ICSE English Language Past Year Paper with Solutions - 2024 | English Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Duration: 2h          Marks: 80 
1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. 
2. You will not be allowed to write during the ??rst 15 minutes. This time is to be 
spent reading the question paper. 
3. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the 
answers. 
4. Attempt all ??ve questions. 
5. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ] 
6. You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes answering Question 1 and 20 
minutes answering Question 2. 
Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition 
(300-350 words) on any one of the following: 
1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: 
Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. 
Solution 
A Strange Visitor 
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and 
vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. 
As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a 
beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She 
grinned eeristically as though she knew my mental state. 
English 1 (English Language) 
CISCE 
English Medium) 
Academic Year: 2023-2024 
Date & Time: 21st February 2024, 11:00 am 
Page 2


Duration: 2h          Marks: 80 
1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. 
2. You will not be allowed to write during the ??rst 15 minutes. This time is to be 
spent reading the question paper. 
3. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the 
answers. 
4. Attempt all ??ve questions. 
5. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ] 
6. You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes answering Question 1 and 20 
minutes answering Question 2. 
Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition 
(300-350 words) on any one of the following: 
1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: 
Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. 
Solution 
A Strange Visitor 
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and 
vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. 
As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a 
beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She 
grinned eeristically as though she knew my mental state. 
English 1 (English Language) 
CISCE 
English Medium) 
Academic Year: 2023-2024 
Date & Time: 21st February 2024, 11:00 am 
"I'm Sophie," she said. "I am here to spend a day evaluating your way of life." 
Indeed! And under the name of God, who dispatched you to meddle in my personal life?" 
I wanted to retort, but words choked me. She elegantly headed to the kitchen and said, 
"I'll assume the host since you lost your etiquette. How about my making us some 
co??ee?" I managed a nod with nervousness. And in not too long I was clutching a 
steaming mug of co??ee. She ??lled in the void with "grandparents". The woman arching 
one eyebrow questioned, "How do I know?" She said with tremendous certainty, "Well, 
I'm a tech marvel and you'll realise it very soon". She then looked about the room, the 
artwork and relics, the gadgets, and what not. 
She was invading my space, and although I could not be nasty since my head was still 
confused about what was occurring, I could not be nasty. Many Alexas appeared to be 
following a hodgepodge of instructions, and a few more unidenti??ed machines ran with 
quiet e??ciency. Perfectly roasted mutton was presented with pizzas that rolled 
tantalistically on the table. All the equipment in the room responded to her just with a 
gesture. She seemed to have an invisible relationship with the technology all around us. 
A tech master is fantastic! 
Then, as quickly as she had materialised, Sophie moved towards the door, her motions 
imbued with another world grace. She stopped at the doorway and looked across her 
shoulder, which appeared to cut right through the very fabric of reality. "Remember, 
Mohan," she added, her voice booming with a depth that felt both old and futuristic, "the 
world is far more wonderful than you have let yourself see." She left me wondering who 
she was then disappeared into the evening. Was she a ??guration of my thoughts, a 
celestial visitor, an arti??cial intelligence masquerading as a human? Sophie lingered, 
turning a daily event into an intriguing mystery. 
1.2. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with 
a di??cult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the 
end. 
Solution 
"Do it yourself," came the strong voice of my father. My mother gave a small smile. I was 
stuck. Should I be cleaning my room alone? My panic seized me. 
Page 3


Duration: 2h          Marks: 80 
1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. 
2. You will not be allowed to write during the ??rst 15 minutes. This time is to be 
spent reading the question paper. 
3. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the 
answers. 
4. Attempt all ??ve questions. 
5. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ] 
6. You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes answering Question 1 and 20 
minutes answering Question 2. 
Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition 
(300-350 words) on any one of the following: 
1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: 
Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. 
Solution 
A Strange Visitor 
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and 
vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. 
As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a 
beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She 
grinned eeristically as though she knew my mental state. 
English 1 (English Language) 
CISCE 
English Medium) 
Academic Year: 2023-2024 
Date & Time: 21st February 2024, 11:00 am 
"I'm Sophie," she said. "I am here to spend a day evaluating your way of life." 
Indeed! And under the name of God, who dispatched you to meddle in my personal life?" 
I wanted to retort, but words choked me. She elegantly headed to the kitchen and said, 
"I'll assume the host since you lost your etiquette. How about my making us some 
co??ee?" I managed a nod with nervousness. And in not too long I was clutching a 
steaming mug of co??ee. She ??lled in the void with "grandparents". The woman arching 
one eyebrow questioned, "How do I know?" She said with tremendous certainty, "Well, 
I'm a tech marvel and you'll realise it very soon". She then looked about the room, the 
artwork and relics, the gadgets, and what not. 
