Essays from past papers

4EB0
No. Year Discursive Narrative Descriptive
‘I do all my work on the computer, Write a story (true or Describe two places you know well,
1 2009 Sample but I couldn’t live without my mobile.’ imaginary) entitled one which is quiet and one which
To what extent do you sympathise with this view? ‘The Challenge’. is noisy.
‘Travel broadens the mind.’ ‘The Visit’ Describe your favourite place. This may
2 2011 June To what extent do you agree with this view? be a real or imaginary location.
‘I want every student to leave here as a better person.’ ‘A Great Adventure’ Choose an activity that you have taken
3 2012 January To what extent do you agree that taking part in part in. Describe both the activity and
challenging activities is good for people? your thoughts and feelings about it.

‘Teenagers spend too much time on their mobile ‘The Message’ Describe your favourite room.
4 2012 May phones
and computers.’
To what extent do you agree with this view?
‘We can choose our friends but we can’t ‘The Reunion’ Describe a person who has had a big
5 2013 January choose our family.’ Discuss. influence on your life.
‘Young people do not do enough to help others.’ ‘Chance’ Describe your favourite possession and
6 2013 May To what extent do you agree with this statement? explain why it is important to you.
To what extent do you agree with the view that people ‘Lost’ Describe a journey you have been on.
7 2014 January who take part in dangerous activities and sports are
selfish and often put other people’s lives at risk?

‘There is no place like home.’ ‘A New Beginning’ Describe a busy place.

8 2014 May Do you agree with this view?
9 2014 May 1R ‘Schooldays are the best days of your life.’ Discuss. ‘Freedom’. Describe the untidiest place you know.
‘First impressions matter.’ ‘The Lost Key’ Describe your best friend.
10 2015 January To what extent do you agree?
 Parents do not have enough control over their A brilliant idea' Describe your favourite time of year.
11 2015 June children.' To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
‘Everyone should have at least one adventure.’ ‘The Open Door’ Describe a sanctuary or place
12 2015 June 1R To what extent do you agree with this statement? where you feel safe.
‘You don’t need qualifications to be successful ‘What a strange day!’ Describe a peaceful place.
13 2016 January in today’s society.’ Discuss.
‘People work better in teams than on their own.’ ‘The Power Cut’ Describe the area where you live.
14 2016 June Discuss.
‘Playing sport in school should be compulsory.’ ‘A Lesson Learned’ Describe a frightening place.
15 2016 June 1R Discuss.
‘You should always live life to the full.’ Discuss. ‘Ambition’ Describe a person who has been a role
16 2017 January model for you.
‘It is essential that all students have some work ‘An Interesting Offer’ Describe your ideal job.
17 2017 June experience.’
To what extent do you agree?
‘Young people lack self-control and discipline.’ ‘I wish I had never Describe a kind person.
18 2017 June 1R To what extent do you agree? said that.’
‘We rely on modern technology too much.’ ‘The Right Choice’ Describe your favourite time of day.
19 2018 January Discuss.
‘Life is good.’ ‘A Pleasant Surprise’ Describe a celebration or party.
20 2018 June To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Computer games are addictive and damaging.’ ‘The Turning Point’ Describe the view from your window.
21 2018 June 1R To what extent do you agree with this statement?
‘A good education is the best start in life.’ ‘The Inspiration' Describe your school, college or place where
22 2019 January To what extent do you agree with this statement? you study.

4EB1
 2016 Extra ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ ‘The Escape’ Describe a hobby or leisure activity
23 To what extent do you agree with this? that you have taken part in.
Assessment
‘To travel is better than to arrive.’ Discuss. ‘The Beginning’ Describe a place that has made an impression
24 2018 Sample on you.
25 2018 June ‘A home is more than just a house.’ Discuss. ‘The Locked Door’ Describe your journey to school, college, or work.
26 2018 June 1R ‘It is better to be safe than sorry.’ Discuss. ‘The Accident’ Describe the most exciting time in your life.
‘It is better to live life rather than read about it.’ ‘Friendship’ Describe an experience that has made
27 2019 January To what extent do you agree with this? a positive difference to you.
‘Teenagers and parents are bound to disagree.’ ‘The Gift’ Describe the object that matters the most to you.
28 2019 January 1RDiscuss.
‘You have to work hard to get what you want.’ ‘The Prize’ Describe a time when you learnt something new.
29 2019 June To what extent do you agree with this?
‘One person can make a positive difference.’ ‘The Challenge’ Describe a time when you felt nervous.
30 2019 June 1R To what extent do you agree with this?
‘People need each other.’ ‘The Promise’ Describe a memorable person.
31 2020 January 1RTo what extent do you agree with this statement?
‘It is important to plan for the future.’ Discuss. ‘Just in Time’ Describe a helpful person and the effect of
32 2020 June the help given.
33 2020 June 1R ‘We all need challenges to help us learn.’ Discuss. ‘Time for a Change’ Describe your favourite time of year.
‘We only regret the chances we do not take.’ ‘Doing the Right Thing’ Describe your favourite form of transport.
34 2021 June To what extent do you agree with this?
Describe your journey to school, college, or work.