Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story in which a disappointment is central to the plot.
Model Essay
The Broken Dream
From the moment Ethan could hold a paintbrush, he dreamed of becoming a renowned artist. His parents, supportive yet pragmatic, encouraged him to pursue his passion alongside his studies. Ethan’s childhood bedroom walls were covered in sketches, paintings, and doodles, each piece reflecting his evolving talent. As he grew older, his dedication to art only intensified.
In his final year of high school, Ethan set his sights on the prestigious National Academy of Art. Acceptance into this institution would validate his years of hard work and sacrifice. The Academy’s rigorous selection process included submitting a portfolio and undergoing a nerve-wracking interview. For months, Ethan meticulously curated his best work, agonizing over every detail, ensuring each piece demonstrated his skill, creativity, and unique voice.
The day finally came to submit his portfolio. With trembling hands, he handed over his collection, hoping it would capture the judges’ attention. Weeks turned into months as he anxiously awaited the results. Every day, he checked the mailbox, his heart racing with anticipation.
One chilly afternoon, a thick envelope with the Academy’s insignia arrived. Ethan’s heart leaped as he tore it open, hoping for the best. As he read the first few lines, his excitement turned to dread. “We regret to inform you…” The words blurred as tears filled his eyes. His application had been rejected. He felt a crushing weight settle over him, his dreams shattering in an instant.
Ethan’s parents tried to console him, reminding him that many great artists faced rejection before finding success. But their words felt hollow. He had invested so much of himself into this dream that the rejection felt like a personal failure. He withdrew from his friends, his family, and his art, retreating into a shell of disappointment and self-doubt.
Days turned into weeks, and the joy that painting once brought him seemed distant and unreachable. His easel stood untouched, a stark reminder of his perceived inadequacy. He began to question his talent and passion, wondering if he had been chasing an impossible dream.
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One evening, his younger sister Lily, who had always admired his work, entered his room. She carried a blank canvas and a set of paints. “Ethan,” she said softly, “I know you’re hurting, but I miss seeing you paint. I miss your laughter and the way you lose yourself in your art. Will you paint something for me?”
Her words pierced through his despair. Reluctantly, he picked up the brush. As he began to paint, the familiar strokes reignited a flicker of joy within him. For the first time in weeks, he felt a connection to his art. The colors blended seamlessly, and the image began to take shape, reflecting his raw emotions.
Over the following weeks, Ethan continued to paint, rediscovering his love for art. He realized that his passion wasn’t confined to the approval of others. The rejection, though painful, had taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance. He decided to apply to other art schools, determined to pursue his dream despite the setback.
Months later, Ethan received an acceptance letter from a respected art college. The initial disappointment had not only strengthened his resolve but also deepened his appreciation for his craft. He understood that success wasn’t just about achieving goals but also about overcoming obstacles and learning from failures.
Ethan’s journey was far from over, but he faced the future with renewed hope and determination. The disappointment that had once threatened to derail his dreams became a catalyst for growth, shaping him into a more resilient and dedicated artist. Through his art, he found solace and strength, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.
Word Count: 608