IGCSE English Compositions (May-Jun 2010) Some people claim to have seen UFOs (unidentified flying objects) such as flying saucers. Do you believe it is possible for such things to exist? What might be the consequences for us if they do? argumentative Do you think criminals are treated too harshly or too leniently? argumentative 'Some people spend far too much time and money on household pets. They would do better to have fewer animals and to use the money to help the poor and needy.' What are your views? argumentative 'Life is all about competition. To get ahead in almost every aspect of life we inevitably trample on others to get what we want.' Discuss this view and give your own opinion. argumentative Imagine yourself in ten years' time. Explain three or four different ways in which your life will have changed. argumentative Write an article in which you argue the case for keeping yourself healthy. Explain three or four ways to keep yourself as healthy as possible. argumentative Describe a time and place (real or imaginary) when you felt so embarrassed that it still makes you uncomfortable to this day. Describe how you felt and how other people reacted. descriptive You are walking home alone when you notice signs of a storm gathering around you. Describe what happens and how you feel as you make your way to shelter. descriptive Describe three moments in a race; the start, the middle and the finish. descriptive Describe the time when you mastered a skill such as unicycling, skateboarding, skiing, cooking or even plate spinning. Describe what you were trying to do, and your thoughts and feelings at the final moment of success. descriptive Describe a fire from the first signs of smoke to the moment when it is out of control. descriptive Describe nightfall as you reach camp in the middle of the jungle. descriptive 'Alex was someone who liked to live life 'on the edge' for too long, barely managing to survive. Now, in desperation, s(he) would do anything…'. Use this quotation as the start of a story. narrative Write a story in which fire plays an essential part. narrative Write a story in which the main character is desperately trying to cross a border to safety. narrative 'Everyone was talking about the new teacher at school. There was something different about her, something strange about her eyes that frightened people…'. Use this to begin your story. narrative Tell the story of a rich person who woke up one morning to find that wealth had turned to extreme poverty. narrative Tell the story of what happened on the first night of a school play through the eyes of one of the actors OR somebody working behind the scenes. narrative All Years