Here we are with our blog reactivated to continue sharing writings from our budding writers. The foremost episode carries an attempt by a very good student from our Cambridge Section. 'A difficult decision that I had to make' is a short piece of writing by Uzair Bhatti, a promising scholar of class O' Levels 2nd years here at Cambridge Section of PakTurk Chak Shahzad Campus.

A difficult decision that I had to make

Turbulent times are part of life. They come and go leaving irremovable marks behind, and a great deal of learning for us to feel mature than before. However, what’s more important is the decision we make in such tight situations.

It was the year 2015 when I got promoted to grade 9. Immediately after, I felt extremely perplexed when faced with a dual situation demanding what version of the syllabus I should opt for:

Should I go for GCE O’ Levels or our local Federal Board syllabus, that is, simple matriculation?

I asked my parents first, but their reply was of no help as they left it entirely up to me to decide by saying: “You can go for whatever you feel like.”

I made up my mind for choosing GCE O’ Levels, but to my dismay, my uncles and aunties came out as strong opposition to that. They rejected the idea pretty severely – saying they were in favour of matric system. “GCE O’ Levels is just a show-off, and has no scope, in fact,” they opined, discouraging me to a considerable extent. Though they might be very sincere in their approach, I wasn’t convinced of their outlook. Deep down, I believed I knew better what was good for me and on what grounds.

I now was in a terrible fix as their sweeping remark had further muddled the issue.

As I consulted with my cousins aboard, they all strongly voted in favour of O’ Levels as they all had gone through this phase. 

Anyways, I mustered up enough courage and confidence to stand by my decision no matter what! I, therefore, stuck to my own vision and since then I’ve never looked back or lamented whatever I chose for myself. Though I admit it was a very difficult decision, but by God’s grace, I’ve continued with CCE O’ Levels with my head high, working hard day and night.

I have gradually come to believe that my decision was right as I’m happy with it. Others too have got convinced by seeing the grades I scored in the three subjects I appeared in. My result has become a strong evidence of the accuracy of my decision. Yes, I can certainly do it. I won’t quit at all!

Uzair Bhatti

Of Class O-II

Uzair Bhatti

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