2011 RVHS Common Test Paper 1 Q1. Social media has drastically changed interpersonal relations. Do you agree?

Keywords: Social media: websites and applications used for social networking, as Facebook, Twitter, MSN Chat, STOMP, blogs, Youtube, Skype, iPhone Apps etc Drastically changed: altered in radical and extreme ways Interpersonal relations: relationships and communications between people, in terms of the frequency of interaction and quality of relationship Possible response: Yes, it is true that social media has drastically changed interpersonal relations today, in terms of the frequency of communication and quality of relations. Yes, social media has somewhat changed the way we interact and relate with one another but this is not a drastic overhaul. Though social media is a more advanced and glitzier tool for communication today, it has not really altered the way we relate and interact with each other. Recommend approach to the question: Students are to analyse the impact of different types of social media and evaluate it has altered the way we interact. Comparison between the past and present should be made (due to the expression has drastically changed) to justify how interpersonal relations are different today Strong scripts will: Be able to analyse a wide range of social media, cite evidence to justify the extent to which social media acts as a platform to enhance or weaken human relations, in different aspects of society such as in the working industry, politics, business, community, home. Consider both the positive and negative changes in interpersonal relations, in small and large groups. Able to showcase maturity of thought by understanding the challenges of using social media well to interact and establish bonds today. Weak scripts will: Merely present a list of social media tools and link their presence to changes in interpersonal relationships without explaining how. 1

 Focus only on todays context without comparing with the past. Possible arguments: It is true that social media has drastically changed interpersonal relations today, in terms of the ease and frequency of communication. Unlike in the past where people rely on snail mail or LAN phone calls to interact, which may take days and can be rather costly, social media allows people to connect online with many people instantaneously, widening ones circle of friends and acquaintances. Social media has transformed the way we interact and relate with one another as we are no longer reliant on physical meetings to connect with others. The multiple contacts one has via the internet allows one to reconnect with people whom we might have lost touch with and makes relocation to other countries less of a concern as we can always stay connected in each others lives via Facebook, MSN chats and blogs. The quality of human interactions and relations has also undergone a huge makeover as people can now share more personal thoughts, ideas and concerns via photos, videos and blogs, and comment on what each other has posted, making the online interaction almost a real one. Virtual self is almost an extension of ones physical self. The very nature of social networking sites allow and encourage people to share and discuss intimate details about their lives, which can be opinionated and unnecessary, building a culture of voyeurism if not properly handled (e.g. pedophiles) The drastic change in human relations is evident from how there are more cases of cyber-bullying and crime with the use of social networking sites. People tend to feel less compunction in posting irresponsible, nasty comments and remarks because they can usually get away with them (blogs with offensive remarks). The use of social media has indeed transformed the nature of human relations within and at the community, national, regional and global levels and this can be seen in the political field, where public support is elicited via social networking platforms such as Facebook and blogs. However, there are caveats that must be noted: In this media-rich and technological world that we live in, though it might be easier to connect with each other, the quality of 2

relationships is not always ensured as they can be superficial and taken for granted. The extent to which social media has caused a transformation in communications and relationships is also dependent on users themselves; one can decide the amount of time one spends online to interact with friends versus meeting up in person as one can be in control and not be a mere puppet of the phenomenon. 2. Criminals are born, not bred. Comment. Keywords: Criminals: People who commit acts that breach the law and legal codes established by governing authorities Born: Innate, genes Bred: Nurtured, society Possible response: Yes, criminals are born. No, criminals are bred. Criminals are born and bred. While our parents have given us our genes and possibly our environment, we are also personally responsible for learning what we can in school/ other social institutions and refining our character so that we may be better persons. Recommend approach to the question: Students are to evaluate the arguments that suggest that criminals are born or/and bred. Show that there is a clear distinction between criminals who are born and those who are bred. Strong scripts will: Be able to discuss the various causes for leading one to commit crimes. Show some understanding that there are different types of crimes and how this may be linked to instinct and/ or the pressures of society. Show some understanding that crimes have different levels of severity and how this may be linked to instinct and/ or the pressures of society. Be able to move the discussion beyond the causes of crime and include some analysis on what we should do to improve the situation. E.g. reduce the number of crimes committed.

