IGCSE narrative essay | 2002 May-Jun | Write about something that makes you angry, and why it



Question

You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:

Write about something that makes you angry, and why it makes you angry.

Model Essay

Anger is a powerful and often consuming emotion, and one of the things that consistently triggers my anger is witnessing acts of injustice, particularly those involving discrimination and inequality. This anger is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated reaction rooted in my belief in fairness, equality, and human dignity.

One incident that particularly stands out occurred a few years ago. I was riding the subway during rush hour, a time when the train is packed with people from all walks of life. As the train made its usual stops, an elderly woman, frail and visibly struggling, boarded the train. Despite the crowded conditions, no one offered her a seat. People were either too engrossed in their phones or pretended not to notice her plight. Eventually, a young man, who appeared to be of a minority ethnicity, stood up and offered her his seat. Just as she gratefully accepted, an impatient man shoved past her, muttering something derogatory about “those people always causing problems.”

This incident filled me with a deep sense of anger. The blatant disregard for the elderly woman’s comfort was frustrating enough, but the casual racism directed at the young man who showed her kindness was infuriating. It was a stark reminder of the everyday injustices that many people face, often based on nothing more than their appearance or background.

What makes such situations particularly enraging is the sheer thoughtlessness and prejudice they reveal. Discrimination, in any form, perpetuates a cycle of inequality and pain. It diminishes the value of individuals based on arbitrary characteristics such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Seeing someone treated unfairly simply because of who they are is something I find intolerable. It goes against the very principles of justice and equality that I hold dear.

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Another source of anger for me is the widespread apathy and complacency in the face of such injustices. Many people choose to look the other way, either out of convenience or fear of confrontation. This indifference allows discrimination and inequality to persist and thrive. It’s infuriating to see that despite the progress society has made, there remains a significant segment of the population that either contributes to or ignores the problem.

My anger in these situations is driven by a desire for a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. It is fueled by the hope that more people will stand up against injustice and take action to create a more equitable society. This anger is not just a negative emotion but a catalyst for change, motivating me to speak out, educate others, and support initiatives that promote fairness and equality.

In conclusion, acts of injustice, particularly those involving discrimination and inequality, ignite a profound anger within me. This anger is a reflection of my deep commitment to fairness and human dignity. It serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to combat prejudice and create a world where everyone is valued and respected.

Word Count: 501