When a topic is announced in our class, particularly for story writing, boys struggle to come up with a story that could win the title of ‘model’ or ‘sample’ story for others around. Armughan turned out fastest in his response on the current topic this time, though his story was returned twice by the teacher telling him to justify a point at certain place. I wanted to see whether or not he’s intellectually strong enough to fill that gap that had marred beauty of the content. I’m delighted to see he has successfully removed that stain all by himself---that too with a single stroke of just one, single sentence i.e. without adding long details. Hence, it certainly is a ‘sample story’ on the topic “I couldn’t believe what my ears had just heard…”

I couldn't believe what my ears had just heard…

I couldn't believe what my ears had just heard. It was as if my sacrifice had gone down the drain. I was deeply regretting going against my parents' desire about marrying a girl of my locality, for the girl I had wanted to propose throughout my university life had announced of her engagement with someone else.

---------------------------------------------

I had travelled to Turkey as part of a student exchange program, and got enrolled in one of the engineering disciplines at Istanbul Technical University as per my ambitions. I was recognized as a leading light by classmates belonging to all sorts of ethnic backgrounds. However, one person who caught my attention was Meryem. Her father was one of the richest men in the country, but her manners showed that she was not a spoiled child. She was a friend of anyone in need, her modesty was exemplary and throughout university, we had grabbed many medals participating in competitions as a team.

I had never really pondered upon marriage until my final semester, when my parents informed me that I would be wed as soon as I touched Pakistan. At that point of time, I thought of Meryem as the best choice for a life partner. However, it took me over a month to muster up enough courage to travel to her house and ask her father for her hand. Her dad seemed displeased, and I was sent on my way back with rejection. Despite this, I assured myself that Meryem, unlike her father, would not be thinking so. But my hopes were shattered when I discovered next morning that Meryem's dad had gotten her engaged to a guy named Emre.

The writings in my diary mocked me, as if i had done something wrong. Was the rejection based on cultural differences between us? Or did Meryem never think of me as more than a friend? I was fished out of my thoughts by the ring of my cellphone; it was her father, inviting me to his daughter's marriage to be held a week later. I was already disheartened and so declined the invitation. "Let me remind you something, mister. I also happen to be the Director of Education, and if you fail to show up, you can kiss your degree goodbye." He broke out in his gruff voice. Meryem was one side, but I couldn't let my four years go to waste either. I had to accept the offer.

I arrived at the wedding location at the aforetold date and time, where I was received by her father. His stern eyes signaled me to pace towards the stage. I decided to abide by his orders without reasoning. Meryem was clad in a purple wedding gown with a matching headscarf. She glanced at me with her soft, pearly eyes, and her face lit up with a smile.

"Come sit with me. I've something to say."

She spoke out.

I hesitated, but she almost pleaded through the movement of her eyeballs in a meaningful way. So, I sat myself beside her, and she continued, “Although my father was unimpressed with your proposal, he still favored my opinion over his. I had longed for this day to come, when we would be partners not only for a competition, but for life; I accepted your proposal. In short, congratulations on our marriage! "

I was dumbfounded.

I had been invited to my own wedding and I didn't have a clue about it. I stared at her with confusion only to receive a mischievous, heavenly smile in return.

"But...but you had got engaged with someone?"

I stammered.

Her smile turned into a giggle, "It was all a prank! My dad and I made it all up! I hope you're not mad."

I was on seventh heaven. The prank was driving me mad. I was more than mad.

Armughan Aslam
O' Levels Final Year
PakTurk International Schools & Colleges
Islamabad Boys Campus

Armughan Aslam

Response to a question on letter writing by Muhammad Arshiyan Khan of Class O’ Levels. The question was: "Write a letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition."

Muhammad Arshiyan Khan of Class O’ Levels

Task

You have been chosen to represent your school in a general knowledge competition. You must choose one friend to be in your team.