Weak scripts will: Merely present a list of reasons why criminals are born or bred without any attempt to evaluate them. Possible arguments: Criminals are born as Longitudinal studies with fraternal twins have shown that children who are born with criminal parents and live with noncriminal parents have a higher likelihood to be criminals; in comparison with children who are born with non-criminal parents and live with criminal parents. Parents are responsible for providing a child with crime genes and temperament. Children/ people who are bad tempered are more likely to engage in violent crimes such as assault and murder., Parents are responsible for providing a child with its socioeconomic background and upbringing. Children who live in the ghettos and those who suffer from poverty are more likely to turn out to be criminals. Criminals are bred as In the cities of developing countries, acute poverty still exists. Young children who live in these cities have to resort to crimes like pickpocketing / stealing so that they may survive. The situation may be the same in some ghettos of developed countries. Children learn by imitation. If they have bad role models e.g. an adult/ parent who steals, then they are more inclined to committing the same crime. Public schools in various parts of the world are breeding grounds for bullying, inequality etc. School as the microcosm of society is responsible for making children inclined to commit crimes.

Q3. Young people in Singapore can no longer be politically apathetic. Do you agree? Keywords: Young people: younger generation of Singaporeans who are in a position to effect change directly or indirectly (not necessary to identify age group e.g. 13 - 30 years old) Politically apathetic: uninterested or indifferent to politics (both in terms of awareness and participation) Can no longer be: phrase can be interpreted as can no longer afford to or has no excuse to be so Possible response: Yes, considering the various developments both inside and outside the country, young Singaporeans can ill afford to be politically unaware and aloof. Yes, with growing opportunities and advances in communication technology, there is no longer any excuse for young Singaporeans to be politically indifferent. No, being part of a social group that can effect limited change in the political arena and considering Singapores limited influence on international politics, young Singaporeans political disinterest can still be tolerated. No, the legacy of the political pioneers is such so enduring that Singapore can withstand the disinterest of its younger generation. Recommended approach to the question: Students are to analyse the changes and developments in the world and Singapore and evaluate the necessity for young Singaporeans to be politically engaged. [Note: Application to context is paramount to this question. Thus, knowledge of context is vital to the answer] Students are to analyse the traits of young Singaporeans, as a social group whose political engagement is vital. Strong scripts will: Be able to analyse a wide range of pertinent developments in the world and Singapore and make a case for young Singaporeans political engagement or their continued political disconnect. Able to showcase maturity of thought by understanding the challenges faced by the world and Singapore today and evaluate the solutions that young Singaporeans can provide through their political engagement.

Weak scripts will: Merely describe the various ways young Singaporeans are politically apathetic. Focus only on the local context, without showing an understanding of how the broader global context can affect local concerns. Address only the issue of political apathy among the young, without taking the context into consideration. Possible arguments: Continued political disinterest on the part of young Singaporeans would not serve the nation well as they are the ones who are expected to lead the country in the future. Political engagement at an earlier age would provide these future leaders with an intimate knowledge of pertinent issues of governance. Singapores problem of a shrinking talent pool of leaders will only be exacerbated by the apathy of the younger generation, if those who can lead refuse to take up the mantle of political leadership. Allowing this to continue will only result in crisis of political continuity. As the world becomes increasingly democratised, everyone should be privy to their rights as a member of a larger society and an individual himself in order for society to develop and progress. This is not exclusive to the younger generation alone.

However, there are pertinent considerations to be noted: Political engagement must occur only with proper understanding of politics itself and a certain level of maturity in thinking, considerations that young Singaporeans do not necessarily have. While political engagement of the young in any society is laudable, there must exist opportunities for such engagement and real consideration of their views and actions to ensure sustained political participation. Singaporean society must first change its perception of the young as being inexperienced and more in need of guidance than able to provide guidance. In such ideal context, the young would be emboldened to be more active in politics.