She was invading my space, and although I could not be nasty since my head was still 
confused about what was occurring, I could not be nasty. Many Alexas appeared to be 
following a hodgepodge of instructions, and a few more unidenti??ed machines ran with 
quiet e??ciency. Perfectly roasted mutton was presented with pizzas that rolled 
tantalistically on the table. All the equipment in the room responded to her just with a 
gesture. She seemed to have an invisible relationship with the technology all around us. 
A tech master is fantastic! 
Then, as quickly as she had materialised, Sophie moved towards the door, her motions 
imbued with another world grace. She stopped at the doorway and looked across her 
shoulder, which appeared to cut right through the very fabric of reality. "Remember, 
Mohan," she added, her voice booming with a depth that felt both old and futuristic, "the 
world is far more wonderful than you have let yourself see." She left me wondering who 
she was then disappeared into the evening. Was she a ??guration of my thoughts, a 
celestial visitor, an arti??cial intelligence masquerading as a human? Sophie lingered, 
turning a daily event into an intriguing mystery. 
1.2. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with 
a di??cult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the 
end. 
Solution 
"Do it yourself," came the strong voice of my father. My mother gave a small smile. I was 
stuck. Should I be cleaning my room alone? My panic seized me. 
There was tension, but a ??ash of excitement danced over. We had moved into a bigger 
house, and shockingly, I found a room all to myself! a comfortable, well-ventilated room 
including a built-in wardrobe! As I considered the options, where to visit, and how I may 
arrange my room, my mind ??ew. First, though, the enormous e??ort of sorting the 
containers loomed. I opened every package hour by hour, carefully arranging my room. 
I arranged a small dressing table across from my study table, placed my study table 
beside a brilliantly lit window, and set aside a wall shelf for my beloved Harry Potter 
collection. My luggage and clothes ??t rather nicely in there. Time came for hanging t he 
drapes and the pure white mosquito net; all small and nicely packed. Rising from the 
ceiling, it created a lavish fairy tale scenario that turned the area into one from a fairy 
tale, accentuated by the gentle illumination of string lights. 
The sofa bed had ??u??y, frilly cushions and a lovely bed cover from my mom matched the 
décor exactly. Satis??ed, I looked over my work but thought something was missing. 
Perhaps one or two indoor plants. I chose to ignore my parents whispering as I down the 
stairs. When I got back, I found a wonderful metamorphosis. 
Fairy lights threw a celestial radiance across the room like little stars. And on my study 
table stood my mom clutching a lovely bunch of fresh ??owers ideal for my vase. 
Overwhelmed with thanks, I hugged both of them for allowing me to arrange my room to 
suit my taste and for their subdued methods of appreciating my e??ort. 
1.3. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think it is 
necessary to have these times of quietness and soliltude? 
Solution 
What a break from it! After a busy week of studies and rushing about, a quiet holiday day 
by yourself is a welcome diversion. Nestled in my cosy woollen blanket, clutching a 
thrilling book and a cup of soothing ginger tea on the bedside table, I am surrounded by 
a calm bubble of satisfaction. I enjoy the suspense as the story approaches its climax so 
that my imagination may investigate several likely results. Rare is a perfect day like 
today. 
Page 4


Duration: 2h          Marks: 80 
1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. 
2. You will not be allowed to write during the ??rst 15 minutes. This time is to be 
spent reading the question paper. 
3. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the 
answers. 
4. Attempt all ??ve questions. 
5. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ] 
6. You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes answering Question 1 and 20 
minutes answering Question 2. 
Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition 
(300-350 words) on any one of the following: 
1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: 
Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. 
Solution 
A Strange Visitor 
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and 
vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. 
As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a 
beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She 
grinned eeristically as though she knew my mental state. 
English 1 (English Language) 
CISCE 
English Medium) 
Academic Year: 2023-2024 
Date & Time: 21st February 2024, 11:00 am 
"I'm Sophie," she said. "I am here to spend a day evaluating your way of life." 
Indeed! And under the name of God, who dispatched you to meddle in my personal life?" 
I wanted to retort, but words choked me. She elegantly headed to the kitchen and said, 
"I'll assume the host since you lost your etiquette. How about my making us some 
co??ee?" I managed a nod with nervousness. And in not too long I was clutching a 
steaming mug of co??ee. She ??lled in the void with "grandparents". The woman arching 
one eyebrow questioned, "How do I know?" She said with tremendous certainty, "Well, 
I'm a tech marvel and you'll realise it very soon". She then looked about the room, the 
artwork and relics, the gadgets, and what not. 