Write a letter to your friend inviting him or her to be in your team. You must include the following points:

• When and where the competition will take place
• A request to your friend to join you in the team
• Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team
• What preparation you should both do
• Details of the prizes in the competition

Dear Obaid,

I hope you are having a pleasant winter break even though the snow is piling up. Since the school has been called off for a month none of us have (has) interacted with our teachers, but luckily I hooked on to Mr. James and enquired all the information regarding the upcoming district general knowledge competition we were told about. Mr. James said that Kwantlen College has been given the honors and will (…honors to host…) host the competition this time. He also told concluded that it will be a Friday the sixth, which is the week after the upcoming week (He also shared that it will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015).

I (have) heard that you were keen in (about) this competition (…competition, though luckily enough I’m the one who stood selected to represent our school).  I have given it a thought and it would be wonderful if you assisted me in the competition (would be wonderful if you could join me to be my team). You are an intelligent student and work hard too and (You are an intelligent and hard working student, so it would really be great to have someone like you by my side.) me being amongst the position holders we would make a great team. Obaid, I am pretty sure we can take home the award if go together. (….can take home the first prize if we join hands.)

The competition is not far so it would be excellent if we had a few days together and had a precise discussion on the whole matter. How about the upcoming weekend? Any day that is suitable for you, because I am not engaged in any activity and am bored at home any ways.

I forget to mention above that Mr. James also told me about the prizes and rewards of the competition (I can understand you must be waiting for the most exciting part of the story, that is, prizes. The competition is a big one and contenders are coming in numbers. They will give a ticket of two to Niagara fall as the reward which is worth it. The runner ups will receive a tour within the city. So, I am confident you will be a great asset and will be mindful to my request (….am confident that you will be delightfully ready to take a plunge).

Awaiting a fast and an enthusiastic response from your side

Yours sincerely, (Yours with love)

Muhammad Arshiyan Khan

Zaid Waris of class O’ Level’s response to a question on letter writing. The question was: "Write a letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition."

Task

You have been chosen to represent your school in a general knowledge competition. You must choose one friend to be in your team.

Write a letter to your friend inviting him or her to be in your team. You must include the following points:

• When and where the competition will take place
• A request to your friend to join you in the team
• Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team
• What preparation you should both do
• Details of the prizes in the competition

Dear Sohaib,

First of all, I seek apology for communicating this to you in such busy times of yours (It’s too formal. Make it sound informal.). May God help you in your ongoing academic exams. After all, as to explain my purpose for writing to you is to inform you that you that I stood selected by the school administration for inter-school general knowledge competition which is going the be held on the forthcoming Saturday, at the auditorium Allama Iqbal University, Islamabad. (As you will have finished your exams by the end of this week, it is high time to share with you about what we both can enjoy together. Firstly, be informed that I stood selected……..)

A team consists of three (two) Ordinary Level students. I wish you could be the part of our team. Because I and Armughan are not able to gather any more student for our team. So, we came to meet a single solution in the end; and that is to add you in our vacancy. Our selection for you is due to your vast experience in general knowledge competition as well as your good relations with Sir Hakan. (To be honest, when it comes to choosing someone to be my team, no one other than you popped in my head. It is due to your vast……..)

What we are going to do is quite meekly (…..is not something complicated), I am going to browse through the internet, and download and print each (bit of) relevant (information) to our subject as to memorize (so as to memorize) some of the general knowledge facts. Armughan is taking the responsibility to copy some general knowledge related facts from the university because his father is the (a) professor there. In the end (What all you have to do is) you just have to adjure (to request) Sir Hakan for some documents related to general knowledge. You could receive (If you could mange to grab) at least fifty (such) pages (from him, it would be an achievement) of information because he has got thousands of them.

