IGCSE descriptive essay | 2010 May-Jun | Describe three moments in a race; the start, the middle



Question

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

Describe three moments in a race; the start, the middle and the finish.

Model Essay

The anticipation was palpable as the racers lined up at the starting line, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the track. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the faint scent of freshly cut grass and the murmur of the crowd gathered to watch. My heart pounded in my chest, a rapid drumbeat that echoed the mounting tension in the air. I took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead. The starter raised his pistol, and the world seemed to hold its breath. In that split second before the shot rang out, everything was silent and still, like the calm before a storm.

Bang! The pistol fired, shattering the silence and propelling us into action. My muscles surged with adrenaline as I pushed off the starting blocks, launching myself forward with all my might. The sound of pounding feet and rhythmic breathing filled the air, a symphony of effort and determination. The initial burst of speed was exhilarating, my body moving with precision and power. I could feel the tension in my legs and the wind rushing past my face as I settled into my stride, each step bringing me closer to my goal.

As we reached the middle of the race, the initial excitement began to fade, replaced by a steady rhythm and an intense focus on maintaining pace. The field had spread out, each racer finding their position and settling into their own battle. The sound of footsteps and labored breathing blended into a harmonious cadence, punctuated by the occasional cheer from the sidelines. My legs burned with exertion, each stride requiring a deliberate effort to keep pushing forward.

I glanced around, noting the determined expressions of my fellow racers. We were all in our own world, driven by our personal goals and the unspoken camaraderie of shared struggle. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, its warmth adding to the growing heat of exertion. Sweat trickled down my forehead, and my breaths came in measured gasps as I concentrated on maintaining my form. The middle of the race was a mental battlefield, a test of endurance and willpower. Every fiber of my being urged me to slow down, but I pushed through the discomfort, focusing on the rhythm of my steps and the steady beat of my heart.

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As we rounded the final bend, the finish line came into view, a distant but tantalizing goal. A surge of energy coursed through me, fueled by the sight of the end and the sound of the crowd’s renewed cheers. My legs felt like lead, each step a monumental effort, but the promise of the finish spurred me on. The pace quickened as the racers around me found their final reserves of strength, a collective sprint towards the end.

The final stretch was a blur of effort and determination. The roar of the crowd grew louder, a cacophony of encouragement that drowned out my own labored breathing. My vision tunneled, the finish line drawing nearer with each agonizing step. Every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I ignored the pain, driven by an overwhelming desire to cross that line.

With a final, desperate burst of speed, I surged forward, my feet pounding against the track with relentless force. The finish line loomed before me, and then, almost abruptly, I was through. The race was over. I stumbled to a stop, my chest heaving and my legs trembling from the exertion. Relief washed over me, mingled with a profound sense of accomplishment. The crowd’s cheers rang in my ears as I looked back at the track, the memories of the start, the middle, and the finish blending into a single, exhilarating experience.

Word Count: 618