She was invading my space, and although I could not be nasty since my head was still 
confused about what was occurring, I could not be nasty. Many Alexas appeared to be 
following a hodgepodge of instructions, and a few more unidenti??ed machines ran with 
quiet e??ciency. Perfectly roasted mutton was presented with pizzas that rolled 
tantalistically on the table. All the equipment in the room responded to her just with a 
gesture. She seemed to have an invisible relationship with the technology all around us. 
A tech master is fantastic! 
Then, as quickly as she had materialised, Sophie moved towards the door, her motions 
imbued with another world grace. She stopped at the doorway and looked across her 
shoulder, which appeared to cut right through the very fabric of reality. "Remember, 
Mohan," she added, her voice booming with a depth that felt both old and futuristic, "the 
world is far more wonderful than you have let yourself see." She left me wondering who 
she was then disappeared into the evening. Was she a ??guration of my thoughts, a 
celestial visitor, an arti??cial intelligence masquerading as a human? Sophie lingered, 
turning a daily event into an intriguing mystery. 
1.2. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with 
a di??cult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the 
end. 
Solution 
"Do it yourself," came the strong voice of my father. My mother gave a small smile. I was 
stuck. Should I be cleaning my room alone? My panic seized me. 
There was tension, but a ??ash of excitement danced over. We had moved into a bigger 
house, and shockingly, I found a room all to myself! a comfortable, well-ventilated room 
including a built-in wardrobe! As I considered the options, where to visit, and how I may 
arrange my room, my mind ??ew. First, though, the enormous e??ort of sorting the 
containers loomed. I opened every package hour by hour, carefully arranging my room. 
I arranged a small dressing table across from my study table, placed my study table 
beside a brilliantly lit window, and set aside a wall shelf for my beloved Harry Potter 
collection. My luggage and clothes ??t rather nicely in there. Time came for hanging t he 
drapes and the pure white mosquito net; all small and nicely packed. Rising from the 
ceiling, it created a lavish fairy tale scenario that turned the area into one from a fairy 
tale, accentuated by the gentle illumination of string lights. 
The sofa bed had ??u??y, frilly cushions and a lovely bed cover from my mom matched the 
décor exactly. Satis??ed, I looked over my work but thought something was missing. 
Perhaps one or two indoor plants. I chose to ignore my parents whispering as I down the 
stairs. When I got back, I found a wonderful metamorphosis. 
Fairy lights threw a celestial radiance across the room like little stars. And on my study 
table stood my mom clutching a lovely bunch of fresh ??owers ideal for my vase. 
Overwhelmed with thanks, I hugged both of them for allowing me to arrange my room to 
suit my taste and for their subdued methods of appreciating my e??ort. 
1.3. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think it is 
necessary to have these times of quietness and soliltude? 
Solution 
What a break from it! After a busy week of studies and rushing about, a quiet holiday day 
by yourself is a welcome diversion. Nestled in my cosy woollen blanket, clutching a 
thrilling book and a cup of soothing ginger tea on the bedside table, I am surrounded by 
a calm bubble of satisfaction. I enjoy the suspense as the story approaches its climax so 
that my imagination may investigate several likely results. Rare is a perfect day like 
today. 
Not tests, not a project to turn in, not housework to complete. Just free leisure. This 
independence stimulates the imagination and helps daydreams ??y free and artistic ideas 
come to pass. There are advantages to afternoon siestas. First, a period of "quiet brings a 
sense of ful??lment.". Creativity leaps from millions of ideas, illuminating the subtleties of 
the mind. 
Positive ??ows are backed by inner calm and contentment. Many poets and dramatists 
have found inspiration in such solitude when the silence of the afternoon gives their 
work life. It's incredible how a calm holiday could inspire us to create scripts, stories, and 
poems, all of which might otherwise lie dormant. 
One cannot really overestimate the need for silence and solitude. These times are not 
just breaks from the daily grind but also necessary for spiritual development, inspiration, 
and a closer knowledge of oneself. They break from the craziness of life. 
1.4. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Express your views either for or against the statement 'Junk food should be banned'. 
Solution 
For the statement 
I really agree with the case to outlaw junk food. The simple word "junk" makes one think 
of all unwelcome, dangerous objects gathering around our homes. If we seek both 
physical and mental health, foods that block our arteries, promote fat cells to multiply, 
and weaken our muscles have no place in our diets. Often struggling with self-control in 
the face of tantalising, scented fried dishes sizzling in toxic fats, we are creatures of taste 
and habit. 
