Previous Topic

Disappointing a Good Friend

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)–(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Disappointing a Good Friend
1
It was a bright Saturday morning, the sun casting a warm glow over the park where I had promised to meet my best friend, Amir. We had planned a day of fun, a much-needed break from our busy school schedules. As I sat on the bench, I felt a mix of excitement and guilt. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks, but a nagging feeling in my stomach reminded me of the assignment I had neglected.
2
When Amir arrived, his face lit up with a smile. “Hey! I can’t believe we’re finally here! Are you ready for some adventure?” he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
3
“Absolutely! But, um, I need to tell you something first,” I said, hesitating. I could see the confusion in his eyes as I continued, “I didn’t finish my project for school, and I really should work on it today.”
4
Amir’s smile faded, replaced by a look of disappointment. “You mean you’re going to ditch our plans for schoolwork?” he asked, his voice tinged with hurt.
5
“I’m really sorry, Amir. I thought I could manage both, but it’s due on Monday, and I’m nowhere near done,” I explained, my heart sinking. I could tell he felt let down, and I hated that I was the one causing it.
6
“I understand school is important, but we’ve been looking forward to this day for so long. Can’t you just work on it later?” he suggested, trying to keep the mood light.
7
“I wish I could, but I really need to focus on this,” I replied, feeling the weight of my decision. “I promise we can do something fun next weekend.”
8
Amir shrugged, his disappointment evident. “Next weekend feels too far away. I just wanted to spend time with you today,” he said quietly. I could see he was trying to hold back his feelings, and it broke my heart.
9
As I watched him walk away, I felt a deep sense of regret. I had let my friend down for the sake of my schoolwork, and it didn’t feel right. I knew Amir was counting on me, and now I had disappointed him. The fun day we had planned together had turned into a moment of sadness.
10
Later that evening, I sat down to work on my project, but all I could think about was Amir’s face when I told him I couldn’t hang out. I had made a choice, but it felt like the wrong one. I picked up my phone and sent him a message, “Hey, I’m really sorry for today. Can we meet up tomorrow? I’ll finish my project tonight.”
11
Amir replied almost instantly, “Sure, but I hope you really mean it this time.” His response made me realise how much I had taken our friendship for granted. I needed to make it up to him.
12
From that day on, I promised myself to balance my responsibilities better and never let schoolwork come between my friendship with Amir again. I learned that while education is important, the bonds we share with our friends are just as vital. I didn’t want to disappoint him again.

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 indicates the same meaning as bright? [1 mark]
(ii) What word or phrase conveys a similar idea to disappointment? [1 mark]
(iii) What word or phrase suggests the same idea as regret? [1 mark]
(iv) What word or phrase indicates a similar meaning to important? [1 mark]

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

“I could tell he felt let down, and I hated that I was the one causing it. The fun day we had planned together had turned into a moment of sadness. I had made a choice, but it felt like the wrong one.”

(i) Explain what the writer means by felt let down [1 mark]
(ii) Explain what the writer means by moment of sadness [1 mark]
(iii) Explain what the writer means by felt like the wrong one [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer feels about disappointing a good friend. [3 Marks]

As I watched him walk away, I felt a deep sense of regret. I had let my friend down for the sake of my schoolwork, and it didn’t feel right. I knew Amir was counting on me, and now I had disappointed him. The fun day we had planned together had turned into a moment of sadness.

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: “It was a bright Saturday morning, the sun casting a warm glow over the park where I had promised to meet my best friend, Amir.”

Paragraph 4: “Amir’s smile faded, replaced by a look of disappointment.”

Question 3
You are writing an email to your friend Amir to apologise for not being able to spend time together. In your email, you should:

  • Express your regret for missing the planned day together.
  • Explain the reason why you had to prioritise your schoolwork.
  • Suggest a new plan to meet and make it up to him.

Write the words of the email. Base your email 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)