CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL Mid-Year Sec 4NA SS

Name: ____________________________ Index Number: __________ Class: ______ Clementi Town Secondary School Mid-Year Examination 2019 Secondary 4 Normal Academic HUMANITIES, 2175/01 SOCIAL STUDIES 2176/01 Paper 1 14 May 2019 1 hour 45 minutes Additional materials provided: Writing papers CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLEMENTI TOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST Write in dark blue or black pen. Do not use staples, paper clips or correction fluid. Leave two lines between the answers to consecutive questions or consecutive parts of a question. Section A You must answer all parts of Question 1. You are advised to spend no longer than 60 minutes on Section A. Section B Answer one question. Begin your answer to Section B on a new and separate sheet of paper. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. Attach your index Sheet to your answer scripts before submission. ____________________________________________________________________ This Question Paper consists of 7 printed pages, including this cover page. [Turn over]

2 SECTION A (Source-Based Case Study) Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates. 1 Living in a Diverse Society Study 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 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. (a) Study Source A. What can you learn from this source about the employment of older workers? Explain your answer. [5] (b) Study Source B. Why was this letter published? Explain your answer. [6] (c) Study Sources C and D. How similar are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7] (d) Study Source E. How useful is the source in telling you about the efforts in making the workplace better for older workers? Explain your answer. [7] (e) Study all the sources. “Singapore promotes an age -inclusive society.” How far do the sources agree with the statement? Explain your answer. [10] Does discrimination against older workers exist in the workplace in Singapore?

3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully, it may help you to answer some of the questions. Due to falling fertility rate, Singapore is facing one of the toughest economic and social challenges since its independence in the form of a rapidly ageing workforce and population. By 2030, the number of Singaporeans aged 65 and above is projected to be 900,000, which means 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be in that age group. The government has implemented several measures to encourage older Singaporeans to keep working. For example, employees aged 62 will be offered re -employment up to the age of 67. T he Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), an organisation made up of employers, unions and the government which ensures the adoption of fair and responsible employment practices, was also set up. However, despite the efforts of the government and organisations such as TAFEP, there are instances of older workers facing discrimination at their workplaces. Older workers have raised their concerns about unfair hiring practices and unfriendly inte ractions with the younger workers and employers. Study the following sources to assess how far Singapore promotes an age-inclusive* workforce. *Age-inclusive: a society in which no Singaporeans gets left behind, and can succeed regardless of their age. Source A: A local cartoonist’s view about hiring practices in Singapore, published on his personal website, 2017. *Resumé: A document which includes personal information, skills, and accomplishments, often used to secure new employment.

4 Source C: Adapted from an article published on a government website, discussing on issues that impact Singapore’s society, 2018. Despite the country’s fast ageing population, many employers are turning to older workers as a crucial solution to manpower needs. But helping senior workers work longer and take on meaningful jobs has to come with significant adjustments from not only the government, but critically also employers and workers. Companies like SingPost and PSA, have embraced the move to have age -friendly workplaces and job design. In particular, these companies invested heavily into technology to help seniors in their work. These companies see the huge benefits in retaining their senior workers for their experience and knowledge. At the same time, these workers impart good values and are even great mentors to the younger colleagues. Source B: Adapted from a letter by a Singaporean, published in the forum section of The Straits Times, 2015. While older workers possess a wealth of experience and years of knowledge on the job , there are reasons why many employers are reluctant to hire them. Many senior employees find it difficult to function at optimal levels because their skills and abilities have not kept pace with the way business is done today. They have not kept up with new work processes and technology, and may not interact well with younge r colleagues. Many older employees are generally less flexible and more difficult to train; this is especially true for jobs requiring technical skills. Many employers worry that they may not contribute to increased productivity or to cost savings. Source D: Adapted from a panel discussion which featured experts, recruiters and employers, 2015. Both employers and employees must play their part in removing discrimination against older workers in the workplace. Older staff should not limit themselves psychologically when dealing with younger colleagues and new technology. Older workers feel that because of their age, they cannot cope as well as those younger than them. Older staff are often intimidated by shifts in technology, such as when they are confronted by new IT systems. Employers should also try to change the workplace culture to accommodate mature employees. By treating older workers better, companies send a positive signal to younger staff that they will be looked after if they stay on. They gain a competitive edge, not just in recruiting more elderly workers, but also in retaining younger people.

5 Source E: Adapted from a speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the issue of the ageing population in Singapore, 2017. We need to transform our societies and economies to become more age -friendly. First, we are helping seniors to stay active and healthy for l onger by providing financial incentives for companies to make jobs and workplaces more senior -friendly. The SkillsFuture initiative was launched to give workers credits for courses they can take to upgrade themselves at any age. Second, there are saf