Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘At last I could see a light at the end of the tunnel.’ Use this sentence either to begin or end a story.
Model Essay
As the rain poured relentlessly outside, Emily sat hunched over her desk in the dimly lit study room. Books and papers surrounded her, a testament to the countless hours she had spent preparing for the upcoming exams. It had been a grueling semester, filled with sleepless nights and endless stress. But now, as she flipped through the last few pages of her textbook, Emily felt a glimmer of hope. She could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The journey to this moment had been long and arduous. Emily had always been a diligent student, but this semester had tested her limits. Balancing coursework, part-time job shifts, and family responsibilities had often seemed impossible. There were moments when she had felt overwhelmed, doubting whether she could continue. But each time, she had pushed herself forward, driven by determination and a fierce desire to succeed.
Now, as she reviewed her notes for the final time, Emily reflected on the obstacles she had overcome. There had been late nights spent in the library, pouring over textbooks until her eyes blurred. There had been moments of doubt and anxiety, wondering if all her hard work would pay off in the end. But through it all, she had persevered, knowing that each challenge brought her one step closer to her goal.
The rain continued to drum against the windowpane, creating a soothing background noise. Emily closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Tomorrow was the day of the exam, the culmination of months of preparation. She knew it would be tough, but she also knew she was ready.
As Emily gathered her things and prepared to leave the study room, a sense of calm washed over her. She could feel the weight of anticipation and anxiety lifting from her shoulders. The light at the end of the tunnel was no longer a distant dream—it was within reach.
ADVERTISEMENT
The next morning, Emily arrived at the exam hall with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The room was buzzing with tension as students took their seats and waited for the exam papers to be distributed. Emily took a deep breath and reminded herself of all she had learned, all she had sacrificed, to reach this moment.
When the exam began, Emily focused all her energy on the questions in front of her. Hours passed in a blur as she tackled each problem with determination and precision. She drew upon her months of preparation, recalling key concepts and applying them with confidence.
Finally, the exam came to an end. Emily submitted her paper with a sense of relief and satisfaction. As she walked out of the exam hall, she couldn’t help but smile. She had done it. She had made it through the storm, and now she could see the light at the end of the tunnel shining brightly before her.
As Emily headed home, she thought about the lessons she had learned during this journey. She had discovered her own resilience, her ability to persevere in the face of adversity. She had learned the importance of hard work and determination, and the satisfaction that comes from achieving a goal.
As she reached her front door, Emily paused for a moment to take in the cool evening air. The rain had stopped, and a faint glow illuminated the sky as the sun began to set. The light at the end of the tunnel had guided her through the darkness, and now, as she looked ahead, Emily knew that brighter days were on the horizon.
Word Count: 597