks and the need to maintain peace and harmony in
society. Write the article in 125-150 words. You are Madhav/ Meena. (All India 2014)

NEED TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND HARMONY

By: Madhav Menon

Terrorism has swallowed law and order. Terrorist activities have knitted their web across our
nation and act as a major threat to the society and lives of billions of civilians.

Terrorism in India is very deep-rooted and complicated and has been a social stigma in our
society. Its causes vary from political, religious fanaticism, intolerance, fundamentalism, social
and economic factors. In our approach to I terrorism, we fail to distinguish it from the use of
violence or armed struggle in a revolutionary situation.
In spite of the magnitude of the problem of terrorism, there has been no consensus on a solution
to this problem. In India the attempts to control terrorism have been mainly through the
deployment of police, military and paramilitary forces. More steps need to be taken up to control
terrorism. There should be a political will to tackle terrorism. Vigilance should be improved and
awareness should be created through the media

. Ultimately it is only by improving social, economic and political conditions and by fostering
the forces of democracy and secularism, peace and stability that the battle against violence and
terrorism can be won.

23. In the year to come (if you have not already done this year) you are going to celebrate your
18th birthday. Write an article in 150-200 words on the joys and responsibilities of being
eighteen. You are Navtej/Navita. (Delhi 2015)

JOYS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING EIGHTEEN

By: Navita Naveen

Being eighteen is fun but also a bit tough. It is that stage of life when we have to cope with many
changes in our life. The most important thing about being a eighteen is the responsibilities that
come with it.

We are still considered young but our mind starts forming opinions though we are not considered
old enough to express them. We are given a little more freedom. We start to creep into the adult
world and encounter some new experiences. In these years of our life we are discovering
ourselves, new opportunities, new duties and responsibilities. We have lesser responsibilities as
compared to our elders but we are denitely responsible for our actions. This can sometimes work
to our disadvantage as at this phase of our life we are always willing to try out new things and in
some of these we may falter.

One of the joys of being 18 years old is that we can get a driving license and hence drive. This
gives us a sense of independence. Moreover we can rationalize every crazy thing we do by
stating the fact that we are still teenagers. Another major joy is the fact that we can vote at
eighteen and feel accountable towards choosing our leaders.

There is definitely a pressure even while we have loads of fun. So being eighteen is at times
stressful but an exciting stage of one’s life. It is not a bed of roses but, neither is it a bed of thorns
and we must enjoy this short yet eventful phase of our life.
24. Write an article in 150-200 words on how we can make a carefree and enjoyable place for
women when they can go wherever they like to without any fear of being stared at, molested or
discriminated against. You are Navtej/Navita. (Delhi 2015)

WOMEN SAFETY IN INDIA

By: Navita Manoj

Since the unfortunate December, 2012 incident in Delhi, women security is now a big question
in India than it was before. Why aren’t Indian females safe? Who is responsible for their safety?
How should their safety be assured? These three questions have become features on our national
agenda.

Concerns about safety restrict the mobility and activity of women and leave them with no choice
but to strategise everything from timings to travel, how to walk, how to dress or commute. When
we talk about women’s safety, the biggest question is how do we keep our mothers, sisters and
daughters safe against violence outside the house.

Women are often stared at, molested and discriminated against. Not only outside the house, they
are even discriminated against at the workplace and in their homes. It is surely the responsibility
of the government and each one of us strive for a safer world for women. Effective
implementation of strict laws protecting women’s’ rights is the need of the hour. Offenders must
be socially boycotted and severely punished to deter future crimes against women. Another
imperative step is teaching self-defense techniques to women and girls at schools, colleges,
offices and residential colonies.

As long as the mindset of people will not change, women can never be safe. All we need to do is
to be alert and considerate. We have to develop basic morality and nurture a value system that
teaches respect for women. Women are not safe anywhere in the globe until the thinking towards
women changes. So the actual need of the hour is a revolutionary change in the mindsets and
conscience of men so that they view women with regard and respect.

25. Emotionally as well as intellectually, a woman is as good as a man if not better. Yet we
don’t allow her the same status as a man enjoys in society. Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘Status of Women in Society’. You are Navtej/Navita. (Delhi 2015)

STATUS OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY

By: Navita Jain

Women are emotionally and intellectually at par with their men counterparts but unfortunately,
they are not given the same status that a man enjoys in the society. It is generally seen and
believed that women have lower status in context to power and influence than men in all spheres
of life family, community, religion and politics.
Certain scholars have attributed this inferior status of women to the patriarchal code of living.
Though our Constitution has laid down the equality of the genders as a fundamental right but
often women are discriminated against at home, their workplace and in the society in general.
They don’t even get equal pay for equal work at some places. They single-handedly balance the
pressures of domestic and public life.

In recent decades we have witnessed a series of laws passed for the upliftment of women. These
legislations have been brought to give equal rights and privileges to women as men, to eliminate
discriminations against women and remove inequality between genders. But all these
opportunities are wasted if certain stereotypes and biases distort the way women are perceived,
often to their disadvantage.

26. Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school has shown
that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Ragging, an
Evil’. You are Navtej/Navita. (All India 2015)

‘RAGGING- AN EVIL’

By: Navita Dennis

Ragging is a social evil that has been in practice since the British era. It was initiated with the
aim to reiterate respect for hierarchy and to misuse authority by enforcing traditions and
discipline. Now this social evil has spread to educational institutions.

It is a damaging form of interaction of the seniors in colleges or schools with their juniors or
newcomers. It has become increasingly unpopular due to several complaints of serious injuries to
the victims. Due to this severity, strict laws against ragging have been enforced by the Supreme
Court. Under the pretext of fun, new students are often assaulted, sometimes stripped and
intimidated by their seniors and this torture leaves an indelible impression on their minds. Seeing
the vulgar aspect and fatalities of ragging it has been strictly banned in many institutions and this
is proving effective. The Supreme Court too has declared ragging as a criminal offence.

Since ragging has degenerated into an unmitigated evil it must go completely, and there can be
no argument in favour of this evil practice. Whenever it has raised its ugly head, it has only
shown the physical or mental exploitation that new students are subjected to.

27. India is a tourist’s dream destination. Give your views on the tourism potential of India in an
article in 150- 200 words. You are Navtej/ Navita. (All India 2015)

HINTS: places of worship —religious tourism foreigners—places of historical interest the rich
—hill stations during summers — the sun-kissed beaches in winters — leisure tourism medical
tourism—world-class hospitals

THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF INDIA

 By: Navita Nivet

India’s rich cultural history and heritage and its geographical diversity make its international
tourism potential large and varied. Besides its cultural and heritage tourism, India also offers
medical, business, educational and sports tourism. Indian tourism with its places of worship,
places of historical interest, hill-stations, beaches etc. embraces a vast array.

For more than 4000 years, India has been regarded as one of the most spiritual places on earth.
The Golden Temple at Amritsar, the Konark Sun Temple, Samath etc. attract people from all
over the world. The places of historical interest in India like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort,
Charminar etc. are a great attraction for foreigners.

During summer, tourists like to visit the hill stations in India and in winters the sun-kissed
beaches are crowded with foreign tourists. Moreover, India is placed among the top three
medical tourism destinations in Asia, due to the world-class hospitals, quality and low-cost
treatment and highly skilled doctors. Thus, tourism in India has emerged as one of the fastest-
growing sectors which have contributed significantly to our county’s economic growth and
development.

28. Midday meal scheme in the schools introduced by the government serves several purposes.
Millions of children from the deprived sections of society get nutritious food leading to good
health, are attracted to the schools, kept from going astray and developed into good citizens. The
scheme may have some drawbacks too. Write an article in 150-200 words on all aspects of the
scheme. You are Navtej/Navita. (All India 2015)

THE MIDDAY MEAL SCHEME

By: Navita Lal

The Midday Meal Scheme, a school meal programme was introduced by the Government of
India to improve the nutritional status of school-going children who belong to the deprived
sections of the society.

This Scheme has attracted many impoverished children to school thus also preventing them from
going astray. The Midday Meal Scheme, has been a successful nationwide free school lunch
program catering to all students. It has helped in boosting school enrolment, ending hunger,
aiding the process of socialisation, promoting gender equality by increasing female enrolment
and also creating employment opportunities for poor.

But the Midday Meal Scheme has its drawbacks also. The midday meal tragedy in Bihar which
killed 23 children who ate the contaminated cooked food turned the spotlight on the problems
affecting this scheme. Lack of monitoring, hygiene and corruption discredits the Midday Meal
Scheme.
 Experts say the scheme suffers from structural problems, the biggest being the lack of a proper
monitoring mechanism. Children often get low quality, insufficient and unhygienic food and
there is corruption in the delivery system. The government has now decided to streamline this
scheme and involve parents and local members of the community in its implementation. This
will prove to be the most positive step to ensure that the Midday Meal Scheme serves its required
purpose.

29. Morning assembly in the schools gives a cool and calm start to the otherwise hectic
schedule of the day. It can be a means of passing important information to the students. What are
your views on this significant event of the day? Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘Importance of Morning Assembly’. You are Navtej/Navita. (All India 2015)

IMPORTANCE OF MORNING ASSEMBLY

By: Navtej James

Morning Assembly is one the most important aspects of a school’s curriculum. It has the
potential to nurture a positive school ethos that stresses care for the self and for others. It gives a
cool and calm start to the otherwise hectic schedule of the day.

Morning Assembly prepares students physically, mentally and spiritually for the day. A morning
assembly includes prayer, songs, speeches and physical exercises all of which energise us to
begin the day on an optimistic note. Morning assembly has the potential to heighten
consciousness by generating a school ethos that is calm, happy and purposeful. It also contributes
to developing personal autonomy and contentment.

A Morning Assembly is also a means for the whole school to celebrate national festivals
together. It gives a chance to students to share stories, experiences and anecdotes etc. At a later
stage in our lives, we reflect and celebrate a behaviour that reflects the values we have embedded
on a daily basis through our Morning Assembly.

