English Writing Samples: Corrected Essays, Narratives and Informal Letters

1. Opinion Essay: The Real Meaning of Success

Generally speaking, everybody wants to be successful in life. But what is the real meaning of success? For some, money is the nearest synonym of prosperity, although just being wealthy does not always imply that life is a bed of roses.

Everyone would agree that school provides us with the necessary tools to become prosperous—that is to say, knowledge and social skills. Nevertheless, the most triumphant actors, singers, or even sports stars have not always had a brilliant academic life. From this, we could infer that being an excellent student does not necessarily guarantee a smashing success in your professional career. Having said that, I do not personally believe that schools reveal the ultimate secret to achieving a favourable outcome; however, a good education is on all occasions a highly desirable starting point.

2. Reflective Essay: The Most Useful Thing School Has Taught Me

This is quite a controversial issue, as not everybody agrees on what exactly is essential at school. The central question is: are values more important than academic subjects?

In my opinion, the utility of moral values is crucial in an adult's life. As a consequence, I remember my school days mainly because I was taught how to become a better person. Nowadays, I cannot remember how to solve a complex physics problem, for instance; thus, the ability to behave as a decent human being is what I first recall when I look back in time. Being generous or tolerant serves as a vital tool to thrive in society.

I cannot claim that any single teacher was exclusively responsible for teaching me how to deal with daily challenges, but I would certainly say that the excellent school I attended as a teenager is responsible for my good manners. Having acquired a solid, well-rounded education has been truly instrumental in making lifelong friends and securing a rewarding career.

3. Narrative Essay: An Unforgettable Birthday Surprise

I knew the day out would be fun, but I had no idea it would be so thrilling!

First, I had to meet my friends outside the cinema because we had planned to see a movie. At about half past four, we were all sitting together watching El Orfanato (The Orphanage). The film was genuinely terrifying, packed with frightening scenes where my friends and I screamed and jumped out of our seats, which eventually made us laugh like crazy.

Right after the movie, I intended to go shopping with the money I had received for my birthday, which was on that very day. However, my friends urged me to visit a new, trendy café to hang out. We promptly headed towards the city centre. When we finally arrived at The Hall—the café they had recommended—nearly all my classmates, close friends, and family suddenly emerged from nowhere, cheering, singing, and shouting: “Happy Birthday!” It was an extraordinary surprise party and unquestionably one of the best days of my life.

4. Descriptive Narrative: An Extraordinary Evening in Madrid

I knew the day out would be fun, but I had no idea it would turn out to be so exciting! That was the day we had planned to treat ourselves to a splendid dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Madrid, where we were spending a brief holiday. Naturally, we took our time getting dressed up to look our absolute best for such an occasion.

After a quick ride on the underground, we arrived at our destination: a glamorous restaurant located in one of the most prestigious districts of Madrid. The highlights of the evening included:

• Atmosphere: Incredibly vibrant, stylish, and conveniently cosy.
• Service: Attentive, polite, and remarkably warm.
• Cuisine: Sophisticated French gastronomy requiring the kind assistance of the waiting staff to decipher the culinary terms for our modest palates.

Just as our mouth-watering dishes were served and we hesitated to dismantle such works of art, we received life-changing news: we had won the lottery! Although it was not an immense fortune, it was more than enough to cover our lavish celebration and many more to come.

5. Informal Email: Outdoor Activities and Recommendations

Hi Sam,

It is wonderful to hear from you! I would be more than happy to answer your questions.

First of all, regarding outdoor pursuits, there is a wide variety of activities available in my local area, such as:

• Beach volleyball
• Windsurfing
• Roller skating
• Cycling

Because we live right by the beach, most of these sports can be enjoyed completely free of charge. However, if your friends require professional guidance, they can easily hire an instructor at any of the nearby fitness centres. Regarding cycling, they can readily hire a bicycle from several rental stations scattered across town. Furthermore, our city boasts an extensive, well-connected network of cycle lanes.

I truly hope this information proves helpful to you and your friends!

Warm regards,
Miriam