EJC 2023 JC1 MYE P2 AS (8881)

Eunoia Junior College English Department 2023 JC1 GP Mid Year Examination Paper 2 FOR THE ANSWER SCHEME: HIGHLIGHTED WORDS: KEY TERMS THAT NEED TO BE PARAPHRASED FOR THE ANSWER TO BE CREDITED UNDERLINED WORDS: WORDS THAT SET THE CONTEXT; THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE PARAPHRASED BUT WILL NEED TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE ANSWER FOR CREDIT TO BE GIVEN

1. How does the opening statement demonstrate people’s addiction to their phones? [2] From the passage SUGGESTED ANSWER Mark Two hundred twenty-one; that is the number of times we check our phones on average, daily. A) TECHNIQUE The example/statistic used in the opening statement shows the frequency of phone use of an average person / highlights the high number of times people check their phones, Examiner’s Remarks: For candidates to get the mark for Point A, the response needs to capture a clear method/technique. Responses that merely describe e.g. “number of times people check their phones on average” will not be accepted. 1 B) CONTEXT and this reflects the extent of phone addiction in society. OR which reflects how abnormal/excessive people’s phone usage has become. Examiners’ Remarks: For candidates to get the 2 full marks, answers need to show (a) method/ technique + (b) context i.e., what the high number implies in showing the extent of people’s phone addiction) 1

2. What is the author’s purpose in describing social media platforms as ‘slot machines’ (line 7)? [2] From the passage SUGGESTED ANSWER Mark Like slot machines, social media platforms have been consciously designed to keep us constantly scrolling, watching, liking, and refreshing in the hope of finding affirmation, confidence boosts and even love. Every serif, every screen layout, every barely perceptible animation, and every pixel has been actively configured to keep us hooked. A) AUTHOR’S PURPOSE The author’s purpose is to compare/make an analogy between social media platforms and slot machines 1 B) CONTEXT to show how every feature of the social media platforms has been purposefully/deliberately designed/conceptualized to get users hooked/addicted, just like slot machines. Examiner’s Remarks: For B to be awarded, the intentionality of the design must be captured. 1

3. Using lines 12 –14, identify three ways in which social media has affected both individuals and society. [3] From the passage SUGGESTED ANSWER Mark Beyond tethering us to our devices, social media is also making the world more hostile, less empathetic, and less kind – all of which is taking a significant toll on our collective well-being. Social media has affected both individuals and society by A) “TETHERING US TO OUR DEVICES” keeping us addicted to our gadgets. 1 B) “SOCIAL MEDIA IS ALSO MAKING THE WORLD MORE HOSTILE, LESS EMPATHETIC, AND LESS KIND” It also makes the world crueller / meaner / more cold-hearted. Sense-for-sense paraphrase 1 C) “SIGNIFICANT TOLL ON OUR COLLECTIVE WELL-BEING” All of these have a substantial negative effect / weight on the overall health of the community. Examiner’s Remarks: Candidates must capture the negative connotation to be awarded the mark. 1 4. Explain the author’s use of the word ‘amorality’ in line 29. [2] From the passage SUGGESTED ANSWER Mark While it is unlikely that stimulating such toxic behaviour is the intention of (A) the absence of ethical standards of/ lack of ethics / lack of principles of 1

the platform creators, it is something they tolerate for the simple fact that outrage and anger (however dangerous and polarising) are better for business. They keep traffic hig h, increasing the likely number of ad clicks, which translates to revenue. This is the amorality of the unregulated market in action. (B) businesses when they are not subjected to governance/ social media companies at work when left unchecked/ uncontrolled. 1

5. In paragraph 6, what contrasts does the author make about the way children experience bullying today as compared to the past? [2] From the passage SUGGESTED ANSWER Mark For children, social media has also become home to bullying on a distressing scale. In the past, this psychological abuse was confined to the playground and park. Today, it follows them around, streamed into their homes and bedrooms. Moreover, while the victim’s shame used to be witnessed directly in real-time, today it is there for all to see, permanently etched into their digital footprint. A) IDEA OF ACCESS/SPACE Previously, the bullying faced by children was usually limited to public places. However, today, the bullying accompanies them and is being transmitted into their personal spaces. 1 B) IDEA OF PERMANENCE In addition, in the past, the victim’s humiliation was seen only by those who were present at the time it occurred . However , today, bullying is indelibly imprinted on one’s online identity. OR In the past , the victim’s humiliation was only visible to others who were physically present at the time it occurred . However, today, the victim’s humiliation is visible to everyone, leaving an online record that is lasting/ not easily removable. (Accept any reasonable paraphrase that uses sense-for-sense paraphrase or word -for-word paraphrase) 1

From Passage 2 6. Summarise the positive effects of social media on individuals and society. [8] Pt Main Idea From the Passage Suggested Answer 1 OVERCOMING PHYSICAL DISTANCE Social media brings people together. Previously, people were unable to interact with others due to distance. Now, this is no longer an obstacle. Social media connects users, regardless of geographical limitations. Examiners’ Remarks: Full idea of bringing people together across physical distance needs to be present to award 1m. The idea of “overcoming” needs to be captured. 2 GAINS FOR OVERCOMING GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITATIONS Social media platforms facilitate global connectivity, which means that people can share their ideas, opinions, and experiences with others from different parts of the world. It also creates links / relationships with others from around the world. OR Generates opportunity for people in society to communicate with users worldwide. Examiners’ Remarks: Global connectivity must be mentioned to be a separate point from point 5. 3 CROSS CULTURAL EDUCATION This allows people to learn about different customs and expand their horizons beyond their immediate surroundings. This generates opportunities for people to know about other cultures and beliefs

4 EMBRACING DIVERSITY Moreover, social media engenders a more inclusive society. Social media can develop / create a community that is more accepting of diversity/different views / races / cultures. 5 WIDENING ONE’S SOCIAL CIRCLE It does this by giving people the opportunity to interact with those who they would otherwise be unable to reach. It enables people to engage with individuals previously uncontactable/ unknown to users. 6 MARGINALISED PEOPLE HAVE A VOICE IN SOCIETY Using technology, especially social media, these groups [people who are marginalised] are empowered to convey their ideas and connect with others. Social media bestows/ endows the marginalised the chance / ability to share their thoughts and feelings with others. 7 CRUCIAL IN FOSTERING A FAIR SOCIETY Social media also plays a vital role in creating a just society. It is also pivotal in fostering a fair / evenhanded society. 8 VICTIMS ABLE TO SHARE AND FIND SUPPORT Social media gave the victims the platform to share their experiences with a wider audience , and many found that they were not alone in their experiences. Victims of injustice can use social media to reveal / express their stories with others, and many realise the