IGCSE descriptive essay | 2005 Oct-Nov | Young people often have a close relationship with an elderly



Question

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

Young people often have a close relationship with an elderly person. Describe the characteristics of a grandparent (real or imaginary) or any other elderly person whose company you enjoy.

Model Essay

In the heart of a cozy, sunlit living room, there sits an elderly figure whose presence radiates warmth and wisdom, her gentle demeanor a source of comfort and solace to all who cross her path. She is a grandparent, a guardian of generations past, whose life story is etched in the lines of her weathered face and the twinkle of her kind eyes.

At first glance, she appears to be a relic of a bygone era, her silver hair arranged in a soft bun atop her head, her hands adorned with delicate rings that tell the tale of a lifetime well-lived. Her face is a map of experience, every wrinkle and crease a testament to the trials and triumphs that have shaped her journey. Yet despite the passage of time, there is a timeless elegance to her appearance, a grace that transcends the boundaries of age and circumstance.

As she moves through the room, her movements are slow and deliberate, each step a testament to the wisdom and poise that come with age. There is a quiet strength in her presence, a resilience born of a lifetime spent weathering life’s storms and emerging stronger on the other side. Yet beneath the surface of her stoic exterior lies a heart that beats with compassion and empathy, a heart that has known both joy and sorrow, love and loss.

She is a storyteller, weaving tales of a bygone era with a sense of nostalgia and reverence. Her stories are like windows into the past, offering glimpses of a world long forgotten yet still alive in the recesses of her memory. With each tale she shares, she imparts lessons learned and wisdom gained, passing down the knowledge of generations to those who are eager to listen.

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But perhaps her greatest gift is her capacity for love – a love that knows no bounds and extends to all who enter her orbit. Whether through a warm embrace, a kind word, or a gentle smile, she has a way of making others feel seen and valued, of reminding them of their inherent worth and dignity. And though her physical presence may fade with time, the impact of her love will endure, a beacon of light that guides and sustains all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

In her company, I find solace and inspiration, a sense of belonging that transcends the boundaries of age and circumstance. She is more than just a grandparent – she is a mentor, a confidante, a cherished friend whose wisdom and kindness enrich my life in ways I can scarcely comprehend. And as I sit by her side, listening to her stories and basking in the warmth of her presence, I am reminded of the timeless truth that love knows no age, and that the bonds of family and friendship are truly eternal.

Word Count: 475