YIJC JC2 GP PE Answer Scheme

1 Yishun Innova Junior College 2023 Preliminary Examination General Paper Paper 2 Answer Scheme Passage 1 1. What is the purpose of the author’s opening question (line 1)? [2] From the Passage Suggested Answer Do you remember when you first learned about the concept of the white lie? It might have been when you were a child and an adult fudged the truth to keep you from being upset or sad, or someone might have promised you a reward for a particular behaviour, but the ‘reward’ really did not exist. If you are a parent yourself, you might use white lies to keep your child from knowing that a beloved toy was lost or a favourite piece of clothing was no longer wearable... (Relax, most people consider it socially acceptable and culturally congruent for parents to use white lies with their children). [Function / Technique] The author wants to (a) introduce the subject matter of the passage OR refresh his readers’ memory OR invoke self-reflection in the reader [1] [Context / Application] (b) about lying to be polite OR about lying to stop someone from being upset by the truth OR about the idea that lying can be harmless / well- intentioned / acceptable / understandable (optional: under certain conditions / circumstances) OR by evoking the personal memory of the reader // asking a personal / relatable question about white lies. [1] Note: Accept all possible permutations of function and context, provided they make sense (some functions may match some contexts better). Context of the impact / intention of white lies needs to be mentioned in (b) to get the point credited.

2 2. Why has the author placed brackets around the comment in lines 8–9? [2] From the Passage Suggested Answer If you are a parent yourself, you might use white lies to keep your child from knowing that a beloved toy was lost or a favourite piece of clothing was no longer wearable. It might be to distract your son or daughter from something that was beyond your means. “No one really has fun at Disney, it’s just too crowded! Let’s have our own fun down at the neighbourhood park!” (Relax, most people consider it socially acceptable and culturally congruent for parents to use white lies with their children). [Function] (a) The author is making a side comment / inserting his opinion [1] [Context] (b) to calm / assure parents that they need not be concerned / worried / embarrassed / guilty about the white lies they tell their children OR to respond to / address the displeasure / accusations / adverse comments he pre-empts / expects from parents to his sharing of the white lies they tell their children (c) as such white lies used by parents are not frowned upon by / common in the community // compatible with / consistent with / correspond to the practices / way of life of the community. (b)+(c) = 1m

3 3. Using material from paragraphs 2–4 only (lines 10–39), summarise what the author has to say about why lying is understandable (R1) and acceptable (R2). Write your answer in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. Use your own words as far as possible. [8] Lying is understandable because… Pt Req From the Passage Suggested Answer 1 R1 it is understandable why it can be instinctive to lie (l.10–11) we have a natural inclination / tendency to lie // have an innate / inborn quality to lie // lie without much consideration. 2 R1 we use white lies to protect ourselves from punishment (l.12) Harmless lies can shield / guard ourselves from disciplinary action / penalty / chiding / scolding / being reprimanded. 3 R2 we really just need a mental health day (l.13–14) We need to lie for a break / rest // time to recharge / rejuvenate to look after our well-being 4 R1 The purpose of the lie or its intent could primarily be for self-preservation. While this is self-serving, it is a survival instinct that kicks in as a third option, in addition to fight or flight… (l.14–16) or mainly to protect ourselves from harm / threat 5 R1 … when one’s back is against the wall (l.16) to escape a dilemma / conundrum / difficult situation. 6 R2 Lying can also be necessary and praised when it is for altruistic reasons. (l.17) Just remember that lies are most beneficial when they are not selfish (l.30–31) Lying is also needed and well-regarded if it is done to help / benefit others // for the good of others / for the greater good. 7 R2 Lies meant to protect others … under specific circumstances. (l.17–19) Lying can safeguard / prevent / shield others from harm sometimes / when done judiciously / in certain situations. 8 R2 … or ease their burdens are lies that are generally considered to be acceptable under specific circumstances. (l.18–19) It can also lessen / assuage the worries / troubles / problems of others // make the worries / troubles / problems of others more bearable sometimes/when done judiciously/in certain situations Note: Penalise only once for omission of context for points 7 and 8

4 9 R2 Reassuring a child that “grandma does not feel well right now" might be considered a kinder choice (l.19–20) OR you have a well-developed sense of empathy. (l.21–22) Lying is permissible when it is done out of compassion // as a less hurtful / painful / harsh option OR When one has a good understanding of others’ feelings / pain 10 R2 If you are lying to spare others harm or pain (l.20– 21) It is also a way to refrain from / avoid / stop causing hurt to others. 11 R2 Softening feedback (l.23) Lying helps to cushion the blow of // dilute / lessen the impact of comments / opinions / judgements 12 R2 can make it easier to provide… [constructive criticism] (l.23–24) so that it is less challenging / less difficult to give / offer / proffer critique / evaluation / judgement / negative opinions 13 R2 and [easier to] accept constructive criticism. (l.23– 24) and so that the recipient receives / internalises / comes to terms with the critique more readily. Note: Penalise only once for the omission of context for points 12 and 13. 14 R2 It also protects the long- term relationship between the giver and the receiver. (l.24–25) This also safeguards / defends the lasting bond // bond over an extended period / into the future between the parties 15 R2 It is even more acceptable to lie when it is an acquaintance (l.25) It is even more acceptable to lie in your feedback to someone you just met // you are not familiar with / close to 16 R2 because it takes a certain level of closeness to deliver and accept the truth.(l.25– 26) because it requires some familiarity / bond / friendship / relationship to give / provide / convey and receive / handle candid feedback // it is difficult to give / provide / convey and receive / handle candid feedback without some familiarity / bond / friendship.

5 17 R2 Also, telling a quick white lie in a situation where the person has no time to react such as praising someone’s outfit even though it is not flattering right before a person goes on stage for a performance is acceptable (l.26–28) It also acceptable to lie to a person if he cannot address/the honest feedback immediately/ in the moment 18 R2 because there is nothing the person can do to improve or change the moment. (l.28- 29) and it is impossible for the person to make the immediate situation better // remediate / take action on / modify the immediate situation. 19 R2 Lying to boost the receiver’s self-esteem (l.29–30) Lying can also improve / increase / enhance the recipient’s / the other person’s confidence / self-regard BOD: ‘one’ as context 20 R2 is a tactful and logical way to approach the situation. (l.30) and it could also be a diplomatic / sensitive and rational