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ISC Class 11 Argumentative Composition: Plan and Marks

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English LanguageISC Class 11 · Composition

ISC Class 11 Argumentative Composition: One Stance, Four Distinct Arguments

Updated 18 October 2026 · Fact-checked

An argumentative composition for ISC English Paper I takes one side (for or against) in the first paragraph, supports it with at least four distinct arguments, answers the opposite view briefly and ends by repeating the same stance. Sitting on the fence is not permitted, and the essay must stay within 400-450 words.

Notice the order: state one stance, give four arguments on different grounds, answer the other side briefly, then restate the same stance.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments

Where it fits. Composition is Question 1 of ISC English Paper I (20 marks, 400-450 words, one topic from a choice of six). Argumentative or persuasive topics are one of the usual types, and the chapter page records the rules from the specimen key: a stance stated preferably in the first paragraph, at least four distinct arguments, and no sitting on the fence.

What 'distinct' means. Each argument must rest on a different ground. Useful grounds to test any topic against: health, money, fairness, long-term effect on society, effect on the young, convenience, and the effect on the environment. Three sentences that all say 'it builds discipline' are one argument, not three.

A workable plan in five minutes.

  • Underline the key term and the instruction (argue for or against).
  • Fix the stance and write it as one sentence.
  • List four grounds and put the strongest first or last.
  • Note one opposing point and the answer to it.
  • Write the closing sentence, which restates the stance in new words.

Paragraph layout for about 420 words. Introduction (50-60 words, define the key term and state the stance); four body paragraphs of 60-70 words each, one argument per paragraph with a reason and a short example; one rebuttal paragraph (50 words); conclusion (40 words).

Language. Marks are given for range and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence structure and for correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, so use linking words that show reasoning (since, therefore, however, in contrast) and keep one tense for general statements (the present).

Scope note. This page uses only the rules and examiner points shown on the chapter page. No set model essay is reproduced here.

Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments: key facts

Shape of the essay
  • stance in paragraph 1
  • four arguments, one paragraph each
  • rebuttal of the other side
  • conclusion repeats the stance
Keep the stance unchanged from the first paragraph to the last.
Grounds to draw arguments from
  • health
  • money
  • fairness
  • long-term effect
  • the young
  • environment
Pick four that do not overlap.
Word budget
50 + 4 x 65 + 50 + 40 = 400 | add a few lines of example to reach 420-450
Count a few lines of your handwriting to estimate length.

How to answer Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments questions

Use this for any 'argue for or against' composition prompt.

  1. 1Circle the key term and the instruction.
  2. 2Write the stance in one sentence.
  3. 3List four different grounds and one opposing point.
  4. 4Write the introduction with the stance, then one paragraph per ground.
  5. 5Add the rebuttal and a conclusion that restates the stance.
  6. 6Check the word count and the tense.

Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Choosing one side and defending it

Suppose a school committee must decide whether the library should stay open till 6 p.m. and a student speaks only for it, giving reasons on safety, cost, fairness and study results, while briefly answering the objection about staff overtime.

Why is her speech more convincing than one that lists benefits and drawbacks equally?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. She names one position at the start.
  2. Each reason is separate, so none repeats another.
  3. She answers the main objection and does not retreat from her position.

Answer: A reader can see the stance and four separate supports, which is what the board key rewards, while a balanced list gives the examiner nothing to credit as an argument.

Memory hook: One side, four grounds, one answer, same side at the end.

Tricks to remember Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

  • S-4-R-S

    Stance, four arguments, Rebuttal, Stance again.

    Use it when: The order of paragraphs.

  • Different ground, different paragraph

    If two points share a ground, merge them and find a new ground.

    Use it when: Keeps arguments distinct.

Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Spot the stance · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

A prompt reads: 'Online classes should replace classroom teaching. Argue FOR or AGAINST.' Which opening sentence is acceptable for an AGAINST essay?
(a) Online classes have some uses and some limits. (b) Classroom teaching should not be replaced by online classes. (c) Teachers and students may decide for themselves. (d) Online classes are the future.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The stance must be one side and stated clearly.
  2. (a) and (c) sit on the fence; (d) argues for.
  3. (b) is the AGAINST stance.

Answer: (b)

Example 2: Assertion and reason on the rule · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonBoard level

Assertion (A): An argumentative essay may end by saying that both sides have merit. Reason (R): The specimen key says sitting on the fence is not permitted.
(a) Both true, R explains A (b) Both true, R does not explain A (c) A false, R true (d) A true, R false

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The key rule is that a balanced ending is not allowed, so A is false.
  2. R is a statement of that rule, so R is true.

Answer: (c) A is false and R is true.

Example 3: Making four grounds from one topic · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

For the topic 'Plastic bags should be banned in your city', give four distinct arguments FOR, each with the ground named, in one line each.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Environment: bags block drains and litter parks.
  2. Health: animals that eat discarded bags suffer and the harm reaches people through food.
  3. Money: the city spends large sums clearing clogged drains, which a ban reduces.
  4. Long-term effect: cloth and paper bags build habits that last for decades.

Answer: Four separate grounds (environment, health, money, long-term habit), each in a different paragraph, with one example each. Marks are for four distinct arguments plus organisation.

Example 4: Repair a weak plan · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

A student arguing FOR 'Uniforms should be compulsory' lists: (1) uniforms look smart, (2) they make everyone look neat, (3) they save money on clothes, (4) they reduce comparison between rich and poor. Which are not distinct, and how would you repair the plan?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. (1) and (2) both rest on appearance, so they are one argument.
  2. (3) is money, (4) is fairness.
  3. A fourth ground is needed: discipline and a sense of belonging, or time saved each morning.

Answer: Merge (1) and (2) into one appearance argument and add a new ground, such as the shared identity of the school. The plan then has four grounds: appearance, money, fairness, belonging.

Example 5: Rebuttal paragraph · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

The essay argues AGAINST 'Mobile phones should be allowed in classrooms'. Write a rebuttal paragraph of about 60 words answering the point 'phones help research'. Do not change the stance.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. State the opposite view fairly in one clause.
  2. Answer it with a reason and a limit.
  3. Return to the stance.

Answer: Model: It is said that phones help students research quickly. However, a school library and computer room serve the same purpose under supervision, whereas a phone in every hand brings messages and games into the lesson. The small gain in speed does not outweigh the loss of attention. Phones should therefore remain out of classrooms.

Where students lose marks in Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

  • Mistake: Four arguments that are one argument

    Students count paragraphs, not grounds.

    Wrong working

    Three paragraphs that all say it distracts the student.

    Right working

    Distraction, cheating and cyber-bullying as separate grounds.

    Do this: Write the ground beside each paragraph in the plan.

    Usually costs: 2 to 4 marks

  • Mistake: Balanced conclusion

    It feels mature, but the key does not allow it.

    Wrong working

    Both sides are right and each school should decide.

    Right working

    The stance restated in new words.

    Do this: Copy the stance sentence into the plan and echo it at the end.

    Usually costs: 2 to 3 marks

  • Mistake: Writing outside 400-450 words

    The key says the essay must neither exceed nor fall short.

    Wrong working

    A 300-word or a 600-word essay.

    Right working

    About 420 words in five parts.

    Do this: Use the word budget in the formula box.

    Usually costs: 1 to 2 marks and time

Exam tips

  • State your side in the first paragraph and repeat it at the end.
  • Write the ground next to each argument in rough work.
  • Use one rebuttal paragraph, not a balanced discussion.
  • Keep general statements in the present tense.
  • Stay within 400-450 words.

Practice questions on Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

    Which sentence best fits the conclusion of an essay written AGAINST 'Homework should be abolished'?
    (a) Homework has some good points. (b) Homework should therefore not be abolished. (c) Students and teachers differ. (d) Homework is a matter of choice.

    Hint

    The conclusion repeats the stance.

    Answer

    (b)

  2. Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    For the topic 'Sports should be compulsory in senior classes' (FOR), give four distinct arguments and name the ground of each.

    Hint

    Think health, concentration, teamwork, and long-term habit.

    Answer

    Health (fitness reduces illness), concentration (activity helps study), teamwork (shared goals build co-operation), long-term habit (an active adult life). Each belongs in its own paragraph.

  3. Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    A student writes 400 words in which paragraph 2 says 'phones distract', paragraph 3 says 'phones disturb attention' and paragraph 4 says 'phones break focus'. Explain what the examiner will conclude and how to fix it.

    Hint

    Count the grounds, not the paragraphs.

    Answer

    The three paragraphs make one argument (loss of attention), so only one argument is credited. Replace two of them with different grounds such as cheating in tests and cyber-bullying.

  4. Q4 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

    Write an introductory paragraph (about 60 words) for an essay AGAINST 'Social media does more good than harm'. It must define the key term and state the stance.

    Hint

    Define 'social media' in a clause, then give the stance.

    Answer

    Model: Social media, the websites and apps through which people share messages, pictures and opinions, has changed how we talk to each other. Yet its reach should not be mistaken for benefit. In my view it does more harm than good, because it damages attention, privacy, the young and truthful public debate.

  5. Q5 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    The prompt asks you to argue FOR a topic but you find the other side easier. State what the board expects and why a switch halfway is penalised.

    Hint

    The stance cannot be changed.

    Answer

    The board expects the stance stated in the first paragraph to run unchanged to the end. Switching sides makes the essay self-contradicting and counts as fence-sitting, so content and organisation marks are lost.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

  1. 1.How many distinct arguments are needed?Show answer

    At least four.

  2. 2.Where should the stance appear?Show answer

    Preferably the first paragraph.

  3. 3.Is a balanced conclusion allowed?Show answer

    No, sitting on the fence is not permitted.

  4. 4.What is the word limit?Show answer

    400-450 words.

  5. 5.How many marks is Question 1 worth?Show answer

    20 of the 80 marks of Paper I.

Argumentative Composition: Stance and Four Distinct Arguments: frequently asked questions

Can I mention the opposite view?

Yes, briefly, to answer it, as long as your stance does not change.

Do I have to write exactly four arguments?

At least four distinct ones; more are allowed within the word limit.

Is the Class 11 paper set by CISCE?

No, schools set it; the board pattern is the guide.