ESSAYS I
QUESTION NO. 1
(i) Write an essay on the topic "My Last Day at School".
My Last Day at School
Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things.
(Marcus Tullius Cicero)
Memories are more indelible than ink. Days pass however the memories and associations they leave refuse to die. My last day at school is one of those bygone days whose memory is still fresh and clear in my mind. It was one of the golden days of my life. It was a day of sadness as well as preparedness.
I had spent twelve years in my school. I had learnt many lessons. I had made many friends. I had developed great respect for my teachers. I had participated in many co-curricular activities. I had won many prizes. I had evolved great intimacy with the school building. In fact, I had enjoyed my stay at school.
A sunny day of March was my last day at school. The holidays preparatory to the final examination were going to commence from the next day. All the students were in their best clothes. Our juniors of ninth class had hosted a farewell party for us in the school hall. We were entertained with speeches, songs, jokes, burgers and cold drinks.
However, the best part of the farewell party was our headmaster's speech. He gave us many pieces of advice. He advised us to be honest, truthful and upright in our dealings. I will never forget his words, "Hard work and perseverance is a key to success." In the end, he wished us all a successful life and a bright future.
All the students stood up from their seats. They shook hands with their worthy teachers. Some of the students obtained the teachers' autographs in their diaries. The teachers handed us our character certificates. All the students embraced each other for the last time. It was a very sentimental, emotional and pathetic scene.
Finally we came out of the hall and gathered in the garden. We took some group photographs. I looked at the school thoughtfully. The school building, the playground, the trees in the school courtyard, the class rooms and even the school library seemed to whisper to me how they would miss me. Even the last day at school had ended.
Farewell, my friends! farewell, my foes!
My peace with these, my love with those:
(Robert Burns)
Sports and Games
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
(Proverb)
Sports and games have been around us since centuries. They are no less important than food and fresh water. Sports are usually physical activities while games involve mental exertion. Both play an important role in the development of human personality. They provide physical fitness, mental health and entertainment. They teach us the lesson of discipline, teamwork, patience, punctuality and obedience.
The history of sports and games may extend as far back as the beginnings of military training. Artifacts and structures suggest sports in China as early as 2000 BC. Monuments of Pharaohs indicate the presence of sports in ancient Egypt. However, these were the Greeks who introduced Olympic Games officially, which were held every four year in a small village called Olympia.
There are two major types of sports and games; outdoor and indoor. Outdoor sports such as football, cricket, hockey, tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball are famous and popular all over the world. Indoor games such as chess, wrestling, badminton, table tennis, boxing, squash and snooker are also renowned and have significant participant and fan base.
Sports and games have a great social importance. Since time immemorial, sports have always brought together people from different parts of the world. In Rome, for example, the so-called "Gladiator" games where people from all over Rome could assemble in an arena and watch Gladiators fight to the death. It was a major point of socialization.
Sports and games keep our bodies healthy, fit and robust. Sports require the participant to undertake quick movement of limbs. This stimulates the participant's blood circulation, hence it makes the body to become stronger, sturdier and healthier. Immunity against diseases, better sleep, retention and prevention of memory loss are the other health benefits of sports and games.
Sports and games also have a sense of psychological and emotional bearing on participants. Following of the laid down rules of sports or games fosters discipline and obedience. When one wins, it emboldens the participant and creates a sense of pride to the winner. The loser, however, learns to accept defeat, and is encouraged to train harder and aim for a victory next time.
Winner never quit and quitters never win.
(Vince Lombardi)
QUESTION NO. 2
(i) Write and essay on the topic "Courtesy".
Courtesy
The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.
(Hazrat Muhammad SAW)
There is no law that compels us to prastise courtesy. However, as social beings we need to possess this great virtue. Courtesy means excellence of manners or polite behaviour. It, of course, springs from good breeding and kindness of heart. The words "Assalam-o-Alaikum", "Please", "Thank You" and "Sorry" are the hallmarks of courtesy. It is a gift of treating others with warmth and respect.
When courteous people meet, they greet one another, saying, "good morning" or "good evening" according to the time of the day. Muslims greet one another, saying "Assalam-o-Alaikum". A Muslim's greeting is a kind of wish, a prayer for mutual happiness, peace and security. The Holy Quran lays stress on this form of greeting in Sura Al-Noor verse 61.
"Please" is a polite expression of requests. It is also a polite way of saying "yes". A courteous man always says "Please" when he asks someone to give him something or to do something for him. However, he does not say "Please" over and over again as a way to beg for something he wants - this is not a polite thing to do at all.
"Thank You" is a polite expression of gratitude used to show appreciation of something and respect for someone. A courteous man always says "Thank You" while acknowledging a gift, service or offer etc. from others.
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is "thank you", it will be enough.
(Meister Eckhart)
"Sorry" is a polite expression used to apologize for something. To say "Sorry" is one of the core reparative opportunities in damaged or strained relations. To say "Sorry" is not an act of weakness or surrender. It only means to be broad-minded, humble and courteous. A courteous man keeps it in mind "Nobody is always right."