We have got merely a week to prepare for the battle. There would be 16 teams to defend (to contest). You should (must) have been looking for the prizes throughout the letter. So, (So, here is the detail:) the third prize to the team  is Rs. 30,000 (the 3^rd prize winning team will get Rs. 20,000); second position team will receive Rs. 60,000(the one with 2^nd position will receive Rs. 35, 000) and the prize for the grand winners is Rs. 90,000 (and bumper prize for first position winning team is Rs. 50,000) will plus visit to USA for a week with the expenses paid (Not only this, it is coupled with one week visit to the US with all expenses paid).

I think you would not turn my request down (I am sure you will not turn my request down) and I am very serious for your participation (With you sitting by my side I’m sure to hit the 1^st prize). So, please do not aggrieve me by repudiating my request. I shall be waiting for your reply (I’m all eyes to see a positive response).

Yours very lovingly

Zaid Waris

An excellent response from hard working, well-behaved, brilliant Armughan Aslam of class O’ Levels to a question on letter writing

Letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition

Points to be incorporated:

• When and where the competition will take place
• A request to your friend to join you in the team
• Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team
• What preparation you should both do
• Details of the prizes in the competition

Dear Umar

I hope you are in the best of health. As I was sitting on my couch yesterday, my mind was engulfed in deep thoughts. My thoughts were revolving around PakTurk’s first Inter-school General Knowledge Competition to be held next week at the Convention Centre. As the competition can be entered both as an individual and as a team, I decided to invite you to be my comrade.

Yours was the first name that struck my mind while choosing a partner, since I’ve always seen you reading and researching on a wide variety of topics. In addition, I have always seen you as a confident young chap throughout the 3 years we’ve been together with whom a nervous guy like me would be more comfortable when contesting. And more, we even have the school library to our convenience, where we can consult a wide range of informative books. Search for information is now a just click away with the addition of a computer and internet facility in the library, so we can meet up on the weekend and cope with our deficiencies there. I have also acquired my brother’s CSS books which will greatly help to boost our mental precocity.

The winners of this competition will be generously rewarded. Feast your eyes on the first prize: the winners will be awarded a sum of USD 500 along with a full expense paid trip to majestic Turkey! I know how much you have craved to venture there, so why not enroll ourselves and avail this chance to grab the cherry?

Please do pay heed to my words, and possibly try to avail this chance of a lifetime. I’m hopeful of a positive response from your side.

Yours very lovingly,

Armughan Aslam

Armughan Aslam

Our present outgoing batch of O’ Level Class has four native speakers. Muhammad Abubakar Mian is one of them, an American from New York who speaks exhibiting all nasal sounds like Americans do. There are many things that add to his charms other than just being a native speaker. He’s a humble soul; very respectful one; sparks humour in his writings and speaking; he’s studious, hard working and hence a brilliant student; takes pride in being a Muslim and a Pakistani. However, what caps him off is his glittery status of being a pure literary soul with very impressive expression in both speaking and writing. Hence, for each of the tasks assigned, most often his is the answer that serves as a model for others’. Once again, a big kudos for Abubakar! Now gear up guys for a question on Formal Writing. See you tomorrow early morning as my first period is scheduled nowhere else but with you.

Letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition

Points to be incorporated:

When and where the competition will take place

A request to your friend to join you in the team

Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team

What preparation you should both do

Details of the prizes in the competition                                                     

                                                                                          

Dear Wasiullah,

I am very well aware of how you’ve always wanted to take a trip to Europe. Not a second goes by that you aren’t buried deep in a book or magazine on European history or culture. Well, I have a very exciting bit of news for you: The principal of our school has selected me for a general knowledge competition taking place in our city. The top prize for this competition is a wonderful tour of Europe being paid for the mayor himself. Since each school will be competing in teams of two, I would like to have you by my side for the showdown.

