Harvesting Dreams: A Grape Farmer’s Tale

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Harvesting Dreams: A Grape Farmer’s Tale
1
As the sun began to rise over the rolling hills of our family vineyard, I felt a familiar excitement bubbling within me. The air was crisp, tinged with the sweet scent of ripe grapes waiting to be harvested. I stood at the edge of the vineyard, gazing at the rows of vines, their leaves shimmering in the morning light. It was another day in my life as a grape farmer, a life I had embraced with passion and dedication.
2
"Are you ready for another long day, Anna?" my father called out, his voice warm and encouraging. He was already at work, carefully inspecting the clusters of grapes that hung like jewels from the vines. I smiled, knowing that this was more than just a job for us; it was a legacy.
3
"Absolutely! I can't wait to see what today brings," I replied, grabbing my basket and heading towards the first row. The vineyard was my sanctuary, a place where I felt connected to the earth and the cycles of nature. Each grape we picked was a testament to our hard work and commitment.
4
As I began to harvest, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here. I remembered my childhood days spent helping my parents in the vineyard, learning the intricacies of grape farming. It was a labor of love, one that taught me patience and resilience. "You must understand the land, Anna," my mother often said. "It gives you what you put into it."
5
With each handful of grapes I collected, memories flooded back. I recalled the challenges we faced over the years, from unpredictable weather to pest infestations. "Remember that storm last year?" I chuckled to myself. "We thought we'd lost everything!"
6
My father joined me, shaking his head with a grin. "We did, but we bounced back. That's what farming is all about—perseverance." His words resonated with me, reminding me of the strength we found in each other and in our shared love for this land.
7
As the morning wore on, I found myself lost in the rhythm of the harvest. The sun climbed higher, casting a golden glow over the vineyard. I could hear the distant laughter of my younger brother, who was busy helping with the sorting of the grapes. "Hey, Anna! Come help me with this!" he shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.
8
"I'll be right there!" I called back, feeling a surge of joy at the thought of working alongside my family. This was more than just a job; it was a way of life, woven into the fabric of our family history.
9
After hours of hard work, we gathered under the shade of an ancient oak tree for lunch. My mother had prepared a feast, and we sat together, sharing stories and laughter. "Do you remember the time you tried to make wine on your own?" my father teased, nudging me playfully.
10
"How could I forget? It was a disaster!" I laughed, recalling the spilled juice and the mess I had created. "But I learned so much from that experience."
11
"Every mistake is a lesson," my mother chimed in, her eyes sparkling. "That's how we grow." I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the wisdom they had imparted to me over the years.
12
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I took a moment to appreciate the beauty surrounding me. The vineyard was alive with the sounds of nature, a symphony of crickets and rustling leaves. "This is what it's all about," I thought to myself, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
13
With the last rays of sunlight fading, we finished our harvest for the day. Exhausted but fulfilled, we gathered our baskets and headed home. "Tomorrow we do it all over again," I said, a smile spreading across my face.
14
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," my father replied, his voice filled with pride. Together, we walked back, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by our love for the land and the dreams we were cultivating.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.

(i) The vineyard was a place where I felt a strong connection to the earth and the natural world, a true sanctuary for my soul. [1 mark]
(ii) After a long day of work, we gathered under the shade of a large tree for a meal, enjoying a feast prepared by my mother. [1 mark]
(iii) The challenges we faced, such as bad weather and pests, required us to have great perseverance to succeed. [1 mark]
(iv) Each mistake I made while learning to make wine was a valuable lesson that helped me grow. [1 mark]

Question 2(b)
Using your own words, explain what the writer means by the words in bold:

"As I began to harvest, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here. I remembered my childhood days spent helping my parents in the vineyard, learning the intricacies of grape farming. It was a labor of love, one that taught me patience and resilience. "You must understand the land, Anna," my mother often said. "It gives you what you put into it."

(i) patience [1 mark]
(ii) resilience [1 mark]
(iii) intricacies [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the importance of family in the farming experience. [3 Marks]

As the morning wore on, I found myself lost in the rhythm of the harvest. The sun climbed higher, casting a golden glow over the vineyard. I could hear the distant laughter of my younger brother, who was busy helping with the sorting of the grapes. "Hey, Anna! Come help me with this!" he shouted, his enthusiasm infectious.

"I'll be right there!" I called back, feeling a surge of joy at the thought of working alongside my family. This was more than just a job; it was a way of life, woven into the fabric of our family history.

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 1: “As the sun began to rise…”

Paragraph 2: “With each handful of grapes…”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to your friend describing your experience as a grape farmer. In your letter, you should:

  • Share your feelings about working in the vineyard.
  • Describe the importance of family in your farming experience.
  • Reflect on the lessons you have learned from farming.

Write the words of the letter. Base your letter on what you have read in the text but be careful to use your own words. Address each of the three bullet points. Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)

Previous Worksheet
Back to Lesson