A courteous man observes good manners on all occasions and respects the feelings of others. He makes no attempt to jump the queue. In a crowded bus, he gives up his seat to an elderly person or someone who is blind, disabled or sick. In short, courtesy keeps the machine of everyday life oiled and makes it more pleasant and meaningful.
A Rainy Day
I love the rain. It's my favourite weather.
(Rabindranath Tagore)
Rain is an amazing natural phenomenon which has been there since life came into existence on the earth. Water vapours which evaporate constantly from the earth surface result in the formation of clouds. When the clouds get concentrated and become heavy enough to fall under gravity, they result in rain.
Rain is a great blessing of Allah Almighty. It is indeed one of the most important factors for life on the earth. It is a marvelous gift in the long and extremely hot summer. The scorching sun and unbearable heat is washed away by the rain water. It soothes the spirit and washes away all that is bad, dirty and unpleasant.
It was an oppressively hot day of July. Everyone was exhausted, tired and worn out due to the intense heat. The sky was brilliant blue due to the ever bright sun. There were no signs of clouds. The temperature was baking and the hot air was blistering. The plants were dried and drooped. The animals had all lied down, nearly fainted. All the people were praying for rain.
At last, Allah Almighty did hear the prayers of heat-stricken people. The wind began to rustle through the swaying tops of trees. The humid heat was gone in no time. The rolling mass of black clouds started gathering in the sky. The golden sunlight disappeared and everything became silvery grey. There was a flash of lightning, quickly followed by a clap of thunder.
Soon large rain drops began to fall. It was followed by a heavy shower. The sound of the downpour was pleasing to the ears. The tree-leaves turned into the most radiant shades of green. In no time, the whole city was drenched in rain water. The young and the old alike ran up and down the flooded streets. There were scenes of jubilation all around.
It rained for about an hour and then the sky became clear again. The birds came out of their nests and the animals out of their shelters. Everything was shiny and crystal clear. Then out of nowhere, the stunning, miraculous and awe inspiring rainbow appeared in the sky. It was like someone had painted an arc of seven brilliant colours in the sky.
One touch of nature maketh the whole world kin.
(William Shakespeare)
A Cricket Match
(ii) Write an essay on the topic "A True Muslim".
A True Muslim
A Muslim is true if there is no difference between his claim and conduct.
The follower of the religion of Islam is called a Muslim. To be a Muslim is a great blessing of Allah. A true Muslim is one who has a resolute faith in the basic doctrines of Islam. He performs religious practices sincerely. He observes all his duties which he owes to mankind. He is thirsty of knowledge. He is a true lover of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He is, in fact, a
'Momin' in other words.
Firstly, a true Muslim has a firm belief in the basic
doctrines of Islam. He believes in the absolute unity of Allah. He trusts in angels. He has faith in prophets, the final one being Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). He confides in scriptures. He is certain of the Day of Judgement. He has such a resolute and unwavering faith in these tenets that satanic forces fail to work on him.
Secondly, a true Muslim performs religious practices honestly. He incessantly offers his prayers five times a day. He keeps fasts during the month of Ramadan. If he is wealthy, he pays zakat to the needy and the destitute. If he is healthy and wealthy, he performs Hajj. Worldly charms and temptations cannot entice him to neglect his religious obligations.
Thirdly, a true Muslim performs all his duties which he owes to mankind. He respects his elders, parents, teachers, neighbours and relatives. He loves children. He/She is an affectionate father, caring mother, loving husband, faithful wife, obedient son, docile daughter, reliable friend, plaint student and peaceful neighbour. He is the one from whose hand and tongue all Muslims are safe.
Fourthly, a true Muslim is ever eager to
seek knowledge. He knows that seeking and pursuing knowledge with the intention of benefiting oneself and others is rewarded like performing additional prayers or fasting. He knows, "Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah makes his way easy to paradise." (Al-Bukhari)
Lastly, the hallmark of a true Muslim is his earnest love for the
Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He loves the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) more than anything else in this world, including his own life, Through this love he acknowledges, cherishes and glorifies all the potential of goodness and greatness that Allah Almighty has created in him.
To my Muhammad be but true, and thou hast conquered Me;
The world is naught: thou shalt command My Pen of Destiny.
(Allama Iqbal)
Life in a Big City
(ii) Write an essay on the topic "Village Life".
Village Life
God made the country, and man made the town.
(William Cowper)
A village is a clustered human community, with a population ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Homes are situated together for sociability and defence, and the land surrounding the living quarters is farmed. Natural beauty, purity, unity, hospitality, poverty, illiteracy, superstitions and lack of modern facilities are the hallmarks of village life.
Nature resides in villages. Villagers get abundant opportunity to enjoy the beautiful gifts of nature. They enjoy the beauty of the setting sun, the lovely moon, the twinkling stars, the singing birds, the delightful fields and the luscious gardens. Children run in the open fields, swim in the river or pounds and climb trees. Moreover, people living in villages breathe pure air.
