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Dancing Through Life

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)–(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Dancing Through Life
1
As I stepped onto the polished wooden floor of the dance studio, a wave of excitement washed over me. The bright lights shone down, illuminating the space where I had spent countless hours honing my craft. Contemporary dance was not just a passion; it was my voice, my way of expressing what words could not.
2
“Are you ready for today’s rehearsal?” my friend Mia asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She had been my dance partner for years, and together we had faced the highs and lows of our artistic journey.
3
“Absolutely! I can’t wait to show you the new moves I’ve been working on,” I replied, feeling a rush of adrenaline. The music began to play, a haunting melody that resonated deep within me. As I moved, I felt the rhythm pulse through my veins, guiding my body in a way that felt both natural and exhilarating.
4
Throughout the rehearsal, our choreographer, Mr. Tan, watched intently. “Remember, dance is about storytelling,” he reminded us. “Each movement should convey an emotion, a feeling. Let your bodies speak.” I nodded, taking his words to heart. In contemporary dance, every twist and turn was a chance to share a piece of my soul with the audience.
5
After hours of practice, we took a break. Sitting on the floor, I glanced at Mia, who was sipping water. “What do you think about the performance next week?” I asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into my voice.
6
“I think it’s going to be amazing! We’ve worked so hard, and I believe we can truly connect with the audience,” she replied, her confidence reassuring me. I smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie that made the long hours worthwhile.
7
As we resumed our rehearsal, I couldn’t help but reflect on how dance had changed my life. It had taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. Each performance was a culmination of our efforts, a testament to our dedication.
8
Later that evening, as I lay in bed, I replayed the day’s events in my mind. The exhilaration of dancing, the support of my friends, and the thrill of sharing our art with others filled me with joy. I knew that contemporary dance was more than just a hobby; it was a journey, one that I was grateful to be on.
9
In the end, it wasn’t just about the applause or the accolades. It was about the connections we made, the stories we told, and the emotions we evoked. I drifted off to sleep dreaming of the stage, eager to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.

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

(i) “a wave of excitement” (highlight the phrase with html element) [1 mark]
(ii) “sparkling with enthusiasm” (highlight the phrase with html element) [1 mark]
(iii) “a haunting melody” (highlight the phrase with html element) [1 mark]
(iv) “the thrill of sharing our art” (highlight the phrase with html element) [1 mark]

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

As I stepped onto the polished wooden floor of the dance studio, a wave of excitement washed over me. The bright lights shone down, illuminating the space where I had spent countless hours honing my craft. Contemporary dance was not just a passion; it was my voice, my way of expressing what words could not. “Remember, dance is about storytelling,” he reminded us. “Each movement should convey an emotion, a feeling. Let your bodies speak.”

(i) Explain what the writer means by wave of excitement [1 mark]
(ii) Explain what the writer means by [1 mark]
(iii) Explain what the writer means by let your bodies speak [1 mark]

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

As we resumed our rehearsal, I couldn’t help but reflect on how dance had changed my life. It had taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. Each performance was a culmination of our efforts, a testament to our dedication.

Later that evening, as I lay in bed, I replayed the day’s events in my mind. The exhilaration of dancing, the support of my friends, and the thrill of sharing our art with others filled me with joy. I knew that contemporary dance was more than just a hobby; it was a journey, one that I was grateful to be on.

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 stepped onto the polished wooden floor of the dance studio, a wave of excitement washed over me.”

Paragraph 4: “Remember, dance is about storytelling,” he reminded us. “Each movement should convey an emotion, a feeling.”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to your friend about your experiences in contemporary dance. In your letter, you should:

  • Describe the excitement of dancing and rehearsing.
  • Share the importance of teamwork and support from friends.
  • Reflect on how dance has impacted your life.

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)