IGCSE narrative essay | 2008 May-Jun | Everyone thinks you are an ordinary teenager, living an ordinary



Question

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

Everyone thinks you are an ordinary teenager, living an ordinary life. No-one knows, nor must they ever find out, that you have powers which can only ever be used for the good of humankind. Write about a day in ‘The Secret Life of…’.

Model Essay

Everyone thinks you are an ordinary teenager, living an ordinary life. No one knows, nor must they ever find out, that you have powers which can only ever be used for the good of humankind. This is a day in ‘The Secret Life of Alex Harper.’

The alarm clock buzzes at 6:00 AM, jerking Alex Harper out of a dreamless sleep. For most, the day begins with mundane routines—brushing teeth, breakfast, a hurried rush to school. For Alex, however, the morning involves a critical task that must be completed before the world wakes up. With a wave of a hand, Alex accesses the ethereal energy that grants him his powers. A flicker of concentration and the room is clean, bed made, and schoolbag packed. Alex’s first secret mission is already a success: a tidy room keeps suspicion at bay.

At school, Alex blends seamlessly with other teenagers. He laughs at jokes, groans at homework assignments, and participates in discussions about weekend plans. No one suspects that beneath the calm exterior lies a vigilant protector of humankind. During lunch, Alex senses a disturbance—a subtle shift in the atmosphere that others are blissfully unaware of. Concentrating, Alex identifies a student who is about to get bullied. With a quick manipulation of energy, Alex subtly alters the situation. A gust of wind knocks a book off a shelf, causing a distraction that prevents the bullying. Crisis averted, Alex returns to his lunch, seemingly just another student enjoying a break.

After school, Alex heads to the local library. On the surface, he is just another teenager with an interest in books. But today, there’s more at stake. A shady figure lurks in the shadows, planning to steal a rare manuscript. Alex pretends to browse the shelves, keeping a keen eye on the suspicious individual. When the thief makes their move, Alex subtly uses his powers to create an illusion, making the manuscript appear to vanish. The thief, confused and frustrated, leaves empty-handed. Alex returns the book to its rightful place, heart pounding with the thrill of another mission accomplished.

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Back home, Alex’s parents ask about his day, and Alex recounts the usual school activities. Dinner is a calm affair, filled with family chatter and laughter. Yet, Alex’s mind is alert, always scanning for any sign of trouble. As night falls, Alex sneaks out, under the guise of a typical teenager wanting some fresh air. The real reason is far more crucial: a local homeless shelter is in desperate need of supplies. Alex uses his powers to teleport essential items to the shelter, ensuring that the most vulnerable in his community are cared for.

As the day ends, Alex reflects on the various challenges faced and victories achieved. Each mission is a reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with his powers. Alex lies in bed, staring at the ceiling, contemplating the delicate balance he must maintain. The world sees an ordinary teenager, but Alex knows the truth. His powers are not just a gift, but a duty—a duty to protect, to serve, and to ensure that good prevails in every corner of the world.

In the quiet of the night, Alex drifts off to sleep, ready to face another day of secret heroism. Tomorrow will bring new challenges and new opportunities to use his extraordinary abilities for the greater good. Until then, he remains vigilant, ever ready to spring into action while maintaining the facade of an ordinary teenager living an ordinary life.

Word Count: 579