IGCSE narrative essay | 2004 Oct-Nov | Write a story entitled 'The Gift.'



Question

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

Write a story entitled ‘The Gift.’

Model Essay

In the heart of a bustling city, where skyscrapers loomed overhead and cars honked incessantly, there lived a young girl named Emily. Emily was known for her kindness and generosity, always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. But little did she know that her greatest act of kindness was yet to come.

One chilly winter’s day, as Emily made her way home from school, she noticed a homeless man sitting on a street corner, shivering in the cold. His clothes were threadbare, and his hands trembled as he held out a tin cup, hoping for spare change.

Emily’s heart went out to the man, and without hesitation, she approached him. “Are you hungry?” she asked softly.

The man nodded, his eyes brightening at the offer of food. Emily reached into her backpack and pulled out a sandwich and a thermos of hot soup, which she had prepared for herself earlier that morning. She handed them to the man with a warm smile, and he accepted them gratefully, tears glistening in his eyes.

“Thank you, miss,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “God bless you.”

Emily’s heart swelled with happiness as she watched the man eat, knowing that she had made a difference in his life, however small. But little did she know that her act of kindness had not gone unnoticed.

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The next day, as Emily walked to school, she noticed a small package lying on the doorstep of her apartment building. Curious, she picked it up and opened it, revealing a beautifully wrapped gift inside. Attached to the gift was a note that read:

“To Emily, the kindest soul I know. Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Please accept this gift as a token of my gratitude.”

Emily’s eyes widened in surprise as she unwrapped the gift, revealing a delicate silver bracelet with a single charm—a heart engraved with the word “kindness.” She couldn’t believe her eyes. Who could have left such a thoughtful gift for her?

As she pondered the mystery, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling that the gift was somehow connected to the homeless man she had helped the day before. She had never expected anything in return for her kindness, but the bracelet served as a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness could have far-reaching consequences.

From that day on, Emily wore the bracelet every day, letting its presence serve as a constant reminder of the power of compassion and generosity. And as she walked through the bustling streets of the city, she knew that she would continue to spread kindness wherever she went, knowing that even the smallest gesture could make a world of difference in someone’s life.

Word Count: 451