The villagers gathered eagerly at the bus stop at the crack of dawn. The level of

excitement was further heightened by the arrival of Anna, who had earned herself a place in

her dream school – a prestigious one – in the bustling city with her stellar results. "Congrats!

We are so proud of you!" the people chanted in unison.

5Although flattered, she felt awkward. Anna blushed and waved away the praises.

Her father was obviously heartened by that. "My sweetie, no matter where you go, always

value what you have, use what you have and trust what you have." His words of wisdom

were a constant source of empowerment for her. Giving her father a long loving hug, Anna

promised him that she would do him proud. Soon, the bus pulled over, breaking the morning

10serenity with its cheerful rumble.

Arriving at the new school and navigating through unfamiliar corridors, Anna

eventually found her classroom. Despite the flutter in her stomach, she summoned all her

resolve to confront her apprehension head-on. Unsurprised, she was met with curious stares.

Her simple clothing and the innocent sparkle of village life in her eyes became the subject of

15whispers and giggles among the city-bred children. At that precise moment, someone

entered the room. Her commanding presence ushered in silence. Much to Anna's delight,

she spoke in a warm voice, easing the tension she felt in her stomach. "Class, we have a

new friend joining us today. Let's welcome Anna." Linda, the monitor, yawned audibly. Jim

sniggered. Murmurs filled the room until Mrs Yan declared, "Now, a quiz. Write down the

20seven wonders of the world." Everyone immediately wrote down feverishly the answers as

they recalled the previous day's lesson, except Anna, whose pen was hovering over the

paper. Noticing that, the teacher approached her. "Don't worry, Anna. Just write what comes

to your mind."

Anna looked up, her eyes sincere. "It's just that there are so many wonders. I'm

25thinking about which to select," she explained. With a gentle nod, Mrs Yan gestured for her

to proceed. After the papers were collected, she began to read the answers aloud. The entire

classroom was filled with a sense of achievement as the students had penned down 'The

Great Wall of China, The Colosseum in Italy, Giza Pyramids in Egypt' and so on. However,

Mrs Yan paused for a while when it came to Anna's response.

30Then she carried on, "The Seven Wonders are – To be able to see, to be able to

hear, to be able to feel, to laugh, to think, to be kind and to love." A profound silence

enveloped the room. Visibly moved, the children looked at Anna, their eyes reflecting a

mixture of admiration and enlightenment.

Jim and Linda exchanged sheepish smiles. Then Jim spoke, "I never thought of it

35that way. That's really cool. You've reminded us of something very important." His voice was

tinged with newfound reverence.

Linda gave the thumbs up before chiming in, "Wow! I've lots to learn from you. Sorry

about just now." The children's affirmation had created a welcoming atmosphere, showing

acceptance and inclusion towards the new student.

40Anna replied, "It's alright. These are the wonders we live by every day in our village."

Seizing the teachable moment, Mrs Yan proposed, "Let's dedicate today to exploring

these everyday wonders. Share what each of them means to you." While her classmates

were actively engaged, Anna was deep in her thoughts. Her father was right. Had she not

valued what she had, would she have won her classmates' love and respect? Her father

45would be pleased to know that her day had ended on a high note of camaraderie.

Tao Nan 2024 P6 English Prelim — Practice