Urban Gardening: A Journey in My Backyard

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Urban Gardening: A Journey in My Backyard
1
As I stood on my balcony, gazing out at the sprawling city below, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. The concrete jungle, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, often felt overwhelming. But then, I looked down at my little patch of green — my urban garden. It was a small oasis amidst the chaos, a place where I found solace and purpose.
2
"You're really doing this, aren't you?" my friend Mei asked one sunny afternoon as she helped me plant some herbs. I chuckled, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Absolutely! It's my little escape from the city life. Plus, who doesn't want fresh basil at their fingertips?"
3
Mei smiled, her hands busy digging into the soil. "I never thought you'd take up gardening. It seems so… peaceful."
4
"It is," I replied, glancing at the tiny seedlings sprouting up from the earth. "There's something magical about watching life grow from the soil. It reminds me to slow down, to appreciate the little things."
5
As we worked, I reflected on how urban gardening had transformed my life. Initially, it had started as a mere hobby, a way to fill my weekends. However, it quickly became a passion. I found joy in nurturing the plants, learning about their needs, and witnessing their growth. Each sprout symbolised resilience, a reflection of my own journey in the fast-paced city.
6
"Remember when we tried to grow tomatoes last year?" Mei recalled, laughing. "We ended up with more pests than produce!"
7
"Oh, I remember!" I chuckled, shaking my head. "But it was a learning experience. Now, I know to use natural pesticides. It's all about trial and error."
8
Gardening taught me patience and perseverance. The initial setbacks, like the time my chilli plants wilted under the scorching sun, made me more determined. I researched, adapted, and eventually thrived. I realised that much like life, gardening required care and attention, but the rewards were worth it.
9
"What's next for you?" Mei asked, looking at the flourishing plants. "Are you thinking of expanding?"
10
I nodded, excitement bubbling within me. "I want to start a community garden. I believe it can bring people together, share knowledge, and foster a sense of belonging."
11
"That's a brilliant idea! You should definitely do it," she encouraged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
12
As we finished planting, I looked around at my green sanctuary. The vibrant colours of the flowers, the fresh scent of herbs, and the buzzing of bees created a symphony of life. I felt a sense of pride, knowing that I was contributing to the environment, even in a small way.
13
Urban gardening had not only provided me with fresh produce but had also connected me with my community. I often shared my harvest with neighbours, sparking conversations and forging friendships. "It's amazing how a simple tomato can bring people together," I mused to Mei one day.
14
"Absolutely! It's like you're planting seeds of friendship along with the plants," she replied, grinning.
15
In the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, my urban garden became a sanctuary of peace and connection. It reminded me that even in a concrete jungle, life could flourish. I was grateful for this journey, one that had taught me the importance of nurturing not just plants, but relationships and community.
16
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over my garden, I realised that this was just the beginning. With each seed I planted, I was sowing hope and joy, not just for myself, but for everyone around me. Urban gardening had truly changed my life, and I couldn't wait to see where this journey would take me next.

Question 2(a)
Identify a word or phrase from the text which suggests the same idea as the words in bold.
(i) As I looked at my little garden, I felt a sense of calmness wash over me. [1 mark]

(ii) My friend was surprised by how much I enjoyed my hobby. [1 mark]

(iii) I learned to be determined when facing challenges in my garden. [1 mark]

(iv) I believe that my garden can help connect people in the community. [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}
My Answer 4 part (iv) : {ANSWER4}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: solace (Paragraph 1)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: passion (Paragraph 4)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: perseverance (Paragraph 6)

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: foster (Paragraph 8)

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

"It is," I replied, glancing at the tiny seedlings sprouting up from the earth. "There's something magical about watching life grow from the soil. It reminds me to slow down, to appreciate the little things."
"Gardening taught me patience and perseverance. The initial setbacks, like the time my chilli plants wilted under the scorching sun, made me more determined. I researched, adapted, and eventually thrived."

