The Dance of the Wild

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Dance of the Wild
1
As I stood on the edge of the forest, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. I had always been fascinated by animal behaviour, and tonight, I was determined to observe the creatures that inhabited this vibrant ecosystem. Armed with a notebook and a sense of adventure, I ventured deeper into the woods.
2
Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush caught my attention. I crouched low, my heart racing with excitement. A family of wild boars emerged, their bristly coats glimmering in the fading light. They moved in unison, a mother leading her young through the thick foliage. I couldn’t help but marvel at their instinctual coordination, a dance perfected over generations.
3
As I scribbled notes, I remembered a conversation I had with a wildlife biologist earlier that week. "Animals have a way of communicating that we often overlook," he had said. "Their behaviours are not random; they are responses to their environment, each other, and their own instincts." This thought echoed in my mind as I watched the boars forage for food. They snuffled through the leaves, their noses twitching, seeking out hidden treasures beneath the earth.
4
Just as I was about to move on, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. I turned to see a group of monkeys swinging through the trees, their playful chatter filling the air. They chased each other with a zest that was infectious, leaping from branch to branch with an ease that made my heart soar. One of them paused and looked directly at me, its eyes sparkling with mischief. "What are you doing here?" it seemed to ask, as if it could understand my curiosity.
5
"I'm just watching," I whispered, half-expecting a reply. Instead, the monkey turned and resumed its antics, tumbling through the leaves with its companions. Their energy was captivating, a reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures. I noted how their social interactions were filled with a mixture of playfulness and hierarchy, each gesture rich with meaning.
6
As the night deepened, the forest transformed. The chirping of crickets filled the air, a symphony of nature that enveloped me. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, as if I was a part of this intricate web of life. In the distance, I heard the haunting call of an owl, a reminder of the nocturnal world that came alive after dark.
7
My thoughts drifted to the importance of preserving these natural habitats. With increasing urbanisation, many animals were losing their homes, their behaviours disrupted by human encroachment. I recalled the biologist's words about conservation. "We must understand their behaviours to protect them," he had emphasised. "Every action counts."
8
Determined to contribute in my own way, I made a promise to myself. I would raise awareness about animal behaviour and the need for conservation. I would share my experiences with others, hoping to inspire a love for the wild in those around me. After all, understanding the intricacies of animal behaviour is not just an academic pursuit; it is a call to action.
9
As I prepared to leave, I glanced back at the forest, now shrouded in darkness. The wild boars had disappeared, and the monkeys had settled down for the night. Yet, the forest was alive with sounds, a testament to the ongoing dance of life within its depths. I felt a deep connection to this place, a sense of belonging that I had not anticipated.
10
With each visit, I realised that observing animal behaviour was more than just a hobby; it was a pathway to understanding the world. I left the forest that night, my heart full of gratitude for the lessons it had taught me. The wild was not just a backdrop; it was a vibrant community, and I was fortunate to be a witness to its wonders.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words underlined.

(i) The animals moved with a natural grace, demonstrating their instinctive harmony in the wild. [1 mark]
(ii) The playful creatures were filled with joyful energy as they interacted with one another. [1 mark]
(iii) The forest was alive with sounds of nature that created a peaceful atmosphere. [1 mark]
(iv) The need for protection of wildlife is increasingly urgent as habitats are threatened. [1 mark]

Question 2(b)
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:

As I scribbled notes, I remembered a conversation I had with a wildlife biologist earlier that week. "Animals have a way of communicating that we often overlook," he had said. "Their behaviours are not random; they are responses to their environment, each other, and their own instincts." This thought echoed in my mind as I watched the boars forage for food. They snuffled through the leaves, their noses twitching, seeking out hidden treasures beneath the earth.snuffled through the leaves, their noses twitching, seeking out treasures beneath the earth.

(i) snuffled [1 mark]
(ii) twitching [1 mark]
(iii) treasures [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys their fascination with animal behaviour. [3 Marks]

As I scribbled notes, I remembered a conversation I had with a wildlife biologist earlier that week. "Animals have a way of communicating that we often overlook," he had said. "Their behaviours are not random; they are responses to their environment, each other, and their own instincts." This thought echoed in my mind as I watched the boars forage for food. They snuffled through the leaves, their noses twitching, seeking out hidden treasures beneath the earth.

Just as I was about to move on, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. I turned to see a group of monkeys swinging through the trees, their playful chatter filling the air. They chased each other with a zest that was infectious, leaping from branch to branch with an ease that made my heart soar. One of them paused and looked directly at me, its eyes sparkling with mischief. "What are you doing here?" it seemed to ask, as if it could understand my curiosity.

Question 2(d)
Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect in the following paragraphs. Choose three examples of words or phrases from each paragraph to support your answer. Your choices should include the use of imagery. Write about 200 to 300 words. [15 Marks]

Paragraph 2: “Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush caught my attention. I crouched low, my heart racing with excitement.”

Paragraph 6: “As the night deepened, the forest transformed. The chirping of crickets filled the air, a symphony of nature that enveloped me.”

Question 3
You are giving a speech to your school about the importance of observing animal behaviour and the need for conservation. In your speech, you should:

  • Describe your experience observing animals in the forest.
  • Explain why understanding animal behaviour is important for conservation.
  • Encourage your audience to appreciate and protect wildlife.

Write the words of the speech. Base your speech on what you have read in the text but be careful to use your own words. Address each of the three bullet points. Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)

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