When I first learned of the competition and what the prize was going to be, I immediately thought of you. The more I think about your expertise however, I’ve decided that you are most definitely the best person for the competition. While the competition does not entirely have to do with Europe, I’m certain that many of the questions will be related to world geography, important historical figures and the like. Furthermore, you’re exposed to quite a bit of infotainment through movies and TV shows which will further augment your performance in the competition. Lastly, I am selecting you because I trust that you will work very hard to win because the top prize is something you’ve always wanted (longed for/dreamed of ----- you’ve already used ‘want’).

The competition is going to be held at Islamabad Convention Center next Saturday from 3 in the afternoon to 9 o’clock at night (in the evening). In terms of preparations, please do spend your time this week taking in as much general knowledge and information as possible. We can consult our school and public libraries; can bookmark websites exclusively designed on general knowledge related stuff; can also ask our teachers to be of some help etc. I look forward to not only competing alongside you next week, but also taking home the grand prize.

I’m all eyes to receiving an enthusiastic response from your side

Yours with love

Abubakar

Abubakar

Osama Bin Masood of class O’ Level’s response to a question on letter writing. The question was: "Write a letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition."

Letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition

Points to be incorporated:

• When and where the competition will take place
• A request to your friend to join you in the team
• Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team
• What preparation you should both do
• Details of the prizes in the competition

Dear Ali,

I hope you are in the best, both mentally and physically. As you know, a general knowledge competition is being held at the (no article before proper noun) Allama Iqbal National Library on 25^th of February. After a prolonged series of tests, I have been selected to represent our school in the competition. To participate, I also need a highly talented, intelligent partner. I have set my eyes on you. So join in!

The reason why you are my utmost choice is that I believe in you. I know that you have the sharpest mind among my friends. You are active (use excellent) in studies and (use an adjective for co-curricular as well, like 'a stalwart in co-curricular activities) co-curricular activities. Your logical answers and wide-spread knowledge (wide knowledge) has always impressed me. Last but not least, you are my best friend and I have been with you since the first grade (since first grade). So I trust you the most.

To gear up for the competition, you need to study the book ‘Mind Games’ by Allen Pike as well as read other stuff from the internet. Also, don’t forget to visit the school website to register yourself for the competition. Try solving some past paper questions too. Yet, don’t forget the best part! The first prize for the completion is 100 dollar cash. The second and third prizes are 75 and 50 dollars respectively. Even if we couldn’t make it to the top, we will surely get a certificate and 20 dollars. So, what are you waiting for?

I hope to get a positive response from you so that together we could embark on the journey of preparation and grab that cash (...grab a bit of prominence). Best of luck!

Yours with love,

Osama Bin Masood

Abdullah Nawaz of class O’ Level’s response to a question on letter writing

Dear Wasi,

How are you my friend? It’s been a long time we haven’t spoken with each other. I have heard that you have given (taken) your exams and are no longer occupied with your studies. Well, I wanted to make a proposal which will do good (good is adjective. Use ‘well’) for both of us.

Earlier, I was called to the principal’s office and was told that I was a representative of the school (I was to represent the school) in an in coming general knowledge quiz. I was dumb folded (dumbfounded), as out of all the people in the school they choose me (I’m the one they preferred/chose). Yesterday, the school administration also informed me that I were (was) to be accompanied by a partner in the quiz. They also gave me (have given me) the freedom to choose the partner. The first person that come (came) to my mind was my highly intellectual friend, Wasi. Who aced his O level exams and won several debate competitions. (…friend, Wasi, who aced his…)

Let me give (share with) you some more information about the quiz. The quiz is to be held by the end of this month, at the Marriott Hotel. They also gave us (have given us) a list of topics which might come in this general knowledge quiz. I have separated the topics between us I’ll send them to you as soon as possible (as soon as you say you’re willing to join hands with me). If you have any issues with transportation I am willing to take you and drop you back off (I’ll be glad to offer you pick and drop).

