Read the article about bonsai, which are trees usually grown in pots so they are very small in size. You will receive up to 6 marks for the content of your summary, and up to 6 marks for the style and accuracy of your language. My passion for growing bonsai trees started twenty years ago when I was studying in Japan. The family I was living with had a collection of tiny, old bonsai in pots that had been given to them by their grandparents. For the family, growing these plants was not just about caring for something precious - it was about creating something beautiful. Before long, I was a bonsai fan too! My first bonsai wasn't a great success. To make a bonsai grow into an attractive shape, you need to cut the branches every year. I was a beginner though, so this first tree ended up quite ugly! I tried again and my second bonsai was much better, so I grew more. I made mistakes, of course. Like many people, I planted my bonsai in ordinary soil at first, but I soon realised it was better to add small stones to the soil. I also learned how to lift a bonsai out of its pot to cut its roots, which helps prevent it from becoming too big. Once a bonsai has a shape you like, looking after them becomes more straightforward. Only water them when they're nearly dry, so it shouldn't take up too much time. Just remember to feed them once a month or so - this is now part of my regular routine, and seems to work well. Like many bonsai fans, I'm a member of my local bonsai society. That's where I learned how important it is to use good quality tools, for example. It's also where l've made many new friends who share my passion. I'm happy with my trees now, although I have nearly lost one or two of them. Last December, one of my favourites almost died in the freezing temperatures. If you're going to grow bonsai outside, it's essential to protect them in the winter months. And you have to treat any diseases immediately, whatever the season. After twenty years, I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I definitely know a lot more about bonsai now than I did before.

Answer:

Award up to a total of 12 marks.
Up to 6 marks to be awarded for Content (Reading)
Relevant Content points to include are:
How to care for bonsai
1 cut branches every year
2 add small stones to the soil / don't plant bonsai in ordinary soil
3 (lift bonsai out of its pot to) cut its roots
4 only water them when they're (nearly) dry
5 feed them once a month or so
6 use good tools / use quality tools
7 protect them in the winter months
8 treat any diseases immediately

Knowledge points:

Solution: