The Unlikely Explorer
Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Unlikely Explorer
1
In the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, nestled among the towering skyscrapers and vibrant street markets, lived a young woman named Mei Lin. She was an ordinary teenager, known for her quiet demeanour and love for books. Mei Lin had always been content with her life, never venturing far from the familiar sights of her neighbourhood. But all that was about to change.
2
It was a humid afternoon when Mei Lin stumbled upon an old, dusty book in her grandmother’s attic. The book was titled “Journeys of the Past” and was filled with tales of adventures from across the globe. As she turned the pages, her imagination soared, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her. She had never travelled beyond the city limits, but now she yearned for an adventure of her own.
3
Determined to explore the world beyond her doorstep, Mei Lin decided to embark on a journey to the Cameron Highlands, a place she had only read about in her geography class. Her parents were sceptical at first, worried about their daughter’s safety in the unfamiliar terrain. However, they eventually relented, recognising the determination in her eyes.
4
With a backpack filled with essentials and a heart brimming with excitement, Mei Lin set off on her journey. The bus ride was long, winding through lush green hills and misty valleys. As the vehicle climbed higher, Mei Lin felt a sense of exhilaration she had never experienced before. The world outside the window was a tapestry of colours and textures, far removed from the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur.
5
Upon arriving at the highlands, Mei Lin was greeted by the cool, crisp air and the scent of tea leaves wafting through the breeze. The landscape was breathtaking, with rolling hills blanketed in emerald green and dotted with vibrant flowers. She spent her days exploring the tea plantations and hiking through the dense forests, marvelling at the beauty of nature.
6
One evening, as Mei Lin sat by a tranquil lake, she met an elderly traveller named Mr. Tan. He was a seasoned explorer, his face weathered by years of adventure. They struck up a conversation, and Mr. Tan shared stories of his travels across Asia. His tales were captivating, filled with encounters with diverse cultures and landscapes.
7
"You know," Mr. Tan said, his eyes twinkling with wisdom, "every journey changes you in ways you can’t imagine. It’s not just about the places you visit, but the people you meet and the experiences you gather."
8
Mei Lin nodded, realising the truth in his words. Her journey had already begun to change her. She felt more confident, more alive, and more connected to the world around her. The adventure had opened her eyes to the wonders beyond her small corner of the world.
9
As her time in the highlands drew to a close, Mei Lin knew she would return home with more than just memories. She had discovered a new sense of self, one that was eager to embrace the unknown and explore the myriad paths life had to offer.
10
Back in Kuala Lumpur, Mei Lin’s friends noticed the change in her. She was more outgoing, more curious, and more eager to share her experiences. The journey had transformed her from a shy bookworm into an unlikely hero, ready to face the world with open arms and an adventurous spirit.
11
And so, Mei Lin continued to seek out new adventures, each journey leading to personal growth and understanding. She had learned that the world was vast and full of possibilities, and she was determined to explore every inch of it, one step at a time.
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) Mei Lin’s curiosity was sparked when she found an old book in the attic. [1 mark]
(ii) Her parents were initially doubtful about her travelling alone. [1 mark]
(iii) The journey through the lush hills was a thrilling experience for her. [1 mark]
(iv) Mei Lin felt more assured after meeting Mr. Tan. [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:
It was a humid afternoon when Mei Lin stumbled upon an old, dusty book in her grandmother’s attic. The book was titled “Journeys of the Past” and was filled with tales of adventures from across the globe. As she turned the pages, her imagination soared, and a spark of curiosity ignited within her. She had never travelled beyond the city limits, but now she yearned for an adventure of her own. Determined to explore the world beyond her doorstep, Mei Lin decided to embark on a journey to the Cameron Highlands, a place she had only read about in her geography class. Her parents were sceptical at first, worried about their daughter’s safety in the unfamiliar terrain. However, they eventually relented, recognising the determination in her eyes.
(i) spark [1 mark]
(ii) sceptical [1 mark]
(iii) determination [1 mark]
Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys Mei Lin’s transformation during her journey. [3 Marks]
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys Mei Lin’s transformation during her journey. [3 Marks]
Upon arriving at the highlands, Mei Lin was greeted by the cool, crisp air and the scent of tea leaves wafting through the breeze. The landscape was breathtaking, with rolling hills blanketed in emerald green and dotted with vibrant flowers. She spent her days exploring the tea plantations and hiking through the dense forests, marvelling at the beauty of nature.
One evening, as Mei Lin sat by a tranquil lake, she met an elderly traveller named Mr. Tan. He was a seasoned explorer, his face weathered by years of adventure. They struck up a conversation, and Mr. Tan shared stories of his travels across Asia. His tales were captivating, filled with encounters with diverse cultures and landscapes.
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: “In the bustling city of…”
Paragraph 5: “Upon arriving at the…”
Paragraph 5: “Upon arriving at the…”
Question 3
You are Mei Lin, and you have just returned from your adventure in the Cameron Highlands. Your local community centre has invited you to give a speech about your journey and how it has transformed you.
- Describe the initial motivation and preparation for your journey.
- Explain the challenges and experiences you faced during your travels.
- Reflect on how the journey has changed your perspective on life.
In your speech, you should:
Write the words of the speech. Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)