IGCSE descriptive essay | 2005 Oct-Nov | It is your birthday. Your friends are playing a trick



Question

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

It is your birthday. Your friends are playing a trick and have blindfolded you. Describe what your senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing tell you about the place they are now leading you into.

Model Essay

As the blindfold wraps around my eyes, cutting off my vision, I’m enveloped in a cloak of darkness, my world reduced to the sensations that now guide me. My heart quickens with anticipation as I surrender to the whims of my mischievous friends, allowing them to lead me on this mysterious journey.

The first thing I notice is the sensation of texture beneath my fingertips – rough and cool, like the surface of weathered stone. It feels as though we’re moving through a corridor or passageway, the walls pressing in close on either side, guiding me forward with gentle pressure. There’s a sense of familiarity in the touch, as though I’ve walked this path a hundred times before, yet I can’t shake the feeling of excitement that courses through my veins.

As we continue on our journey, my senses are assailed by a cacophony of sounds – laughter and chatter mingled with the clinking of glasses and the rustle of fabric. It’s a symphony of celebration, a joyful cacophony that fills the air with a sense of camaraderie and revelry. I can hear the muffled thud of footsteps and the occasional whisper of voices, guiding me ever closer to the heart of the festivities.

The air is alive with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries and the earthy richness of roasted coffee. It’s a heady concoction that sets my stomach rumbling with anticipation, filling me with the promise of culinary delights yet to come. I can almost taste the sweetness of birthday cake on my tongue, the rich flavors dancing across my palate in a symphony of decadence.

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But amidst the sensory overload, there’s an undercurrent of something else – a subtle hint of mischief and excitement that hangs in the air like a lingering perfume. It’s the unmistakable scent of anticipation, the electric buzz of excitement that accompanies a well-planned surprise. And though I may not know what lies ahead, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me, eager to uncover the mystery that awaits.

As we finally come to a stop, my friends remove the blindfold, revealing the scene before me in all its glory. I find myself standing in the midst of a vibrant party, surrounded by smiling faces and colorful decorations. The room is alive with energy and excitement, a celebration of love and friendship that fills my heart with warmth and joy.

In that moment, as I take in the sights and sounds of the festivities, I’m overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for the friends who have gone to such lengths to make my birthday special. And though the blindfold may have temporarily obscured my vision, it has only served to heighten my appreciation for the beauty and wonder that surrounds me, reminding me of the power of friendship and the joy of shared experiences.

Word Count: 485