Now lets (let’s) get to the interesting part, the prizes. The organizers of the quiz have been very generous while setting the prizes. 3^rd position will get 10,000rs (Rs. 10, 000), use semi colon(;) 2^nd position will get 20,000rs (Rs. 20, 000) and the 1^st position will get a hefty amount of 35,000rs (Rs. 35, 000). Whoever gives this exam (participates in this competition) will receive a certificate which can be pasted in our CV in the future (will enrich our profile).

I hope you will fully co-operate. Please do inform me when you make up your mind as I have to make the arrangements.

Yours lovingly,

Abdullah Nawaz
Cambridge Section
PakTurk International School
Islamabad

Responding to a question on letter writing. See the response. First original draft, and then improved version of the same draft.

Letter to a friend inviting him to be in your team to represent your school in a general knowledge competition

Points to be incorporated:

·       When and where the competition will take place

·       A request to your friend to join you in the team

·       Why you think your friend is the best choice for your team

·       What preparation you should both do

·      Details of the prizes in the competition

Original Draft by the student (See improved version of this draft below)

Dear Sohaib,

I hope you’re doing good with God’s Mercy upon you. I’m doing good as well. There is a proposal I’d like to discuss with you. (You have read first paragraph; now first see the improved version below.)

I have recently been informed that I have been chosen for a general knowledge competition and I am representing our school. The competition is going to be held in Pak-China Friendship Center on Wednesday, 12^th of February, 2015 at 11 am sharp. There is an advantage they have given to every representative of the competition and that is that they can invite any one of their friends to join their team. You were the first choice that popped in my head. (You have read 2nd paragraph; now first see the improved version below.)

I have known you for 12 years and you’re of my oldest and best friends that have supported me in my every problem so I believe that you’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me in this contest. Also you are very talented and knowledgeable so I think you’ll be a perfect choice for my requirement. (You have read 3rd paragraph; now first see the improved version below.)

I think for our preparation we can consult our school library. According to my knowledge, they have a wide range of very educational and instructive books that can help us in it. Apart from that I have some old books through which my cousin used to prepare for his CSS exam. I mean it can help us a lot too. I hope you also have some amazing ideas for our preparation. Do let me know if you do. (You have read 4^th paragraph; now first see the improved version below.)

Okay. Now for the best part of this competition; The Prizes. The winners will get $10,000 with Visa to spend their holidays in LA with full hotel package. They will get clearance to visit NASA as well. The prizes sound goo to me so I think you should join me in this. We have a good chance in winning this. (You have read 5^th paragraph; now first see the improved version below.)

I’m expecting your reply and I hope that you’ll take my invitation in your consideration. Thanks. (You have read concluding lines here; now first see the improved version below.)

Yours with love,

Shaaref Munir. (No full stop here)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Improved Version of the Letter

Dear Sohaib,

I hope you’re doing well. Life is treating me fantastically well here. But this letter is not all about exchanging hello, hi; there is something exciting I’d like to share with you.

I really feel proud that I have been selected for a general knowledge competition to represent our school. The competition is going to be held in Pak-China Friendship Center on Wednesday, 12^th of February, 2015 at 11 am sharp. What’s more exciting is there is a wonderful facility they have offered to every contestant that they can make team with any one of their friends, meaning that one can participate either singularly or by making pair with a person of one’s own choice. Unsurprisingly, you were the first choice that popped in my head.

I have known you for 12 years and am fully aware and convinced of your strengths. Not only you’re my oldest and the most trustworthy fellow, but also you are the one who I find the most talented and knowledgeable in the realm of all my friends and acquaintances – no exaggeration here! So I am damn sure you’ll make a perfect choice for this battlefield and will prove yourself to be a knight.

As for preparation, we can consult our school library. To the best of my observation, our school library has a wide range of books on multiple subjects. Besides, it’s equipped with internet connected latest computers that can help access information from every nook and corner of the world within seconds. Apart from all this, I also have my own treasure of some old books. The significance of these books can well be understood by the fact that they were the actual source using which my cousin, Qasim, passed his CSS exam in flying colours. And last but not the least is your own ‘devil’s workshop’!

