Descriptive Writing

You arrive on an island. Write a description of your first impressions of the place and its people.

As I placed one foot out from my wooden boat, and the next foot out, my feet decided to plant itself into the
sand. My eyes felt like it didn’t know how to blink at that moment as I was awe-struck by what my eyes
witnessed. In front of me was a place filled with the unending grains of golden sand, as if the whole island was
made out of gold itself. Shimmering blue waters that sparkled in the presence of the sunlight encircled the
island. Greenery spread out all around the island, with patches of different coloured flowers that grew among
bushes occasionally. In a distant, was a majestic waterfall that looked like a sheet of blue velour swishing
down, its edges hemmed with whipped-white lines. The water thundered down into the pool like a gigantic
waterspout.

Just as I arrived, it so happened the sky began to glow as the flaming orb rose from the horizon and ignited the
sky, causing it to burst into a bright, passionate mix of scarlet and yellow. The clouds had no place in the
morning sky as the majestic sun reigned supreme. The colours of the sky blended perfectly with the colours of
the scenery. Its ineffable beauty was like a masterpiece painted by Picasso that came to life, lying right in front
of my eyes.

As I was finally able to take control of my body, I walked towards the island, with my feet brushing against the
silky, smooth sand. The feeling of the sand in between my toes reminded me of my childhood where I spent a
reasonable amount of time at the beach. The stream of dark, glossy waves falling over my shoulder swayed to
one side as the gentle breeze blew. Palm trees swayed with synchronisation, as if it was choreographed dance.
I rested my eyelids and instantly, my ears could pick up the unnoticeable sounds of nature. An orchestra of
birds chirped harmoniously to a melody that soothed the ears of a person, the leaves rustled softly in the
breeze as they fell and fluttered like snowflakes. The calming, repetitive sounds of the lapping waves came
together in gently, a hypnotic melody, casting a spell of serene tranquillity over the mesmerizing scene.

From a distant, I heard the sounds of words being said, though I could not make out what the words were. I
started to regain my sight as my eyelids gradually lifted. Tiny figures from afar were nearing towards my
direction. There were humans living in this place that seemed like a dreamed paradise, how fortunate for
them to live in such a place, I whispered to myself. I jogged lightly towards them, eager to meet them.

Finally, we were close enough to communicate with each other as we shook hands and introduced each other.
The smiles and excitement on their faces were welcoming and inviting, as if they had known me for ages. As
they spoke, they were filled with energy and liveliness, their personalities made one feel like a part of their
family. Their characters fitted perfectly with the view of this paradise island, a place where the world seemed
flawless, a world where there’s the insignificance of money and fame. After my personal encounter with this
place, I finally believed there was a heaven on earth.
 Your friends is considering getting a tattoo. Write a letter to express your thoughts and feelings.
Hey Alisha,

I thought I’d write straight away as I saw on Facebook that you want a tattoo. Where has your head
gone? Has that crazy dog of yours ate your brains, or has college life in London left you away with the fairies (as
usual – but worse!) How is London by the way? I hope you can take a break from dancing for a little shopping trip?
I’m dying for some new shoes! No joke, they’re falling apart!

But anyway, back to the point! It took you like five hours to decide what top to wear to Matt’s party, never
mind a tattoo! Those things are permanent you know. I can tell you definitely haven’t thought this one through. I
know I’m going all ‘mum mode’ now, but I need to tell you that this is a huge mistake. You’ll regret it when you’re
older, and imagine if you don’t make it as a dancer. How are you going to get a decent job with a whopping tattoo
on your arm? Not a chance! People will stereotype you (unfairly, but it happens) and might even call you names,
especially if you get addicted.

Think about when you’re old and wrinkly and your tattoo has disappeared into your wrinkle rolls. Eww!
What does your dad think about this, or does he even know yet? What are you planning on getting? It better not be
the name of some boy. A friend of mine did that and now they’re not together. Very stupid decision. Also it could
get infected and you could ruin your beautiful skin…

I totally get it, you and your dancer friends all want to be artistic and ‘express yourself’, but don’t you do
that enough through dance? Angelina Ballerina never had some weird tattoo! Where have you got this crazy idea
from? You’re only sixteen now anyway, so it’s illegal to have one. Maybe you should wait until you turn eighteen –
you might feel different when you’re older.

I think you need to come home from London soon. I need to sort you out! And I need my curly-haired best
friend back.

