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Sample Writing Piece:

The Storm

The intense dark clouds rolled in over the dangerous choppy sea, they seemed to clash and knock together every so often releasing an almighty thunderous roar! The gloomy clouds looked as if they were ready to settle in for evening – as was I.

I love a good storm, there is nothing I find cosier than curling up under a soft blanket and watching the bright flashes of lightening and the churning of the sea, as if someone is whipping cream in the most frantic way. Storms by the sea are Mother Nature’s way of showing off.

Of course, I am aware storms can be dangerous for people and animals however I knew our community had been forewarned about this storm and everyone had taken the necessary precautions. With the knowledge that my family and friends were safe, I wrapped the burgundy blanket tighter around my shoulders and glanced at my ginger cat, curled up contently on my lap, purring and snoring simultaneously. It made for a comforting sound along with the drops of rain that had started to fall heavily.

My home sat nestled among a row of 4 other cottages; the fishing harbour was situated directly in front of the cottages making for the most spectacular view. My bedroom window was the perfect spot to watch this magnificent beast of a storm. From the comfort of my bed, I could see the blue and white striped lighthouse winking at me every few seconds. Although the lighthouse operated every night, surely no one would be so foolish to be out on their boats in this weather! Just that afternoon the harbour had been bustling as the fishing boats returned early from their trips.

CRASH! My thoughts were interrupted by a clap of thunder that rattled my windows. This storm was surely one of the biggest our fishing village had seen in years. CRASH! BANG! This was followed by the night sky lighting up as brightly as a billboard in Time Square.

Despite thinking that no one would be foolish enough to step foot outside in this weather, I was sure I could hear shouts from outside. I hurriedly leapt out of bed (disturbing my cat as I did so) and sure enough a small group of people had assembled by the lighthouse. What on earth was going on? Then with another flash of lightening, I saw it… out in the distance, about 500 metres from the harbour, a fishing boat had crashed into Seal Rock! In another flash of lightening that electrified the sky, I saw that it was my brother’s boat! No, it couldn’t be; he was supposed to be abroad on holiday for a few weeks, I must have been mistaken. Despite my argument, another flash confirmed that it was indeed my brother’s boat.

My heart skipped a beat as I fumbled for my mobile phone to call my parents but my battery was dead. What should I do? It seemed too rough a storm for me to attempt to travel to their house and I wasn’t sure if I should join what seemed to be a rescue party gathering by the lighthouse. I wasn’t exactly a trained professional and didn’t want to get in the way. I watched helplessly as the waves pounded against the boat, my heart was pounding to the same rhythm.

Despite my initial hesitation I simply could not sit there and do nothing. I grabbed for my waterproofs and ran as fast as a racehorse down to the lighthouse, cool rain was slapping at my body as I ran but I barely noticed.

I reached the light house just as the lifeboat was launched. The lighthouse keeper pulled me inside and sat me down, shoving a hot cup of tea into my shaking hands but I couldn’t drink it – I was too busy staring at the lifeboat and willing it to get to my brother and his mates in time.

Finally the lifeboat reached them! Suddenly an enormous, angry wave obscured my view and seemed to close down on both boats! Where were they?! It felt like an eternity waiting for the wave to pass. Then over the peak of the wave the lifeboat mightily roared back towards shore; as the boat got closer I could see my brother and his crew were accounted for! Oh the relief and sheer joy I felt at that moment.

The lifeboat moored up and the rain was pelting down heavier than ever, nevertheless I sprinted to my brother and squeezed him tightly.

It was a close call and we will be forever grateful to the brave rescue team. As for me, I am not sure I will ever enjoy a storm again!