Morning Assembly can become a very positive experience once their influence and impact to
both the individual and the school, in general, is truly understood and recognised.

Question 30. A 12-year-old boy in your neighbourhood drives a car and the parents proudly
boast of it. Write an article in 150-200 words on the hazards of underage driving and the need to
educate the young ones and their parents on the consequences of unlawful driving. You are
Vishnu/Vaishnavi. (Comptt. Delhi 2015)

HAZARDS OF UNDERAGE DRIVING

By: Vaishnavi Panicker

A twelve-year-old boy in our neighbourhood drives a car and the parents proudly boast of it.
Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence.

In recent years we have seen a rise of underage unlicensed drivers on the road. To address this
serious issue we need to first understand the dangers of underage driving. The high number of
underage drivers transgressing the law by going for a joyride can be attributed to peer pressure
and a general feeling of youthful invincibility. Teenagers have a feeling that they can get away
with breaking the law and this gives them a sense of bravado. The hazards of underage driving
can result in loss of life or severe physical and emotional scars on the survivors.

Underage driving should be totally discouraged by parents who must talk to their children about
the drastic consequences of this action and the trouble they can get into. The authorities too
should take strict action against parents if children break the law. The most effective way to
discourage underage driving would be to teach responsibility by setting an example. If parents
drive with caution and obey traffic rules their children will also abide the laws of the road.

31. It is said that if you educate a boy, you educate a person and if you educate a girl you educate
a family. Write an article in 150-200 words on the importance of educating women. You are
Suresh/Shobha. (Comptt. All India 2015)

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATING WOMEN

By: Shobha Eapen

Education of girls has been a high priority with the Government of India. In the new millennium
India has consolidated its earlier educational reforms with increased resources and stronger
policy commitments for achieving elementary education, particularly for girls.

‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ or ‘Education For All’ programme recognizes that ensuring the
education of the girl child requires changes not only in the education system but also in society’s
norms and attitudes. A two-pronged gender strategy has hence been adopted to make the
educational system responsive to the needs of the girls through targeted interventions which
serve as a pull-factor to enhance access and retention of girls in schools on the one hand and
generate a community demand for girls’ education through training and mobilisation on the other
hand.

The CBSE has also come up with the novel scheme of providing free education from the sixth
standard onwards to the single girl child. If India wants to rank among the developed nations, it
must give foremost priority to female education because if we educate a man, we educate an
individual, but if we educate a woman we educate an entire family. If women are educated then
problems like female infanticide, dowry, domestic violence, child marriage and other related
atrocities will vanish. Education provides the essential criteria to full certain economic, political
and cultural functions and improves the socio-economic status of women.
 At every age and level education enhances the intellectual, social and emotional development of
women and enables them to meet their basic needs. Thus most of the problems that our society
today faces can be eradicated by educating the girl child.

32. Nowadays, students attend coaching classes early in the morning or after school hours. You
feel that this trend makes them tired, affects their health and so their grades. Write an article in
150-200 words to make the students understand how this is not very helpful in improving their
grades and is a waste of their precious time. You are Ram/ Rani. (Comptt. All india 2015)

COACHING CLASSES WASTE OF STUDENT’S PRECIOUS TIME

By: Ram Byju

To attend coaching classes has become more of a trend which most students follow. This has
happened because of the growing competition and the desire among students to excel. They feel
that by attending these coaching classes they will be able to improve their grades but
unfortunately, it is a waste of their precious time. It makes them tired, affects their health and
also their grades.

Coaching classes have become synonymous in the lives of city students and students find it hard
to cope up with their studies without them. Almost all students who attend coaching classes have
lost their time for recreation and physical activities. Students sometimes travel long distances to
attend the so-called ‘reputed’ coaching centres thus wasting a lot of time.

In today’s cut-throat competition the life of students is as it is very stressful and combined with
this stress is the extra burden of attending coaching classes. Parents too fail to realise how they
are pressurizing the children by making their already hectic work schedule more strenuous by
enrolling them in coaching classes.

Education is a natural process of learning and should not be forced upon the children. Students
who overestimate their stamina join these coaching classes and end up creating a mess of their
daily routine. Students are running from one place to another for coaching and are unable to
realise the value of time and time management. Not only are coaching centres unnecessary but
are also adversely affecting the life of students.

33. Teenagers often feel confused. They face a lot of pressure from various quarters. Write an
article in 120- 150 words, on ‘Stress the teenager’s face’. You are Rani/Rama. (Comptt. Al 2015)

STRESS THE TEENAGER’S FACE

By: Ram Mohan

 The teen stage of one’s life is filled with stress and anxiety. This is because it is that stage of our
life when we face a host of novel problems and pressures from various quarters. To start with
teenagers experience many significant physical changes and at times they find it difficult to cope
with their bodies that grow and develop rapidly. Combined with this is social pressure, peer
pressure and parental pressure.

