Summary

Modern living has become socially and culturally toxic as people chase material

success, often defined by the latest consumer brands and lifestyles. This mindset

fosters individualism and materialism, leading to a disregard for social

responsibility. Individuals focused solely on personal gain may harm others to

achieve power, viewing human lives as disposable. The true cost of modern living

includes poverty, environmental damage, chronic diseases from poor choices, and

social unrest. These consequences will impact economies and future generations.

To address these issues, education needs to focus not just on earning a living, but

on teaching how to live responsibly. A shift toward more humanitarian values is

essential for a sustainable future

Passage 1
a) What caused Imamu to stop running?
Imamu stopped running because of a sharp pain under his rib cage.

(b) What effect does the writer achieve in paragraph 1 by using short
sentences?
The writer creates a sense of urgency and physical discomfort. The short sentences
mirror Imamu's painful, labored breathing and emphasize the intensity of his
experience.

(c) Which sentence in paragraph 1 indicates a contrast between what Imamu

is feeling and the atmosphere of the natural environment?
The sentence “A bird chirped in a tree” contrasts the peaceful, natural sounds with
Imamu's physical pain and distress.

(d) Apart from the short sentence, what literary technique does the writer use
in paragraph 2 to show that Imamu is reflecting on his experiences?
The writer uses imagery and repetition to depict Imamu replaying the scene in his
mind, with vivid descriptions like “He saw Mrs Ainsley, playing for time” and the
repeated references to the family members.

(e)
(i) Identify ONE emotion which Imamu experiences in paragraph 2.
Imamu experiences confusion.
(ii) Quote an appropriate expression to support your answer.
“What was he doing here in this strange land, far away from New York?”

(f) Why does Imamu ask himself several questions and replay the scene at the
dinner in his mind?
Imamu is trying to understand his emotions and the situation he finds himself in.
He is confused and uncertain about his relationship with the people in the house
and what they meant to him.

(g) Quote the sentence which indicates that Imamu thinks he understands
Perk.
“He sort of liked her: liked the fact that she didn’t keep anything hidden — unlike
Gail.”

(h) Why was Imamu running away?

Imamu was running away from some form of emotional or psychological distress,
likely linked to the confusion and turmoil he was experiencing regarding his
situation with the Ainsley family.
Passage 2

a) Why does the writer state that retirement planning is a young discipline?
The writer states that retirement planning is a young discipline because, until the
1930s, programs like pensions, social security, and national insurance to prepare
people financially for retirement were unheard of in the region.

(b) Identify TWO programmes mentioned by the writer that are used to
prepare for retirement.
The two programs mentioned are social security and employer-sponsored pension
benefits.

(c) What does the writer see as the error young people make in planning for
retirement?
The writer sees the error young people make as postponing the accumulation of
retirement savings and focusing only on other responsibilities like buying a house,
a car, and paying for education.

(d) What does the word “roadblock” (line 17) mean as used in the passage?
In this context, “roadblock” refers to an obstacle or barrier that prevents the
accumulation of retirement savings.

(e) Name TWO of the roadblocks to retirement savings which the writer
identifies.
The two roadblocks identified are spending all after-tax income on current
consumption and unexpected expenditures like emergency medical bills or repairs.
(f) What point does the writer make about financial literacy in the final
paragraph?
The writer points out that a lack of financial literacy, along with apathy and
ignorance, is a major impediment to retirement planning.

(g) According to the final paragraph, what does the writer see as being
essential to successful retirement?
The writer believes that learning to plan and planning early are essential to having
a successful retirement.

(h) Quote an expression from paragraph 2 which is opposite in meaning to the

final sentence in the extract.
?The expression "income is significantly less, perhaps by as much as
70%" ,contrasts with the final sentence, "Retirement does not have to be a time of
hardship."

Short story

My people were special to me. I had to warn them that a storm, such as they
had never seen, was coming.

The air had turned thick with a strange energy, and the sky above was an unsettling
shade of green, like the calm before a great eruption. I could feel it in my bones—
the storm was different this time, not like the others we had weathered before. It
was something ancient, something deep within the earth, rising up to claim us.

I rushed through the village, my heart pounding in my chest. Th e wind had started
to pick up, howling in the distance. The trees were bending, their branches twisting
in unnatural directions, as if they, too, knew the danger approaching. I had to reach
them—my people, my family—before it was too late.
I found them by the river, gathered around the fire as they had done every evening
for generations. Their laughter, once full of joy, now seemed out of place against
the growing roar of the wind. I took a deep breath, stepping forward.

“The storm is coming,” I called out, my voice trembling with urgency. “Not like
any we’ve seen before. We must move, now.”

They looked at me with confusion, some skeptical, others uncertain. It was hard for
them to believe. We had lived here for generations, the land and weather our
constant companions. We had weathered many storms together. But this one was
different.

