What is this type of writing?
Descriptive (experiences & feelings)In a descriptive text, you describe an experience, a place, or a feeling so clearly that the reader can imagine it. You usually write about the past using past tenses and time linkers, and you say how you felt.
Strategy – how to organise your text
1. Introduction: set the scene. Say what the experience was, and where and when it happened.
2. Body 1: describe what happened, step by step, using past tenses and time linkers.
3. Body 2: describe your feelings and reactions – what surprised, excited, or moved you.
4. Conclusion: say why the experience was special or what you learned from it.
Clues – recognise this task
- Describe a memorable experience / event / day…
- Write about a performance, festival, or opportunity…
- Tell us about an experience you will never forget.
Useful phrases
Setting the scene
A few years ago… / It was a warm summer evening… / I will never forget the day when…
e.g. It was a warm summer evening, and the whole town was getting ready for the festival.
Describing what happened
When it began… / During… / Suddenly… / At that moment… / Then…
e.g. Suddenly, the lights went out and the music began to play.
Describing feelings
I felt nervous / excited / amazed. / What surprised me most was… / It was unforgettable.
e.g. What surprised me most was how nervous I felt before I went on stage.
Concluding
All in all… / Looking back… / It was one of the best… of my life.
e.g. Looking back, it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Useful linking devices for this text type
For experiences, time linkers are the most important.
| Function | Linkers |
|---|---|
| Sequence / time | First, Then, After that, Later, Soon, Finally, At first, During, By the end |
| Adding ideas | Moreover, In addition, What is more |
| Result | As a result, Therefore, So |
Teacher’s note – Descriptive writing
Look for past tenses and time linkers (When, At first, During, By the end of). Reward clear feelings and a scene the reader can picture. A thesis/opinion is not needed in this text type.
Vocabulary check
Performing and OpportunitiesVocabulary check
From Performing and Opportunities. Use these words to describe a show or a chance.
| Word / phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a performance | a show that people watch, e.g. a concert or play |
| the audience | the people who watch a show |
| the stage | the place where performers stand |
| talented | very good at something |
| to applaud | to clap your hands to show you liked it |
| thrilling | very exciting |
| an opportunity | a chance to do something |
| confident | sure about yourself and your abilities |
Vocabulary practice
Complete each sentence with a word from the box. Change the form if necessary.
Sample answer
Read, listen, then studyQuestion: Describe a live performance or show that you will never forget.
Read the text and the listening transcript below, and then study the sample answer.
Read
Reading
Live performances are an important part of culture all over the world. People go to concerts, plays, and dance shows to enjoy music and stories together. A good performance can make the audience laugh, cry, or feel excited. Unlike watching a screen at home, being in the same room with the performers feels special and real. Many cities also have street performers who sing, dance, or do magic in public squares. These shows are often free, and they bring people of all ages together. For the performers, standing on a stage is both exciting and stressful, so they practise for many hours before the show. They want everything to be perfect for the audience. When the audience claps loudly at the end, the performers feel proud and happy. Many of them say that this moment is the best part of their job, because they can see that people enjoyed their work. In the end, what makes a live performance special is the feeling of sharing a moment with other people. Everyone laughs, claps, and feels the same emotions at the same time. This is something that a phone or a computer can never give us, and it is why people will always love going to live shows.
Listen and read the transcript
Listening
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Play it twice.
Listening transcript
I will always remember the first time I saw a live concert. It was three years ago, in a big stadium in my city. My favourite singer was performing, and I went with two close friends. We arrived early, so we found a good place near the stage. Everyone around us was excited and happy. When the lights went down, thousands of people started to cheer. At first, I felt nervous, but soon I was singing every song. During the show, colourful lights moved across the stage, and the music was so loud that I could feel it in my chest. The singer talked to the crowd and thanked us many times, and this made the evening feel personal. By the end of the night, I felt tired but extremely happy. On the way home, my friends and I could not stop talking about it, and I knew I would never forget that night. Now, whenever I hear those songs again, I remember that wonderful evening. I have been to other concerts since then, but the first one will always be my favourite. It taught me that some experiences are worth saving money for, because the memories last for the rest of your life.
Study the sample answer
An Unforgettable Concert
A few years ago, I went to a live concert that I will never forget. It was a warm summer evening, and I was very excited because my favourite singer was performing in my city for the first time.
