IGCSE NARRATIVE AND DESCRIPTIVE WRITING EXAMPLES

THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

PROMPT: Write a description with the title, 'The view from the other side'.

The view from the other side was distinctly unreal. Pulling myself up to the intensely cold rocky slab, sheer exhaustion temporarily numbed my senses. I sprawled out on the jetted plateau and stared up at the azure Autumn afternoon sky. My breath seemed to crystallize as I slowly exhaled trying to recuperate from the strenuous climb.

Directly above me an eagle soared, making lazy circles in the sky; with elegant ease it glided into the thermals, as if to mock my feeble efforts of scaling the oversized rocks just to be privy to his bird's eye view. My eyes, rested and ready to focus, I peeked over the edge of the majestic Blue Ridge. The view seemed unreal, too serene to be true. Smudges of clouds hung low in this perfect canvas of autumn, the luminous, golden sun sparkled like amber gemstones through the colorful fall foliage that lined the valley below.

Turning my head to the right, a small waterfall playfully trickled down staggered stepping stone-like rocks that were ornamentally protruding out of the side of the mountain. Like a running faucet, the steady stream pooled into a fresh spring-fed watering hole, where a couple of male Mallards with brilliant emerald crowns lazily floated on their backs sunbathing, webbed-feet facing upwards, as they enjoyed the gentle rocking of the waves. Further back, nearer the edge of the oaks and evergreens, some hikers clambered and climbed along a small windy trail. A group of boisterous children giggled and scrambled towards the water's edge, as some skipped rocks that splashed and sliced through the sparkling, crystal clear oasis.

I sat up, and looked far left peering down to the valley from where I'd come. Spreading my arms, I imagined that I too was soaring above the narrow, twisted highway; my eyes were greeted by droves of cars parked along the sides of the roads, where people geared up to enjoy a day of adventurous white-water rafting. These sightings of humanity couldn't spoil this view.

I looked straight out to the golden, crimson and tangerine collage of trees that rippled in rows creating a breathtaking masterpiece. Rhododendrons joined forces with the laurel shrubs to create a wooly, busy effect. Sensational! Breathing in the deciduous scent of sweet pine in this real-life moving picture, I felt alive and free. The cool, crisp air had been a refreshing change from the hazy, smoggy city.

I shifted a little towards the edge of the smooth rock overlook, and gazed directly downwards to the road below where my little white car sat patiently waiting. I had definitely enjoyed my side-trip. As a mischievous wind swirled around my neck like a scarf and nipped at my nose, I zipped up my jacket, readying myself for the journey. It was time to climb back down.