RVHS_H1_General Paper_P2_Soln

2023 RVHS JC2 Prelims P2 Answer Scheme 1. How is the opening sentence an effective introduction to the author’s argument? (1 mark) From passage Paraphrase/ Inference On the surface, universities are a nice idea [Function] He is preparing us for his argument OR introducing his argument [Context] that universities might not be as helpful as they seem/only helpful in theory. 2. How does the author support her assertion that ‘many people find the benefits of higher education underwhelming’ (line 8-9)? UYOWAFAP (3 marks) From passage Paraphrase/ Inference People go in, pick a subject they like, learn from the experts, and leave (A) being job-ready and future-ready young adults. This is why so many ppeople decide to go to college, even if it means making (C) big financial and personal sacrifices. Yet just because so many people are doing it does not mean it is necessarily a good thing to do. In fact, while there is generally a cost—in terms of employment prospects— of not having a college degree, there are (D) not always clear competitive advantages in having one, particularly if (E) almost half of the population has one. The reality is that many people today find the benefits of higher education underwhelming. [Expectation] A. People expect that college will prepare them to succeed in their careers/ lives [Reality] B. However, they may end up being disappointed as… [underwhelming] C. not only does it cost a lot, D. having a college degree may not give them benefits that others do not have/ an edge over others, E. especially since a lot of people now have college degrees. 1-2 points: 1 mark 3 points: 2 marks 4-5 points: 3 marks

2023 RVHS JC2 Prelims P2 Answer Scheme 3. What contrasts does the author draw between university graduates’ experience in college and their experience of entering the labour market in paragraph 2? UYOWAFAP (2 marks) From passage Paraphrase/ Inference Most university graduates have (A1) very fond memories of their years in college. Unfortunately, most graduates also have memories—more recent and (A2) significantly less fond—of the challenges they face when they enter the labour market and the frustrations employers express when dealing with them and finding them (B2) unprepared for the workplace despite being (B1) successful in the classroom. A1 & A2. The years in college are pleasant, unlike their experience of entering the workforce. B2. They may struggle to cope in their new jobs, unlike B1. Their experience in college where they may have done very well.

2023 RVHS JC2 Prelims P2 Answer Scheme 4. Using material from paragraphs 3-4 only (lines 18-45), summarise what the author has to say about what students expect from a university degree and why it sometimes falls short. Write your summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. UYOWAFAP Students’ expectations from a university degree