Previous Topic

Family Traditions

Read Text C, and then answer Questions 2(a)–(d) and Question 3 on the question paper.
Family Traditions
1
As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of my grandmother’s famous chicken curry filled the air. It was a Saturday morning, and our family tradition was in full swing. Every week, my grandmother, or ‘Nenek’ as we lovingly called her, would gather us all for a meal that was more than just food; it was a celebration of our heritage.
2
“You know, family is everything,” Nenek said, stirring the pot with a smile that could light up the room. “Without these moments together, we lose a part of ourselves.” I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. Family traditions were not just rituals; they were the threads that wove us together.
3
My younger brother, Amir, bounded into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement. “Can I help, Nenek?” he asked, eager to learn the secrets behind her delicious recipes. “Of course, my dear!” she replied, handing him a wooden spoon. “Today, you will learn how to make the perfect sambal!”
4
As they cooked, I remembered the stories Nenek would tell us about her childhood in Malaysia. “Back then, we didn’t have much, but we had each other,” she would say, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “Every meal was a feast because we shared it with love.”
5
Amir, focused on the task at hand, looked up and asked, “Why do we always cook the same dishes, Nenek?” She chuckled softly, “Because these dishes are our history. They remind us of where we come from and the love we share.”
6
Later, as we gathered around the table, I glanced at the faces of my family, each one illuminated by the soft glow of the candles. “This is the best part,” I said, feeling a warmth spread inside me. “Being together, sharing stories, and enjoying your cooking, Nenek.”
7
“And don’t forget the laughter!” Nenek chimed in, her laughter contagious. As we dug into the curry and sambal, the room filled with chatter and joy. We recalled funny memories from past gatherings, our voices mingling in harmony. It was moments like these that reminded me of the importance of family.
8
As the meal came to an end, Nenek looked around the table, her heart full. “Remember, my dears, traditions are what keep us connected. No matter where life takes you, always come back to the table.” Her words resonated deeply within me, solidifying my understanding of our family’s values.
9
In that moment, I realised that these Saturday gatherings were more than just a meal. They were a foundation of love, respect, and unity that would carry us through life’s challenges. As we cleared the table together, I felt grateful for our family traditions, knowing they would shape our future generations.

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 delightful smell? [1 mark]
(ii) Which word or phrase represents the idea of gathering for a meal? [1 mark]
(iii) What term conveys the same idea as shared experiences? [1 mark]
(iv) Which phrase suggests the same meaning as bonding through meals? [1 mark]

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

“You know, family is everything,” Nenek said, stirring the pot with a smile that could light up the room. “Without these moments together, we lose a part of ourselves.” My younger brother, Amir, bounded into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement. “Can I help, Nenek?” he asked, eager to learn the secrets behind her delicious recipes. “Of course, my dear!” she replied, handing him a wooden spoon. “Today, you will learn how to make the perfect sambal!”

(i) What does the writer mean by family is everything? [1 mark]
(ii) What does the writer mean by we lose a part of ourselves? [1 mark]
(iii) What does the writer mean by the perfect sambal? [1 mark]

Question 2(c)
Use one example from the text below to explain how the writer illustrates the significance of family traditions. [3 Marks]

As the meal came to an end, Nenek looked around the table, her heart full. “Remember, my dears, traditions are what keep us connected. No matter where life takes you, always come back to the table.” Her words resonated deeply within me, solidifying my understanding of our family’s values.

In that moment, I realised that these Saturday gatherings were more than just a meal. They were a foundation of love, respect, and unity that would carry us through life’s challenges. As we cleared the table together, I felt grateful for our family traditions, knowing they would shape our future generations.

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 2: “You know, family is everything,” Nenek said, stirring the pot with a smile that could light up the room.”

Paragraph 8: “In that moment, I realised that these Saturday gatherings were more than just a meal.”

Question 3
You are writing a letter to a friend about the importance of family traditions. In your letter, you should:

  • Describe a family gathering and its significance.
  • Explain how these traditions strengthen family bonds.
  • Share your feelings about the memories created during these gatherings.

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)