IGCSE descriptive essay | 2011 Oct-Nov | A travelling circus or show comes to your area. Describe



Question

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

A travelling circus or show comes to your area. Describe one or two of the acts and include the reactions of the spectators.

Model Essay

The air was electric with anticipation as the traveling circus rolled into our small town, a spectacle we had eagerly awaited for months. Brightly colored posters adorned every available surface, announcing the arrival of “The Grand Spectacle Circus.” The big top tent, a magnificent structure of red and white stripes, stood proudly in the town square, its peaks reaching towards the sky. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of sawdust, instantly transporting everyone into a world of wonder and excitement.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the town gathered under the canopy of the big top. The interior was a riot of color, with rows of wooden benches surrounding the circular stage. The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air, punctuated by the occasional honk of a clown’s horn. Children sat wide-eyed, their faces painted with expressions of pure delight, while adults reminisced about their own childhood experiences at the circus.

The ringmaster, a tall man with a booming voice and a coat adorned with golden sequins, stepped into the center of the ring. His presence commanded attention, and as he raised his arms, the tent fell silent. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” he announced, “welcome to The Grand Spectacle Circus! Tonight, you will witness feats of bravery, skill, and wonder!”

The first act was the trapeze artists, a trio of lithe performers clad in shimmering costumes. They ascended the ladder with grace, taking their places on the platforms high above the audience. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd as the spotlight illuminated their poised figures. The silence was palpable, broken only by the rhythmic drumbeat that accompanied their routine.

With a nod from the lead artist, they began. The performers swung through the air with breathtaking agility, flipping and twisting in perfect synchrony. The crowd watched in stunned silence, eyes wide and mouths agape. As the lead artist released his grip and soared through the air, executing a triple somersault before being caught by his partner, the audience erupted into applause and cheers. The artists’ flawless coordination and the sheer daring of their maneuvers left everyone in awe. Children pointed excitedly, while adults exchanged glances of disbelief, marveling at the display of human skill and courage.

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Next came the animal act, featuring a trio of majestic elephants. The audience’s anticipation grew as the ringmaster introduced the elephants, each adorned with elaborate headdresses and glittering blankets. The trainer, a woman with a gentle demeanor and a deep bond with her animals, led them into the ring. The elephants moved with surprising grace, their massive forms seemingly defying gravity.

The act began with simple tricks: the elephants raised their trunks in unison, balanced on one leg, and paraded around the ring. The crowd clapped in delight, but the best was yet to come. The trainer gave a command, and the elephants formed a pyramid, with one standing atop the others. The audience gasped in unison, their eyes wide with wonder. The climax came when the top elephant balanced on a ball, eliciting a collective intake of breath. When the act concluded, the applause was thunderous, echoing off the tent walls. Children jumped up and down, cheering wildly, while parents smiled and clapped, their faces reflecting the joy of their children.

As the night drew to a close, the ringmaster thanked the audience and promised that the circus would return next year. The spectators left the tent with lingering smiles, their hearts filled with the magic of the evening. The Grand Spectacle Circus had woven its enchantment, leaving behind memories that would be cherished until the next time the circus came to town.

Word Count: 615