When the lights went down, thousands of people began to cheer. At first, I felt a little nervous, but soon I was singing every song with the crowd. During the show, colourful lights moved across the stage, and the music was so powerful that I could feel it in my chest.
What surprised me most was the energy of the audience. Strangers around me were smiling, dancing, and singing together like old friends. Moreover, the performers looked truly happy, and they thanked us many times. It felt as if the whole stadium had become one big, happy family for a few hours, and I loved that warm feeling.
By the end of the night, I felt tired but extremely happy. Looking back, I understand that a live performance can create memories that last forever, and I would love to go again. If you ever get the chance to see your favourite singer on a real stage, take it, because some memories are worth far more than the price of a ticket.
Notice the language
- The introduction sets the scene (when, where, why).
- Time linkers (When, At first, During, By the end) guide the reader through the experience.
- Feeling words (excited, nervous, surprised, happy) make the text personal.
Writing task 1
Read, listen, take notes, writeQuestion: “Describe an opportunity that changed your life and how you felt.”
Read the text and take notes. Listen to the recording twice and take notes. Then write your text using ideas from both. Minimum 200 words.
Read Take notes in the Facts column.
Reading
An opportunity is a chance to do something new and useful. Some opportunities are small, like joining a club, while others can change a person’s whole life. For example, a scholarship can give a student the chance to study in another country. A new job in a different city can also open many doors. We do not always know when an opportunity will appear, so we must be ready to notice it. Volunteering is another great opportunity, because it helps people learn new skills and meet new friends. Of course, taking a chance is not always easy. People often feel afraid of failing or of leaving their comfort zone. They worry about what other people will think. However, those who say yes to new opportunities usually learn a lot about themselves and grow more confident. Even when things go wrong, they gain useful experience. In the end, the people who take chances often have the most interesting and happy lives. It is also important to remember that opportunities do not last forever. If we wait too long, the chance may disappear. For this reason, we should think quickly but carefully, ask people we trust for advice, and then make a decision. The best opportunities often come to people who are brave enough to try something new.
Listen Twice — take notes in the Experience & feelings column.
Listening
Audio file not found — check that the audio folder sits next to this page.
Play it twice. Students do not have the transcript.
Transcript
The biggest opportunity of my life came when I was seventeen. My school offered me the chance to study English in another city for one month. At first I was not sure at all. I was afraid to leave my family and my friends, and I did not know anyone else in the group. My parents told me to think carefully, and after two long days I finally said yes. The first week was difficult. Everything was new, the streets were noisy, and in the evenings I felt very lonely. Slowly, however, things began to change. I made friends from many different countries in my class, and soon we were having lunch together every day. After two or three weeks, I could speak English without fear, because I had to use it from morning until night. I also learned to cook simple meals, to travel alone on the bus, and to solve small problems by myself. When I came home, my mother said that I looked different: braver and more independent. I think she was right. That month taught me that saying yes to a new chance is frightening at the beginning, but it can change everything. Now, when an opportunity appears, I try not to wait too long, because I know how much I would have missed.
Take notes
| An opportunity | Facts (reading) | Experience & feelings (listening) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | ||
| Examples | ||
| Difficulties | ||
| Benefits | ||
| Advice / result |
| An opportunity | Facts (reading) | Experience & feelings (listening) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | a chance to do something new and useful; some are small, some change a whole life | the chance to study English in another city for one month |
| Examples | a scholarship abroad; a new job in another city; volunteering | the school offered it; not sure at first, but said yes |
| Difficulties | fear of failing; leaving your comfort zone; worrying what other people think | afraid to leave family and friends; lonely in the first week |
| Benefits | you learn about yourself and grow more confident; useful experience even when things go wrong | made friends from many countries; could speak English without fear |
| Advice / result | chances do not last forever; think quickly but carefully and ask people you trust | learned to cook, travel alone and solve problems; braver and more independent |
Now write your text Minimum 200 words.
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your text before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Sample answer · 205 words
A Chance I Will Never Forget
A few years ago, I was given an opportunity that changed my life. My school offered me the chance to study English in another city for one month. At first, I was not sure, because I felt afraid of leaving my family and friends. In the end, I decided to say yes, and I am very glad that I did.
When I arrived, everything was new and a little frightening. The streets were noisy, and during the first week I felt lonely in the evenings. However, I slowly started to make new friends from many different countries, and soon we were having lunch together every day.
