Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘Who’s Who?’ Write a story in which a case of mistaken identity plays a central part.
Model Essay
Who’s Who?
The bustling city streets of New York were alive with the evening rush, as Olivia Parker hurriedly made her way through the crowded sidewalks. She was on her way to a highly anticipated charity gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, an event that promised to be the highlight of the social season. Dressed in an elegant black gown and wearing a diamond necklace borrowed from her grandmother, Olivia was excited and slightly nervous.
As she approached the grand entrance of the museum, she noticed the flurry of paparazzi and the steady stream of limousines dropping off high-profile guests. Olivia handed her invitation to the doorman, who gave her a cursory glance and gestured for her to proceed inside. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and stepped into the opulent lobby.
The gala was a magnificent affair. The museum’s grand hall was adorned with glittering chandeliers, and tables were set with fine china and crystal glasses. Olivia marveled at the sight, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces. She spotted her friend Lily, who waved excitedly.
“Olivia, you made it! You look stunning!” Lily exclaimed, giving her a quick hug.
“Thanks, Lily. This place is incredible,” Olivia replied, her eyes wide with awe.
As the evening progressed, Olivia mingled with the guests, enjoying the conversations and the exquisite food. She was about to step onto the dance floor when a well-dressed gentleman approached her, a curious smile on his face.
“Ms. Davenport, it’s such a pleasure to see you again,” he said, extending his hand.
Olivia blinked, momentarily confused. “I’m sorry, you must be mistaken. I’m Olivia Parker.”
The man’s smile faltered slightly. “Olivia Parker? But you look exactly like Sophia Davenport, the famous actress. Are you sure?”
Olivia laughed nervously. “I’m quite sure. But I’ve heard that I resemble her. It’s a common mix-up.”
The man looked embarrassed but quickly recovered. “My apologies, Ms. Parker. Enjoy the evening.”
As the night went on, Olivia found herself being mistaken for Sophia Davenport multiple times. Each time, she politely corrected the person, but the incidents left her feeling uneasy. She had always known she bore a striking resemblance to the actress, but tonight it seemed more pronounced than ever.
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Near the end of the gala, Olivia decided to step outside for some fresh air. She found a quiet spot in the museum’s sculpture garden and took a moment to collect her thoughts. Just as she was beginning to relax, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.
“Ms. Davenport! We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” a voice called out.
Olivia turned to see a group of people approaching her, led by a tall man in a tuxedo. “I’m sorry, but I’m not Sophia Davenport. My name is Olivia Parker.”
The man looked skeptical. “Ms. Davenport, there’s no need to keep up the charade. The press is waiting for you inside.”
Before Olivia could protest further, another woman stepped out from behind a marble statue. She was dressed in an identical black gown and wore a similar diamond necklace. Olivia gasped as she found herself staring at her own reflection.
“That’s enough, Tom,” the woman said, her voice commanding. “This is Olivia Parker, not me.”
Tom looked between the two women, utterly bewildered. “But… the resemblance is uncanny.”
Sophia Davenport stepped forward and smiled at Olivia. “I’m sorry for the confusion, Ms. Parker. I’ve been hearing all night about my ’twin’ at the gala. I had to see for myself.”
Olivia chuckled, relieved. “It’s quite alright. It’s been an interesting evening.”
Sophia nodded. “Indeed. Perhaps we should make the most of it. Would you care to join me for a drink? I think we have a lot to talk about.”
As the two women walked back into the gala, arm in arm, the crowd marveled at the uncanny resemblance. What had started as a case of mistaken identity had turned into a night Olivia would never forget, and the beginning of an unexpected friendship.
Word Count: 665