Q4. The school paints an unrealistic picture of the world to the young. Do you agree? Keywords: school: formal institutions of learning paints unrealistic picture : Literal interpretation - creates the impression, in this context, through expectations, standards set and what is taught, among others. Unrealistic picture - inaccurate either overly optimistic or pessimistic, outdated or too advanced Holistic interpretation does not prepare the young for the real world The young: school-going youths, with emphasis on their relevant traits such as being sheltered, trusting, inexperienced, immature, impressionable, etc. Possible response: Yes, looking at the relevance and value of what is taught in school, it is clear that the school does not sufficiently prepare the young for the outside world. No, the school, through its various activities and experience, does prepare the young for the real world. Recommended approach to the question: Students are to analyse the different ways schools create expectations of the world among the young (i.e., through curriculum, expectations and standards set) and assess the relevance of what is taught to the reality of the world outside. Students are to analyse the situation, developments in and demands of the world today and evaluate how the young have been faring in it, thus building a case that schools have prepared or have not prepared them well for the real world. Strong scripts will: Be able to analyse the different ways schools prepare students for the real world. Be able to assess the relevance of the different ways schools prepare students for the real world, in different areas such as the social, political, economic and others. Address school as formal education in general and provide examples culled from both local and international contexts. Weak scripts will: Merely describe the various ways the young are taught about the world in school. 7

Address only one aspect of the issue such as academic performance in school and subsequent pursuit of career. Limit the discussion of the issue to local context. Possible arguments:

Schools tend to have uneven emphasis on different areas that are pertinent to the real world. Some schools focus too much on the academic performance of the students at the expense of their social communication and values, resulting in the young facing difficulties navigating human relationships later in the outside world. Schools focus on ideal values can blunt the youngs survival instincts which are needed in the real world. This often leads to the young feeling a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment. The strawberry generation can be a result of both soft parenting and idealistic teaching. Most schools, through clearly defined specialised courses and preferred socio-economic or cultural background of student enrolment, tend to narrow the youngs exposure to the diversity of the real world. As a result, they would find themselves pigeonholed in their choice of career and inadequate in navigating the cultural minefield of the real world. More and more schools are offering intermittent forays into the real world for their students through programmes such as workplace exposure and internship. Mock conferences and exchange programmes also serve to expose the young to the changing environment that they will soon find themselves in.

However, there are pertinent considerations to be noted:

The functions of schools are varied, and not solely focused on preparing the young for the real world. To focus only on that is to counter the true spirit of learning, which schools endeavour to cultivate and embody. Changes and developments in the world today tend to grow at an exponential rate compared to changes that schools can effect. As such, it is inevitable that there will always be a disconnect between what is taught in school and what is really in the outside world.

5. Far too much attention has been given to developments in science and technology. How far do you agree with the statement? Key words "far too much" -- more than is necessary; negative connotation "attention" -- focus leading to impetus; resources from the public, government, specialized companies "science and technology" -- research, scientific developments, technological advancement Possible responses 1. Attention given to developments in science and technology are justified and necessary 2. Money and time are wasted on developments in science and technology when they could actually be better used on other areas 3. Too much attention is given to certain areas of scientific development, when other areas of scientific development require those resources more Recommended approach 1. Students are to define the parameters of their essay by clearly explaining which areas of science and technology they are looking at, with enough scope. 2. Students should show their interpretation of "attention" by making clear which parties are involved and what resources are discussed 3. Students must evaluate the attention already given to science and technology now and justify why they think there is too much/ just enough attention on them Strong scripts will: work around 3-4 areas of science and technology and clearly show what resources have been put in and to what effect show knowledge of a range of developments and be able to evaluate their progress by looking at what had brought them there and what had to be given up go beyond the impact of scientific developments to tracing the origins and impetus of developments Weak scripts will: merely describe scientific developments without evaluating them 9

try to cover too many areas of development and end up writing a weak version of scientific history

Suggested arguments: Justified attention The resources and attention given to science and technology are justified because this area will solve the major problems in the world today like poverty and hunger - research that aids more efficient crop control and leading to higher crop yield in poorer countries Developments in science and technology allow people to communicate more efficiently for both work and leisure, leading to closer networks that are important in this globalised world - e.g. Skype, Facetime etc Developments in science and technology allow countries to better defend themselves and to protect their people better. e.g. weapons development, high-tech military training in various countries etc

Far too much attention Attention given to science and technology are not effective in solving the worlds big problems of poverty and hunger. - crop yield may increase with science and technological development, but the problem of poverty has more to do with poor social structures/ government intervention than with technology

