Write about a time when you acted on impulse and

regretted its consequences.

1127/01

a time means an occasion, 1 particular incident in the past

Implication of Key Expression

Write about a time when you acted on impulse and

regretted its consequences.

1127/01

you means the story has to be told from the view-point of the candidate

Implication of Key Expression

Write about a time when you acted on impulse and

regretted its consequences.

1127/01

impulse means a sudden strong desire to do something without thinking about whether it is a sensible thing to do [= urge]

best to mention this in order to show relevance

Implication of Key Expression

useful synonyms to use are: urge, whim

Implication of Key Expression

Implication of Key Expression

Write about a time when you acted on impulse and

regretted its consequences.

1127/01

to feel sorry about something you have done and wish you had not done it

formal used in official letters or statements when saying that you are sorry or sad about something

note the use of the past tense

Implication of Key Expression

Write about a time when you acted on impulse and

regretted its consequences.

1127/01

things that happened as a result of a particular action or set of conditions

formal as a result of something note the use of the plural

Implication of Key Expression

Paragraph 1 Refer back to the question: I can remember clearly an occasion when I acted on impulse and regretted its consequences. The incident happened on …

Planning the Essay

The Impulsive Action Tell the story, beginning with the circumstances in which the situation arose: I was very upset with my neighbors because they were always making so much noise every night …

Planning the Essay

Use of Synonyms

An Alternative Scenario As I entered the shop, a suave and sophisticated salesman approached me with the iPod nano. He was so convincing that I felt I had to have it. How could a self-professed techno-geek be without the latest gadget which was a rave among teenagers?

Planning the Essay

Question of Style In order to create a sense of depth in the composition, remember to include the main character’s thoughts and feelings.

It would be great to involve as many senses (visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile) as possible as far as the details go.

Planning the Essay

The consequences have to be varied (therefore more than 1): not allowed to go out after school and on weekends, privileges of watching television and using the computer suspended, cell-phone confiscated etc.

Planning the Essay

Necessity to show regret. Highlight inconvenience of new situation, the resulting difficulties etc.

Emphasize how you felt sorry about the whole affair, felt miserable and wished you had not done what you did.

Planning the Essay

Use of Synonyms

Take advantage of Criterion’s online editing facility to polish up the essay.

Remember that it is only 60% accurate and does not check for tenses, among other things.

Finally, note that language proficiency only improves with use and effort. Keep at it and reap results!

Planning the Essay