2023 S4 SNGS SS Preliminary Examinations

1Name: _________________________ ( ) Class: _____________PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONGENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION ORDINARY LEVELHumanities (Social Studies)22 August 20231 hour 45 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRSTWrite your name, register number, and class on all the work you hand in. Write in dark blue or black pen.Do not use highlighters, glue, correction fluid or correction tape.Answer all questions on writing paper.Hand in the answer script only.The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.The total number of marks for this paper is 50. This document consists of 8 printed pages and 2 blank pages. [Turn Over

2SECTION A (Source-Based Case Study) Answer all questions. Living in a Diverse SocietyStudy the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources, which you are told to use. In answering the questions, you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1Study Source A.Why do you think this cartoon was published? Explain your answer. [5]2Study Sources B and C.Does Source B prove Source C right? Explain your answer. [6]3Study Sources D and E. How similar are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7]4Study Source F.How useful is Source F as evidence to prioritise digital inclusion in a society? Explain your answer. [7]5‘Education is the best method for digital inclusion.’ Using the sources in this case study, explain how far you would agree with thisstatement. [10]

3Is everyone ready for digital inclusion? BACKGROUND INFORMATIONRead this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. The widespread adoption of digital technology in schools, workplaces, and homes has become increasingly apparent in our lives. To support using these technologies, digital inclusion has become the main priority for many societies. Digital inclusion refers to efforts made to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from digital technologies, regardless of their socio-economic background or other factors. It involves providing affordable and reliable internet connectivity, appropriate digital devices, relevant content and services, and the development of digital skills. Supporters for digital inclusion argue that digital skills are important because they empower individuals. Not only do they have more access to job opportunities and entrepreneurial platforms, but they also have greater access to information and vital services. On the other hand, some have raised concerns that promoting digital inclusion is expensive as it requires more funding for internet access and digital devices. Others are concerned that moving towards digital inclusion only serves to highlight the divide between haves and have-nots. Study the following sources to consider if everyone is ready for digital inclusion.

4Source A: A cartoon published in an American newspaper, September 2020. Many public schools adopted a home-based learning approach to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus that year. Bergen High School The digital divide refers to the gap between those that have access to technology, and those that don't or have restricted access.Source B: From a report by an independent consultancy firm, 2017One in three jobs is likely to be severely disrupted or to disappear in the next decade because of technological change. This could affect almost half of all low-skilled jobs and a third of semi-skilled jobs. The World Economic Forum estimates that upskilling the 1.37m workers in the US whose jobs are threatened will cost US$34billon in itself — or US$24,800 per person. Multiply that by 100 to take in the rest of the world, and the sums become staggering.Yet the cost of inaction will be worse. Already, there is a skills mismatch around the world and millions of jobs are going unfilled. Companies are unable to recruit enough already-skilled people to do them. The only option is to educate the existing workforce, new employees, and the next generation so they gain the knowledge and skills they need — and that society needs them to have — in the digital age.

5Source C: A cartoon published in a UK business magazine, October 2015 “But if we keep up with technology, our employees might develop skills that will allow them to leave.”Source D: From a commentary by a Singaporean, published on a local news website, 2021In ensuring everyone — including the elderly and disadvantaged — has access to the benefits of digital technologies, tech companies have a key role to play.They solve problems and put customers at the heart of all they do. It makes tech firms great partners of social enterprises, who tackle social problems and enable people to enjoy a better quality of life through technology.Gojek, for instance, collaborates with SG Cares (Singapore’s national movement to build a more caring and inclusive society) to run the SG Cares-Gojek Medical Transport Subsidy Scheme. As part of the scheme, Gojek provides subsidised rides to seniors and low-income families for their medical appointments.

6Source E: From an interview published in The Centre for Public Impact, an international thinktank, 2022As the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to widen the digital divide, senior citizens were particularly vulnerable to being left behind. Clarence Chua, Director of Strategic Planning in the Ministry of Communications, and Information says, “In Singapore, home broadband access rates are at 98%. These are targeted schemes to subsidise devices and internet connectivity for vulnerable groups like low-income households. Our challenge is therefore not focused on digital access, but how to raise digital literacy and equip our residents with digital skills. For example, take the ‘Seniors Go Digital’ programme. This involved mobilising digital ambassadors to train over 100,000 senior citizens. Our digital ambassadors also provided personalised instructions or would sit with seniors and go through how to use different apps. Source F: A study by a UK non-profit research firm published in an online magazine, 2017For example, the demand for paralegals and similar professions is likely to be reduced over the coming years as artificial intelligence is trained to handle more administrative tasks. In the UK more than 350,000 paralegals, payroll managers, and bookkeepers could lose their jobs if automated systems can do the same work.“Traditionally, jobs like these have been a vehicle for social mobility,” Sutton Trust research manager Carl Cullinane tells The Verge. Cullinane says that for individuals who couldn’t attend university or get qualifications, semi-administrative jobs are often a way into professional industries. “But because they don’t require more advanced skills, they’re likely to be vulnerable to automation,” he says.

7SECTION B (Structured-Response Questions)Answer both questions. Being Part of a Globalised WorldStudy the extracts carefully, and then answer the questions. Extract 1 Extract 2As preventive measures against transnational terrorism, countries have strengthened their efforts in homeland security and international collaboration. Extract 3In order to manage possible terrorist attacks, countries also implement protective measures to safeguard their security. Governments have channelled more resources into increased surveillance and can detain suspects without trial.

86 Extract 1 shows how transnational terrorism has led to people adopting extreme beliefs with threatening consequences in society.In your opinion, what can be done to prevent self-radicalisation of individuals? Explain your answer with reference to two strategies. [7]7 Extracts 2 and 3 highlight the need for preventive and protective measures in m