Eindexamen engels vmbo bb 2011, tijdvak 1

I’m PARALYSED for life – but I won’t cry WHEN LAURA, 17, FELL FROM A HORSE, DOCTORS TOLD HER SHE’D NEVER WALK AGAIN. BUT SHE’S DETERMINED TO GET BACK IN THE SADDLE. 1 Determination “ When people see me for the first time, I know they feel sorry for me. But I don’t feel sorry for myself – and I don’t want pity either. I have so much going on in my life – great mates, an incredible family and my dreams. And I’m determined that I will ride horses again, even though I was crippled in a horse riding accident. 2 Thrown Since I was seven years old, horse-riding had been my life. I loved to have a horse of my own. On a cold November day two years ago, I tried riding a dark brown stallion to see if he was right for me. I’d been warned that he could be nervous, but I wasn’t worried. Unfortunately the horse started to pick up speed and I lost control. The horse threw me off and I hit a fence post. “I can’t feel my legs!” I screamed to my mum and my brother who’d been watching helplessly. 3 Paralysed An air ambulance took me to hospital, where an X-ray showed that my spinal cord 1) was completely cut off. “I’m sorry but you’ll never walk again,” the doctor said. My family have been amazing. I’ve never cried about being paralysed – I’m worried I’d make them cry, too. The hardest thing has been losing my independence, especially when I see other girls out doing the things I can’t. But life goes on! I love shopping, although it can be a bit difficult. I have to guess my size and I can’t buy anything tight, because I have no circulation in my legs. I still go out with my friends, and although I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment, I have loads of boy mates. 4 Riding again Since my accident, I’ve realised you have to do as much as you can in your life. That’s why I can’t wait to go horse riding again! Me and my best friend visited the local stables recently and I was fine with the horses. I’m on the waiting list for the local Riding for the Disabled Association , so I should be riding again soon. I will probably be nervous, but now I know I can do anything! ” noot 1 spinal cord = ruggengraat

Rescued at Sea JIM : 1 “As a parent, my dad is pretty cool - he’s really sporty and especially loves outdoor activities. And he’s totally obsessed with surfing. On a windy weekend Dad, Mum, my younger sister Erin and I went to Cornwall as it was one of Dad’s favourite places. We were all so excited - two whole days of surfing! On the first day there, Erin came down with a bug. Mum stayed behind in our rented cottage to look after her, so Dad and I had to go to the surf beaches alone. 2 It was so tiring! As a beginner, I spent more time in the water than on my board and after an hour, I was exhausted. Plus the tide had turned and the waves seemed to be getting bigger and rougher. Then, out of nowhere, a huge wave came at us. Dad had told me to hold on tight but, as it hit me, I panicked and let go. 3 The current was very strong and when another wave hit us we both went under. We were swept into a narrow gap in the cliff. That’s when I knew we were in trouble. How were we going to get out? Inside the gap was a ledge 1) . My dad helped me climb onto it while he clung to the rocks below. Dad tried to reassure me but I could tell that he was really scared too. 4 We were there for over an hour when suddenly we spotted a boat in the distance. Dad started to wave his arms in the air, shouting for help. We were so relieved to see it was a lifeboat. When we hadn’t returned, Mum had gone looking for us on the beach and when she didn’t see us she’d alerted the coastguard. 5 One of the lifeguards steered the boat towards the ledge and told me to jump in. I was exhausted and when I jumped, I didn’t make it. As I disappeared under the surface, I felt an arm grab me and pull me upwards. It was Dad, shoving me into the boat before climbing in himself. 6 The crew wrapped us in blankets and raced towards the shore where an ambulance was waiting to take us to hospital. We were kept in overnight but the next day we could go home. If it hadn’t been for the lifeboat crew, we’d never have survived. We owe them so much and can never thank them enough.” noot 1 ledge = randje/richel

Police Ask Crooks for Advice 1 A police force has hired twelve skilful burglars to give crime-prevention tips. Hertfordshire Police are using the robbers, who have committed thousands of break- ins, as part of a project aimed at cutting down the number of burglaries. The crooks, who are called ‘security consultants’, should give advice on how householders can avoid being visited by criminals. 2 In order to be accepted for the project the twelve had to admit all their crimes, not use any drugs and they have to be at home at a fixed time. In return their prison sentences have been postponed for six months. If they keep their promises, they will avoid jail altogether and be given community sentences instead. 3 But politician Ann Widdecombe said: “A five-year-old child could tell them it would be a good idea not to leave your doors and windows open.”

Schoolboy Helps 1 A quick-thinking schoolboy from Bolton, Leon Yates (12) helped police jail a serial burglar. As a fan of crime- solving TV series like CSI Miami, Leon knew exactly what to do, when on his way home from school, he spotted a hooded man acting suspiciously outside his neighbour’s house. 2 Leon had seen the suspect drinking lemonade before the break-in and when he saw the empty can lying in the street outside he swept it into a plastic bag without touching it. He handed it to the police along with a detailed description of the offender. DNA tests later unmasked the intruder as a serial burglar and he was sent to prison. 3 Chief Inspector Paul Hitchin said: “It was an absolutely superb bit of detective work. It led directly to the arrest of a man who had been convicted of 50 previous offences in the same neighbourhood, most of which were theft or burglary. Leon will receive an award from the Greater Manchester Police for his key role in solving the crime.” It’s not surprising that Leon said he has set his heart on a career in the police force!