Into the Wild: My Outdoor Adventure

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Into the Wild: My Outdoor Adventure
1
As I stood at the foot of the towering hills, the morning sun broke through the mist, casting a golden hue over the landscape. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, crisp air that filled my lungs with a sense of excitement. Today was the day I would embark on my long-awaited outdoor adventure, a journey that promised to test my limits and fill my heart with unforgettable memories.
2
"Are you ready, Jason?" my friend Mia called out, her voice echoing against the rocky cliffs. She was already adjusting her backpack, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. I nodded, although my stomach fluttered with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. This was no ordinary hike; we were determined to conquer the challenging trails of Bukit Timah Hill, a feat that many had attempted but few had completed.
3
As we began our ascent, the sounds of nature enveloped us. The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves created a symphony of life that invigorated my spirit. "Look at that view!" Mia exclaimed, pointing towards the horizon where the sprawling city met the lush greenery. I could hardly believe my eyes; the sight was breathtaking. "It's moments like these that make all the effort worthwhile," I replied, feeling a sense of connection to the world around me.
4
However, the trail soon became steeper and more rugged. I could feel the burn in my legs as we navigated the rocky terrain. "Just keep pushing forward!" Mia encouraged, her voice steady and reassuring. "We're almost there!" I could see the summit in the distance, a beacon of hope urging me on. Each step felt heavier, but the thought of reaching the top kept me motivated.
5
After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the summit. The view was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The vast expanse of greenery stretched endlessly before us, dotted with patches of vibrant flowers. "We did it!" I shouted, raising my arms in triumph. Mia joined me, and we both laughed, the sound echoing in the stillness of the moment. It was a victory not just over the hill, but over our own doubts and fears.
6
As we sat on the edge of the cliff, taking in the beauty around us, I reflected on the journey that had brought us here. "You know, this adventure is more than just a hike," I said thoughtfully. "It's about pushing ourselves, discovering our strengths, and appreciating the beauty of nature." Mia nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with understanding. "Absolutely! It's moments like these that remind us of what we're capable of."
7
After a while, we began our descent, the thrill of our achievement still coursing through our veins. "Next time, we should try something even more challenging," Mia suggested, her adventurous spirit undeterred. I smiled, feeling inspired by her enthusiasm. "Definitely! There's a whole world out there waiting for us."
8
As we reached the bottom, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. This outdoor adventure had not only tested my physical limits but had also deepened my bond with nature and with Mia. I knew that this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come, each one promising to be more exhilarating than the last.
9
In that moment, I understood that the true essence of adventure lies not just in the destination, but in the journey itself. The challenges faced, the friendships forged, and the memories created are what make every outdoor adventure truly unforgettable. With a heart full of gratitude, I looked forward to the next challenge, ready to embrace whatever came my way.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
(i) As I gazed at the stunning landscape, I felt a sense of wonder at the beauty surrounding me. [1 mark]

(ii) The steep climb made my legs ache, yet I was determined to push through. [1 mark]

(iii) Reaching the top was a significant achievement for both of us. [1 mark]

(iv) The journey taught me to appreciate the challenges we faced along the way. [1 mark]

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

However, the trail soon became steeper and more rugged. I could feel the burn in my legs as we navigated the rocky terrain. "Just keep pushing forward!" Mia encouraged, her voice steady and reassuring. "We're almost there!" I could see the summit in the distance, a beacon of hope urging me on. Each step felt heavier, but the thought of reaching the top kept me motivated.

(i) burn [1 mark]

(ii) beacon [1 mark]

(iii) motivated [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the significance of the outdoor adventure. [3 Marks]
However, the trail soon became steeper and more rugged. I could feel the burn in my legs as we navigated the rocky terrain. "Just keep pushing forward!" Mia encouraged, her voice steady and reassuring. "We're almost there!" I could see the summit in the distance, a beacon of hope urging me on. Each step felt heavier, but the thought of reaching the top kept me motivated.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the summit. The view was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The vast expanse of greenery stretched endlessly before us, dotted with patches of vibrant flowers. "We did it!" I shouted, raising my arms in triumph. Mia joined me, and we both laughed, the sound echoing in the stillness of the moment. It was a victory not just over the hill, but over our own doubts and fears.