Most teenagers feel that academic concerns feature at the top of their list of stress stimulants.
Worries about their future, the tension to attain good grades and cut-throat competition cause
teenagers to experience inordinate amount of stress. The stress that teenagers face today may
vary from academic pressure, physical appearances, peer pressure etc. but these issues can be
dealt with if parents and guardians understand these problems and approach them in a positive
and friendly manner.

Proper guidance is vital especially in this very formative phase in the life of children so that they
can grow up to be confident and optimistic adults. Finally teenagers need to develop assertive-
ness, training skills and learn practical coping skills. They should always feel good about doing a
competent job rather than demanding perfection from themselves and others.

34. TV and Internet have reduced the charm of reading for children. Write an article in 120-150
words on the reasons for this lack of interest. Suggest measures to create a desire to read among
children right from a very young age. You are Ram/Rama. (Comptt. All India 2015)

LACK OF INTEREST IN READING

By: Rama S

Reading is an essential tool for lifelong learning. It has a vital role to play in overall
development.

Reading enables us to extend our scope of knowledge and experience. But due to technological
development the charm of reading has considerably reduced for children. They spend so much
time glued to the TV and internet that reading a book in a quiet and peaceful corner of their
homes or library has become an archaic idea for most children. This fast declining interest in
reading culture among children is a cause of concern and challenge to all and we need to take up
measures to alleviate this problem.

The desire for reading needs to be inculcated among children from a very young age. Parents
should read out books to their kids from the time when they are incapable of reading. This way
children learn that reading is fun and not a chore. This will also help to promote their attention
span which is an important skill for a child to concentrate.

To develop the habit of reading in children requires a number of skills that, in most children, has
to be formed by direct and informed instruction provided through constant reiteration.
35. India is a land of diversity. One way in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number of
festivals we enjoy. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Festivals of India’. You are Karuna/
Karan. (Delhi 2016)

FESTIVALS OF INDIA

By: Karuna Karan

India is a land of diversity. People of different religions, races and cultures peacefully coexist
together. This unity in diversity gives us Indians an opportunity to celebrate a number of festivals
thus giving us a sense of joy and pride. These festivals create a sense of cultural unity and
brotherhood.

Festivals give us a unique opportunity to spend time with our friends and family and also
promote communal harmony. India is a secular country and so we celebrate many cultural and
traditional festivals. Each festival is celebrated differently and uniquely based on certain rituals
and beliefs. Some festivals are celebrated by the whole nation and certain festivals are conned to
specific regions. But all the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Based on rituals and religions, festivals have been categorized. There are Hindu festivals, the
dates of which are xed on the basis of the Hindu calendar. These include Diwali, Dussehra, Holi,
Lohri, Janamasthmi, Raksha Bartdhan to name a few. Then there are festivals celebrated by
Muslims. Important among them are Ramzan, Id-Ul-Milad, Bakra- Id, Muharram, etc. The most
important festivals celebrated by the Sikhs are the birthdays of their ten Gurus. The Christians
celebrate Good Friday, Easter and Christmas. The uniqueness of our country lies in the fact that
in spite of diversities we celebrate and enjoy the fervour of numerous festivals which are
celebrated with a sense of oneness.

36. Rising pollution, fast and competitive lifestyle, lack of nutritious food etc. have caused
health woes for a large section of our population. Providing health care used to be a charitable
and ethical activity. Today it has become a commercialized, money spinning business. Write an
article in 150-200 words on ‘How to provide proper health care to the common man’. You are
Karan/Karuna. (Delhi 2016)

HOW TO PROVIDE PROPER HEALTH CARE TO THE COMMON MAN

By: Karan K

The incessant rise in the levels of pollution, the fast and competitive lifestyle and lack of
nutritious diet has caused numerous health problems to a large section of our population.

Earlier providing health care used to be a charitable activity but today it has become so
commercialized, a money-spinning business. Though, to a certain extent, commercialization of
health care has benefited us greatly. Privatisation of hospitals has enabled to provide better
medical facilities and good ambience in hospitals.
The unfortunate part however, is that a great number of our population cannot afford these
facilities. These health care facilities are way beyond the reach of the common man. 60% of the
population is economically weak and cannot afford to pay the expenses of a private hospital.

Medical care is a basic necessity and stricter regulations need to be implemented to standardize
the health practices and services across government and private hospitals. To provide affordable
health care to the common man the government should initiate the setting up of more primary
health centres. At all these centres medical aid must be made more accessible, more reliable and
more affordable. Essential medicines must be made available free of cost at all such centres and
the essential medical facilities must also be available to all sections or society.

Healthcare is the right of every citizen, without having to go through hassles. Though we cannot
say healthcare in India is at par for the rich and poor, there is a silver lining above the clouds,
with the promise of a healthier tomorrow.

37. India is an emerging economy. We are rich in natural resources. Yet a significant proportion
of our people is living below poverty line. One cause of this poverty is our rising population.
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to keep a check on population’. You are
Karuna/Karan. (Delhi 2016)

How To Keep A Check On Population

By: Karan Bedi

Next to China, India is the second largest populated country in the world. For a developing
country like India, this population explosion is a curse that is threatening the development of the
country and its society.