Often, the sight and smell of fried food seething and sizzling in fatty acids are irresistible. 
A tongue used to the ??avour of melting conserved cheese can overwhelm the most 
informed dietary information, therefore generating an irresistible need to indulge. It 
cannot be moved from giving in to the urge by any amount of reason or hard-hitting 
facts. Under such circumstances, only a complete prohibition will be able to su??ciently 
reduce these impulses. 
 
Page 5


Duration: 2h          Marks: 80 
1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately. 
2. You will not be allowed to write during the ??rst 15 minutes. This time is to be 
spent reading the question paper. 
3. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the 
answers. 
4. Attempt all ??ve questions. 
5. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ] 
6. You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes answering Question 1 and 20 
minutes answering Question 2. 
Question 1. (Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition 
(300-350 words) on any one of the following: 
1.1. Write a composition (300-350 words) on the following: 
Write an original short story entitled 'A Strange Visitor'. 
Solution 
A Strange Visitor 
She arrived, she observed, and she overcame. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and 
vibrantly alive. She was there, smiling brilliantly, as I opened the front door one morning. 
As she spoke English, my heart missed a beat. "Mohan Sharma?" she inquired with a 
beautiful sparkle in her voice. I nodded, entirely stunned. I lost faith in my voice. She 
grinned eeristically as though she knew my mental state. 
English 1 (English Language) 
CISCE 
English Medium) 
Academic Year: 2023-2024 
Date & Time: 21st February 2024, 11:00 am 
"I'm Sophie," she said. "I am here to spend a day evaluating your way of life." 
Indeed! And under the name of God, who dispatched you to meddle in my personal life?" 
I wanted to retort, but words choked me. She elegantly headed to the kitchen and said, 
"I'll assume the host since you lost your etiquette. How about my making us some 
co??ee?" I managed a nod with nervousness. And in not too long I was clutching a 
steaming mug of co??ee. She ??lled in the void with "grandparents". The woman arching 
one eyebrow questioned, "How do I know?" She said with tremendous certainty, "Well, 
I'm a tech marvel and you'll realise it very soon". She then looked about the room, the 
artwork and relics, the gadgets, and what not. 
She was invading my space, and although I could not be nasty since my head was still 
confused about what was occurring, I could not be nasty. Many Alexas appeared to be 
following a hodgepodge of instructions, and a few more unidenti??ed machines ran with 
quiet e??ciency. Perfectly roasted mutton was presented with pizzas that rolled 
tantalistically on the table. All the equipment in the room responded to her just with a 
gesture. She seemed to have an invisible relationship with the technology all around us. 
A tech master is fantastic! 
Then, as quickly as she had materialised, Sophie moved towards the door, her motions 
imbued with another world grace. She stopped at the doorway and looked across her 
shoulder, which appeared to cut right through the very fabric of reality. "Remember, 
Mohan," she added, her voice booming with a depth that felt both old and futuristic, "the 
world is far more wonderful than you have let yourself see." She left me wondering who 
she was then disappeared into the evening. Was she a ??guration of my thoughts, a 
celestial visitor, an arti??cial intelligence masquerading as a human? Sophie lingered, 
turning a daily event into an intriguing mystery. 
1.2. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with 
a di??cult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the 
end. 
Solution 
"Do it yourself," came the strong voice of my father. My mother gave a small smile. I was 
stuck. Should I be cleaning my room alone? My panic seized me. 
There was tension, but a ??ash of excitement danced over. We had moved into a bigger 
house, and shockingly, I found a room all to myself! a comfortable, well-ventilated room 
including a built-in wardrobe! As I considered the options, where to visit, and how I may 
arrange my room, my mind ??ew. First, though, the enormous e??ort of sorting the 
containers loomed. I opened every package hour by hour, carefully arranging my room. 
I arranged a small dressing table across from my study table, placed my study table 
beside a brilliantly lit window, and set aside a wall shelf for my beloved Harry Potter 
collection. My luggage and clothes ??t rather nicely in there. Time came for hanging t he 
drapes and the pure white mosquito net; all small and nicely packed. Rising from the 
ceiling, it created a lavish fairy tale scenario that turned the area into one from a fairy 
tale, accentuated by the gentle illumination of string lights. 
The sofa bed had ??u??y, frilly cushions and a lovely bed cover from my mom matched the 
décor exactly. Satis??ed, I looked over my work but thought something was missing. 
Perhaps one or two indoor plants. I chose to ignore my parents whispering as I down the 
stairs. When I got back, I found a wonderful metamorphosis. 
Fairy lights threw a celestial radiance across the room like little stars. And on my study 
table stood my mom clutching a lovely bunch of fresh ??owers ideal for my vase. 
Overwhelmed with thanks, I hugged both of them for allowing me to arrange my room to 
suit my taste and for their subdued methods of appreciating my e??ort. 
1.3. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think it is 
necessary to have these times of quietness and soliltude? 
Solution 
What a break from it! After a busy week of studies and rushing about, a quiet holiday day 
by yourself is a welcome diversion. Nestled in my cosy woollen blanket, clutching a 
thrilling book and a cup of soothing ginger tea on the bedside table, I am surrounded by 
a calm bubble of satisfaction. I enjoy the suspense as the story approaches its climax so 
that my imagination may investigate several likely results. Rare is a perfect day like 
today. 
Not tests, not a project to turn in, not housework to complete. Just free leisure. This 
independence stimulates the imagination and helps daydreams ??y free and artistic ideas 
come to pass. There are advantages to afternoon siestas. First, a period of "quiet brings a 
sense of ful??lment.". Creativity leaps from millions of ideas, illuminating the subtleties of 
the mind. 
Positive ??ows are backed by inner calm and contentment. Many poets and dramatists 
have found inspiration in such solitude when the silence of the afternoon gives their 
work life. It's incredible how a calm holiday could inspire us to create scripts, stories, and 
poems, all of which might otherwise lie dormant. 
One cannot really overestimate the need for silence and solitude. These times are not 
just breaks from the daily grind but also necessary for spiritual development, inspiration, 
and a closer knowledge of oneself. They break from the craziness of life. 
1.4. Write a composition (300-350 words) the following: 
Express your views either for or against the statement 'Junk food should be banned'. 
Solution 
For the statement 
I really agree with the case to outlaw junk food. The simple word "junk" makes one think 
of all unwelcome, dangerous objects gathering around our homes. If we seek both 
physical and mental health, foods that block our arteries, promote fat cells to multiply, 
and weaken our muscles have no place in our diets. Often struggling with self-control in 
the face of tantalising, scented fried dishes sizzling in toxic fats, we are creatures of taste 
and habit. 
Often, the sight and smell of fried food seething and sizzling in fatty acids are irresistible. 
A tongue used to the ??avour of melting conserved cheese can overwhelm the most 
informed dietary information, therefore generating an irresistible need to indulge. It 
cannot be moved from giving in to the urge by any amount of reason or hard-hitting 
facts. Under such circumstances, only a complete prohibition will be able to su??ciently 
reduce these impulses. 
 
With their diversity of sauces and spices meant to appeal to the palate, frequently at the 
expense of health, the enormous lines at fast-food outlets con??rm the explosive industry 
of convenience meals. Arti??cial colours and taste enhancers impair our hea lth; children, 
especially are exposed to these risks. Before our future generations have an opportunity 
to ??ourish, as a society we have to shield them from such dangers. 
Small fast-food establishments run in the nooks and edges of cities where no quality or 
hygiene is guaranteed, while food control agencies oversee hotels and restaurants. 
Obesity and heart-related problems have become the bane of modern civilization; the 
sooner these are eliminated, the better for the people; a complete ban on junk food is 
the only way to prevent a future health catastrophe. 
Against the statement 
Though it might seem like a simple ??x, banning junk food is more like following shadows. 
Such dishes are unquestionably appealing and well established in many people's taste in 
cuisine. 
Junk food, characterised by its lack of nutrients and high-calorie content, might not 
contribute to a healthy diet, but neither do many traditional foods we consume daily. 
Numerous packaged foods on our kitchen shelves, laden with unhealthy ingredients, 
must also be banned under such criteria. 
Furthermore, these "problematic" foods are quick meals that satisfy appetites at a 
reasonable cost, therefore meeting the needs of both students and professionals. In 
moderation, these supposedly "junk" foods o??er a welcome diversion from the 
monotony of home-cooked cuisine. This is the reason they are termed optional or 
"discretionary" meals. 
One wonders how something like a burger, loaded with meat and fresh greens, ??ts into 
the trash category. Are they worse than white rice or dishes cooked in re??ned oils, which 
have been stripped of their essential nutrients and are the mainstay of many diets? Many 
dietitians contend that the true o??enders, processed rice and bread, should be taken o?? 
our diets. Does that, however, support a government-mandated ban on widely 
consumed basic foods? There are other ways to handle the problem than enforcing 
prohibitions than bans. Most vital is awareness. Much of the harm caused by "junk" food 
can be greatly reduced if the public is informed by promotional activities, if courses in