Lots of love,

April xxx
 A newspaper has printed an article entitled: ‘Technology: how it damages the minds of teenagers’. You
decide to write a letter to express your feelings on this topic

Dear Editor,
Having recently read your article that suggests that teenagers’ minds are damaged by technology, I
thought I would express my opinions on the matter. Although I respect the point of view of your article, and
can see that many young people do rely too heavily on technology, I must disagree with your opinion. As a
teacher, I am in day-to-day contact with teenagers and I think that technology is a tool that empowers young
people and enriches their lives.
I know that technology can be addictive and people seem more attached to screens than ever: from
the television and iPads to mobile phones, however technology has the power to offer every individual an
education. For the first time ever, the internet allows huge amounts of information to be available for free. To
me, that’s amazing. I’ve had to confiscate my fair share of phones as a teacher, but I wouldn’t create a blanket
ban if I could as the opportunities for research are simply too good to miss.
I know that my classroom is more interactive and exciting thanks to technology: at the touch of my
fingertips is the ability to play videos, PowerPoints and instantly search the Internet for any information I
need. Also, I use email to send and receive homework and help pupils to correct drafts of their written work.
Although some people might feel that technology gets in the way of human interaction, I would argue the
opposite: it brings us together.
I love that I can use Facebook to see how my friends, who have emigrated abroad, are doing. I love
that I can check the news on my phone wherever I am. I love that I can use my digital watch to measure my
heart rate at the gym. Technology has become a huge part of my life and always for the better. The trick to
technology is balance: if you check your smartphone fifty times a day, that’s unhealthy. Moderation is key. You
should control technology; don’t let technology control you.
Whether people want it to or not, technology is all around us: from CCTV cameras (that keep us safe)
to iPods (that let us enjoy our music library on the go). It’s here to stay and trying to fight it is a pointless
battle. In my opinion, we should focus on the positives of technology and work to get the most of it.

Yours faithfully,

Mr J. Tickle
Some people believe it is preferable to stay in Britain rather than travel abroad on holiday. Write a
letter to a newspaper to give your opinion on this topic.
Dear Editor,
Having recently read several articles that suggest it is unethical to travel abroad, I thought I would
express an alternative point of view. I am the first person to express love for my country: England is my home
and I’m proud to be English, however, I simply cannot agree with the idea that holidays abroad should be
avoided.
I don’t mean to give Mother Nature a cough, but I fail to see how one tiny flight a year can compare to
the hundreds of coal stations around the world that pump millions of tonnes of waste into the environment.
Let me make it clear to every one of your readers: I am passionate about the natural world and I am not one of
those fools who claims that global warming is a myth. I recycle. I never drop litter. I even have a solar panel on
my roof at home. So, with all the effort I put into protecting our planet, do I not deserve a quality holiday
every summer?
It’s not as if the sun usually visits us in England. Our version of summer is waking up to a sky that isn’t
the same colour as the pavement! You can keep your wet weekends in Devon; I’ll sip cocktails on a beach in
Mexico. I mean what would you prefer: a game of cards in a caravan or the crystal clear sea and softly swaying
palm trees? I’m not putting down our home, but you must remember that travel allows you to experience a
new culture and meet new people.
Have you ever seen the Eiffel Tower? The Pyramids? The Statue of Liberty? Every time I’ve been abroad
it has broadened my horizons and I’ve been amazed at the beauty of the world. Staying at home and Googling
pictures of these places just isn’t the same. My children have learnt more from seeing Mount Vesuvius than
they have from building a model of a volcano in their science lesson. Also, consider what would happen to
countries that rely on tourism. I dread to think of what would happen to Egypt, Turkey and many other places
without the financial support of travellers.
I know there is a cost to the environment when we travel, but I choose to travel only once a year. It
makes all the difference to my family; we work hard all year and it is our one treat. I do not deny the cost to
the planet, but the look on my children’s faces the first time they saw Disneyland was priceless. I’ll never
forget the incredible memories I have from travelling abroad and I would encourage your readers to travel
(inside and outside the country) as much as possible.

Yours faithfully,
Tim Blake

The local council is considering allowing a TT Motorcycle Race in your area. Write a letter to your local
newspaper expressing your views on this topic.
Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my total support for the proposed motorcycle race on the roads in and around
Manchester. I cannot see why anybody would object to this proposal.

There have been races on the roads for runners, including Usain Bolt, so why should motorcyclists not get the
same chance? I appreciate that not everybody is interested in this sport, but for those that are, this would be a
fantastic opportunity to see some of their favourite riders.

As far as safety is concerned, the only people who face risks are those that choose to take them. I am sure that
the city council will do everything that they can to make the event both safe and enjoyable.

