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 What is the author implying about mediocrity by her use of the word ‘festering’ in line 16? [1] Question Type: Inference (Use of Language) From Passage Suggested Answer When we don’t choose excellence, we are choosing mediocrity because we do not care. What is worse is that what we tolerate perpetuates. When we allow mediocre performances to continue, we signal that festering in mediocrity is okay. The author is implying that remaining mediocre will result in the worsening of negative consequences. DNA: Spread Summary Question Question 5 Using materials from paragraphs 3-5 only (lines 17-48), summarise why it is important to strive for excellence and how to do so. Write your summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. Use your own words as far as possible. Being ‘okay’ is not enough for our societies. We… require outstandingly intelligent and gifted individuals as they drive societal progress in any areas of life. Those who do not pursue excellence do not encounter anything trul y important, and waste countless chances to improve our way of life. All out societal systems and st ructures flourish based on the vigour that arises from the quest for being excel lent. Schools and workplaces must encourage us to have ambition. Leaders should have the responsibility to plan success for our societies and truly fulfil their vows. In order to progress, we need to succeed, or we could be forgotten. Mediocrity is already too prevalent in society for us to cont ribute further to it. Pursuing excellence counteracts the lure of dawdling and to find diversions . (18 points, 120 words) Points 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9 10-11 12-13 14 and above Score 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

4 From the Text Suggested Paraphrase Para 3 1 need exceptionally smart require outstandingly intelligent/ clever/ wise, DNA: uncommonly (lacking precision) 2 and talented people and gifted/ skilled/ accomplished individuals 3 They are the ones who push civilisation forward as they drive/ thrust/ propel societal progress/ advancement 4 cure diseases make discoveries compose brilliant music and artwork move millions of people (sense-for-sense) in many areas/ every aspect of life. DNA: mere paraphrases of the text 5 nothing of any real significance happens to people who linger in the status quo (sense-for-sense) Those who do not pursue excellence do not do/ encounter anything truly consequential/ important, and 6 lose out on innumerable opportunities fail to grasp/ waste countless chances 7 to better our lives to improve/ benefit our way of life. 8 all our social institutions thrive All our societal systems and structures flourish/ prosper 9 on the spark that comes from the pursuit of excellence on the vigour/ inspiration/ drive that arises from the quest/ chase/ journey/ search of being excellent. 10 schools and workplaces must embolden us Schools and workplaces must encourage/ empower us 11 to aspire to greater heights (sense-for-sense) to push ourselves further / have ambition. 12 Our leaders should be expected to chart a grand course for our societies, (sense-for-sense) Leaders should have the responsibility to plan success for our societies, 13 and then actually live up to their promises and truly fulfil their vows. 14 the way forward has always been clear – excel, or be left behind (sense-for-sense) In order to progress, we need to succeed, or we would be forgotten/ held back. Para 4 15 mediocrity is a privilege (inferred) Being average is an entitlement/ a luxury. 16 when so many rise to the daily struggle of seeking excellence so as to not to let down their communities When so many work hard every day to achieve excellence in order to not disappoint those around them,

5 17 merely settling for mediocrity is downright disrespectful OR With such advantages, how dare we not be great? simply accepting mediocrity is utterly ungracious/ rude. 18 The world is already filled with mediocrity, and we should not settle for adding more white noise (inferred) Mediocrity is already too prevalent in society for us to contribute further to it. Para 5 19 pursuit of excellence is an attitude that cultivates a fertile field for success (sense-for-sense) Striving for excellence encourages/ breeds/ nurtures further triumph/ more opportunities for triumph, and 20 presupposes an openness to feedback presumes receptiveness to critique/evaluation. 21 Many years ago, while American car manufacturers avoided mistakes on their assembly lines by slowing down and introducing slack, the Japanese manufacturers sought breakdowns by putting the line to its paces and pushing its boundaries, receiving feedback by studying the breakdowns, taking corrective action, and then pushing boundaries again. Today, the rigour of the production process has translated into the excellence of the