Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story in which a failure to communicate is important.
Model Essay
Jack stared at the invitation in his hand, the elegant script swirling across the thick, cream-colored paper. It was an invitation to his brother Mark’s wedding, set to take place in a few weeks. Jack hadn’t spoken to Mark in over a year, not since the argument that had driven a wedge between them. The memory of their last conversation was still fresh and raw.
It had started as a trivial disagreement about their father’s will. Their father had passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a substantial estate. Jack, the older brother, believed that their father’s assets should be split evenly. Mark, on the other hand, insisted that their father had promised him the family business. Words had escalated into a shouting match, and before Jack knew it, he and Mark were estranged, the silence between them growing with each passing day.
Jack tossed the invitation onto the cluttered kitchen table and sighed. He missed his brother. Despite their differences, they had always been close. Growing up, they had been inseparable, navigating life’s ups and downs together. Now, there was a chasm of silence and unresolved tension between them.
The weeks passed quickly, and soon it was the day of the wedding. Jack arrived at the venue, a picturesque countryside estate, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. He wasn’t sure if Mark wanted him there, but he couldn’t miss his brother’s big day. As he walked into the beautifully decorated hall, he scanned the room for a familiar face.
He spotted Mark standing near the altar, looking nervous but happy. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still. Jack could see the surprise and uncertainty in Mark’s eyes. He gave a small, tentative smile, hoping it would be enough to bridge the gap between them.
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The ceremony began, and Jack took a seat at the back, watching as Mark exchanged vows with his bride, Emily. It was a beautiful ceremony, filled with heartfelt moments that made Jack’s heart ache. He felt a pang of regret for all the time they had lost due to their stubborn pride.
After the ceremony, Jack lingered at the reception, unsure of how to approach Mark. He watched from a distance as Mark and Emily greeted guests, laughing and smiling. Eventually, Jack mustered the courage to walk over. As he approached, Mark looked up, and their eyes met once again.
“Mark,” Jack began, his voice shaky, “I just wanted to say congratulations. And… I’m sorry.”
Mark’s expression softened, and he took a deep breath. “Jack, I… I missed you,” he admitted. “I should have reached out sooner. I’m sorry too.”
The brothers embraced, the weight of the past year’s silence lifting. They spent the rest of the evening catching up, laughing and reminiscing about old times. They both realized how much they had missed each other and how petty their argument had been in the grand scheme of things.
As the night drew to a close, Jack felt a sense of relief and gratitude. The failure to communicate had caused so much unnecessary pain, but now they had a chance to rebuild their relationship. It was a reminder that sometimes, the hardest step is the first one: reaching out and breaking the silence.
Word Count: 540