Childhood Friendships

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Childhood Friendships
1
As I sat on the porch, the warm afternoon sun bathed the garden in golden light. I could hear the laughter of children playing in the distance, a sound that always brought back memories of my childhood. It was a time when friendships were forged in the simplest of ways, often over shared adventures and the thrill of discovery.
2
One of my closest friends during those years was Amir. We met on the first day of primary school, both nervous and unsure of what to expect. I remember how we clung to our mothers, watching the other children play. Then, as if by magic, Amir turned to me and said, "Let's go explore!" With those words, our friendship began. We spent countless hours wandering through the lush fields behind our houses, turning over rocks to find tiny creatures and racing each other to the big oak tree at the end of the lane.
3
Amir had a knack for finding the most interesting places. One day, he led me to a hidden pond, its surface shimmering like glass. "Look!" he exclaimed, pointing to the frogs leaping from lily pad to lily pad. We sat there for hours, mesmerised by their antics, completely unaware of the world around us. It was in moments like these that I realised how special our bond was. We shared not just laughter, but a sense of wonder that seemed to grow with each adventure.
4
As we grew older, our adventures became more ambitious. I remember the summer we decided to build a fort in Amir's backyard. Armed with old sheets and wooden planks, we worked tirelessly, our imaginations running wild. "This will be our secret hideout!" Amir declared, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We spent countless afternoons in that fort, creating stories of brave knights and daring quests, our laughter echoing through the air.
5
However, not every moment was filled with joy. There were times when we argued, as all friends do. I recall one particular incident when we fought over who would get to play the lead role in our latest imaginary adventure. The argument escalated, and in a fit of anger, I stormed off, leaving Amir behind. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I realised that true friendship meant forgiveness and understanding. The following day, I returned, my heart heavy with regret. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Amir smiled, his forgiveness evident. "Let's start fresh."
6
Those moments of conflict only made our friendship stronger. We learned how to communicate, to express our feelings, and most importantly, to listen. As we navigated the ups and downs of our friendship, I felt a sense of security in knowing that no matter what happened, we would always have each other's backs.
7
As I reflect on those days now, I realise how much they shaped who I am. The lessons I learned from Amir about loyalty, kindness, and the importance of sharing experiences have stayed with me. Even as life took us in different directions, I cherish the memories we created together. Our childhood friendship was a foundation, a reminder of the beauty of connection and the joy of shared adventures.
8
Now, as I watch the next generation of children play in the same fields where Amir and I once roamed, I hope they too will find friendships that inspire them. The laughter, the adventures, and even the disagreements are all part of growing up. I smile, knowing that those bonds formed in childhood can last a lifetime, just as mine with Amir did.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
(i) The children were having a great time playing together, their happiness echoing in the air. [1 mark]

(ii) We often found ourselves in thrilling situations, our excitement palpable as we explored. [1 mark]

(iii) The two friends created a special place where they could share their imagination and stories. [1 mark]

(iv) The bond between them was strengthened by their ability to forgive each other after disagreements. [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}
My Answer 4 part (iv) : {ANSWER4}

Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> laughter (Paragraph 1)
</div>
Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> thrill (Paragraph 1)
</div>
Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> adventures (Paragraph 4)
</div>
Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> understanding (Paragraph 5)
</div>
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Question 2(b)
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:

As we grew older, our adventures became more ambitious. I remember the summer we decided to build a fort in Amir's backyard. Armed with old sheets and wooden planks, we worked tirelessly, our imaginations running wild. "This will be our secret hideout!" Amir declared, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We spent countless afternoons in that fort, creating stories of brave knights and daring quests, our laughter echoing through the air.

(i) wild [1 mark]

(ii) secret [1 mark]

(iii) daring [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}

Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> uncontrolled or free <br>
</div>
Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> something hidden or not known by others <br>
</div>
Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong> brave or bold
</div>
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Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer illustrates the importance of communication in friendship. [3 Marks]

However, not every moment was filled with joy. There were times when we argued, as all friends do. I recall one particular incident when we fought over who would get to play the lead role in our latest imaginary adventure. The argument escalated, and in a fit of anger, I stormed off, leaving Amir behind. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I realised that true friendship meant forgiveness and understanding. The following day, I returned, my heart heavy with regret. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Amir smiled, his forgiveness evident. "Let's start fresh."

