Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘She was thrown forward as the bus screeched to a halt. As she recovered from the shock she looked around her. … ’ Continue the story.
Model Essay
She was thrown forward as the bus screeched to a halt. As she recovered from the shock, she looked around her. The once calm and sleepy bus had erupted into chaos. Bags and belongings were scattered across the aisle, and passengers were bracing themselves, some still clinging to the seats in front of them. The driver, pale and visibly shaken, was struggling to maintain composure as he stared through the windshield.
Outside, a thick cloud of dust was settling, revealing the reason for the sudden stop: a large, overturned truck blocking the narrow country road. It was carrying wooden logs, which now lay strewn across the tarmac like matchsticks. The scene was chaotic, yet eerily quiet.
Her heart pounded as she unbuckled her seatbelt and stood up, her legs wobbly. “Is everyone alright?” she called out, her voice surprisingly steady. Murmurs of concern and confusion filled the air, but thankfully, no one seemed seriously injured. She made her way down the aisle, checking on passengers, offering reassurance to an elderly woman who was clutching her chest and helping a young mother calm her crying baby.
The bus driver, now on his phone, was frantically explaining the situation to emergency services. She could hear snippets of the conversation: “No major injuries… a truck blocking the road… send help quickly.” He ended the call and met her eyes, gratitude and stress etched into his features.
“We’ll be okay,” she said, more to herself than to him. He nodded, attempting a reassuring smile.
She turned her attention back to the scene outside. Some of the passengers had already disembarked and were cautiously approaching the truck. Among them was a tall man in a leather jacket who seemed to be taking charge. She decided to join them, curiosity and a sense of duty propelling her forward.
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As she stepped off the bus, the crisp autumn air hit her, carrying with it the scent of pine from the spilled logs. The tall man turned to her as she approached. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice calm and authoritative.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she replied. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He nodded. “I’m a paramedic. I’m assessing the situation. Could you check if anyone in the truck needs assistance?”
She agreed, moving quickly but carefully towards the cab of the truck. The driver was slumped over the wheel, unconscious but breathing. She called out to the paramedic, who hurried over and began administering first aid.
Time seemed to blur as they worked together, helping the injured truck driver, organizing the bus passengers, and waiting for the emergency services to arrive. Eventually, the flashing lights of ambulances and police cars pierced the fog of dust and worry. Professionals took over, bringing a sense of order to the chaotic scene.
As she stood by, watching the rescue operations unfold, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was the paramedic. “You did good today,” he said, his eyes warm with appreciation.
“Thanks,” she replied, feeling a rush of pride and relief. “It was a team effort.”
“Indeed,” he said. “Sometimes, in moments like these, we see the best in people.”
As the passengers were guided to another bus, she took a deep breath, the adrenaline slowly ebbing away. The crisis had passed, but the memory of the sudden halt, the scattered logs, and the shared humanity would stay with her for a long time. She realized that even in moments of shock and chaos, there was strength in unity and compassion, and sometimes, that was enough to get through the toughest of times.
Word Count: 598