Childhood Friendships: A Journey Through Time
Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Childhood Friendships: A Journey Through Time
1
As I sit on the old wooden bench in the park, memories of my childhood flood back like a gentle stream. The laughter of children playing, the rustling of leaves in the warm breeze, and the familiar scent of jasmine remind me of a time when life was simple and friendships were pure. I close my eyes, and suddenly, I am transported back to those carefree days.
2
It was a sunny afternoon, and I was playing hide-and-seek with my best friend, Amir. We had spent countless afternoons in this very park, our laughter echoing through the air. "You'll never find me!" he shouted, darting behind a large oak tree. I could hear his giggles, which only made me more determined. "Oh, just you wait!" I called back, feigning confidence.
3
Finding him was always a challenge, but the thrill of the chase was what made it fun. Our childhood was filled with adventures that seemed endless. We built forts out of old cardboard boxes, raced our bicycles down the hill, and shared secrets under the stars. Those moments forged a bond that felt unbreakable.
4
One day, as we sat on the swings, Amir turned to me with a serious expression. "Do you think we'll always be friends?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I paused, contemplating the weight of his question. "Of course! We're like brothers," I replied, trying to reassure him. Little did I know then how life would eventually pull us in different directions.
5
As we grew older, school became more demanding, and new friends entered our lives. I remember the day Amir introduced me to his cousin, Lila. She was new in town and seemed shy at first. "Don't worry, Lila. You'll love it here!" I said, hoping to ease her nerves. But the truth was, I felt a pang of jealousy. Would she take my place in Amir's life?
6
Over time, Lila became an integral part of our trio. We shared countless adventures, from climbing trees to exploring the nearby river. I watched as Amir and Lila grew closer, and while part of me felt left out, I also felt a sense of pride. Our friendship had expanded, and I learned that love could grow without diminishing what we had.
7
However, as high school approached, the challenges of adolescence began to surface. Amir started hanging out with a different crowd, and I found myself drifting away from Lila. I remember the day I confronted Amir. "Why are you spending so much time with them?" I asked, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He shrugged, "They're fun. You should join us." But I didn't feel like I belonged.
8
Our friendship began to fracture, and I often reminisced about the simplicity of our childhood. I missed the days when we could talk for hours without a care in the world. "Do you remember when we used to race our bikes?" I asked him one afternoon, hoping to rekindle that spark. He smiled, but I could see a flicker of distance in his eyes.
9
Eventually, life took us on separate paths. Amir went on to pursue sports, while I focused on academics. Lila moved away after her parents got new jobs, and I was left with a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia. I often wondered if they thought of me as I thought of them. Did they remember our adventures, our laughter, and the promises we made?
10
Years later, I returned to the park, now a little older and a bit wiser. I spotted a group of children playing hide-and-seek, their laughter echoing through the trees. I smiled, realising that while friendships may change and evolve, the essence of those childhood bonds remains. They shape who we are, teaching us about love, loyalty, and the beauty of shared experiences.
11
As I reflect on those days, I understand that childhood friendships are not just about the time spent together but about the lessons learned. They remind us of the joy of companionship and the bittersweet nature of growing up. In the end, I cherish those memories, knowing they will always hold a special place in my heart.
12
Have you ever dreamed of going on an epic adventure? Many young explorers around the world share this dream. From the lush jungles of Southeast Asia to the majestic mountains, there are countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
13
One popular destination for adventure seekers is the dense rainforests of Borneo. Here, you can embark on a journey to discover unique wildlife, including orangutans swinging high in the trees. Imagine trekking through the vibrant green foliage, listening to the sounds of exotic birds and the rustling of leaves. While exploring the rainforest, you might come across hidden waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
14
Another thrilling adventure can be found in the breathtaking landscapes of Thailand. The country is known for its stunning beaches, but there are also opportunities for mountain climbing and rock climbing in places like Krabi. As you scale the cliffs, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the turquoise sea below. The sense of achievement you feel after reaching the top is indescribable.
15
If you enjoy water activities, consider visiting the islands of Indonesia. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are perfect for snorkelling and diving. You can swim alongside colourful fish and explore vibrant coral reefs. Each dive can feel like entering another world, where the beauty of nature surrounds you on all sides.
16
For those who love culture, an adventure in Vietnam can be incredibly rewarding. You can take a boat trip through the stunning Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise majestically from the water. Along the way, you might stop at small fishing villages to learn about local traditions and try delicious seafood. This adventure not only allows you to see beautiful sights but also provides insights into the lives of the people who live there.
17
As you consider where to go for your next adventure, remember that each location offers its own unique experiences. Whether you are trekking through jungles, climbing mountains, or diving into the ocean, the key is to embrace every moment. Epic adventures are not just about the destination, but also about the journey and the friends you make along the way.
18
So pack your bags, grab your map, and get ready to explore. The world is full of amazing places waiting for you to discover. Every adventure is a story, and you are the hero of your own tale. What will your next epic adventure be?
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 reflect on my past, I remember the joyful moments spent with my friends in the park. [1 mark]
(ii) The strong connection we shared was evident during our adventures together. [1 mark]
(iii) I felt a sense of envy when my friend introduced someone new to our group. [1 mark]
(iv) As we grew older, our friendships began to change in ways I didn’t expect. [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:
One day, as we sat on the swings, Amir turned to me with a serious expression. "Do you think we'll always be friends?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I paused, contemplating the weight of his question. "Of course! We're like brothers," I replied, trying to reassure him. Little did I know then how life would eventually pull us in different directions.
As we grew older, school became more demanding, and new friends entered our lives. I remember the day Amir introduced me to his cousin, Lila. She was new in town and seemed shy at first. "Don't worry, Lila. You'll love it here!" I said, hoping to ease her nerves. But the truth was, I felt a pang of jealousy. Would she take my place in Amir's life?
As we grew older, school became more demanding, and new friends entered our lives. I remember the day Amir introduced me to his cousin, Lila. She was new in town and seemed shy at first. "Don't worry, Lila. You'll love it here!" I said, hoping to ease her nerves. But the truth was, I felt a pang of jealousy. Would she take my place in Amir's life?
(i) pang [1 mark]
(ii) shy [1 mark]
(iii) reassure [1 mark]
Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the theme of evolving friendships. [3 Marks]
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the theme of evolving friendships. [3 Marks]
However, as high school approached, the challenges of adolescence began to surface. Amir started hanging out with a different crowd, and I found myself drifting away from Lila. I remember the day I confronted Amir. "Why are you spending so much time with them?" I asked, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. He shrugged, "They're fun. You should join us." But I didn't feel like I belonged.
Our friendship began to fracture, and I often reminisced about the simplicity of our childhood. I missed the days when we could talk for hours without a care in the world. "Do you remember when we used to race our bikes?" I asked him one afternoon, hoping to rekindle that spark. He smiled, but I could see a flicker of distance in his eyes.
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 sit on the old wooden bench in the park, memories of my childhood flood back like a gentle stream.”
Paragraph 6: “Years later, I returned to the park, now a little older and a bit wiser.”
Paragraph 6: “Years later, I returned to the park, now a little older and a bit wiser.”
Question 3
You are giving a speech at a community event about the importance of childhood friendships and the lessons they teach us. In your speech, you should highlight the value of these friendships and how they shape our lives as we grow older.
- Discuss the joy and simplicity of childhood friendships.
- Explain how friendships evolve and the emotions tied to these changes.
- Reflect on the lasting impact of childhood memories on our lives.
Write the words of the speech.
Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)