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PRACTICE WORKSHEETS

Subject: English Sample Writing

Topics: Directed Writing
Text C: Running for my life
Anna has recently arrived in New Zealand. It is 8:25 and she is being interviewed by a local radio
station.
‘And special guest, Anna McNuff, joins us in the studio right now. Anna, you’re running the
entire length of New Zealand, starting today?’

‘Yes! In forty-five minutes, I’ll be on the start line at the trailhead signpost, at Stirling Point.’
I was sitting, star-struck, in the Southland FM’s Invercargill studio, marvelling at radio host
Rach’s seemingly exotic accent. I already loved the way that people here pronounced my 5

name as: ‘Inna!’ I grinned widely from behind a microphone bigger than my head.

Rach continued: ‘So, are you brave or stupid?’

‘Perhaps both,’ I laughed enigmatically. ‘And excited.’

We talked about my reasons for the run: my amazing childhood with access to sport and
the outdoors, the benefits of exercise, and raising awareness for organisations that support 10
individuals recovering from accident or illness to take on a physical challenge. I explained
that I’d be visiting schools along the way.

We discussed the attractions of the 3000-kilometre-long Te Araroa Trail – an exquisite, wild

showcase of natural diversity framed by forests. I could feel my spirits lift and soar. Nagging
self-doubt and gnawing concern over the pain in my right foot eased with every word I uttered 15
into that gigantic microphone. Rach seemed impressed that all my gear fitted into my
backpack. I didn’t think to mention that I’d only run with it once in training before leaving the
UK. I’d struggled, concluding that running with a backpack was hard, and could wait until I
had to do it for real.

‘You’re doing it totally unsupported! Aren’t you nervous about how you’ll cope alone?’ Rach 20
asked.

‘It just comes down to a choice about how you live your life,’ I shrugged. ‘I’m a
‘‘work-it-out-when-I-get-there’’ kind of person.’

This was perhaps the reason why I’d failed to read even 10 per cent of the trail notes before
setting out. And possibly why a perceptive work colleague had introduced me to Kevin who 25
would meet me at the airport.

Local expert Kevin had quizzed me about sections of the trail. Mostly my responses were:
‘Umm, I’m not too sure on that particular bit.’

No, I’d no idea what speed I would do carrying the backpack. I’d wildly over-estimated and
certainly hadn’t accounted for the massive mountains sprawled across the landscape like 30
giant sleeping tarantulas with their hairy tussock-covered legs forming sharp ridges and deep
basins, punctuated by icy streams and seas of chest-high grass. Trails were easy to follow
at first using those orange trail-markers designed for tourists but would peter away leaving
a confusing connection of gaps in the complex maze of slippery roots and leaves covering
the forest floor, any of which could have been trails themselves. 35

Yes, I did consider purchasing a GPS at one point, but decided that wasn’t entirely in keeping
with the ‘adventurous spirit’. No, I was a paper maps and compass kind of girl. The explorers
of old did things that way, and I wanted the same thrill of ‘discovery’. Kevin had looked
concerned, though seemed comforted by the fact I had an SPT-tracker, which would let
friends and family know I was okay. 40

We’d chatted more about the differences between trails in New Zealand and those in Europe.
My new friend Kevin explained how so many people doing the trail were entirely unprepared,
narrowly avoiding disaster through sheer luck. ‘They start the trail expecting it to be a
well-graded highway. Of course, most are coming south, so by the time they get down here
they get it. But it’s the ones starting off with no idea from this end that I worry about.’ He 45
looked at me. I nodded and looked away quickly.

I hoped, but didn’t know for sure then, he’d be impressed when next we met. Having watched
my parents be showered with respect over their years of Olympic achievements, I would
soon have some of my own.

Re-read paragraphs 7 and 12.

• Paragraph 7 begins ‘We discussed the attractions ...’ and is about
Anna’s feelings ahead of the run.
• Paragraph 12 begins ‘No, I’d no idea ...’ and is about the natural
landscape Anna encountered on the trail.
Explain how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect
in these 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.
Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer.
Paragraph 7

Point 1: The writer uses descriptive language to highlight

Anna’s sense of excitement and the allure of the trail.

Example 1: “We discussed the attractions of the 3000-kilometre-

long Te Araroa Trail – an exquisite, wild showcase of natural
diversity framed by forests.”

Effect: This phrase conveys the trail as a grand and enchanting

journey. The adjectives “exquisite” and “wild” suggest a
stunning and untamed environment, which elevates Anna’s
sense of adventure and enthusiasm, making the trail appear
as a dream-like challenge.

Point 2: The writer uses imagery to illustrate Anna’s growing

confidence and relief as she discusses the trail.

Example 2: “I could feel my spirits lift and soar.”

