Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking (ISC Class 12 English Language)
Updated 18 October 2026 · Fact-checked
Question 1 of ISC English Paper 1 asks for one composition of 400-450 words from six topics, for 20 marks, in about 45 minutes. Descriptive and narrative topics are written in the past tense and first person, covering every sub-part of the rubric. An argumentative topic needs a clear stand and at least four distinct arguments. A one-word topic needs a clearly connected piece; a reflective topic needs views with examples, not a story.
Pick one topic, spot its type, and match the key requirement: each type is marked on language, organisation and covering every part of the topic.
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Understand Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking
1. What is asked. One composition of 400-450 words on a topic chosen from six, worth 20 of the 80 marks of Paper 1. The advised time is not more than 45 minutes. The six slots usually are: descriptive, narrative, argumentative, a one-word topic, reflective and an original short story that begins or ends with given words.
2. Marking criteria. (a) The quality of the language: range and appropriateness of vocabulary and sentence structure, syntax, grammar, punctuation and spelling. (b) Organisation, as a whole and within paragraphs. The marking schemes add content requirements: every sub-part of a descriptive or narrative topic, at least four distinct arguments for an argumentative topic, and plot, setting, characters and a logical ending for a story.
3. Fix the context. Descriptive and narrative topics are long rubrics with three or four parts. Number the parts on the question paper and give each its own paragraph. Examiners reported that candidates failed to include crucial keywords of the rubric or overlooked sub-sections.
4. Descriptive and narrative. Written in the past tense and in the first person. A descriptive piece builds pictures through the senses and moves in a clear order; a narrative tells one experience from beginning to end: the situation, what you did, how it turned out and its effect on you. Do not drift into general discussion.
5. Argumentative. State your stand, preferably in the first paragraph, and do not change it; sitting on the fence is not allowed. Define the key words, then give at least four distinct arguments, one per paragraph, each with an example. You may answer an opposing view only to refute it. Do not write it as a debate or end with a balanced stance.
6. One-word topic. Any type of composition connected with the word, but a story must still have plot, setting, characters and a logical ending. A useful frame is what, where, when, why and how. Do not copy the comprehension passage or summarise a prescribed text.
7. Reflective. Present your views with examples, for or against. Short anecdotes may serve as examples; a short story cannot be written. Address both key words of the statement.
8. Time and word plan (45 minutes). Plan 5 minutes, write 35 minutes, check 5 minutes. For 430 words in 35 minutes you need about 430 / 35 = 12.3 words a minute, so about 12 to 13 words a minute. A six-paragraph plan of roughly 60 + 85 + 85 + 85 + 85 + 30 = 430 words fits: an opening of 60, four body paragraphs of about 85 and a closing of about 30.
9. Paragraph shape. One idea per paragraph; the first sentence states it; examples support it; the last sentence links to the topic.
Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking: key facts
- Task
- One composition
- 400 to 450 words
- 20 marks
- About 45 minutes
- Quarter of Paper 1.
- Type rules
Descriptive, narrative past tense, first person Argumentative stand, at least 4 arguments Reflective views, no story - Check against the type.
- Time plan
- Plan 5 min
- Write 35 min
- Check 5 min
- About 12 to 13 words a minute.
How to answer Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking questions
Use this routine for any composition topic.
- 1Identify the type and note its fixed requirements (tense and person, number of arguments, no story for a reflective topic).
- 2Number the parts of the rubric or list the key words.
- 3Plan one paragraph per part or argument, with an example for each.
- 4Write within 400 to 450 words in paragraphs, watching grammar and spelling.
- 5Check that every part is covered and the stand or ending is clear.
Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking 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.
Splitting a rubric
Suppose a topic reads: 'You volunteered at a flood-relief camp. Describe the camp, your duties, an incident that moved you and what you learnt.'
How many parts does the rubric have and how should the paragraphs be planned?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Four parts: the camp, duties, the incident and the learning.
- One paragraph for each, plus a short opening.
Answer: Four body paragraphs and a short opening, in the past tense and first person.
Memory hook: Number the parts, then write.
Choosing a stand
Imagine a student is asked to argue on 'Homework should be abolished' and starts for the motion in paragraph one, then, in the closing paragraph, says both sides are right.
What mistake is this?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- A stand once stated cannot be changed.
- Ending with a balanced stance is discouraged.
Answer: Sitting on the fence at the end; keep one stand throughout.
Memory hook: Choose a side and stay.
Tricks to remember Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking
Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.
NPE: Number, Plan, Example
Number the rubric parts, Plan a paragraph for each, add an Example in each.
Use it when: Descriptive and narrative topics.
Stand, Four, Refute
State the stand, give at least four arguments, refute the other side briefly.
Use it when: Argumentative topics.
Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking: solved examples
Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.
Example 1: Required length · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
The required length of the ISC composition is:
(a) 250 to 300 words
(b) 300 to 350 words
(c) 400 to 450 words
(d) 500 to 600 words
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- The syllabus requires 400 to 450 words.
Answer: (c)
Example 2: Tense and person · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level
State in which tense and person a descriptive or narrative composition should be written, and give one reason an off-topic piece loses marks.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Past tense and first person.
- A piece that skips a sub-part of the rubric or drifts into general discussion loses content marks.
Answer: Past tense and first person; omitted or irrelevant parts lose content marks.
Example 3: Word budget · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level
You plan an argumentative composition of 440 words with an opening, four argument paragraphs of equal length and a closing of 40 words, and the opening is 60 words. Calculate the length of each argument paragraph, and the writing speed required if you have 35 minutes to write.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Words for the arguments = 440 - 60 - 40 = 340.
- Each argument paragraph = 340 / 4 = 85 words.
- Speed = 440 / 35 = 12.57, about 12.6 words a minute.
- The total of 440 lies within 400 to 450.
Answer: 85 words each; about 12.6 words a minute.
Example 4: Four arguments plan · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Plan, in notes, the four distinct arguments and the opening for a composition AGAINST the statement 'Online friends can replace real friends'. Say what key words you will define and what opposing point you will refute.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Define 'online friends' (people met only through screens) and 'replace' (take the whole place of).
- Argument 1: face-to-face presence and help in emergencies cannot be given through a screen.
- Argument 2: online identities can be edited, so trust is harder to build.
- Argument 3: shared experiences, such as playing together or travelling, build lasting bonds.
- Argument 4: time online can reduce time with family and classmates.
- Refute: online friends can support and teach, but support is not replacement.
Answer: Definitions, four distinct arguments with examples, one refuted view, stand stated up front.
Example 5: Reflective plan · 8 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
For the reflective topic 'Silence is the best answer to a fool', give a stance, four main ideas that address both key words, one short anecdote you may use as an example, and one thing you must not do.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Stance: partly for; silence is often wise but not always.
- Idea 1: replying to provocation spreads the quarrel.
- Idea 2: calm silence shows self-control and dignity.
- Idea 3: but silence in front of cruelty or false claims can look like agreement.
- Idea 4: the skill is knowing when to stay silent and when to answer calmly.
- Anecdote: a classmate who ignored a rumour and let her work answer it.
- Must not: write a short story, since a reflective topic does not allow one.
- Address both 'silence' and 'fool' (the one who argues without reason).
Answer: A stance, four ideas on silence and the fool, an anecdote as an example, and no story.
Where students lose marks in Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking
The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.
Mistake: Skipping a sub-part of the rubric
Examiners reported candidates overlooking sub-sections.
Wrong working
Writing three paragraphs on the incident and none on the learning.
Right working
A paragraph for each numbered part, in order.
Do this: Number the parts first.
Usually costs: Content marks.
Mistake: Changing the stand
Once a stand is stated it cannot be changed.
Wrong working
Argues against in paragraph one and for in paragraph five.
Right working
One stand from the first paragraph to the conclusion.
Do this: Decide in the planning minutes.
Usually costs: Content and organisation marks.
Mistake: Writing outside 400 to 450 words
Length is part of the syllabus requirement.
Wrong working
A rushed 300-word piece.
Right working
A planned piece of 400 to 450 words.
Do this: Plan words per paragraph.
Usually costs: Marks for language and content.
Exam tips
- Spend not more than 45 minutes on the composition.
- Use paragraphs; one idea in each.
- Check grammar, punctuation and spelling in the last five minutes.
- Do not copy the comprehension passage or a prescribed text.
Practice questions on Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking
Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.
Q1 · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level
How many marks does the composition carry in English Paper 1?
Hint
A quarter of 80.
Answer
20 marks.
Q2 · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level
State the minimum number of distinct arguments expected in an argumentative composition.
Hint
Four.
Answer
At least four.
Q3 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Why is a story not allowed as the answer to a reflective topic?
Hint
What is asked.
Answer
A reflective topic asks for your views on a statement, supported by examples; a story would not present reflections. A short anecdote may serve only as an example.
Q4 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level
A student has 430 words to write in 35 minutes. At 11 words a minute how many words will she finish, and how many minutes does she need for 430?
Hint
Multiply, then divide.
Answer
In 35 minutes at 11 words a minute: 35 x 11 = 385 words, short of 430 by 45. For 430 words she needs 430 / 11 = 39.1 minutes, about 39 minutes, so she must speed up or plan shorter paragraphs.
Q5 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
A student writes an argumentative composition 'For and Against' homework and ends by saying both views are equally good. Evaluate the answer against the marking requirements.
Hint
Stand and fence.
Answer
The answer breaks the requirement to take one stand: sitting on the fence is not permitted, the stand must be stated and kept, and it should not be written as a debate or end with a balanced stance. At least four distinct arguments for one side, with examples, are needed.
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.In which tense are descriptive and narrative compositions written?Show answer
Past tense, first person.
2.How many words are required?Show answer
400 to 450.
3.Can an argumentative piece sit on the fence?Show answer
No.
4.What are the two marking criteria?Show answer
Quality of language and organisation.
Planning the Composition: Topic Types, Rubrics and Marking: frequently asked questions
Can I write the one-word topic as a story?
Yes, if it is connected with the word and has plot, setting, characters and a logical ending.
Do I need a title?
A short title is optional and earns no separate marks; if you give one, keep it relevant and do not count it as a substitute for a proper opening paragraph.
Is the word limit strict?
The syllabus states 400 to 450 words; aim to stay within it.