An emerging economy, with rapidly escalating population is likely to face a lack in their
resources, as the resources available per person are always plummeting, leading to increased
poverty, malnutrition and other population related problems.

The need of the hour is to keep a check on population. The first step in this direction would be
the education of the masses. Their mental outlook needs to be altered. Moreover, increasing the
welfare and status of women and girls, increasing awareness of family planning methods,
encouraging female empowerment can also play a very major role in controlling population.
Improved standard of living also acts as a deterrent to large family norm. The communication
media like radio, television and newspapers are a good means to propagate the benefits of
planned families to the uneducated people in the rural and backward areas of India.

The government can give various types of incentives to people who practice family planning.
Strict legal action should be taken against child marriage and there should be proper enforcement
of laws related to child labour. If the population growth in our country is not kept under check,
no amount of progress made by India will make a difference to the poverty that plagues us.
 38. Women feel unsafe on the road, at their place of work and even at home. There is an urgent
need to change the male mindset in its attitude towards women. Write an article in 150-200
words on ‘How to make women feel safe’. You are Karan/Karuna. (Delhi 2016)

HOW TO MAKE WOMEN FEEL SAFE

By: Karuna George

It is unfortunate that being in the 21st century with so much technological advancement we still
have not been able to ensure the safety of women. Numerous cases have been reported and many
unreported about the torture and humiliation that women are subjected to. They are in fact the
most vulnerable as far as their safety and security is concerned.

Concerns about safety restrict the mobility and activity of women and leave them with no choice
but to strategise everything from timings to travel, how to walk, how to dress or commute. When
we talk about women’s safety, the biggest question is how do we keep our mothers, sisters and
daughters safe against violence outside the house. Women are often stared at, molested and
discriminated against. Not only outside the house, they are even discriminated against at the
workplace and in their homes.

We cannot just hold our legal system and the police responsible for the atrocities committed to
women. As good citizens, we have a fundamental duty to contribute towards bringing an order to
ensure dignity and respect for women so that they too can live with a sense of freedom, pride and
condence. To ensure this is the collective work of our society. A reform in the police system is
also needed wherein women police should be deployed in most areas so as to make women feel
safe. CCTV cameras should be installed at strategic places and these should be closely
monitored. Our legal system also needs reforms wherein stringent punishments that are non-
bailable in nature should be given to a person who outrages the modesty of a woman. We also
need fast track courts to deal with offences and crimes against women. These can be made
responsible to clear the cases on a day-to-day basis with fair trial as its core principle.

The need of the hour is to take action not by force but by will to make our country more safe and
secure for women and bring to reforms whereby women feel more fearless and empowered.

39. Education has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received their learning at
gurukuls and ashrams. Even in the near past pathshalas (schools) were associated with places of
worship. Today, education is fast becoming commercialized. Parents have to shell out a lot of
money on coaching classes, tuition fees etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘The State of
Education, Today’. You are Karap/Karuna. (All India 2016)

THE STATE OF EDUCATION TODAY

By: Karuna Jose

 Education has always been a noble profession and has always been held in high esteem. Our
ancestors received their education in ashrams and gurukuls. Even in the near past pathshalas
(schools) were associated with places of worships.

But, in the present day, education has become commercialized, a business where lot of money is
involved. With the advent of a large number of private institutions in the mid nineties, the agenda
of education has been hijacked and educational institutes have become a profit-generating
business. Schools, coaching centres and educational institutes are prospering. They charge a
huge amount of money to impart education and parents too are willing to shell out a lot of money
to educate their wards. Even the most reputed educational institutes do not hesitate in taking
large donations, which parents give to them without any hassles. Secondly, the state of education
in our country today is a cause of concern.

Along with rampant commercialization, the quality and standard of education has not improved
much. The curriculum in schools and colleges lacks basic communication and problem-solving
skills, promotes rote learning, curbs creativity and originality and lays too much emphasis on
marks. There is a need for a complete overhauling of the quality of education being imparted in
our institutions. Another cause for concern is the dire shortage of schools, colleges and
educational infrastructure in our country.

The goal of education to harness the potential of a student and to channelize it in the right way
has been lost. The need of the hour is for the government and people to work hand in hand and
improve these sad state of affairs

40. According to 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred percent or around has been achieved by
only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and deprived sections of
society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article in 150-200 words
on ‘Role of students in eradicating illiteracy’. You are Karuna/Karan. (All India 2016)

THE ROLE OF STUDENTS IN REMOVING ILLITERACY

By: Ram Mohan

Illiteracy is still a major blot on India, after more than sixty years of its achieving independence.
To an extent it exemplies India’s failure to reach out to its masses. The removal of illiteracy has
to be tackled on a priority basis and students can play an important role in achieving this goal.

