Vintage Dreams

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)-(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Vintage Dreams
1
As I stood in my grandfather’s garage, the scent of oil and aged leather filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood. There, nestled between dusty shelves and old tools, was his pride and joy—a vintage Ford Mustang. It was more than just a car; it was a symbol of freedom and adventure.
2
"You know, this beauty could tell stories," I whispered, running my fingers along the smooth, faded paint. My grandfather chuckled, his eyes sparkling with memories. "Oh, it has plenty of tales to share. Like the time I raced it down the coastal highway, wind in my hair."
3
"Did you win?" I asked, my imagination running wild. He paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well, let's just say I didn't lose," he replied, winking. I could picture him, young and carefree, the engine roaring as he sped past the palm trees lining the road.
4
Every Saturday, I would help him polish the Mustang, each stroke of the cloth a ritual. "You have to treat her right," he would say. "A vintage car isn't just a machine; it's a companion." I nodded, absorbing his words like a sponge. To me, the Mustang was a treasure, a piece of history waiting to be revived.
5
One day, as we worked, he pulled out an old photo album. "Look at this," he said, flipping through the pages. There were pictures of him and my grandmother, young and in love, standing by the Mustang at various scenic spots. "We took this car on our honeymoon. Drove all the way to the mountains."
6
"Wow! Did you camp there?" I asked, wide-eyed. He nodded, his expression softening. "We did. Under the stars, with nothing but the sound of nature around us. It was magical." I could almost hear the crackling of the campfire and feel the cool mountain breeze.
7
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow through the garage, I felt a surge of determination. "Grandpa, can we take her out for a spin?" I asked eagerly. He looked thoughtful for a moment, then smiled. "I think she deserves it."
8
With a little effort, we managed to get the Mustang out of the garage. The engine sputtered to life, a deep rumble that echoed through the quiet street. "Ready?" he asked, his voice tinged with excitement. "Always!" I replied, my heart racing.
9
As we drove along the coastal road, the wind whipped through my hair, and I felt alive. The world outside blurred as we sped past, and I understood, in that moment, the thrill of vintage cars. They were not just vehicles; they were vessels of memories, carrying the essence of those who had come before us.
10
"This is what life is about," my grandfather said, his voice barely audible over the wind. "Living in the moment, creating memories." I smiled, knowing that this ride would be one of those cherished moments, forever etched in my heart.

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

(i) **a symbol of freedom and adventure** [1 mark]
(ii) **a piece of history** [1 mark]
(iii) **magical** [1 mark]
(iv) **living in the moment** [1 mark]

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

"To me, the Mustang was a treasure, a piece of history waiting to be revived. Every Saturday, I would help him polish the Mustang, each stroke of the cloth a ritual."

(i) Explain what the writer means by **"a treasure"** [1 mark]
(ii) Explain what the writer means by **"a piece of history"** [1 mark]
(iii) Explain what the writer means by **"a ritual"** [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer conveys the significance of the vintage Ford Mustang to the narrator. [3 Marks]

Every Saturday, I would help him polish the Mustang, each stroke of the cloth a ritual. "You have to treat her right," he would say. "A vintage car isn't just a machine; it's a companion." I nodded, absorbing his words like a sponge. To me, the Mustang was a treasure, a piece of history waiting to be revived.

One day, as we worked, he pulled out an old photo album. "Look at this," he said, flipping through the pages. There were pictures of him and my grandmother, young and in love, standing by the Mustang at various scenic spots. "We took this car on our honeymoon. Drove all the way to the mountains."

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 in my grandfather’s garage, the scent of oil and aged leather filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood.”

Paragraph 6: “Under the stars, with nothing but the sound of nature around us. It was magical.”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to a friend about your experience with vintage cars. In your letter, you should:

  • Describe the feelings and memories associated with the vintage Ford Mustang.
  • Share a memorable story about your time spent with your grandfather and the Mustang.
  • Explain why vintage cars are significant and what they represent to you.

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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