Developments in science and technology only provide the infrastructure for people to keep in touch, but they do not necessarily improve the quality of relationships. In fact, it is when people take communication for granted that relationships suffer: distance becomes underrated and effort to keep in touch decreases. The attention on these developments is misplaced. Developments in science and technology are so overrated that people lose focus on their purpose and end up getting caught up with the products of technology. Having the technology in fact gives people a false sense of security about national defence, when more attention should actually be given to developing diplomacy and international relations e.g. nuclear power/threat, atomic energy New areas of scientific discovery in the medical field lead to bolder experiments in the lab that would bring about even more man-made medical problems e.g. side-effects, gene mutation etc

The medical field requires constant developments in science and technology in order to find new cures for new diseases and to

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maintain the quality of life that people have

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6. Attitude is more important than aptitude. Discuss. Question Analysis : Broad Definition/ Clarification of key terms o Attitude: A state of mind or a feeling, the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it ie mindset o Aptitude : inherent ability, capability eg for learning, for music ie raw power, brain power o Importance : contributing factor to success Assumptions o That ones ability is sufficient to success o Aptitude determines the extent of ones success eg high IQ -> success in school -> success at work o Assumes that the attitude under discussion is a positive one o Positive attitude such as never say die, can do spirit etc are the ingredients for success, whether at work or in school or in life Suggested Stand : o That aptitude is more important than attitude o That attitude is more important than aptitude Strong support from research eg In his well-researched book, Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Golemans research shows that IQ contributes to about 20% of success Other EQ researchers suggest IQ may be related to as little as 4 percent of real-world success o That attitude & aptitude are both important

Possible Points : That aptitude is more important than attitude That attitude is more important Inherent ability is the basic building block for one to succeed at work or in school or in life eg Intelligence or the lack of it determines how far one can succeed in life eg in the pursuit of higher academic qualifications, or succeeding in different fields eg ballet, football While aptitude contributes to ones success, attitude is the secret ingredient that brings one greater success; ones mindset eg open to learning, to criticism, feedback, welcome new ideas, one would benefit from new ideas from

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than aptitude

others -> enhances development of ones natural capacity eg Tiger Woods, already a top notch player, decided to change his swing in 2006; when asked, he replied that he wanted to find out if he could become even better; met initial failure his earnings dipped but he was determined to perfect the new swing; once he has mastered it, he went on to become truly a world class player Positive attitude ie mindset can overcome the lack of capability eg highly successful people have demonstrated again and again that it is their positive mindset that enables them to overcome setbacks/ shortcomings eg well-known personalities such as Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela While aptitude can bring one success, without the right attitude, one would find it very different to harnesss ones potential to the fullest

That attitude & aptitude are both important

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7. Criminals need help rather than punishment. How far do you agree with the statement? Keywords: Criminals: People who commit acts that breach the law and legal codes established by governing authorities Need: Require (for criminals personal development/ wellbeing) Help: types of assistance (rehabilitation, education, counselling) Rather than: instead of, as compared to Punishment: Incapacitation / societal protection, Deterrence / prevention, Retribution, Denunciation / condemnation Possible response: Yes, criminals need help than punishment. No, criminals need punishment, not help. No, criminals need both help and punishment. They need to serve their debts to society first. After which, society should render help to them as long as the welfare of society is not compromised. Recommended approach to the question: Students are to analyse the needs/ concerns of criminals. They are to compare the value of help and punishment towards the wellbeing/ personal development of criminals. As such, they need to evaluate actual results brought about by help and that brought about by punishment. Strong scripts will: Be able to discuss the various reasons for committing crimes. Show some understanding that crimes have different levels of severity for society and hence, criminals have to be dealt with differently. Be able to recognize real needs/ difficulties of criminals. Be able to analyse a wide range of assistance provided for and punishment inflicted on criminals. Be able to showcase maturity of thought by understanding the challenges of balancing help vs punishment and evaluate the solutions that most societies usually rely on. Weak scripts will: Merely present a list of reasons why criminals need help or punishment, without any attempt to evaluate them. 14

 Focus only on the needs of society, rather than the needs of criminals.