Those moments of conflict only made our friendship stronger. We learned how to communicate, to express our feelings, and most importantly, to listen. As we navigated the ups and downs of our friendship, I felt a sense of security in knowing that no matter what happened, we would always have each other's backs.

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong>
<ul>
<li>The argument over who would play the lead role shows that conflicts are a natural part of friendships.</li>
<li>The act of apologising demonstrates the importance of expressing one's feelings and taking responsibility for one's actions.</li>
<li>Learning to communicate effectively helped strengthen their bond and provided a sense of security in their friendship. (3 Marks)</li>
</ul>
</div>
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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: “One of my closest friends during…”

Paragraph 5: “However, not every moment was filled…”

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong>
<ul>
<li>In Paragraph 2, the phrase "clung to our mothers" evokes a strong image of vulnerability and childhood innocence, highlighting the nervousness of the children as they faced a new environment. This imagery contrasts with the later sense of adventure that emerges in their friendship.</li>
<div> <br> </div>
<li>Additionally, the description "wandering through the lush fields" creates a vivid picture of the natural setting, suggesting freedom and exploration. The word "lush" conveys richness and vitality, reinforcing the joy and wonder experienced by the children during their adventures.</li>
<div> <br> </div>
<li>In Paragraph 5, the phrase "stormed off" illustrates the intensity of emotions during conflicts, suggesting a dramatic and impulsive reaction. This choice of words conveys the seriousness of the argument, making the reader feel the weight of the moment.</li>
<div> <br> </div>
<li>The phrase "my heart heavy with regret" uses emotional imagery to convey the deep feelings of remorse and the importance of reconciliation in friendships. The heaviness suggests a burden that the narrator carries, enhancing the emotional impact of the apology.</li>
<div> <br> </div>
<li>Finally, the expression "sense of security" in the context of their friendship evokes a feeling of safety and trust. This phrase highlights the positive outcome of their conflicts, suggesting that true friendships can withstand challenges and grow stronger as a result.</li>
<div> <br> </div>
<li>Overall, the writer effectively uses vivid imagery and emotional language in both paragraphs to illustrate the complexities of childhood friendships, showcasing both the joy of adventure and the lessons learned through conflict.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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Question 3

You are a teacher planning a workshop for parents on the importance of childhood friendships. In your letter, you should highlight the key aspects of childhood friendships and their significance based on the text “Childhood Friendships”.

  • Emphasise the joy and simplicity of childhood friendships.
  • Discuss how friendships are often formed through shared adventures.
  • Highlight the importance of exploring and discovering together.
  • Mention the role of imagination in creating memorable experiences.
  • Address the natural occurrence of conflicts in friendships.
  • Explain the value of forgiveness and understanding in resolving disagreements.
  • Describe how communication strengthens friendships.
  • Talk about the sense of security that comes from having close friends.
  • Reflect on how childhood friendships shape character and values.
  • Encourage parents to support their children in forming strong bonds.
  • Share the hope that children will create lasting memories.
  • Acknowledge the lessons learned from childhood friendships.
  • Remind parents of the role of laughter and joy in these relationships.
  • Suggest that friendships can inspire future connections.
  • Conclude with the idea that childhood friendships can last a lifetime.

Write the words of the letter.

Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer: <div class="SuggestedAnswer">
<strong>Suggested answer:</strong>
(Dear Parents,
<br>
I hope this letter finds you well. I am excited to announce an upcoming workshop focused on the importance of childhood friendships. These bonds are often forged in the simplest of ways, usually through shared adventures and the thrill of discovery.
<br>
As children play and explore together, they create joyful memories that shape their experiences. Imagination plays a crucial role in these friendships, allowing kids to build forts and embark on daring quests. However, it is essential to acknowledge that conflicts can arise. Such disagreements are a natural part of growing up, and they teach valuable lessons about forgiveness and understanding.
<br>
Communication is key in resolving these conflicts and strengthening friendships. Children learn to express their feelings and listen to one another, fostering a sense of security in their relationships. The lessons learned from these early bonds, such as loyalty and kindness, can shape their character for years to come.
<br>
I encourage you to support your children in forming strong friendships, as these connections can last a lifetime. Let's help them create memories filled with laughter and joy. I look forward to seeing you at the workshop!
<br>
Best regards,
(Your Name)
<br>
(Your Position))
</div>
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