Facing Fears and Phobias: A Journey to Self-Discovery
Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Facing Fears and Phobias: A Journey to Self-Discovery
1
Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a dense forest, the path ahead shrouded in the early morning mist. The air is cool and crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. You take a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in your chest. This is it, the moment you’ve been dreading and anticipating in equal measure.
2
As you step forward, the crunch of leaves underfoot is a reminder that every journey begins with a single step. You are not alone in this quest, even though it feels like it. Somewhere, not too far away, another version of you is embarking on a similar journey, facing fears that have long lingered in the shadows.
3
It’s not just the fear of the forest that grips you, but something deeper, more profound—the fear of the unknown, the fear of what lies within. You remember the stories of your childhood, tales of mystical creatures and ancient curses. They seemed so real then, and now, as you stand here, they whisper to you from the depths of memory.
4
On a parallel path, another you is navigating the bustling streets of a city, the noise and chaos a stark contrast to the tranquility of the forest. Yet, the fear is the same—a fear of being lost, of not belonging. You see your reflection in shop windows, in the faces of strangers, each glance a question of identity. Who are you amidst the sea of faces? What is your place in this vast world?
5
Both journeys are quests for identity, a search for understanding and acceptance. In the forest, you are learning to trust your instincts, to listen to the whispers of the trees and the rustle of the wind. In the city, you are discovering the strength in vulnerability, the courage it takes to face oneself amidst the crowd.
6
Your journeys converge at a crossroads, a moment of clarity and revelation. In the forest, you find a clearing bathed in sunlight, a symbol of hope and new beginnings. In the city, you find a quiet café, a refuge from the noise, where you can pause and reflect.
7
As you sit there, sipping a warm drink, you realise that the fears you faced were not just obstacles, but teachers. They have guided you to this moment of self-discovery, where you understand that fear is not something to be conquered, but embraced. It is a part of you, a reminder of your humanity and your resilience.
8
You stand up, ready to continue your journey, knowing that you are not defined by your fears, but by how you face them. The path ahead is still uncertain, but you are no longer afraid. You have found your place, not in the forest or the city, but within yourself.
9
And so, you walk on, with a newfound sense of purpose and identity, ready to face whatever lies ahead. For you have learned that the greatest journey is the one within, and the greatest fear is not knowing who you truly are.
Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
(i) As you embark on a new adventure, you feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. [1 mark]
(ii) The forest was filled with mysterious sounds that hinted at hidden secrets. [1 mark]
(iii) In the city, the bustling activity made you feel both alive and overwhelmed. [1 mark]
(iv) At the crossroads of your journey, you experience a moment of clarity and understanding. [1 mark]
Question 2(b)
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:
As you step forward, the crunch of leaves underfoot is a reminder that every journey begins with a single step. You are not alone in this quest, even though it feels like it. Somewhere, not too far away, another version of you is embarking on a similar journey, facing fears that have long lingered in the shadows. Both journeys are quests for identity, a search for understanding and acceptance. In the forest, you are learning to trust your instincts, to listen to the whispers of the trees and the rustle of the wind. In the city, you are discovering the strength in vulnerability, the courage it takes to face oneself amidst the crowd. As you sit there, sipping a warm drink, you realise that the fears you faced were not just obstacles, but teachers.
(i) crunch [1 mark]
(ii) Both [1 mark]
(iii) As [1 mark]
Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys a sense of self-discovery. [3 Marks]
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys a sense of self-discovery. [3 Marks]
Your journeys converge at a crossroads, a moment of clarity and revelation. In the forest, you find a clearing bathed in sunlight, a symbol of hope and new beginnings. In the city, you find a quiet café, a refuge from the noise, where you can pause and reflect.
As you sit there, sipping a warm drink, you realise that the fears you faced were not just obstacles, but teachers. They have guided you to this moment of self-discovery, where you understand that fear is not something to be conquered, but embraced. It is a part of you, a reminder of your humanity and your resilience.
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]
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 1: “Imagine yourself standing at the edge…”
Paragraph 4: “On a parallel path, another you…”
Paragraph 4: “On a parallel path, another you…”
Question 3
You are a motivational speaker who has recently completed a transformative journey through the forests and cities of Southeast Asia, as described in “Facing Fears and Phobias: A Journey to Self-Discovery”. You have been invited to deliver a speech to a group of young adventurers preparing for their own journeys.
- Describe the emotions and challenges you faced during your journey.
- Share the lessons you learned about fear and self-discovery.
- Encourage your audience to embrace their own fears and embark on their personal journeys.
In your speech you should:
Write the words of the speech.
Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)