The Journey to a Healthier Me

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Journey to a Healthier Me
1
As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of determination wash over me. “Today is the day I start my journey to a healthier me,” I declared, my voice echoing in the empty room. My friends had always teased me about my love for junk food, but this time, I was ready to change.
2
That afternoon, I met my best friend, Maya, at the local park. “Are you really going to give up chips and soda?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. I chuckled, “Well, I'm not saying I'll never eat them again, but I want to focus on healthier options. Plus, I want to feel better in my own skin.” Maya nodded, a smile forming on her lips. “I'm in! Let's do this together!”
3
We decided to start with a morning jog every Saturday. The first week was tough. “I think my legs are on fire!” I gasped, panting heavily as we reached the halfway point. Maya laughed, “Welcome to the club! But remember, every step counts!” It was hard to keep going, but the fresh air and the sound of our laughter made it worthwhile.
4
As the weeks went by, I began to notice changes. I felt more energetic and, surprisingly, I started craving fruits and vegetables. One afternoon while munching on a carrot stick, I exclaimed, “Who knew healthy food could taste this good?” Maya giggled, “I told you! It's all about making the right choices.” We even experimented with new recipes, turning our cooking sessions into fun challenges.
5
One day, while preparing a smoothie, I turned to Maya and said, “You know, I never thought I'd enjoy this as much as I do now.” She grinned back at me, “It's all about perspective. When you choose to see the good in healthy living, it becomes a part of you.” I nodded, feeling proud of how far we had come.
6
However, it wasn't always easy. There were days when I craved my old favourites. One evening, I found myself staring at a packet of chips. “Just one won't hurt, right?” I whispered to myself. But then I remembered Maya's words: "It's about balance." I put the chips back and opted for a handful of nuts instead. It felt good to make a healthier choice.
7
Months passed, and our Saturday jogs became a highlight of my week. I even signed up for a local fun run! “I can't believe we're actually doing this!” I exclaimed, excitement bubbling within me. Maya laughed, “Remember, it's not just about winning; it's about enjoying the journey!”
8
On the day of the run, I stood at the starting line, heart racing with anticipation. As the whistle blew, I took off, feeling the adrenaline rush through me. I crossed the finish line with a sense of accomplishment I had never felt before. “We did it!” I shouted, hugging Maya tightly. “This is just the beginning!”
9
Reflecting on my journey, I realised that healthy living was more than just diet and exercise; it was about embracing a lifestyle that made me feel good. “I'm proud of us,” I told Maya, “for choosing to live better.” She smiled, “And it's only going to get better from here!”

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

(i) What word or phrase from the text conveys the same meaning as commitment? [1 mark]
(ii) What word or phrase from the text suggests the same idea as healthy choices? [1 mark]
(iii) What word or phrase from the text indicates the same concept as enjoyable experience? [1 mark]
(iv) What word or phrase from the text reflects the same idea as making a decision? [1 mark]

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

As the weeks went by, I began to notice changes. I felt more energetic and, surprisingly, I started craving fruits and vegetables. One afternoon while munching on a carrot stick, I exclaimed, “Who knew healthy food could taste this good?”

(i) What does the writer mean by **more energetic**? [1 mark]
(ii) What does the writer imply by **craving fruits and vegetables**? [1 mark]
(iii) What does the writer mean by **taste this good**? [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer demonstrates the importance of support in their journey to a healthier lifestyle. [3 Marks]

That afternoon, I met my best friend, Maya, at the local park. “Are you really going to give up chips and soda?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. I chuckled, “Well, I'm not saying I'll never eat them again, but I want to focus on healthier options. Plus, I want to feel better in my own skin.” Maya nodded, a smile forming on her lips. “I'm in! Let's do this together!”

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: “That afternoon, I met my best friend, Maya, at the local park.”

Paragraph 6: “However, it wasn't always easy. There were days when I craved my old favourites.”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to your friend about your recent journey towards a healthier lifestyle. In your letter, you should:

  • Describe your initial motivation for change.
  • Share some challenges you faced along the way.
  • Highlight the positive outcomes of your journey.

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)

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