The Enchanted Forest
Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Enchanted Forest
1
You find yourself standing at the edge of the Enchanted Forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and mystery. The trees, towering and ancient, seem to whisper secrets to one another, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. You hesitate, a sense of both excitement and unease settling in your stomach.
2
It was just yesterday, or perhaps it was a lifetime ago, that you first heard the tales of this magical place. The stories spoke of creatures that defied imagination, hidden treasures, and paths that twisted through time itself. You remember the old man at the village market, his voice gravelly and eyes twinkling as he recounted his own adventures within the forest. “It’s a place where you can lose yourself,” he had said, “and perhaps find what you didn’t know you were looking for.”
3
Now, here you are, drawn by an inexplicable pull. You step forward, your footfalls silent on the mossy ground. The forest seems to welcome you, its shadows embracing you like an old friend. You walk deeper, past trees that seem to watch you with knowing eyes, their bark etched with patterns that could be ancient runes or merely the work of time.
4
In a clearing, you pause, the sunlight filtering through the canopy in golden beams. You remember another moment, a day not so long ago, when you stood at the same spot, your heart heavy with loneliness. The forest had been your refuge then, a place where you could escape the world and its expectations. Here, amidst the whispering leaves, you were just you, no masks or pretenses.
5
A rustle in the underbrush pulls you back to the present. A creature, unlike any you’ve seen before, emerges cautiously. It resembles a fox, but its fur shimmers with hues of emerald and sapphire, and its eyes hold the wisdom of ages. It regards you with a curious tilt of its head, as if assessing your intentions.
6
“Hello,” you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper. The creature blinks slowly, its gaze never leaving yours. In that moment, you feel a connection, a silent understanding that transcends words. You wonder if this is one of the forest’s guardians, a keeper of its secrets.
7
Time seems to shift around you, the past and present blending seamlessly. You recall a day, years ago, when you first ventured into the forest, seeking solace from a world that felt too loud and overwhelming. You had been an outsider then, unsure of where you fit in. The forest had been your sanctuary, a place where you could be alone, yet not lonely.
8
The creature turns, its tail flicking like a beacon as it moves deeper into the forest. You follow, your footsteps guided by an unseen force. The path winds through the trees, leading you to places familiar and new. You pass a stream that babbles cheerfully, its waters clear and inviting. You remember sitting by its banks, lost in thought, the gentle flow of the water mirroring the ebb and flow of your own emotions.
9
As you walk, the forest reveals its wonders to you. Flowers bloom in vibrant colours, their petals glistening with dew. Birds with plumage like precious gems flit from branch to branch, their songs a melodic symphony. You feel a sense of peace, a contentment that has eluded you for so long.
10
Eventually, the path brings you to a place where the trees part, revealing a view of the world beyond. You stand at the edge, looking out at the vast expanse of land that stretches before you. The forest has been your companion, your confidant, and now it seems to urge you forward, to step beyond its borders and into the world once more.
11
You take a deep breath, the air filled with the scent of earth and possibility. The creature stands beside you, its presence a comforting reassurance. You know that you can return to the forest whenever you need, that it will always be there, a place of magic and mystery, waiting to welcome you back.
12
With a final glance at the enchanted woods, you step forward, ready to face whatever lies ahead. The forest has taught you that being an outsider is not a curse, but a gift, a chance to see the world from a different perspective. And as you walk away, you carry a piece of the forest with you, its secrets and wonders etched into your heart.
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) The forest had a mysterious allure that drew in wanderers. [1 mark]
(ii) The creature’s eyes were filled with ancient wisdom. [1 mark]
(iii) The forest seemed to welcome her, enveloping her in its shadows. [1 mark]
(iv) She felt a connection with the creature that transcended words. [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:
You step forward, your footfalls silent on the mossy ground. The forest seems to welcome you, its shadows embracing you like an old friend. You walk deeper, past trees that seem to watch you with knowing eyes, their bark etched with patterns that could be ancient runes or merely the work of time. In a clearing, you pause, the sunlight filtering through the canopy in golden beams.
(i) welcome [1 mark]
(ii) knowing [1 mark]
(iii) golden [1 mark]
Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer suggests the theme of self-discovery. [3 Marks]
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer suggests the theme of self-discovery. [3 Marks]
“You recall a day, years ago, when you first ventured into the forest, seeking solace from a world that felt too loud and overwhelming. You had been an outsider then, unsure of where you fit in. The forest had been your sanctuary, a place where you could be alone, yet not lonely.
The creature turns, its tail flicking like a beacon as it moves deeper into the forest. You follow, your footsteps guided by an unseen force. The path winds through the trees, leading you to places familiar and new. You pass a stream that babbles cheerfully, its waters clear and inviting. You remember sitting by its banks, lost in thought, the gentle flow of the water mirroring the ebb and flow of your own emotions.”
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 9: “As you walk, the forest reveals its wonders…”
Paragraph 10: “Eventually, the path brings you to a place…”
Paragraph 10: “Eventually, the path brings you to a place…”
Question 3
You are a renowned explorer who has just returned from the Enchanted Forest. You have been invited to write a report for a travel magazine about your experience and discoveries in the forest.
- Describe the atmosphere and initial impressions of the Enchanted Forest.
- Explain the significance of the encounter with the mysterious creature.
- Highlight the lessons learned from the journey and how it has changed your perspective.
In your report you should:
Write the report. Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)