EJC 2023 JC2 Prelim H1 GP Paper 2 Answer Scheme

1 2023 JC2 General Paper Preliminary Examination Paper 2 (Excellence) Suggested Answer Scheme From Passage 1 Paragraph 1 Question 1 From lines 3-7, what is the author’s attitude towards the phenomenon of ‘tangping’ and how does he convey this? [2] Question Type: Inference (Author’s tone/attitude) From Passage Suggested Answer They position it as a rejection of societal pressures to overwork and over-achieve, and this act – of doing nothing! – has been lauded by others for taking a stand against the perceived injustice of societal expectations to constantly better themselves and choosing instead to languish in what they believe to be good enough. Another name for what these people call ‘good enough’? Mediocrity. (a) Identification of attitude (‘what’): The author is highly critical / has a low opinion / disapproves of the movement. (b) Method used (‘how’): (Word Choice) This is conveyed by his choice of words such as languishing. OR This is conveyed by his use of diction / stark accusation of them languishing in what they believe to be good enough / lying to themselves. OR (Use of Punctuation) This is conveyed through his use of the exclamation mark to show exasperation at the act of ‘doing nothing!’ OR (Use of Irony) This is conveyed by his use of irony in ‘the act of doing nothing’ as a means of protest. OR This is conveyed by his use of reframing of the idea of ‘good enough’ as mediocrity. 1m for (a) and 1m for any point in (b)

2 Question 2 In paragraph 1, explain how the phenomenon of ‘tangping’ is an apt metaphor for ‘our acceptance of mediocrity’. Use your own words as far as possible. [2] Question Type: Literal & Inference From Passage Suggested Answer In such a position, one has given in to gravity. There is no intention of resisting the pull of stagnation, no potential energy for forward movement, no potential. (a) Identification of the image: Just as the passivity of lying flat shows/indicates surrender / letting go / no effort to withstand the desire to do nothing… (b) How it transfers: … likewise, our acceptance of mediocrity reflects a lack of drive. OR … likewise, our acceptance of mediocrity reflects a lack of motivation / effort for progress / growth / development. 1m for each point In (b), ‘drive’ captures the idea of ‘for progress’ Paragraph 2 Question 3 In paragraph 2, why does the author call the rejection of excellence ‘an act of cowardice’? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] Question Type: Inference (Use of Language) From Passage Suggested Answer Those who don’t dare to pursue excellence endure mediocre performances because they want to keep the status quo. Mediocrity is their comfort zone, and excellence is alien to their system. (a) He views it as an act of cowardice because it shows a lack of courage or fear (b) … in facing change. 1m for each point

3 Question 4