Since they are in the process of receiving education themselves they are most appropriate for
also putting forth their services to achieve the goal of educating the illiterate masses. Students
should be encouraged to carry the lamp of knowledge by organizing events such as, ‘Each One,
Teach One’. If every student resolves to teach two illiterate persons in a year during his
vacations, it will in the long run help to eradicate illiteracy. The government should also render
full support to students in terms of infrastructure in their contribution to the Indian Literacy
Campaign.
Students can also play a vital role in the programme of Adult Literacy. If all our students get
together and try to work towards achieving literacy among the masses, then the day is not far
when India too will join the league of countries that have attained hundred percent literacy.

41. Increase in the number of private vehicles has caused problems like rising air pollution, trac
jams, lack of parking space, road rage etc. The solution lies in the use of public transport. Write
an article in 150-200 words on ‘ The Importance of Public Transport’. You are Karan/ Karuna.
(All India)

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

By: Karan Sen

Increase in the number of private vehicles in the last two decades has led to an unprecedented
rise in air pollution, traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage, etc. One of the solutions to this
problem lies in the use of public transport. Use of public transport reduces travel by private
vehicles.

Public transport is beneficial as it not only eases congestion on roads but also saves fuel, money
and energy. When people use public transport they reduce their carbon footprint and conserve
energy by eliminating travel that would otherwise have been made in a private vehicle. It also
gives people energy efficient choices and reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions without
reducing the mobility that is so vital to our nation’s economic growth.

To encourage more people to use public transport the authorities need to improve local train and
bus services. Funds need to be allocated to make public transport services accessible and more
reliable. A bus with as few as 7-8 passengers is more fuel efficient than an average single
occupant car. The recent odd-even rule for cars started by Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Arvind
Kejriwal was initiated to encourage the use of public transport and thereby reduce pollution
caused by traffic. The authorities are working hard to make public more aware of how useful,
ecient and less damaging to the environment the use of public transport is.

42. In certain states of India there is a great imbalance in the male female ratio. This is the result
of special treatment given to boys in the family. Why is it so? How can we change this mindset?
Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Gender discrimination in society’. You are Karuna/Karan.
(All India 2016)

GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY

By: Karuna Manohar

The 2011 census in India has revealed that the gender imbalance is at its highest level in certain
states of India. A cultural preference for boys and the increasing availability of prenatal
screening to determine an unborn child’s sex have helped contribute to a worsening in the male-
female ratio. More boys and fewer girls in a population has disastrous effects not only on the
social life but also on the economic vibrancy of a country.

In India the male in general and the male child, in particular, have privileged position in the
patriarchal family tradition. It is the sons who inherit land, carry forward the family name,
financially provide for parents in old age and perform rituals for deceased parents.

Awareness needs to be created in certain sections of society regarding equality of women.

Though Government regulations help to improve the position of women in society, the actual
way to change the mindset of people is through education and changing the ways that people
think about gender roles. The media must take active part in educating the people about the
importance of gender equality. The government must enforce laws protecting women in all
spheres of life—be it at the domestic front or at the professional front. More number of men must
be recruited in the fight against gender discrimination. When men treat women with respect, the
gender equality movement is strengthened. The girl deficit will create a society that will be much
less stable and much more volatile than it would be with a balanced male female ratio.

43. While watching TV what we generally dislike most are commercial breaks, yet, a number of
advertisements do add to our information. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Advertisements
as source of information’. You are Karuna/Karan. (All India 2016)

ADVERTISEMENTS AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION

By: Karan Rakesh

Commercial breaks are generally disliked by most of us while watching TV, yet, a number of
advertisements are a source of information. They give us a fair knowledge about the goods and
services available in the market and enable us to choose our options.

Advertisements are considered to be an integral part of business which make people aware of the
goods and services available in the market. They promote competition among producers and
manufacturers who have to maintain good quality of their goods to ensure their sale. New
products are introduced and popularised through advertisements. The consumer saves time due
to prior knowledge about the product, its price, its features, etc.

Advertising is a very artistic way of communicating with the customers with great
communication skills as its main characteristic. Moreover they provide information to the
producers or the companies about their competitors and enable them to match the level of their
competitors.

Advertisements help to educate people. Social issues like family planning, child labour,
education of save girl child, etc. are aptly highlighted through the medium of advertisement. The
public is made aware of several social welfare schemes initiated by the government through the
medium of advertisements. Advertisements open our vision to a wide variety of products and
services and definitely add to our information in a light and entertaining manner.

44. You have turned 18 and gained the right to vote in the upcoming election. Write an article in
150-200 words on how fruitfully you are going to use your precious vote. What do you think are
the qualities necessary for a candidate to become a good leader? You are Amrit/Amrita. (Comptt.
Delhi 2016)

YOUTH AND DEMOCRACY

By: Amrit Aby

In most countries, the age of 18 is when you are legally and officially treated as an adult. This
gives you the privilege to enjoy certain rights along with the need to full certain duties. I have
just turned 18 and become eligible to vote. I am looking forward to casting my vote in the
upcoming elections. I feel a sense of patriotism and responsibility towards my country, more so,
as an educated youth.

