Imagine that one of the following two pictures shows a character from a story that you are writing - Junior Cycle English - Question 6 - 2018

The character in Picture A is a woman in her early thirties, dressed in a sleek, tailored suit. Her hair is neatly styled, and she wears glasses that give her an air of intelligence. Her expression suggests confidence, but there's a hint of unease in her eyes, hinting at an inner struggle.

Despite her polished exterior, this character grew up in a rough neighborhood where she constantly had to prove herself. The image of her staring intently at the computer screen symbolizes her dedication to escape her past. She rose to become a successful professional, but the shadows of her upbringing linger.

On the surface, she seems like just another driven businesswoman, but beneath her calm demeanor lies a story filled with hidden ambitions and repressed fears. In meetings, her colleagues respect her, but few understand the lengths she has gone to bury the memories of her youth.

As she types away at her desk, thoughts swirl through her mind: 'If only they knew the real me. Would they still admire me, or would they turn away in disgust?' This moment encapsulates her internal conflict: the desire for acceptance versus the weight of her past.