I resent negative people who complain about the noise. I believe that they should see this as an excuse to get
away for the day. If it is quiet they seek, they could visit one of Manchester’s lovely parks, far from the noise.
You never know, they might just enjoy themselves for a change.

Financially, this event would be great. Fans and riders would come from all over Britain, or even the world,
bringing money with them. If Manchester made a real effort to welcome and impress them, these people
could return to give us business time and time again. Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions would all see
huge profits.

Personally, I can’t wait. I love the excitement, the racers and the thrilling rush of adrenaline. If Manchester
were to be invaded by an army of bikers, I would gladly surrender!

For all these reasons, I strongly believe that this proposal should be encouraged. It would simply be cruel to
deny the women of Manchester an army of bikers.

Yours faithfully,

Ruth Ross
 Your school is considering changing the traditional school bell for a modern speaker system. Write a letter to your
head teacher to express your thoughts and feelings.

Dear Mr Philips,

I would like to make a proposal to improve the school. I believe that changing the school bell to a music
system would help to make the school a better place for the pupils and the staff.

Although the school bell is traditional, music would create a more positive atmosphere around school. Music
could inspire the pupils and influence them by motivating and encouraging focus. After all, if students are happy with
their learning environment, they are more likely to achieve higher grades.

Through installing a speaker system that would project music around the school, pupils would become more
involved in school life and take more interest in the school itself. This would make the overall experience more
enjoyable for pupils, staff and visitors. Pupils could vote and select representatives who would be in charge of choosing
the music. This would teach pupils new skills and could build a rapport between staff and students.Important
announcements could be made through the speaker system and the mood of the school could be dictated by the type of
music you play.For a small donation, pupils could request music and the proceeds could go to improving the school or to
a charity.

The bell is a part of the school’s heritage and history; however, we now live in an era where libraries are
becoming museums for books as pupils move towards using technology: such as IPads, laptops and even mobile phones
to conduct research for their homework. Times and technology are changing. Already one third of the schools in the
Lancashire have adapted to this new idea and a recent survey (involving teachers and students) has shown that over
85% agree that the school bell is outdated and music helps to create a positive learning environment.

Of course the school bell works, there’s no confusion over what the bell means: generations reminisce over the
‘good old days’ and often include the school bell when referring back. However, the school bell was once new, but now
it’s old and outdated.

Overall, I strongly believe that the majority of pupils will appreciate listening to music between lessons and it
will improve school life. Thank you for considering my ideas. I look forward to hearing your opinions on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

April Thomson
St Edmund Arrowsmith is running a Summer School and is advertising for year eleven pupils to support the
activity. It is paid work. Write your letter.

Some of the activities during Summer School will include:

 Literacy activities
 Numeracy activities
 Sport/outdoor activities

Dear Mr Dumican,

Having noticed the Summer School mentor position, as advertised on the school bulletin board,
I would like to submit my application for your consideration.

As a prefect for the past two years, I believe I am an eligible candidate for the role of a Summer School
mentor. My prefect status shows, in my opinion, that I am dedicated and trustworthy pupil. I think this is also
clear as I was chosen to be a ‘Better Reading’ partner to a year seven pupil in English. This role included:
listening to the pupils when reading, talking to them about their ability in a positive way and being there for
them as a friend. Furthermore, being a prefect has brought me into regular contact with younger pupils, as I
help them however I can when I am on duty.

My sister, who will be coming up to our school next year, has difficultly with Maths, so I regularly
support her at home. With her SATs being challenging, I helped her by going through past papers we found
online. Although she finds Maths arduous, she has improved with my help and feels more confident. By
tutoring her (twice a week), I learnt how to be more patient and this skill would be of use to a Summer School
mentor.