My only concern is that I should be able to use my precious vote fruitfully and choose the most
able candidate as our representative. The qualities that I seek in a good leader are that One who
can be trusted and is known to live a life of honesty and integrity. True authority is born from
respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads. A good leader instills
confidence and followership by having a clear vision and passion for being truly successful. A
leader must be strong and decisive but also humble. An able leader makes sustainable promises
and is a person who sticks to his words. We should remember that a good leader is not innately
born.

So always choose and vote for a candidate who possesses the qualities of determination, self
reection, open-mindedness, patience and knowledge.

45. Mobile phones have influenced children in a big way. Write an article in 150-200 words on
how they have affected the younger generation. You are AmriAmrita. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)

YOUTH AND MOBILE PHONES

By: Amrita Sujith

Technology has taken over every sphere of human life, the most popular being mobile phones
which have drastically affected the lives of all people, especially youngsters who feel absolutely
lost if they are without their cell phones.

It has been seen that every technological advancement that provides dramatic benefits has
consequential costs and it is this area of mobile phone usage that needs attention, particularly
their affect on youngsters. Parents are unable to understand their children’s obsession with their
mobile phones. They find the so called ‘mobile culture’ stressful, causing a rift between
members of a family. The younger generation has grown up with mobile phones and so are
completely addicted to these devices. The worry over the impact of this mobile dependency on
the present generation of youngsters is its addiction which makes them couch potatoes and gives
them objectionable exposure.

Since mobile phone is a safety device we cannot prohibit youngsters from using it but the
solution lies in scheduling a fixed time for its usage, parent counselling and checking and
diverting the attention of children and youngsters towards other constructive activities. The
advantages or disadvantages of a mobile phone, like any other device, depends entirely upon its
usage. The cell phone is very helpful and convenient and we should ensure its optimal and
positive usage.

46. Road accidents have doubled in the last few years. Write an article in 150-200 words on the
reasons for increase in the number of accidents and how they can be minimised. You are
Dev/Devika. (Comptt. Delhi 2016)

ALARMING RISE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS

By: Dev Prakash

Road accidents have become the leading cause of death by injury and the tenth leading cause of
all deaths globally. In India, the pressure on roads has been on an alarming rise and the lack of
road sense has made matters worse. Driving licenses are issued on illegal gratifications to some
drivers and traffic rules and regulations are rarely adhered to. The lack of tolerance and patience
among drivers leads to an increased sense of anger and uncontrolled behaviour especially by the
youngsters.

Moreover the condition of roads needs to be improved and maintained. They are often full of
potholes and their condition worsens during the rainy season. To prevent these accidents, it is
imperative that effective long and short-term measures are effectively adopted. The traffic police
needs to be more active and strict to ensure proper implementation of rules. Higher fines should
be imposed and license of repeated offenders should be confiscated. There should be an effective
check on the speed limit of vehicles.

To minimise the number of road accidents proper awareness needs to be created among the
masses regarding road safety along with importance of observation of traffic rules.

47. Parents keep on saving money to be spent on the weddings of their children. This money
could have been spent, instead on their education. Write an article in 150-200 words on
‘Importance of simple weddings’. You are Anu/Anurag. (Comptt. All India 2016)

IMPORTANCE OF SIMPLE WEDDINGS

 By: Anu John

It is the responsibility of every parent to give a decent upbringing and education to their child.
But unfortunately, there are still some parents who compromise on their child’s education,
especially if their child is a girl, and instead save money to be spent on her wedding.

The basic social structure in our country is such where the marriage of a girl is more important
than her education. It is a rather costly affair and the parents spend all their life-savings for this
grand and extravagant event. They do not want to compromise on the expenditure of their
daughter’s marriage so they end up compromising on her education instead.

Many a time parents want their daughters to get a good education with the sole purpose of
enhancing her matrimonial prospects. The need of the time is to give a girl’s education topmost
priority. The concept of simple marriage should be promoted. The money spent on a girl’s
education is actually an investment. Let us remember marriage is an important but not the
ultimate purpose of a girl’s life. It is only a part of it and a choice some girls probably do not
wish to make. So a girl should be given good education, good morals and she must be
encouraged to pursue her passions.

After all, a parent’s main concern is the welfare of their daughter, so they should make a start by
placing the control of her future in her own hands by giving her a good education.

48. You are Mr. Raghav, Physical Education Teacher in your school. Write an article for the
school magazine, in 150-200 words, on ‘Exercise and Healthy Living’. (Comptt. All India 2016)

EXERCISE AND HEALTHY LIVING

By: M. Raghav

Modern life can be quite stressful and taxing and therefore it is most important to live a healthy
life which we can lead only through a disciplined routine and regular exercise. The health
benefits of physical activity and exercise are hard to ignore. Exercise keeps one active, alert and
also sharpens one’s memory. It enables one to develop a positive attitude, increases productivity
and gives long life.

Morning walk, Yoga, aerobics and other exercises help us to lead a healthy life. Moreover,
regular physical exercise improves one’s muscle strength and boosts endurance. Exercise and
physical activity deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to our tissues and help our cardiovascular
system work more efficiently.

