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English

(b) Read the following text and complete the activities that follow:
Okay, amigos, gather ‘round ‘cause I’ve got a story to give you. So, imagine it: It’s
one of those hot days in Dar es Salaam, and it’s so hot that you could melt into a
puddle while walking down the street. I’m hanging out with my buddies down at the
playground, we were just sitting there and chatting away.
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And then suddenly, outta nowhere, Zaheed comes zooming in on his bicycle, and
he’s like he has escaped from zombies, saying, “Yo, dudes, check out this sick trick
I learned!” And before I can even blink, he’s pulling off some crazy manoeuvre that
defies gravity. We’re all cheering him on like he’s the chief of that ground.

And then, down the corner of my eye, I see Tuntu walking towards us to the ground
as if she owns the place. Her eyes glint, and we all know that she is up to no good. As
expected, Tuntu strolls to Zaheed and challenges him to a bicycle race competition.
Zaheed is not a coward; he receives the challenge from Tuntu like a man and steps
up to race with her. The two are cycling like crazy, performing tricks like they are in
a showdown of the coolest cycling movie ever made. The audience cheers with every
swoop and turn Tuntu and Zaheed make. For a minute, they are in their zone.

And then, after what seems like forever and a day of heart-stopping stunts, they finally
screech to a stop. They’re panting and sweating but grinning like a pair of Cheshire
cats. And you know what? In that instant, I realise. It isn’t about who pulled off the
craziest trick anymore or who won that ridiculous race. It’s about the ride, the blood-
pumping rush of adrenaline and hanging out with your crew on a scorching day.

Okay, someone might look at us like a bunch of kids goofing off on the ground. But
know that I wouldn’t trade these wonderful moments for anything in the world. I believe
if you are with your friends, every day seems like an adventure is about to happen.
1. Consider the text in (b) and say whether it is formal, informal or technical.
Support your answer with four pieces of evidence from the text.

2. Explain the meaning of the following constructions as used in the text.

(i) “zooming in on his bicycle”
(ii) “hanging out with my buddies”

(iii) “heart-stopping stunts”

(iv) “goofing off”

Form Five 74 Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE)

24/06/2024 22:26
ENGLISH FORM 5.indd 74 24/06/2024 22:26
ENGLISH FORM 5.indd 74