Effect: The metaphor of “spirits lift and soar” evokes a sense of

emotional uplift and freedom. It suggests that talking about
the adventure has a positive impact on Anna’s mood, helping
her overcome self-doubt and feel more confident about the
journey.

Point 3: The writer contrasts Anna’s enthusiasm with her

underlying concerns to reveal her complex emotions.

Example 3: “Nagging self-doubt and gnawing concern over the

pain in my right foot eased with every word I uttered into that
gigantic microphone.”

Effect: The use of “nagging” and “gnawing” to describe Anna’s

self-doubt and concern creates a sense of persistent, troubling
anxiety. This contrast with her growing excitement highlights
the internal conflict between her fears and her passion for the
adventure, adding depth to her emotional state.
Paragraph 12

Point 1: The writer uses vivid imagery to depict the daunting

nature of the trail.

Example 1: “...massive mountains sprawled across the

landscape like giant sleeping tarantulas with their hairy
tussock-covered legs forming sharp ridges and deep basins...”

Effect: The simile comparing mountains to “giant sleeping

tarantulas” creates a striking and intimidating visual. This
imagery emphasizes the formidable and unsettling nature of
the terrain, illustrating Anna’s realization of the trail’s true
difficulty compared to her initial expectations.

Point 2: The writer employs detailed descriptions to convey the

harsh and varied terrain.

Example 2: “...icy streams and seas of chest-high grass.”

Effect: The imagery of “icy streams” and “seas of chest-high

grass” portrays the trail as challenging and diverse. It
highlights the physical obstacles Anna will encounter, such as
cold, wet conditions and tall, obstructive vegetation,
underscoring the reality of the trail’s difficulties.

Point 3: The writer illustrates Anna’s lack of preparation and

the complexity of navigation on the trail.

Example 3: “Trails were easy to follow at first using those orange

trail-markers designed for tourists but would peter away
leaving a confusing connection of gaps in the complex maze of
slippery roots and leaves covering the forest floor...”

Effect: The description of trails “petering away” and the

“complex maze” of terrain conveys the confusion and difficulty
of navigating the trail. It underscores Anna’s underestimation
of the trail’s complexity and her lack of thorough preparation,
highlighting the challenges she faces in managing and
navigating the trail effectively.
Summary
In Paragraph 7, the writer uses descriptive language and
imagery to capture Anna’s excitement, confidence, and
underlying concerns. In Paragraph 12, vivid imagery and
detailed descriptions convey the trail’s intimidating and
challenging nature, illustrating Anna’s lack of preparation
and the harsh reality she must face. Each point, example, and
effect helps to deepen the reader’s understanding of Anna’s
emotional and physical journey.

Article Writing

Choosing Your Holiday Destination: What You Need to Know

In today’s world, the allure of travel can sometimes overshadow the

impact tourism has on destinations. As young people planning your
next adventure, it’s crucial to make informed decisions that not only
enhance your experience but also respect the places you visit.

Understanding Over-Tourism

Text A highlights the phenomenon of over-tourism, where popular

destinations face overwhelming crowds and environmental
degradation. In places like Thailand, stringent rules and
restrictions are implemented to combat the negative effects of mass
tourism, such as damage to ecosystems and rising local costs. Over-
tourism can lead to severe consequences, including the closing of
beloved sites for recovery and increased costs that make it hard for
locals to afford living in their own communities.

On the other hand, Text B provides a personal perspective from Paolo

Santini, who lives in a city inundated by tourists. While tourism has
provided economic benefits and improved facilities, it has also led to
overcrowded streets, high rents, and the loss of local businesses.
Paolo’s ambivalence reflects a common sentiment: while tourism can
enrich a place, it can also transform it in ways that make locals feel
displaced.

Making a Responsible Choice

When choosing a holiday destination, consider the following:

1. Impact on Local Communities: Research how tourism affects

the local population. Are residents being pushed out of their
homes due to high rental prices? Are local businesses thriving,
 or are they being replaced by tourist-oriented shops?
Understanding these dynamics can help you choose
destinations that benefit both visitors and residents.

2. Environmental Considerations: Look into how tourism impacts

the environment. Are there conservation efforts in place?
Destinations that actively manage and mitigate tourist
impact are better choices for responsible travel. Avoid places
that are over-crowded or where natural resources are being
depleted.

3. Sustainable Practices: Opt for destinations that promote

sustainable tourism practices. This includes supporting eco-
friendly accommodations, respecting local cultures, and
minimizing your environmental footprint. Responsible
tourism helps ensure that beautiful places remain accessible for
future generations.

By considering these factors, you can make choices that contribute

positively to the destinations you visit, ensuring that your travel
experiences are enriching not only for you but also for the places and
people you encounter.

Written by,

ABC