Possible arguments: Criminals need to be punished as This sends a clear indication to criminals that their actions have caused harm to other members of society. It serves as a reminder to let them know that they have crossed the line of law and that their actions are not condoned. It is hope that having served their sentence, ex-criminals will be able to repent and turn over a new leaf. This is an effective way to force them to change. By inflicting pain, it is hoped that criminals are afraid of reliving the pain and hence, refrain from committing the crime again. Some criminals e.g. repeat offenders of violent crimes like serial rapists/ murderers do not deserve to be helped. They need to be punished/ imprisoned so that societys safety is not compromised. However, there are pertinent considerations to be noted: Recidivism efforts have showed great success in helping ex-criminals to become useful, contributing members of society. E.g. Criminal Rehabilitation Institute of Sweden (CRIS) and Yellow Ribbon Project Singapore have been successful in reducing the percentage of ex-criminals who commit offences within two years of their release. By condemning criminals to a life of punishment, we would be hampering the progress of the economy and at the same time, jeopardizing the future of criminals. This is particularly true in competitive societies which emphasize the possession of qualifications/ skills for one to make a living. If no help is given to criminals, it may be even more difficult for them to integrate in society. Criminals deserve a second chance in life (and should be helped) as some live in poverty and they resort to crimes just so that they may survive. Research shows that there are crime genes; criminals themselves are not solely responsible for their crimes. Therefore, they must be helped. 15

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Q8. Fathers are under-rated. Discuss the role of fathers in families today. Keywords: Under-rated: underestimate the extent, value, or importance of Role: function, part, duty, responsibility Possible response: Yes, it is true that fathers are underrated because the belief of fathers as the head of the household is still steeped in todays patriarchal society. Fathers are less underrated today as the roles they play have expanded from being the breadwinner to becoming an indispensable pillar in a childs upbringing. Fathers are no longer underrated as they are valued for the equally, if not, more important role they play in the family; their invaluable contribution as leaders in the family is increasingly celebrated and encouraged throughout the world. Recommend approach to the question: Students are to analyse the role of fathers and the impact they have in families. Comparison between the past and present should be made (due to the term today) to evaluate and explain how these roles have changed or remained the same. Strong scripts will: Be able to analyse a wide range of roles that dads play by comparing and contrasting these with that of other caregivers in the family such as mums and grandparents. Consider how dads today are more or less equipped to play their role well by linking this to the development of society today. Able to showcase maturity of thought by understanding the challenges of being a good dad and a good parent in todays society due to traditional societal expectations, prejudice and culture, while acknowledging the support and help given in todays increasingly educated society. Weak scripts will: Merely present a list of roles that fathers play without explaining how these are different from the past. Merely assume that all fathers have taken on this new hands-on and engaged role in the family without understanding how it differs in various societies.

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Possible arguments: From being the sole breadwinner of the family in the past, some fathers have expanded their portfolio to become a nurturing caregiver in the family and this is encouraged by society today (e.g. Dads for Life movement in Singapore). In todays world where children are grappling with information overload and assaulted by external influences, fathers play an indispensable role of being a sounding board, an authority figure for children to obey, challenge and negotiate, developing their respect for others and overall outlook in life (e.g. the voice of reason and authority that they have to answer to when they go pass the curfew), a role that was less urgent in the past. The traditional role of fathers as a standard bearer, formulating a childs sense of right and wrong, moulding their identity, character and temperament (e.g. studies in the US and Canada in the 1990s suggested the absence of a father as a key predictor of juvenile delinquency) has remained unchanged though it has become more indispensable in todays fast-paced, stressful and individualistic world. With more adherence to human rights and greater gender equality in the more developed parts of the world, fathers are invaluable in role-modeling the place and identity of being a man in society, having a huge impact on childrens understanding and treatment towards different genders in society, including themselves (e.g. a sexist father tend to nurture sexist children). Dads traditional role as the disciplinarian and decision-maker has remained unchanged in many patriarchal societies today as their opinion is still highly respected in families though mums can have a greater say now as compared to the past. With more education and less social stigma of being a hands-on father, dads have more support and encouragement to be a better parent and role-model for their children, developing their skills, knowledge and confidence in this role, to the extent that some are taking on the role of being a househusband, shifting the paradigm of their traditional role. 18

