Graduation Day
Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Graduation Day
1
As I stood in front of the mirror, the reflection staring back at me was one I barely recognised. The graduation gown hung loosely around my shoulders, a stark contrast to the nervous energy buzzing within me. Today was the day I had been anticipating for years, yet it felt surreal to finally be here.
2
"You look amazing!" my best friend, Mei, exclaimed as she entered the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She wore a bright smile, and her own gown clung perfectly to her frame. "Are you ready for this?"
3
"I think so," I replied, though my voice betrayed my uncertainty. "What if I trip while walking across the stage?"
4
"You won't! Just keep your head up and walk confidently. Besides, if you do trip, I'll be right behind you to catch you," she laughed, her infectious enthusiasm easing my nerves.
5
We made our way to the university hall, where the atmosphere was electric. Friends and family filled the seats, their chatter creating a comforting hum. I spotted my parents waving eagerly from the front row, their pride evident in their beaming faces. My heart swelled with gratitude for their unwavering support throughout my journey.
6
As we took our seats, I glanced around at my classmates. Each face held a mixture of joy, anxiety, and anticipation. We had all worked hard to reach this moment, and it felt like a dream come true. The principal stepped onto the stage, and the room fell silent, the excitement palpable.
7
"Welcome, graduates, family, and friends," he began, his voice resonating through the hall. "Today, we celebrate not just the end of your time here but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives." His words struck a chord within me, and I felt a wave of emotion wash over me.
8
When it was finally my turn to walk across the stage, I took a deep breath, recalling Mei's encouraging words. As I stepped forward, I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I focused on the path ahead, determined to keep my composure. The applause from the audience felt like a warm embrace, and I smiled widely, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
9
"Congratulations, Anna!" the dean said, handing me my diploma. "You've earned this." I nodded gratefully, the weight of the moment sinking in. This was not just a piece of paper; it represented years of hard work, late nights, and sacrifices.
10
As I returned to my seat, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. The late-night study sessions, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome had all shaped me into who I was today. I felt a surge of hope for the future, excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.
11
After the ceremony, we gathered outside for photographs. Mei and I posed with our diplomas, laughter echoing around us. "Can you believe we made it?" she asked, her eyes shining with joy.
12
"Not just made it, we conquered it!" I replied, feeling a sense of triumph. "This is just the beginning."
13
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the campus, I took a moment to soak it all in. Graduation day was not just an end; it was a celebration of our past and a launchpad for our future. I felt ready to embrace whatever came next, knowing that I had the support of my friends and family behind me.
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 I looked in the mirror, I felt a sense of strangeness at my appearance. [1 mark]
(ii) My friend's encouragement made me feel more confident about the ceremony. [1 mark]
(iii) The audience's applause felt like a warm welcome as I walked across the stage. [1 mark]
(iv) I was filled with a sense of accomplishment as I received my diploma. [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 we took our seats, I glanced around at my classmates. Each face held a mixture of joy, anxiety, and anticipation. We had all worked hard to reach this moment, and it felt like a dream come true.
(i) joy [1 mark]
(ii) anxiety [1 mark]
(iii) anticipation [1 mark]
Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the significance of graduation day. [3 Marks]
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the significance of graduation day. [3 Marks]
As I returned to my seat, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. The late-night study sessions, the friendships formed, and the challenges overcome had all shaped me into who I was today. I felt a surge of hope for the future, excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.
After the ceremony, we gathered outside for photographs. Mei and I posed with our diplomas, laughter echoing around us. "Can you believe we made it?" she asked, her eyes shining with joy.
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: “As I stood in front of the mirror, the reflection staring back at me…”
Paragraph 2: “We made our way to the university hall, where the atmosphere was electric…”
Paragraph 2: “We made our way to the university hall, where the atmosphere was electric…”
Question 3
You are a recent graduate who has just completed your studies. You have been asked to give a speech at a graduation ceremony to inspire your fellow graduates and their families. In your speech, you should reflect on the significance of graduation day and the journey that led you here.
- Reflect on the personal journey and experiences that shaped your time at university.
- Acknowledge the support from friends and family throughout your studies.
- Inspire your classmates to look forward to future opportunities and challenges.
In your speech you should:
Write the words of the speech.
Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)