Now to stir up your feelings further, let me share with you the most exciting part of the story: the prizes offered. The winning team will be getting $3,000 coupled with a week long fully sponsored stay in Singapore. Isn’t it enticing enough? Second prize? To be honest, I have no interest in the second prize, since I have set my eyes solely upon the first one. I’m damn sure that with someone like you on my side, no one else can even dare think of grabbing the first prize. What’s left now? --- nothing else except for your willingness.

If all this sounds appealing to you, write me back quickly so that we could chalk out a whole plan towards how to go about our preparation.

Awaiting a positive response

Yours with love

Shaaref Munir

I can’t help saying Armughan has once again sparked beautiful expression in his present story for our blog, but this time the content is not of flawless quality since he’s committed a couple of blunders, intellectual ones, that seem to have marred ‘overall appeal’ of the content; however, he did come up with very impressive vocabulary and mature looking structures for which he does deserve applause.

The hot wind blowing in my face annoyed me greatly

(The title isn’t enticing enough. Instead “No, your makeup is fine, but what’s that on your face?” could have made a better title for the story being this line more captivating or suspenseful one.)

The dripping had slowed down, and the droplets striking the window had come to a halt. The blaring sun fought against the protective cover of her curtains and made its way through a crack in the blinds. The thunderstorm which had prevailed for over two days, had finally given way to sunlight. Seeing this opportunity, I quickly phoned Karen and invited her for shopping at a nearby mall. We agreed to meet at 2pm.

Having got ready, I headed for the entrance. The grassy lawn was covered with a film of water as a result of the scanty but prolonged showers. I decided to ride my bicycle so I could enjoy my share of the sunshine. The dark-grey clouds had vanished into thin air and all that was left was the sun blazing in awesome grandeur. I pushed open the iron-wrought gates and pedaled onto the road.

Soon, however, I felt uneasy cycling under the scorching sun. (The switch to a different weather condition is too sharp & abrupt. The weather now, on the contrary, must be pleasant one since you’ve already mentioned there’s been thunderstorm & it’s been raining for the last two days.) The rays were stinging my fragile skin, and the hot wind blowing in my face annoyed me greatly. Moreover, the intense heat made me sweat all over my face, and I decided not to wipe it off; it had done enough chaos on my makeup already. I peered up at the heavens in search of dense clouds to screen me from the heat. I thought of turning back, but remembering that I was the one who (had) invited Karen kept me on track.

On the way, I came across a group of boys in Bermudas and half sleeves. They broke out into laughter as I passed by. I glared at the lunatics, to which they laughed even harder. This did not end here: passerbys showed similar reactions, while children would run away screaming. I was no longer able to withstand the excruciating heat, nor the people perceiving me as “The Joker” from Batman with the makeup smudged all over. I was by now like a crafty laborer, who had spent all his energy under the broiling sun.

Finally, I reached my destination. I was panting like a dog, wanting to quench my thirst. But adjusting my appearance was top priority, so I decided to head for the washroom. Before I could make my next move, I felt a tap on my shoulder; it was Karen.

            “Anna, what happened to you?” she asked with a disgusted look.

            “I know. The sweat just ruined my makeup. I’ll just go wash it off.”

            “No, your makeup is fine. What’s that on your face?”

Her words made me uncanny about myself. I glanced at my reflection in a nearby puddle. I was shocked to the nerve: I had developed a skin rash. (As a reader, I was expecting something more surprising/shocking/exhilarating, but it turned out just an ordinary looking ending with no appeal at all.)

Vocabulary: Spent, Scanty, Uncanny, Withstand, Screen, Dense, Peered, Awesome grandeur, Stinging, Fragile, Lunatic, Give way, Crafty

Armughan Aslam
O' Levels Final Year

Armughan Aslam

O' Levels Final Year