A permanent board in the park
Source A: A place to stop and play — an original park-improvement proposal
The park has winding paths, grass and a small play area, but few reasons for older visitors to stay together without buying something. We propose installing two permanent board-game tables beside the main path. A chess pattern would be marked on each surface, and the seats would be fixed. Visitors could bring pieces and begin a game without needing to find a suitable flat place or carry a folding table.
A visible game can invite conversation. People who would not approach a stranger without a reason may ask about a move or wait for the next turn. The tables could be used by families, friends or a local group arranging an introductory session. They would not require a subscription, and the park would gain an activity which does not depend on running or a large open space.
The location matters. Beside the main path, the tables would be easy to find and within sight of people passing through. They should not obstruct the route or replace the existing ordinary benches. We would need advice about a suitable design and space for different users to sit comfortably. A permanent installation deserves more thought than painting squares on the first available slab.
Some people will never use the chess pattern. The surface would still provide somewhere to sit with a book or another small game. We do not claim that two tables will create a community by themselves. We suggest a modest facility which residents could use in several ways. Before choosing equipment, ask likely users, examine maintenance requirements and decide how a person arriving without pieces might discover opportunities to join in.
Source B: A table is only the beginning — an original park volunteer’s response
I like the idea of games in the park. I have also seen attractive equipment installed with much more attention to its opening photograph than to the ordinary afternoons which follow. A chess table without pieces may interest someone who already plays and arrives prepared. It offers less to a visitor who does not know the rules or has never considered bringing a set outside.
The proposal allows other uses, which is sensible. However, the marked board can make a general visitor feel that the place belongs to a particular activity. A confident group may occupy both tables for a long time without intending to exclude anyone. We should consider how people will understand that the space is shared, especially if no volunteer is present to introduce newcomers.
Pieces create another question. Leaving sets outside may lead to missing items. Keeping them in a building means arranging storage, collection and return when that building is open. Asking volunteers to lend their own sets could work occasionally, but it should not quietly become a permanent responsibility. The council must decide whether it is providing only a surface or supporting a continuing activity.
I recommend trying movable tables during several planned sessions before committing to fixed ones. Observe who takes part, who watches and what makes joining difficult. Speak to people who use the existing benches as well as enthusiastic players. We might discover that one game table and more flexible seating serve the park better than two identical installations. A successful trial need not prove the original proposal exactly right. It should help us make the eventual space more useful than a picture of people enjoying it on launch day.
The park committee wants advice on installing permanent game tables. Write a report evaluating the proposal and making recommendations.
Use your own words and base your response on both sources. In your response:
Write about 250 to 350 words. Up to 10 marks are available for reading and up to 25 marks for writing.
60 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE English Language 5.2.3 Question 1(b) directed writing task. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.