You are required to answer only one question from this section. Your answer should not be less than 450 words. All questions carry equal marks. You are advised to spend about 45 minutes on this section. Write a story to illustrate the saying: To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Once upon a time in a quaint village nestled between lush green hills, there lived a wise old woman named Elara. Known for her keen intuition and vast knowledge of nature, she was often sought after for advice. The villagers respected her insights, especially when it came to matters concerning the unpredictable weather that could affect their crops and livelihoods. One summer, as the harvest season approached, Elara noticed unusual patterns in the behavior of the animals and changes in the wind's direction. She sensed an impending storm that could devastate the fields if not addressed promptly. With urgency in her heart, she called a meeting at the village square, where farmers gathered with curiosity and skepticism. “Listen closely,” Elara began, her voice steady yet filled with concern. “I believe a great storm is on its way. We must prepare ourselves to protect our crops and homes.” Some villagers dismissed her warnings, believing that such storms were mere tales spun by an old woman. Others, however, took her words seriously, recalling past instances when her predictions had proven accurate. Among those who believed was a young farmer named Tomas. He had always admired Elara’s wisdom and decided to heed her warning. That evening, he worked tirelessly alongside his family, reinforcing the fences around their fields and securing loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. They also harvested what they could, storing away food for the days ahead. As predicted, the storm struck the following day with ferocity. Winds howled like wild beasts, and rain poured down in torrents. Many villagers who had ignored Elara’s warning found themselves unprepared; roofs leaked, crops were flattened, and chaos ensued. However, Tomas and his family remained safe and dry, thanks to their foresight and hard work. In the aftermath of the storm, the village slowly recovered. Those who had disregarded Elara’s advice faced significant losses, while Tomas and others who had taken precautions managed to salvage much of their harvest. Grateful for their good fortune, Tomas organized a gathering to thank Elara for her timely warning. During the meeting, he stood before the villagers and spoke passionately. “Elara’s wisdom saved us from ruin. Let us learn from this experience. To be forewarned is indeed to be forearmed. We must listen to those who have knowledge and insight, for they guide us through uncertainty.” Moved by his words, the villagers acknowledged their mistakes and vowed to respect Elara’s counsel in the future. From that day forward, they became more vigilant about observing nature and listening to one another. They learned that preparedness was key to overcoming adversity, and they grew closer as a community, united by shared experiences and newfound respect for wisdom. Years later, when storms threatened again, the villagers acted swiftly, implementing measures to safeguard their homes and crops. They understood that being aware of potential dangers allowed them to face challenges head-on, transforming fear into resilience. Thus, the tale of Elara and the storm became a cherished story passed down through generations, reminding everyone that knowledge and preparation are powerful allies against life’s uncertainties. In every whisper of the wind and rustle of leaves, the villagers heard echoes of Elara’s wisdom: to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Explanation The saying "To be forewarned is to be forearmed" emphasizes the importance of being prepared for potential challenges or dangers by having prior knowledge. A story illustrating this concept can effectively demonstrate how awareness and preparation can lead to better outcomes.