ACJC 2023 P2 Prelim Ans

ACJC GP JC2 Prelim 2023 1 ACJC General Paper Department JC2 Preliminary Exam 2023 Paper 2 Post-Exam Package 1. According to paragraph 1, why did the fishermen perform elaborate rituals in the open sea but not in the lagoon? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] From passage Suggested answer … the ‘magic’ rituals performed by the islanders were a response to help them cope with the unpredictable might of the Pacific Ocean. (lines 5-7) (The fishermen performed elaborate rituals in the open sea) because the elaborate rituals were perceived to be able to help them to deal with / overcome / protect them from the danger in the open sea / their fear of the open sea / from the unexpected strength / uncertainty of the open sea. (2-part answer) But when the fishermen went out into the nearby calm lagoon, they did not use these rites. (lines 4-5) (However, the fishermen did not perform the elaborate rituals in the lagoon) because the lagoon was placid / serene / tranquil / not turbulent / not stormy / there was no danger in the lagoon. Question Type: Contrast Q Examiners’ Comments: Some responses missed the notion that elaborate rituals were performed as a way to manage their fears of a turbulent Pacific Ocean. Instead, these responses went straight ahead to state that rituals were performed because the Pacific Ocean was turbulent which was misconstrued. Some responses only focussed on the open sea, and totally did not mention the lagoon. 2. From paragraph 1, suggest why effigies are burnt during the New Year in Central and South America. [1] From passage Suggested answer New Year activities include… burning effigies that represent the previous year in Central and South America (lines 9-12) (An effigy is a crude figure of someone created to become the focus of hatred / contempt / ridicule and often hung up or burnt in public.) Burning an effigy represents / symbolises the driving away of bad luck / removing of misfortune / getting rid of figures, things or events that one hates / does not want from the previous year / season. Note: Effigies must have a negative connotation. Question Type: Inference Q Examiners’ Comments: Most responses were incorrect because many mistakenly thought that the act is to demonstrate the passing of seasons. The burning of effigies was also seen to be a positive thing when it is not.

ACJC GP JC2 Prelim 2023 2 3. Why does the author use the word ‘fateful’ (line 14) to describe the decision to live in bigger groups? Use your own words as far as possible. [2] From passage Suggested answer That fateful decision… (line 14) (The author uses the word ‘fateful’ because the decision has led to) dis