Exercise and physical activity can also be a fun way to spend time. It gives us a chance to
unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make us happy. As a general rule,
aim for at least thirty minutes of physical exercise every day. Exercise is the miracle cure we
have always had but sometimes, probably for too long, we neglect to take our recommended
dose.
 People of all ages need to exercise and reduce their sedentary lifestyle which means we all need
to think about increasing the types of physical activities that can easily be included in our daily
routine.

49. Life in cities is not as safe as it used to be. People feel more at risk today. The police
department of your city has been laying emphasis on public safety through exhibitions, mock
drills and seminars. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to ensure safe life in cities’. You
are Aman/Anamika. (Comptt. All India 2016)

HOW TO ENSURE SAFE LIFE IN CITIES

By: Aman Ajith

Living in a city enables people to advance socially and economically. However many challenges
exist for people living in cities. One of the main challenges is the question of the safety of city
dwellers. Crimes like kidnapping, murder, rape, robberies, chain-snatching and crimes against
women and senior citizens are most common. The reasons for these can be attributed to
unemployment, illiteracy, greed and the desire to maintain high status by acquiring easy money.

We cannot always hold our legal system and the police responsible for the rise of crime rate in
cities. It is the duty of each one of us to be vigilant at all times and to ensure our safety. The
police certainly need to be more active and vigilant. Offenders need to be punished most
stringently so as to deter others about the repercussions in case they commit the same crime.
Parents need to inculcate moral values in their children from a very young age so that they grow
up clearly understanding the difference between right and wrong. The government should
generate more employment opportunities to ensure that the number of unemployed youngsters in
our country does not rise.

It is definitely the collective responsibility of our government, the police department and each
one of us to strive for a safe and secure city.

50. Villages are lacking in basic facilities like clean drinking water, proper sanitation etc. As a
result people suffer from various diseases. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Rural Health’.
You are Arun/Karuna. (Comptt. All India 2016

RURAL HEALTH

By: Karuna Kishore

Rural health care is one of the biggest challenges facing the Health Ministry of India. With more
than seventy per cent of our population living in rural areas and the low level of health facilities,
mortality rates due to diseases are on a high. So, rural life is healthy is more of a myth.

Healthcare is the right of every individual but lack of quality infrastructure, dearth of qualified
medical functionaries and non-accessibility to basic medicines and medical aid thwarts its reach
to more than sixty per cent of population that lives in rural India. Basic amenities like clean
drinking water, a proper sewage and drainage system and the facility of toilets is still not
available to our major rural population.

Several organisations are working alongwith the government and NGOs to improve the rural
health system in India. People living in rural areas need to be made aware of the importance of
cleanliness and sanitation. Regular health check camps should be set-up at primary health centres
in rural areas. Health melas should be organised to spread health awareness among the masses.

Growth in national income is not enough by itself if its benefits do not manifest themselves in
the form of better health facilities for all.

51. Our performance in Rio Olympics has told us that we do not pay enough attention to !
athletics and outdoor games. It is time we revised our attitude. Sports should be an important part
of a school’s daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words on the ‘Importance of Outdoor
Games’. You are Sreeja/Thomas. (Delhi 2017 2016)

IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR GAMES

By Sreeja S

Our country’s performance in the Rio Olympics is enough proof that athletics and outdoor games
are not given due importance and neglected completely by our government, schools, colleges and
by one and all. It is high time we revise our attitude and make sports an important part of our
school and college curriculum. It has been argued that sports should be made compulsory right
from the primary classes and should be made an integral part of school education.

Besides providing a basis for physical fitness, sports and outdoor games inculcate a spirit of
competition and impart a sense of discipline and togetherness in us. Outdoor games also enable
us to become more daring and adventurous.

We always think of a healthy mind in a healthy body. Both physical and mental well being are
the essential prerequisites for great achievement in our life. Thus, it is actually high time we
make the required efforts to spot our sports talents when they are young and provide them with
all the necessary facilities and infrastructure to hone their talent. They need to be trained from a
very young age to enable them to compete confidently with world champions.

52. Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. What they are going to become
tomorrow depends on what our youth dream today. Write an article in 150-200 ivords \ on ‘What
I want to be in life’. You are Simrani/Smita. (All India 2016)

WHAT I WANT TO BE IN LIFE

By Simrani Swaroop
Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. Any person without an aim or dream
drifts aimlessly and can never achieve success. Aimless life is like a rudderless ship which leads
us nowhere. I too have a dream that I will work very hard to full. I want to be a pilot. I have
spent most of my childhood reading aviation history which has always fascinated me.

Moreover, as a pilot I can lead an adventurous life and also get an opportunity to face various
types of challenges. An action-oriented and challenging career has always been my passion. My
first conscious entry into a plane was probably at the age of six or seven years. I can still recall
how awestruck I was at the idea that the plane was actually going to fly with so many people on
board and thought that the person who was going to fly the plane was probably a demi-God. I
was really fascinated by this person who I got to know was called the ‘pilot’ and somehow the
idea of flying a plane got stuck in my mind since that tender age.

My passion for flying a plane has grown with age and today I am so happy that I have started on
the voyage of life which will ultimately make me fulfil my dream.