Throughout my time at school, I have been passionate about sport. Having played for the rugby team
for three years, I have represented the school and helped to win two National Championships. Playing sport
has helped to improve my teamwork and communication skills. I’m proud to have worn the St Edmund
Arrowsmith badge and helped the school to achieve success. If I were selected for the Summer School, I could
coach or referee rugby matches between the year six pupils and help to develop their skill and confidence
through sport.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would be happy to offer you more information at
interview.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Bloggs
A TV magazine has invited readers to give their views on the standard of programmes on television. The
magazine is offering a cash prize for the best response. Write your letter.
Dear Editor,
Recently the television has been invaded by a host of ridiculous ‘talent’ shows. Having been subjected
to the ‘entertainment’ of these talent shows for so long, I wish to put the world to rights: They are a travesty
and poisonous to our culture! Weekly, I am forced to suffer through the agony of the X-Factor. These shows
present pathetic low-lives who parade around the stage, claiming that they are “doing it for their nan”, in
feeble attempts to snatch fifteen minutes of fame. The whole concept is wrong and this type of show should
be banished from our screens forever.
Firstly, the audition rounds are a form of human bear-baiting! Desperate souls look for some form of
acceptance from a big shot in the music business, whilst millions at home laugh and cringe at their ridiculous
attempts at hitting the right notes! Last week, I had to mute the television as I could no longer stand the
screeches of a 43 year old prison officer from Stoke, who took it upon himself to offer us a rendition of ‘Barbie
Girl’. Who wants to hear this nonsense? The only conclusion I can draw is that his friends from the pub heard
him at karaoke and dared him to inflict his ‘singing’ on the entire nation!
Furthermore, the shows are clearly fake. The X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent are littered with deluded
individuals who mindlessly moan such lines as “oh please, it’s my life” or “just one more chance”. It’s all an
act. I even find myself shouting insults at the television (such as “not even a tear”) when an act breaks down
crying after not getting to the next stage. I’m a teacher and if I were to take the same attitude as Simon Cowell
every time my students made a mistake I’m sure there would be serious consequences. These shows do not
reflect real life and send the wrong message to young people.
Finally, I find it outrageous that so many people fail to see that these shows are nothing more than
money-making machines. I understand how the nation can be gripped by a favourite act or an exciting
performance. However, I fail to see how the television executives can justify £2.00 per vote. Is it fair that these
men make millions whilst the people who vote suffer through the recession, struggling to live? I can’t help but
think of the Food Bank in my town centre and how that money could be better spent…
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. If I were to win the prize money, my plan is to use it to
have Simon Cowell deported. I think we can all agree that would be a useful public service.

