Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
Write a story based on an animal that escapes.
Model Essay
The sun was just beginning to rise over the dense forest, casting a golden hue across the dew-covered grass. In the heart of the forest lay a small zoo, nestled amongst the trees. It was not a grand place, but it was home to a variety of animals, all of whom had been rescued and given a second chance at life. Among them was Luna, a graceful and intelligent female wolf who had been found injured and alone as a pup.
Luna had grown up in the zoo, and although she was well cared for, there was always a part of her that longed for the wild. She would often sit by the edge of her enclosure, gazing out at the forest beyond the fence, her keen senses picking up the scents and sounds of the wilderness. It was as if she could feel the call of the wild deep within her bones.
One crisp autumn morning, the zookeeper, Mr. Thompson, was making his rounds, ensuring all the animals were fed and their enclosures secure. He was an elderly man with a kind heart, and he had a special fondness for Luna. As he approached her enclosure, he noticed something unusual. The gate, which was always securely locked, was slightly ajar. His heart skipped a beat.
“Luna?” he called out, but there was no response. Panic set in as he realized that she had escaped. He immediately alerted the rest of the staff, and a search party was quickly organized to find her.
Meanwhile, Luna was already deep into the forest. For the first time in her life, she felt truly free. She moved swiftly and silently through the underbrush, her instincts guiding her every step. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and distant streams. Luna’s heart raced with excitement as she explored her new surroundings.
The search party scoured the forest, calling out Luna’s name and tracking her movements. Mr. Thompson was particularly worried; he knew that Luna had been in captivity for so long that she might not be able to survive on her own in the wild. He feared for her safety and was determined to bring her back.
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As the hours passed, Luna ventured deeper into the forest. She encountered a family of deer grazing near a clearing and watched them curiously from a distance. She crossed a bubbling brook, feeling the cool water on her paws, and paused to drink from it. Every new experience filled her with wonder and joy.
But as night began to fall, Luna started to feel the pangs of hunger. She realized that finding food in the wild was not as easy as she had imagined. The howls of distant wolves echoed through the forest, and for the first time, she felt a pang of loneliness. She missed the safety and familiarity of the zoo, and Mr. Thompson’s gentle presence.
As the search party continued their efforts, Mr. Thompson stumbled upon Luna’s tracks near the brook. Following them, he finally found her resting under a tree, looking weary and lost. Relief washed over him as he approached her cautiously, not wanting to startle her.
“Luna,” he said softly, kneeling down a few feet away. “It’s time to come home.”
Luna lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and resignation. She slowly got up and walked over to him, nuzzling his hand. Mr. Thompson gently placed a leash around her neck, and together, they began the journey back to the zoo.
Back in her enclosure, Luna lay down in her familiar spot, feeling a sense of comfort and safety. She had tasted freedom and experienced the wild, but she knew that this was her home. Mr. Thompson stayed with her, stroking her fur and whispering soothing words. He understood her desire for freedom but was grateful to have her back, safe and sound.
Luna’s adventure had been brief, but it left a lasting impact on both her and Mr. Thompson. She had learned to appreciate the safety of her home, while he realized the importance of providing more enrichment and stimulation for the animals in his care. From that day on, Luna’s enclosure was expanded, and she was given more opportunities to explore and engage with her environment, ensuring that she would always feel a sense of freedom, even within the safety of the zoo.
Word Count: 737