1. SECTION A: UNSEEN PROSE PASSAGE (30 marks)
Read the passage and ANSWER ALL the QUESTIONS that follow:
In the early hours before I was to embark on my journey as a student at a secondary school in the city, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. Tears streamed down my face as I grappled with a profound sense of fear. The thought of stepping into this vast, avant-garde world—a realm so intimidating filled me with dread. I was aware that I was on the brink of a transition, one that would take me far from the familiar comforts of my primary school, where I had felt safe and secure. What compounded my anxiety was the stark reality that I had no one to confide in about the challenges that lay ahead. My parents, well-meaning but unaware of the depth of my feelings, would simply dismiss my worries. "There, you have nothing to worry about." Their words, intended to comfort me, only served to deepen my sense of loneliness.
As I reflected on my friendships from primary school, I felt a pang of sadness. I had left behind the few friends I had, those who had been my companions in that cosy, nurturing environment. Some had moved on to different schools, pursuing their paths. I couldn't help but wonder if they too were grappling with similar anxieties about this new chapter in their lives. But deep down, I doubted it. I had always been a shy and awkward child. My weight had made me a target for ridicule, and I often felt like I was wearing a sign that read "unwanted." The nickname 'Fatty' echoed a painful reminder of the bullying I endured.
In physical education classes, the sting of rejection was palpable. I was consistently the last one chosen for teams, and on more than one occasion, I was left standing alone, invisible to my peers. Secondary school felt like a minefield, and I was ill-equipped to navigate it. I struggled to make connections, and as the days turned into weeks, I found myself increasingly isolated. The weight of my confusion was heavy; the sheer volume of homework, the imposing modern buildings, the many students bustling about, and the stern faces of teachers contributed to my disorientation. Each night, when I retreated to the safety of my bed, I would allow myself to cry. The tears were a release, a way to express the sadness that had become my constant companions. It felt as though I was a newborn baby, thrust into a vast world, struggling to find my place.
Answer the following questions:
- a). In a few words give any suitable title to the passage.
- b). What are the key issues the writer is trying to reveal in the passage?
- c). Using your own words, explain the meanings of the underlined words.
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