However, there are caveats that must be noted: The extent to which the role of fathers has changed today as compared to the past also depends on factors such as the upbringing of these fathers themselves when they were younger and the extent to which they are given the support, encouragement and confidence to contribute to the upbringing of their children, without worries of losing their sense of masculinity and identity when they take on traditionally more feminine roles such as being a caregiver and listening ear. Q9. A preoccupation with success is the curse of modern life. Comment. Key Words: preoccupation extreme or excessive concern with something; often with negative connotations success status, finances, employment, achievements; often in the conventional pragmatic sense curse an inevitable negative outcome modern life the way people live nowadays; a certain type of lifestyle influenced by the amenities of the times Assumption: There is an excessive concern about success nowadays. Possible responses: 1. With modern living comes the excessive concern for achievement. Only by working towards success can there be a continuation in the standard of living people aspire towards nowadays. 2. Even as people live well these days, their desire for success need not be excessive. It is only natural to have aspirations, but it cannot be considered a preoccupation. 3. People nowadays are preoccupied with attaining success, but it is not caused by modern life. In fact, modern lifestyles are an outcome of this preoccupation. 4. Modern life has led to a certain excessive concern about success, but it is not so much a curse as it is an effective motivating factor. Recommended approach to the question:

Students should define their use of the word success clearly Students should show the relationship between their understanding of success and modern life 19

Students should be able to critique the nuances of modern life: what is lamentable about it and what are some of the upsides? How does modern life lead to an obsessive thirst for success?

Strong scripts will:

Show how success is attained in tandem with a certain level of living, and it must be purposefully maintained Show how a concern for success is often taken to the extremes by people and their insecurity of losing it, in the context of modern competitiveness Show how the preoccupation with success is detrimental to healthy and wholesome living that could impede ones progress in modern living Be able to show a variety of points that considers different perspectives on the importance/ detriments of a thirst for success

Weak scripts will:

Harp on only one or two aspects of success without taking others into consideration Fail to make the connection between the desire for success and modern life Fail to show how the preoccupation with success could become a curse and lead to detrimental consequences

Suggested arguments: 1. As society progresses and the standard of living increases, it becomes more and more important to attain and maintain a significant level of achievement. - keeping up with the Joneses - increased cost of living - decreasing value of the dollar A preoccupation with success comes along with modern living, but it is not always a curse.

2. The nature of material wealth feeds a certain greed that propels the rat race: people want more the more they have, and they have to work harder to get it. - a taste of luxury makes people want to continue living in the lap of luxury - peoples standard of living can only increase, never decrease

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3. Modern life moves too quickly for people not to try and keep up with achievements in various fields - modern living takes place in the context of a high-speed network: communication, transactions and connections take place so quickly that the pace is almost punishing - due to the pace of life, people are easily eliminated. If they are not trying to attain and maintain success, they will quickly fall behind.

4. The preoccupation with success is an outcome of human nature, not of modern life. - it is the materialistic nature of Man that fuels their desire for success. Modern living is only a related branch of the same root. - the preoccupation with success is indeed a curse in the way it eats people up, but it is not a result of modern living

5. Mankind has been preoccupied with success for a long time, not only with modern living. - the desire for success is a natural and healthy one; it is not something new or symptomatic of the times - modern living brings about a different definition of success, but the desire for any kind of success at all is an age-old one - people may have evolving notions of success (family, societal contribution, material wealth) over time and be preoccupied with this pursuit, but it is commensurate with whatever time they live in

Q10. To what extent has Singapore successfully integrated its non-citizens? Key words: integrated made a part of; not necessarily into a citizen, but accepted in society Key words: 21

integrated made a part of; not necessarily into a citizen, but accepted in society non-citizens foreign students, foreign workers/talent, permanent residents Assumption(s): There has already been at least some integration of the non-citizens in Singapore. Possible responses: 1. Singapore has integrated her non-citizens very well; there is harmony amongst all residents and each is able to fulfil his/her potential. 2. Singapore has integrated only some of her non-citizens well; there is an unequal acceptance of different groups of people. 3. Singapore has hardly integrated her non-citizens at all; there is still a resistance against those who are from other countries. Recommended approach:

Students should be able to differentiate the different types of non-citizens and explain the nuanced treatment of them by Singaporeans. Students should show clearly what they understand integrated to mean: what are the expressions/outcomes of integration? Students should be able to show how the different ways of integration affects the extent of integration; it is not always a clear accept/dont accept dichotomy.