There are many other benefits of village life. Villagers eat fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs. They drink pure milk. They wear simple dresses. The cost of living in villages is lower as compared to cities. There is no willing to luxury in village lifestyle. Moreover, the quiet and peace of village life give opportunity for thought, study and mental development.
However, there is no special fun for villagers. Gossip, marriage ceremonies and fairs are the only amusements for them. They gossip to express their pent-up emotions. At wedding ceremonies, they get a chance to dance, sing, wear and eat according to their customs and traditions. Fairs provide villagers a welcome relief. At fairs, villagers dance, do shopping and relish a variety of foods.
There are many disadvantages of village life. Villages lack good roads, schools, hospitals, factories and amusement parks. The villagers are mostly poor, illiterate, superstitious, prejudiced and narrow minded. There are less opportunities of employment in villages. Agriculture and rearing of livestock are the main occupations which require a lot a hard work and very low earning.
There are evidently some downsides of village life, but it is better than city life. It is an ideal life if education and modern facilities are provided to villages. Villages are the cradle of human civilization and humans can get tranquility, contentment, harmony, self-satisfaction and spiritual exultation only in villages. Hence village life has been cherished highly by poets, thinkers and philosophers.
Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.
(Confucius)
A Visit to a Hill Station
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
(Augustine of Hippo)
I am mad about tourism because I have an adventurous spirit. I have an itinerary of Pakistan. I have visited many attractive places of Pakistan like Shalimar Gardens, Faisal Mosque, Tomb of Jahangir, Sozo Water Park, Lahore Zoo, Manora, Mohenjo-daro and Murree Hills. However, my visit to
Naran in the Kaghan Valley surpasses all and is unforgettable.
I visited Naran with my family. It was a sunny morning of May 2016. We packed our luggage and seated in our car. My father sat at the driving seat and we left for
Abbotabad. We reached there in the afternoon. The weather was very pleasant there. However, the journey was tiring and we slept soundly for the night in a hotel.
Next morning we left for
Balakot. On the way, we passed by Jangal Mangal and Jabba. Around Jabba there was a thick forest and the beauty of the landscape was simply breathtaking. There were very sharp, hairpin turns on the road near Batrasi. We saw the conjunction point where the river Kunhar meets two other streams near Garhi Habibullah. We reached
Shogran in the evening.
Next morning we left for Naran. The road to Naran was in a bad shape. It was high in upper half of the high mountain slope and the river Kunhar looked like a ribbon below. The stone houses of brave villagers on the mountain slope were amazing. Our car crossed about eight glaciers from Kaghan to Naran.
At last, we reached Naran, the most scenic town of Pakistan. It was very still in the woods around Naran. There were logs in the river Kuhar. We enjoyed fishing there. We also enjoyed horse-riding. What should I say about lake
Saiful-Maluk, it is nevertheless the most beautiful lake in the world. The water of the lake was crystal clear and freezing cool.
It was extremely enjoyable and unforgettable trip. The return from the fairy land was sad and sombre. It looked like returning from Heaven to Hell, from a tension free land to a troubled world. In short, I love river Kunhar, I love Naran, I love Saiful-Maluk and above all I adore Allah Almighty's creativity and craftsmanship.
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Jinnah is a historic personality which takes birth once in a century.
(Mussolini)
Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the brightest star in the history of Pakistan. He had a multidimensional personality and his achievements in different fields were numerous. He was a great lawyer, a distinguished politician, a resolute freedom-fighter, a dynamic Muslim leader and above all the founder of Pakistan. Thus he is revered as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the first child born to Mithibai and Jinnahbhai Poonja in Wazir Mansion Karachi on December 25, 1876. The Wazir Mansion has been rebuilt into a national museum owing to the fact that the founder of the nation was born within its walls. Jinnah's birth name was Muhammad Ali Jinnahbhai. His birthday is observed as a national holiday.
Jinnah got his early education from Sindh-Madrasa-tul-Islam in Karachi. He passed his matriculation examination from Christian Missionary Society High School Karachi. After his matriculation, he was sent to England for higher studies. He distinguished himself over there as a keen and upright student. He qualified from Lincoln's Inn as a brilliant barrister.
On his return to India he started law-practice in Karachi and afterwards moved to Bombay. Then he joined the Indian National Congress in 1906. He was an ardent supporter of the Hindu-Muslim unity. But the narrow vision of certain communal leaders disappointed him. Thus he joined the Muslim League in 1913.
In 1916, Jinnah became the president of the Muslim League. He worked hard for a separate homeland for the Muslims. The odds were against him. The Hindus, the British and a section of the Muslims were hostile to him. But he grappled with every problem. August 14, 1947 was the day of his triumph. Pakistan appeared on the map of the world.
Flowers must die before thorns otherwise they would not be flowers. Jinnah took oath of office as the first Governor General of Pakistan. However, his health had been breaking down under a heavy pressure of work. He died in harness in Karachi on September 11, 1948. Lord Pethick Lawrence, the former secretary of State of India, rightly said,
"Gandhi died by the hands of an assassin; Jinnah died by his devotion to Pakistan."