“There’s no time to explain,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. “It’s not just
rain. It’s something more. The earth is shifting. We must take shelter in the caves,
where the mountain will protect us.”

Murmurs of disbelief spread through the group. I could see the doubt in their eyes.
How could they possibly understand what I felt, the deep instinct that told me the
storm was not just a storm, but a reckoning?

One of the elders, a woman with silver hair and a weathered face, stepped forward.
“What do you know of this storm, child?” she asked, her voice soft but
commanding.

“I don’t know how,” I said, struggling to find the words. “But I know it’s coming
for us. And if we don’t leave now, we will not survive.”

There was a long silence. I could hear the wind howling louder now, as if in
agreement, as the first heavy drops of rain began to fall. The earth beneath my feet
seemed to tremble. My heart raced. This was not a storm we could outrun.

Finally, the elder nodded, her eyes filled with wisdom. “Then we go,” she said,
turning toward the others. “We trust you.”

I felt a weight lift from my chest, but only for a moment. We had no time to lose.
The rain began to pour in torrents, and the ground beneath us grew slippery with
mud. We ran toward the mountain, the caves hidden deep in its bowels, where we
could take shelter from the storm.

As we neared the entrance to the cave, I turned one last time to look at the village.
The wind had begun to howl, and the storm was now upon us, a swirling mass of
fury that seemed to consume everything in its path. The trees were uprooted, and
the river had risen to dangerous levels, as if the storm itself sought to wash
everything away.

We made it inside just as the storm hit its peak. I could hear the roar of the wind
and the crash of thunder echoing through the mountain. The air inside the cave was
cool, but it offered no comfort against the fear that gnawed at me. The storm was
not just a natural disaster. It was a reckoning, a sign that something much larger
was at play.

As the storm raged outside, I gathered my people close, huddling together for
warmth. They looked to me for reassurance, but I had none to give. All I knew was
that the storm would pass, but what awaited us on the other side would change
everything.

We had survived the storm, but what would we become when it was over? Would
we be the same, or would we be forever marked by the wrath of nature and the
forces beyond our control?

Only time would tell.

4o mini
You said:

Education is the only avenue for success in today’s world. Write an essay giving
your views on this statement.
Education is the Only Avenue for Success in Today’s World

In today’s rapidly evolving world, education is often regarded as the key to

success. The argument that education is the only avenue for success reflects a
widely held belief that acquiring knowledge, skills, and qualifications is the most
reliable path to achieving personal and professional goals. While there are certainly
other ways to succeed, such as through talent, networking, and entrepreneurship,
education remains the cornerstone of societal progress and individual
advancement.

First and foremost, education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills
needed to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive world. In the modern
job market, most careers require specialized knowledge and technical expertise.
Whether in medicine, engineering, finance, or technology, success often depends
on how well an individual has been educated in their chosen field. This is
particularly true in industries that are driven by innovation, where staying up-to-
date with the latest developments is crucial. Without a strong educational
foundation, individuals may find themselves at a disadvantage, unable to meet the
demands of the job market.

Moreover, education provides the opportunity for personal growth and

development. It is not only about acquiring academic knowledge but also about
developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.
These attributes are essential for making informed decisions, managing
relationships, and adapting to change. Education fosters creativity and curiosity,
encouraging individuals to explore different perspectives and ideas. In this way, it
contributes to the holistic development of individuals, preparing them for success
both professionally and personally.

Another reason why education is seen as an avenue for success is its potential to
break cycles of poverty and inequality. Access to quality education opens doors to
better job opportunities, higher incomes, and improved standards of living. For
individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, education serves as a powerful tool
for social mobility. It can transform lives by offering the possibility of a better
future, enabling people to rise above circumstances that may otherwise limit their
potential. In this sense, education is not just about personal success but also about
creating a more equitable and just society.

However, it is important to acknowledge that education alone does not guarantee

success. There are countless examples of individuals who have achieved
remarkable success without formal education, often through entrepreneurial spirit,
determination, and hard work. In some cases, talent, creativity, and the ability to
seize opportunities can play an even more significant role in achieving success.
Nevertheless, even in such cases, education often provides a foundation for self-
improvement and growth, whether through self-teaching, mentorship, or exposure
to new ideas.

Additionally, the changing nature of the economy means that new forms of
education are emerging. Online learning platforms, vocational training, and
apprenticeships are increasingly recognized as valuable alternatives to traditional
forms of education. These non-traditional avenues offer flexibility and specialized
knowledge that can lead to success, demonstrating that education does not always
take the form of a university degree but can be adapted to suit the needs of a
rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, while education may not be the sole avenue to success, it remains
one of the most powerful tools for achieving personal, professional, and societal
advancement. It provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities
necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. While other factors such as talent,
perseverance, and luck can also play a role in success, education continues to be
the foundation upon which most paths to success are built. Therefore, it is crucial
that we prioritize and invest in education for the benefit of individuals and society
as a whole.