1) Use the following words in a story or essay: Ocean, setting, second, which, network.(10 min)
Adella finished setting the table on the deck, and sat down. She stared out to the horizon, trying to imagine what the Arctic Ocean had looked like before the ice melted away. The pictures she had downloaded from the company network were just unbelievable - stark, white, bare.
She picked up her bottle and took a sip of water. This was only her second trip to the beach-house ever, and she was still excited to be part of a company which operated such beautiful rentals.
Her watch beeped, and she stood up, straightening the chair. This week's tenants would be here within the hour. She looked out over the water again, then adjusted the fine curtains just so, so they would catch the slight breeze coming off the water through the open door without blocking the view.
2) Write about being unable to be home for a holiday (or do something else culturally significant). (10 min)
The house was already in order, but she re-polished the surfaces anyway, listening for the copter. She checked her watch again; they should be arriving within the half-hour. They would have a wonderful Christmas here, she would make sure of that. She had wished her parents a happy holiday before she left, but might risk a short phone call when the tenants didn't need her, just to surprise her mother.
Ten minutes. The copter pilot was usually good about being exactly on time. Adella slipped into the washroom to make sure she was presentable, and tucked a few stray wisps of hair behind her ears.
3) Write about an every day or commonplace object in strange circumstances. (10 min)
Two minutes. Adella stood by the door, peeking through the windows at the landing pad. The copter appeared in the distance and flew toward the house, making a neat landing with less than 30 seconds to go. Adella smiled to herself.
The pilot's door opened, and he pulled out the stairs before opening the passenger door. Two cloaked anners stepped out, bending double until they were clear of the copter. Once on the front path, they stood up, towering over the pilot. The shorter one looked around, turning its hood to the side as it inspected the yard.
Adella opened the door as they reached the front steps, and bowed, hands clasped in front of her face. Scaly, ridged arms appeared from the folds of the cloaks as the anners bowed in return.
She stifled a giggle when she saw a heavy gold watch strapped between two ridges on the last arm segment of the taller anners, and waved them inside. Thank goodness they had trouble reading human facial expressions.
