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The Power of Popular TV Shows

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)–(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
The Power of Popular TV Shows
1
As I settled into my favourite armchair, the familiar theme tune of my favourite TV show filled the room. It was Friday night, and I was ready to escape into the world of “Mystery Island,” a show that had captured the hearts of millions, including mine. The stories of adventure, friendship, and the thrill of solving puzzles kept me glued to the screen.
2
“Did you see last week’s episode?” my brother called from the kitchen, where he was busy making popcorn. “I can’t believe they found the treasure map!”
3
“I know! And the way they worked together as a team was just brilliant,” I replied, my mind racing with thoughts about the characters and their journeys. Each week, I felt like I was part of their adventures, sharing in their triumphs and challenges.
4
As the show began, I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of the characters. The lead, Mia, was a young girl with a knack for solving mysteries, and her best friend, Leo, always provided the comic relief. Their banter was hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud at their witty exchanges. “You’re such a scaredy-cat, Leo!” Mia teased, rolling her eyes at his reluctance to explore the haunted cave.
5
“I prefer to think of it as being cautious,” Leo shot back, a smirk on his face. This playful back-and-forth was one of the reasons I loved the show so much. It highlighted the importance of friendship and trust, reminding me that no adventure is too daunting when you have someone by your side.
6
After the episode ended, I sat in silence, reflecting on what I had just watched. The show wasn’t just about entertainment; it taught valuable lessons about resilience and teamwork. I could relate to Mia’s determination to solve the mystery, as I often faced challenges at school. Just like her, I learned that with hard work and a little creativity, I could overcome obstacles.
7
“What did you think of the ending?” my brother asked, breaking my reverie. “I never saw that twist coming!”
8
“Me neither! It was so unexpected! I love how the writers always keep us guessing,” I replied, excitement bubbling within me. The thrill of not knowing what would happen next was part of the show’s charm.
9
As we discussed our favourite moments, I realised how popular TV shows like “Mystery Island” bring people together. They spark conversations, create shared experiences, and allow us to escape our everyday lives, if only for a little while. In a world that often feels chaotic, these shows provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
10
In the days following the show, I found myself daydreaming about my own adventures. Inspired by Mia and Leo, I decided to organise a treasure hunt for my friends in our local park. I wanted to create an experience where we could bond, solve clues, and enjoy the thrill of discovery, just like the characters I admired on screen.
11
As I prepared for the treasure hunt, I understood that popular TV shows do more than entertain; they inspire us to create our own stories. They encourage us to embrace our imaginations and remind us that adventure is always just around the corner, waiting for us to take the first step. And as I looked forward to the next episode, I felt grateful for the impact these stories had on my life.

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 conveys the same meaning as favourite? [1 mark]
(ii) What word or phrase suggests the same idea as adventure? [1 mark]
(iii) What word or phrase indicates the same meaning as teamwork? [1 mark]
(iv) What word or phrase reflects the same idea as inspire? [1 mark]

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

As we discussed our favourite moments, I realised how popular TV shows like “Mystery Island” bring people together. They spark conversations, create shared experiences, and allow us to escape our everyday lives, if only for a little while. In a world that often feels chaotic, these shows provide a sense of comfort and belonging.

(i) Explain what the writer means by the phrase bring people together [1 mark]
(ii) Explain what the writer means by the phrase shared experiences [1 mark]
(iii) Explain what the writer means by the phrase comfort and belonging [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer illustrates the themes of friendship and teamwork in the show. [3 Marks]

As the show began, I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of the characters. The lead, Mia, was a young girl with a knack for solving mysteries, and her best friend, Leo, always provided the comic relief. Their banter was hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud at their witty exchanges. “You’re such a scaredy-cat, Leo!” Mia teased, rolling her eyes at his reluctance to explore the haunted cave. “I prefer to think of it as being cautious,” Leo shot back, a smirk on his face. This playful back-and-forth was one of the reasons I loved the show so much. It highlighted the importance of friendship and trust, reminding me that no adventure is too daunting when you have someone by your side.

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 3: “As the show began, I was immediately drawn into the vibrant world of the characters.”

Paragraph 8: “Inspired by Mia and Leo, I decided to organise a treasure hunt for my friends in our local park.”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to a friend about your favourite TV show. In your letter, you should:

  • Describe why you enjoy the show and its characters.
  • Explain the lessons you have learned from watching it.
  • Share how the show has inspired you to create your own adventures.

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)