DIY Home Projects: A Personal Journey

Read the text below and answer the following questions
DIY Home Projects: A Personal Journey
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As someone who loves being creative, I often find myself looking for ways to improve my home. DIY (Do It Yourself) projects not only allow me to express my creativity but also save money and make my living space more personal. I want to share my journey and some of my favourite projects with you.
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One of my first DIY projects was painting my bedroom. I had always wanted a brighter space, so I decided to paint the walls a cheerful shade of yellow. I spent a weekend preparing the room, covering the furniture with old sheets, and taping the edges to ensure a clean finish. The actual painting was hard work, but it was so satisfying to see the transformation. By the end of the weekend, my room looked completely different, and I felt a sense of pride knowing I had done it myself.
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After the success of my bedroom, I turned my attention to my garden. I live in a small house with a little backyard, and I wanted to create a space where I could relax and enjoy nature. I started by building a small wooden bench using recycled pallets. It was a bit challenging, as I had never used power tools before. However, with the help of online tutorials, I learned how to cut and assemble the wood properly. Once the bench was finished, I added some cushions for comfort and placed it under a shady tree. It quickly became my favourite spot to read and unwind.
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Another project that I enjoyed was creating a herb garden in my kitchen. I love cooking, and having fresh herbs on hand makes a huge difference. I bought some small pots and filled them with soil. Then, I planted basil, mint, and coriander seeds. Each day, I watered them and watched as they grew. In just a few weeks, I had a small garden that not only added flavour to my meals but also brightened up my kitchen. It was incredibly rewarding to use my own herbs in dishes I prepared for family and friends.
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One of my more ambitious projects was refurbishing an old piece of furniture. I found a vintage wooden chair at a local market. It was in bad shape, with chipped paint and a wobbly leg. I decided to give it a new life. After sanding down the surface to remove the old paint, I painted it a lovely teal colour and added a new cushion for the seat. The chair turned out beautifully, and it became a statement piece in my living room. Refurbishing furniture is a great way to recycle and create something unique.
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While DIY projects can be fun, they can also be frustrating at times. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned, like when I accidentally spilled paint on the floor or when my herb seeds took longer to sprout than expected. However, I learned to embrace these challenges and see them as part of the process. Each mistake taught me something new and made the final result even more rewarding.
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In conclusion, DIY home projects have not only improved my living space but have also provided me with valuable skills and experiences. Whether it’s painting a room, gardening, or refurbishing furniture, I encourage everyone to try their hand at some DIY projects. Not only will you create a home that reflects your personality, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you made it all happen yourself.

Question 10
What did the author do to make their bedroom brighter? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER1}
Correct Answer: They painted the walls yellow.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 11
What did the author use to create a comfortable spot in the garden? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER2}
Correct Answer: A wooden bench with cushions.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 12
What did the author do to make their kitchen more lively? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER3}
Correct Answer: They created a herb garden.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 13
What did the author do with an old piece of furniture? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER4}
Correct Answer: They refurbished it and painted it a new colour.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 14
What did the author learn from their DIY projects? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER5}
Correct Answer: They learned to embrace challenges and improve their skills.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown

Question 15
What did the author find rewarding about their DIY projects? [1 Mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer: {ANSWER6}
Correct Answer: They enjoyed the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands.
Evaluate if I answered the question correctly. Output a green tick if correct or a red cross if incorrect. Explain if I am correct or wrong, Do not give me the answer. Use Markdown