Strong scripts will:

show the extent to which integration takes place in Singapore by referring to different groups of foreign people and their role in Singapore be able to point to certain motivations/agenda of Singapore(ans) that affect how far they accept foreigners elucidate how integration is acted out, whether consciously or subconsciously

Weak scripts will:

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have a general vague idea about non-citizens, perhaps referring only to one or two types as examples talk about integration as an either/or concept, without being able to see the nuances in the practice of it focus only on amiable co-existence as evidence of integration

Possible arguments: 1. Singapore has integrated her foreign students very well in schools and beyond. - international students have the same opportunities as local students in academic and co-curricular activities - many international students get so familiar with Singapore that they choose to stay on to work and live here in future - in fact, the integration of foreigners begins best in schools, when people are still young and malleable to some extent 2. Singapore has integrated her white-collar workers well because of her dependence on them to sustain a global economy - expatriate workers in Singapore tend to be treated as gems - the somewhat transactional relationship sometimes turns into dependence, and results in a necessary integration 3. Singapore is more resistant against her blue-collar workers despite her dependence on them - foreign workers in Singapore has become an issue of contention: they are by nature temporary workers, but even the matter of their housing has caused discontent in some areas of residence - integration of these foreign workers could simply mean a certain acceptance of them in places of leisure and entertainment, but they are often seen as a threat, especially when they gather as a group 4. Singapore is in itself a global city made up of migrants, proving her ability to fully integrate non-citizens - the history of Singapore is one that has been defined by the integration of non-citizens into citizens - migrants come here and get rooted here, starting new families here: for different reasons, Singapore has proven herself an open and accepting society that will embrace anyone who is able to contribute in some way

5. Singapore continues to try and integrate her non-citizens while her economy grows 23

- much of the integration that takes place has to do with economic dependence on a limited pool of human resource - only when the human resource increases can there be economic progress in Singapore - integration also has to do with societal acceptance: with economic input and an intricately designed political voice, non-citizens can also be accepted by citizens and be given a place in Singapore

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11. The young have never had it so good today. Do you agree? Keywords: never had it (it referring to life in general) good--positive, beneficial, advantageous Possible response: to an extent in which life is can be considered as good or otherwise Recommend approach to the question: Consider the material and immaterial gains by the young and critically assess whether this has any repercussion on our perception of the young in todays society. Strong scripts will: Explain how the young may have more material gains due to increased affluence in general but suffers a deficiency in other areas, especially in emotional support Discuss what it means gain at different spheres of the young, such as physical, cognitive, emotional and the like. Weak scripts will: List what is good in a young persons life without comparing it with the past. Possible arguments: The material would include: The young benefits from the advancement in technology to enjoy modern conveniences of life. They do not need to worry about not having the facilities and amenities required for work and play. As compared to the past where infrastructure are not in place for use, the young Parents place a premium on their childrens education and pin their hopes on them. This creates a scenario that children do not need to be bothered about finances but to concentrate wholeheartedly on their studies. In general, as compared to the past when parents require their children to help out in the families, the young do not need to worry such issues now. An array of opportunities for the young to explore and discover their talents and interests. This is provided in school where the young have the opportunities to develop cognitively and socially. At the societal level, many different agencies are actively engaging the young, creating awareness and exposure to a wide range of activities not confined or restricted to cognitive development. Some examples can include participation in talks, seminar and festivals to engage the young. In contrast to the past where many struggle to survive and 25

fulfilling their basic needs, there are more avenues where the young can develop their talents in. The immaterial: Perspective about life can be subjective as it is culturally specific. There are still young people dying from diseases, in poverty and may not have the opportunity to be educated in some developing countries. The stress of life due to competitiveness and the need to perform well may not allow the young to slow down and enjoy life but are constantly under pressure. They may not have the ability to cope with pressure and resort to some forms of indulgence which are not healthy and even possibly cause them to be socially inept.