(i) perseverance [1 mark]

(ii) determined [1 mark]

(iii) magical [1 mark]

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 part (i) : {ANSWER1}
My Answer 2 part (ii) : {ANSWER2}
My Answer 3 part (iii) : {ANSWER3}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: not giving up despite difficulties

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: having a strong will to succeed

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer: wonderful and special

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 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the importance of community in urban gardening. [3 Marks]

Urban gardening had not only provided me with fresh produce but had also connected me with my community. I often shared my harvest with neighbours, sparking conversations and forging friendships. "It's amazing how a simple tomato can bring people together," I mused to Mei one day.

"Absolutely! It's like you're planting seeds of friendship along with the plants," she replied, grinning.

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:

  • The writer illustrates that sharing produce with neighbours creates opportunities for communication, which strengthens community bonds.
  • By stating that a simple tomato can bring people together, the writer emphasises how small acts can lead to significant connections among individuals.
  • The metaphor of “planting seeds of friendship” suggests that gardening not only nurtures plants but also fosters relationships, highlighting the dual purpose of urban gardening.

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 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 I stood on my balcony, gazing out at the sprawling city below…”

Paragraph 2: “Gardening taught me patience and perseverance. The initial setbacks, like the time my chilli plants wilted under the scorching sun…”

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:

  • In the first paragraph, the phrase “sprawling city below” creates a vivid image of the vastness and overwhelming nature of urban life, suggesting a feeling of confinement and longing for escape.
  • The term “concrete jungle” evokes a stark contrast between the natural and built environments, highlighting the harshness of city living and the need for a personal refuge.
  • The phrase “little patch of green” serves as a powerful image that signifies hope and tranquility amidst the chaos, illustrating how the garden acts as a sanctuary for the writer.
  • In the second paragraph, the phrase “patience and perseverance” conveys the essential qualities that gardening imparts, suggesting a deeper life lesson about resilience in the face of challenges.
  • The imagery of “chilli plants wilted under the scorching sun” effectively illustrates the harsh realities of gardening, evoking sympathy and understanding of the struggles involved in nurturing life.
  • Lastly, the phrase “trial and error” encapsulates the learning process in gardening, reinforcing the idea that growth—both in plants and in personal development—requires time and effort.

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 3

You are a community leader planning to promote urban gardening in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to your local community centre, explaining the benefits of urban gardening and encouraging residents to get involved. In your letter, you should:

  • Highlight how urban gardening can provide fresh produce and improve health.
  • Discuss the social benefits of gardening, such as building friendships and community connections.
  • Suggest ways the community can start their own urban gardens together.

Write the words of the letter.

Write about 250 to 300 words. (15 Marks)

PROMPT: I am a IGCSE student working on Comprehension. You are an English teacher. The text: {TEXT}
Question 2a prompt: {QUESTION}
My Answer 1 : {ANSWER1}

Suggested Answer:

Suggested answer:
(1) Urban gardening provides fresh produce for families, promoting better nutrition and health.
(2) It serves as a peaceful escape from the busy city life, offering a sanctuary for relaxation.
(3) Gardening fosters patience and perseverance, teaching valuable life lessons.
(4) It connects people within the community, sparking conversations and friendships.
(5) Sharing harvests can lead to stronger neighbourhood bonds.
(6) Gardening encourages teamwork and collaboration among residents.
(7) It raises awareness about environmental issues and sustainability.
(8) Urban gardens can beautify the community, creating a more pleasant environment.
(9) They provide a platform for educational workshops on gardening techniques.
(10) Community gardens can involve children, teaching them about nature and responsibility.
(11) It allows for the exchange of gardening tips and experiences among neighbours.
(12) Urban gardening can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
(13) It can promote the use of natural pesticides, reducing chemical exposure.
(14) Community gardens can be a source of pride and accomplishment for residents.
(15) They can inspire local events, such as harvest festivals, to celebrate the community's efforts.

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

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