The following is a prompt from SEA 2025 exam for Creative Writing:
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"Sandy, we're lost! I can't see our friends." Write a story which includes this line. You may include vivid descriptions and sensory details about
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“Sandy, we’re lost! I can’t see our friends,” I whispered, my voice shaking as I clung to her arm.
It had started as an ordinary school hike in the thick, green forest of the Northern Range. The air smelled of damp leaves, and the cool breeze rustled the branches above us. We were having fun, laughing with our friends, when we noticed a narrow path leading off the main trail.
“Let’s see where it goes,” Sandy said, her eyes wide with curiosity. Against my better judgment, I agreed, and we stepped onto the path.
At first, it was exciting. The path was lined with ferns and little wildflowers, and we imagined we were explorers on a secret mission. But soon, the air grew thick and heavy. The sun disappeared behind dark clouds, and the forest grew silent. Too silent.
That’s when I realised we couldn’t hear our friends anymore. The path twisted and turned until we couldn’t tell which way we had come from. The trees pressed in around us, and shadows stretched long and dark. A cold shiver ran down my spine.
“Sandy, we’re lost! I can’t see our friends,” I said, my voice trembling. Sandy tried to stay calm, but I could see fear in her eyes too. We turned back, but every path looked the same. The wind whispered through the trees, and somewhere in the distance, we heard a faint rustle. I imagined all sorts of scary things—wild animals, strange creatures hiding in the shadows. My legs felt like jelly.
“Let’s stay here and make noise,” Sandy said bravely. She remembered what our teacher had told us. We clapped, shouted, and even sang silly songs. My heart pounded, but we kept going, our voices echoing in the silent forest. Suddenly, a faint voice called back. “Sandy! Over here!” It was our teacher, Mr. Ali, pushing through the trees with two classmates. Relief flooded over me like warm sunlight. We ran to them, tears of joy and laughter mixing on our faces. The dark forest didn’t seem so scary anymore.
Back at the camp, under the golden sunset, we sat by the fire, wrapped in blankets. The night didn’t feel frightening—it felt safe and warm. I realised that even the scariest moments could turn into the happiest endings when we stayed calm, worked together, and never gave up.
🔸 Content: 5 – Exemplary
The story responds perfectly to the prompt and smoothly integrates the required line twice for emotional emphasis.
Full plot structure is present: Exposition (school hike), Rising Action (wandering off trail), Climax (realisation of being lost), Falling Action (noise-making), and Resolution (being found and reflecting by the fire).
Strong emotional arc: the shift from excitement to fear to relief is authentic and engaging.
Themes of friendship, bravery, and teamwork are clear.
🔸 Language Use: 5 – Exemplary
Vivid sensory details bring the forest to life: “smelled of damp leaves”, “cool breeze rustled the branches”, “the wind whispered through the trees.”
Use of metaphors and personification is subtle and effective: “Relief flooded over me like warm sunlight,” “shadows stretched long and dark.”
Emotions are well expressed without overuse of dialogue—well balanced.
🔸 Organisation: 5 – Exemplary
Clear paragraphing, logical event sequencing, and smooth transitions between events.
The pacing builds suspense gradually and resolves it meaningfully.
The closing paragraph provides a satisfying reflection that ties the experience together.
🔸 Grammar & Mechanics: 5 – Exemplary
Excellent punctuation, spelling, and grammar throughout.
Sentence variety is strong and maintains flow.
Dialogue is correctly punctuated and used purposefully.
🌟 Total Score: 20/20
💡 Comments:
This is a near model SEA story. It uses descriptive language to great effect, integrates the prompt line meaningfully, and closes with a warm, hopeful message.
This narrative:
Tells a compelling, suspenseful story with a happy ending.
Uses vivid language and sensory detail to engage the reader.
Has perfect grammar and structure that makes it easy to read.
Concludes with a clear lesson about courage, teamwork, and hope, which SEA markers value.
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