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12. Fairy tales are no longer relevant. How far is this true in todays world? Keywords: Fairy tales: no longer relevant how far Possible response: It is only relevant in conveying certain moral values; it possesses a moralistic function It is not relevant as todays world prides itself in advancement in science and technology, instead of myths and folklore which cannot be proven Recommend approach to the question: Explain how is it useful in todays world Values expounded are important and essential for children Strong scripts will: Examine the purpose and function of fairy tales and explain how it is relevant or irrelevant in todays world Offer a balanced stand that the morals behind these fairy tales are important despite being timeless Weak scripts will: Narrate the stories of different fairy tales without explaining whether it is relevant in todays modern world Possible arguments: Expectations of gender roles are not realistic or useful in societies where females are emancipated and enjoy freedom of right. Females are perpetually portrayed as damsel in distress, waiting for Prince Charming to save her. What are the gender roles that are being disseminated to children, especially little girls who are socialized into thinking that they have to be saved by Prince Charming? Compare and contrast with feminist movement that happens in the modern world as women are more educated. This has been cited as an argument by the feminist movement to achieve female emancipation and resist stereotypes. A simplified way of understanding the dichotomy of good and evil. Fairy tales do not consider the grey areas of life. It is perpetually good triumphs over evil. Todays world cannot be demarcated in such dichotomy. In postmodern societies, the ones who are perceived to be evil may display redeeming 27

qualities. This may lead to many to face a dilemma to decide what the best decision to make is; fairy tales do not offer such sense of moral dilemma as the evil ones are never portrayed to be kind. Unrealistic portrayal of the notion of a live happily ever after ending. Fairy tales paint a very idealistic it-is-sunshineafter-the-rain scenario which may not always happen in reality. This does not take into consideration of failure which is rampant in todays world. Lessons are timeless and essential in teaching certain moral values or principles, yet, stories may be culturally disconnected; this is especially so in countries where they may not have towers, long gowns and evidently, no special help from gnomes, fairies or goblins. The disjuncture does not allow people to identify with the simplistic world of fairy tales. In a world where globalization is the order of the day, there is a strong need for countries to be culturally connected with its global citizens. However, there are caveats that must be noted: Consider the intended audience of most fairy tales. The intended audience is mostly children who cannot cope with grey areas of life. There is no need to problematize or represent the reality in such a way that is obscure to them when they have yet to understand the concept of right and wrong. Fairy tales can be seen as a learning tool to teach children moral values and socialize children to understand universal truths and social mores. Since there will always exist the need to socialize children, fairy tales has the role and place to achieve this. Fairy tales are to be taken at the literary level, not on the literal level. There is a distinction between the world of imagination and reality.

Examiners comments

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Students who attempted this question generally have a relatively good command of English, which could have been the factor in their choice in that they were well read and/or they have vivid memories of childhood reading. However, the strategy they adopted to respond to the question reflected their understanding of what 'fairy tales' entailed and regrettably, quite a few students were unable to fully grasp the requirements of the question. Weak essays took a literal approach to the question, comparing the events, circumstances and outcomes of fairy tales to reality and pointing out that since the magical or fictional elements were not present, there could be little application of the stories and hence they were irrelevant. Such scripts fail to demonstrate the understanding that the consideration of the relevance of fairy tales to real life depended on the currency of the principles, lessons and role models within fairy tales. The worst-performing scripts did not even demonstrate an understanding of what fairy tales were, citing stories from sources such as Aesop's Fables which did not contain mytical elements. Strong scripts were able to demonstrate an awareness of what fairy tales often sought to do; polarise good and evil as well as send the message of hope for a brighter future. In addition, the writers could compare the realities of life and considered whether such optimism was too unrealistic to expect in today's world where corruption, violence and fraud were rife. Other essays took a differing viewpoint and pointed out that in such a depressing world, there is a greater need for fairy tales to convey hope and represent honesty, truth and integrity as worthy qualities to embrace. Such essays reflected an analytical mind with a keen awareness of current events as well the ability to apply a critical perspective. Many scripts did not demonstrate the basic rudiments of essay writing - references to relevant voices of authority, proof, statistics, references and historical events. Such scripts typically feature large claims, generalisations and very personal views.

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