Sample 7

Sample 7
1 "Phew!" I thought as I plopped down on the sofa. Relaxing on the sofa, I switched on the radio and listened with interest, for the latest hot songs. Just when they were playing through my favourite song, a piercing screech could be heard from the radio, and suddenly, an anxious voice of the DJ blasted the whole speaker,” All residents please do note! A hurricane is heading our way, I repeat; a hurricane is coming our way! Please do the necessary preparations and we encourage you to surf the internet for more information. We will try our best to help the people in danger. However, please do it yourself if you know how to do it. Remember, do not go outside anymore. Your safety is our priority! Thank you."
2 I leaped out of the sofa in immense alarm. What should I do now? I started to panic, and my whole mind was filled with the thought that my life was in danger. I ran about the house, pulling my hair in distress. I was trying to think of an idea which could help ensure my safety. However, my mind was blank and still in a state of shock. I was about to switch on the computer to surf the net, when suddenly, an idea pushed its way out of the back of my head. I recalled with relief, that I had once attended a workshop on what we should do when a hurricane occurs. I knew I had the notes somewhere, and so I started opening all the wardrobes and bookshelves in the house. Thump, thump, thump! Stacks of notes and books flew out of my hands as I searched for the notes in despair. Finally, just when I was about to give up, I found the notes. I took a long sigh of relief, as I started flipping through the notes.
3 However, I could not get anything right from my hands! I was too anxious to get things done; however, it took me an even longer time to understand, and made it impossible for me to get started! I took a deep breath, and told myself, “Alright, calm down.” I took a long, deep breath, and got started again. I took out a roll of masking tape, and started following the instructions on the book. The tearing noise of paper could be heard as I tore strips of masking tape from the roll. Bit by bit, the house windows and doors were stuck with masking tape, and soon enough everything was done just like the notes had said it should be.
4 Just when I had finished everything, I could hear the howling of the strong wind approaching, as well as the sound of rustling leaves falling onto the ground. I laughed out to myself,” Ha! Thank goodness I was smart enough to search for my notes! Who needs the computer! My brain is the best! I will be in complete safety now!”
5 Suddenly, the window burst open, and gusts of strong wind greeted me, as well as a tangled mixture of leaves and branches. I was taken aback, and for a moment, I did not know what was going on. I stood there, legs rooted to the ground and eyes widened as I watched the strong wind flinging around my belongings in the house. Then, an unexpected hit on my head from a book woke me up from my daze, and I started ducking from the random stuff that was coming my way. First a cup, then the wastepaper basket… Things were all around in a mess! I tried to make my way cautiously towards the window, ducking from all the things that almost hit me. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the window, and pulled with all my might to close the window. Luckily, the force of the wind had weakened, and it was easier for me to close the window.
6 I heaved a sigh of relief, now that things were not flying around. However, the moment I turned my back, what greeted me was the complete mess inside the house. Things were strewn all over the floor! Shattered cups, torn books and magazines, rubbish from the wastepaper basket, overturned tables, and lots more destroyed belongings! I took a long sigh, and started cleaning the house. Just when I was almost done, I saw the unhelpful notes lying in a pile on the floor. I grabbed it angrily, and flung it towards the ceiling. I regretted not surfing the net for information, and I hung my head in shame, reflecting on my arrogance just about half an hour ago. I learnt a lesson this time, that a person should never try to take a short cut out of any problem, but face it with the right attitude. I strongly believe that even if I had done wrong this time, I will do even better the next time. I vowed to myself secretly, that I will never make the same mistake again. (836)