What surprised me most was how quickly I changed. After a few weeks, I felt much more confident, and I could speak English without fear. Moreover, I learned to cook, to travel alone, and to solve small problems by myself.
Looking back, I understand that this opportunity taught me to be brave and independent. When I came home, my mother said that I looked different, and I think she was right. It was one of the best experiences of my life. If you ever get the chance to try something new, take it, because it may change you forever.
Writing task 2
Read, listen, take notes, writeQuestion: “Describe a festival or celebration in your country and how it made you feel.”
Read the text and take notes. Listen to the recording twice and take notes. Then write your text using ideas from both. Minimum 200 words.
Read Take notes in the Facts column.
Reading
Festivals are special days when people celebrate together. Every country has its own festivals, and they are an important part of culture. During a festival, streets are often decorated with lights and flowers. People wear nice clothes, cook traditional food, and listen to music. In many towns, there are parades, games, and dancing in the streets, and everyone is in a happy mood. Some festivals are religious, while others celebrate the seasons or important events in history. Children usually love festivals because there are games, sweets, and dancing. For many families, festivals are also a time to meet relatives they do not see very often. People travel a long way to be together, and they share food and stories. After the celebration, people feel happy and closer to their community. They also keep good memories that stay with them for many years, and these memories help to pass traditions from parents to children. Festivals are also good for towns and cities. They bring visitors who spend money in shops and restaurants, and they give local people a reason to be proud of their home. Most importantly, festivals help different generations spend time together, so that young people can learn the traditions of their grandparents.
Listen Twice — take notes in the Experience & feelings column.
Listening
Audio file not found — check that the audio folder sits next to this page.
Play it twice. Students do not have the transcript.
Transcript
There is a festival in my town every spring, and it is still my favourite day of the year. When I was a child, I waited for it all year. My grandmother started cooking two days before, and my sister and I helped her in the kitchen. We could hardly sleep the night before, because we knew that the streets would be full of music in the morning. On the day itself, there are lights and flowers everywhere. People wear their best clothes, and the whole town smells of traditional food. Families and friends eat together, dance in the square, and remember old traditions. Children run between the tables with sweets in their hands, and the older people tell the same stories every year. In the evening, everyone stands together and watches the lights being turned on above the main street. What I love most is the feeling between people. Neighbours who do not speak during the rest of the year become friendly, and strangers smile at you like old friends. At the end of the day I always feel proud, happy and close to my community. I live in a different city now, but I still travel home every spring, because that day reminds me who I am and where I come from.
Take notes
| A celebration | Facts (reading) | Experience & feelings (listening) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | ||
| What happens | ||
| Why we have them | ||
| People | ||
| Effects / feelings |
| A celebration | Facts (reading) | Experience & feelings (listening) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | special days when people celebrate together; an important part of culture | a festival in my town every spring; waited for it all year as a child |
| What happens | decorated streets; best clothes; traditional food; music, parades and games | lights and flowers everywhere; the smell of traditional food |
| Why we have them | some are religious; others celebrate the seasons or events in history | families and friends eat, dance and remember old traditions |
| People | families meet relatives they rarely see; they travel far and share food and stories | neighbours become friendly; strangers smile like old friends |
| Effects / feelings | good memories; traditions passed from parents to children; visitors spend money; local pride | feel proud, happy and close to the community |
Now write your text Minimum 200 words.
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your text before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Sample answer · 207 words
My Favourite Festival
I will never forget the spring festival in my town last year. It was a happy day when families and friends came together to eat, dance, and remember our traditions.
The night before, I helped my grandmother cook in her kitchen, just as I did when I was a child. During the day, the streets were decorated with colourful lights and flowers. People wore their best clothes, and the air was full of the smell of traditional food. In the evening, everyone stood together in the main street. Suddenly, the lights above us were turned on, and the whole crowd began to cheer.
What I loved most was the warm feeling of being together. Neighbours who do not often talk became friendly, and strangers smiled at each other like old friends. Children ran between the tables with sweets in their hands, and the older people told the same old stories. At that moment, I felt proud, happy, and close to my community.
Looking back, I understand that this festival is special not only because of the food and the music, but because it brings people together. All in all, it was one of the best days of my year, and I will travel home again next spring.
Answer key at a glance
Prints with the page| Practice — Answers | 1 stage · 2 audience · 3 talented · 4 opportunity · 5 confident · 6 thrilling |