Yours faithfully,

JamesLee
Exam question: Who is more important - friends or family?
Space exploration is the traveling on space to explore the things in space through the
use of special machines such as rockets, space ships etc. Space exploration is
a waste of money and dangerous.
It is not good to explore space because of the cost. It takes millionsof dollars to launch
a rocket into space. The money could be spenton things that are worth wild like
investing in clothing that is healthy to the environment.
Also the dangers involved in launching a rocket into space are just too terrible. Like for
example when a space rocket is about to launch in space if there's not enough fuel, the rocket
could just explode with human beings still on it and that would cause their deaths. Entering
space is dangerous because there is too much air and too little gravity and without or with too
much air in your lungs is probably very complicated to breathe.
Also the reason why think it's not good for people to continue to travel to space because
it would cause pollution to the earth like forexample when they are about to leave the earth
the flames orsmoke from the rock space shuttle can cause air pollution therebyendangering
the lives of plants and animals
There are benefits in space traveling.  Doing experiments are very good rewards
from expeditions carried out by the astronauts. Butmaybe these experiments we can do on
Earth and save money. Other benefits like learning about the moon and the different
planets and what they are made out, how hot or cold they are and most importantly get to
learn about how to keep the Earth healthyfrom all the different gases.  Maybe we need to
learn more about how is the earth going to be more healthy from pollution.
That’s all I can say about the topic space exploration.
Feelings and Emotions: English Vocabulary
 Every morning, Sam is so enthusiastic to begin his day that he jumps out of bed and begins to sing.
 His mother became worried when she didn't hear from him for two days.
 David is quite shy so he doesn't like talking to people he doesn't know.
 A year after being fired from his job, Alan is still very bitter. He has a lot of resentment towards his
former boss.
 Even though I am accustomed to traveling for business, I still get homesick if I am away from my home
for more than a week.
 Katie feels threatened every time her boyfriend talks to another girl. She thinks that every girl wants to
steal him.
 In the U.S., Thanksgiving is a holiday in which people give thanks for the blessings they have. Before the
Thanksgiving meal, family members will say what they are thankful for.
 I am absolutely furious!! I cannot believe that my dog chewed my favorite shoes. Now they're ruined!
 Cats are so curious that they often get into trouble. Once, my cat fell into the bath tub because she
wanted to know what was inside!
 When Dave found out that the plumber charged him double the normal amount to fix his toilet, he
felt cheated.
 After his grandmother passed away, Ken was so grief-stricken he couldn't get out of bed.
 When Emily has a lot of work to do and feels stressed, she becomes very tense and cannot relax.
 Our friend Lily makes us feel left out when she has a party but doesn't invite us.
 Even in hard times when I don't have a lot of money, I stay hopeful and believe that next month will be
better.
 My aunts enjoy inviting me to their romance book club. I always feel trapped because I don't want to
hurt their feelings by saying no, but I also don't want to go and listen to sixty-year old women talk
about romance.
 As a teenager, Alexandra liked to be rebellious and defy her parents. She used to sneak out of the
house after her parents fell asleep to go to parties.
 When I see that puzzled look on your face, I know that you didn't understand my question.
 Mr. and Mrs. Porter are very cautious about answering their door. If they are not expecting a visitor,
they won't open the door.
 Wow! I'm really impressed that Ashley can speak 7 languages, whereas I only speak one!
 Ugh! I don't have anything to do. I'm so bored!!
 It's difficult to not become discouraged while looking for a job, especially when you hand out your
resume to employers and no one calls you.
 After Kylie had her heart broken by her ex-boyfriend, she felt so down and blue. I tried to cheer her up,
but she just wants to be sad for awhile.
 In many countries, American-style business tactics are perceived as too aggressive. American
businessmen don't want to waste time talking about anything that doesn't pertain to business. In Asia,
for example, a slower, more personal approach to doing business is preferred.
 Affectionate children always want to be held in their parents' arms and receive lots of hugs and kisses.
 He felt invincible and was sure that nobody would beat him.
 When I found out that Santa Claus wasn't real, I was so disappointed that all of the presents really
came from my parents and not the North Pole.
 Craig felt uncertain as to whether he should accept the attractive job offer or keep his current, less
glamorous job. He just wasn't sure what to do.
 Grandpa was very proud of me when I got a promotion at work. He took me out to dinner to celebrate.
 When Eve handed Adam a shiny, red apple, he felt tempted to taste the delicious-looking fruit.
 Kelly is so indecisive that she couldn't make a decision if her life depended on it!
 I'm a little doubtful about whether to get married or not.
 The cowardly dog refused to leave his hiding spot underneath the bed to help his owner investigate
the strange sound outside.
 We are delighted that you will be coming to visit us. It will be so nice to have you here.
 The actors were humiliated by the newspaper critic's review of their new movie. The respected critic
said the film was as pleasant as week-old garbage rotting in the sun.
 After waiting in line for an hour at the bank, the woman grew impatient and left.
 Ebenezer Scrooge was a stingy old miser who never shared his wealth with anyone.
 The stubborn employee refused to accept that he made a mistake. He kept insisting that he wasn't
wrong.
 Patrick felt quite awkward going to his ex-girlfriend's wedding. He thought maybe shouldn't go since it
could be uncomfortable to see her again.
 My mother came home exhausted after working a 12-hour shift at the hospital. She went straight to
bed.
 Carrie didn't feel satisfied with the report she wrote. It needed to be perfect to present it to her boss,
and it was still missing quite a few details.
 Her husband is so moody that she never knows if he will be happy or angry when she gets home from
work.
 I am anxious to hear back about the job interview I had on Friday. I hope I get the job!
 After his wife left him, he was so miserable that he stopped shaving, gained 20 kilos, and didn't leave
the house for weeks at a time.
 It's said that children without siblings grow up to be selfish adults because they never learn to share
with others.
 They were shocked to learn that their beloved neighbor, Miss Ann, had stolen their car. She was such a
sweet, 90-year old lady.
 Jamie was in a bar with his friends one night when he saw a beautiful girl. He felt confident that night
so he went to go talk to her. Unfortunately, he returned to his friends within minutes
feeling rejected after she refused to talk to him. Poor Jamie.
 Walking to the bank to deposit money makes me very uneasy. I'm always scared someone is going to
rob me.
 Nothing makes me more upset than when I fail my exams. I feel depressed the rest of the day.
 Many times, co-workers feel burdened with the task of covering the mistakes of their irresponsible
colleagues.
 In case of an emergency, stay calm and move toward the exits.
 Once, I got a horrible haircut that left me looking I got electrocuted. For months, I felt self-
conscious about going outside my house. I swear everyone was laughing at me.
 I don't feel energetic right now, if fact I feel quite lazy and I don't want to do anything.
 Maggie is a fearless friend of mine. She will try anything once, no matter how dangerous the activity is.
 Although the storm destroyed many of the buildings along the shore, we feel fortunate that our house
didn't suffer any damage.
 I'm concerned about Gregory. He has been very withdrawn from the rest of the world ever since he
lost his job.
 Allison broke up with her boyfriend because of his jealous behavior. He never let her talk to other men
and always screened her calls.
How To Translate Emotions Into Written Body Language