IGCSE ENG PAPER 2 M/J 2006

1. Dear Mr and Mrs Doyle,

I am writing to you, to express my utmost gratitude for giving me such a
wonderful stay at your hotel! Your hotel was nothing like I had expected, I am
very glad that I got the chance to stay at such a wonderful hotel.
I must first begin with the fact that the exterior design of the hotel was quite
rustic, in an extravagant way. At most hotels you would see the normal blue
glass exterior, and hotel name on top, but The Shamrock is more than what I had
expected, with its moss-colored roof, possum skins and the addition of age to
give it more luster!
Other than the exterior, I was not aware that there would be animals that
accompany each guest. If I knew, I would have brought my kids with me! I loved
seeing the goats and the dog, it made me feel like I was in with nature, but in
the comfort of a furnished dome. Your hotel came with much more than I
expected keeping in mind of the wonderful price rates. The accommodation was
spectacular and the environment was even more so.
I am not completely surprised that I enjoyed my stay because, you, Mr.Doyle are
one of a kind! Your Irish background gave your hotel a more homey feel. I was
even more glad because of your approachability. Most landlords would be stiff
and want nothing to do with those staying in there building, but you and
Mrs.Doyle made me feel in such a way about a hotel that I had never felt before!
Anyone who stays at your hotel is sure in for a treat, and I am glad that my taste
buds were indulged with this fantastic meal called the Shamrock Hotel!
Yours Sincerely,
Miss Balogun

2. (a) Despite the fact that the first paragraph goes into the description of the
exterior of the shamrock hotel, it does also explain the crowded, rowdy and
messy environment created by the company of the many animals by the
hotel.
The way in which the writer creates this effect is by creating an atmosphere
of a loud and all over the place feeling. The fowl which chased the
succulent grasshoppers gives the impression of a wet environment, given
the fact that the word succulent tallies with water. Also, taking into
consideration the fact that grasshoppers do chirp constantly, the writer gives
a loud and monotonous sound which adds to the already rowdy environment.
The writer also creates a crowded environment, with the aid of the matronly
old bitchs yelping brood. This gives the impression of high pitched barking
in the midst of the already monotonous chirping of the grasshoppers. The
setting is aided by the company of dogs, which crowds it. Lastly, the writer
mentions the distempered goat. Goats hold a tangy unpleasant smell with

them, so the presence of the goat gives the Shamrock an unappealing

entrance.
Overall the animals that you may find at the shamrock do not give the hotel a
very pleasant appearance.
(b) The writer presents Michael Doyle as a rough and unkempt man who
doesnt seem to care about his appearance.
Firstly, the writer describes his hair as a mop of grizzled hair. A mops
meaning is connoted with dirt and something that is placed in a messy
manner. The grizzled hair creates an image of hair that is all over the place
in an unattractive manner. Also the writer mentions the appearance of
Michael as humorous that is bristling with auburn stubble. This gives an
impression that he has not shaved neatly as it is appearing all over his face.
The writer adds that his fashion is very old as it is so old that everyone had
forgotten where and when it originated. This gives the impression that
Michael is behind modern time, and this adds to the fact that he seems non
chalet about his appearance.
All in all the writer had conveyed the appearance of Doyle in a manner that
he uses vivid imagery that appeals to the senses of the reader.