Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story in which greed plays an important part.
Model Essay
In the heart of a bustling city, where skyscrapers kissed the clouds and neon lights danced on every corner, there lived a man named Thomas. Thomas was known for his keen business sense and insatiable ambition. He owned a small but successful company that specialized in importing rare gemstones from around the world.
One day, while browsing through an old bookstore, Thomas stumbled upon a dusty ancient tome. Its leather-bound cover and faded pages intrigued him, but what truly caught his eye was a tale of a legendary gem hidden deep within a remote jungle. The gem was said to possess unimaginable wealth and power, but it had been lost for centuries.
Driven by greed and the allure of untold riches, Thomas embarked on an expedition to find the legendary gem. He assembled a team of experts and set off for the dense jungles of South America, where the gem was rumored to be hidden.
Weeks passed as they battled through treacherous terrain, sweltering heat, and dense foliage. Just as they were about to give up hope, they stumbled upon a hidden temple deep in the heart of the jungle. Inside, adorned with intricate carvings and ancient relics, lay the coveted gem.
Thomas’s heart raced with excitement as he reached out to claim the gem. It glittered in the dim light, casting a mesmerizing aura around the chamber. But as he lifted it from its pedestal, a deep rumble echoed through the temple. The ground beneath them shook violently, threatening to collapse.
Ignoring the warnings of his team, Thomas stuffed the gem into his bag and hurried out of the temple. They raced back through the jungle, pursued by the ominous sound of crumbling stone and roaring winds. Just as they reached the safety of their camp, the temple collapsed behind them, swallowed by the earth.
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Back in the city, Thomas wasted no time in putting the gem up for auction. News of the legendary gem spread like wildfire, attracting wealthy bidders from around the world. The bidding war escalated into a frenzy, with offers soaring far beyond Thomas’s wildest dreams.
But as the bids climbed higher, so did Thomas’s paranoia. He became obsessed with the gem, locking it away in a vault and refusing to show it to anyone. He spent sleepless nights guarding his treasure, consumed by fear of losing it.
Months passed, and Thomas’s once-thriving business began to crumble. His obsession with the gem had driven away loyal customers and investors, leaving him isolated and alone. He grew suspicious of everyone around him, convinced that they were after his treasure.
One stormy night, as Thomas sat alone in his mansion, a loud crash echoed through the halls. Startled, he grabbed a flashlight and cautiously made his way downstairs. To his horror, he discovered that his vault had been breached. The gem, his prized possession, was gone.
Thomas’s world crumbled around him as he realized the extent of his greed. He had sacrificed everything—his business, his relationships, his sanity—for a fleeting glimpse of wealth. Now, alone and destitute, he faced the consequences of his insatiable desire.
As Thomas stood amidst the wreckage of his life, he finally understood the true cost of greed. The legendary gem had brought him unimaginable wealth, but it had also brought him ruin. He vowed never again to let greed cloud his judgment, knowing that some treasures were best left untouched.
Word Count: 568