2024 DHS Y6 GP Prelim P2 Insert

CANDIDATE NAME CIVICS GROUP 6C __ __ INDEX NUMBER 0 0 __ __ © DHS 2024 8881/02/Y6/PRELIMINARYEXAMINATION DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Higher 1 YEAR 6 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION GENERAL PAPER 8881/02 Paper 2 28 August 2024 INSERT 1 hour 30 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST This Insert contains the passages for comprehension. This document consists of 4 printed pages. [Turn over

2 © DHS 2024 8881/02/Y6/PRELIMINARYEXAMINATION Passage 1. An author explores how young people today are exploring jobs that connect to a greater purpose. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 In a world where the stark confines of office cubicles increasingly clash with the boundless canvas of the great outdoors, a vanguard of young visionaries is charting a course towards a reimagined future. This isn’t just about a shift in scenery; it’s a profound transformation in the ethos of work itself. For Millennials and Generation Zs, caught in the wake of economic upheavals and the lingering shadows of a global pandemic, there’s a burgeoning desire to fuse their livelihoods with their deepest convictions and dreams of adventure. Here, at this juncture of uncertainty and possibility, a new horizon emerges – one where work serves not only as a means to an end but also as a conduit to a life of purpose and passion. A recent survey by workwear brand Carhartt reveals a striking trend among nearly half of young individuals: a significant shift in career aspirations. Moving beyond the traditional pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder, these young seekers prioritise finding work that is less demanding and allows time to pursue personal interests. They are not just in search of mere employment, but of careers that align with their values and contribute to a sense of purpose in their lives. This change signals a departure from viewing work as simply a means to earn a living to making an impact on others, embracing it as a vital part of a fulfilling life journey. It reflects a broader desire among the younger generation to integrate their personal beliefs with their professional paths. Let’s break it down: 85% of these trailblazers are game for a gig that lets them breathe in the crisp air of the wilderness over the stale air of office politics. They are not just running from the mundane 9-to-5; they are sprinting towards careers that promise more than a view from a skyscraper window. They crave the raw, unfiltered experiences that only Mother Nature can offer, and they are ready to trade in their business suits for hiking boots and hard hats. But why this seismic shift away from the glow of computer screens to the glow of campfires? The pandemic flipped the script on traditional work environments, propelling young people into a digital nomad lifestyle that broke the chains of the office desk. This newfound freedom sparked a realisation: Why settle for a sedentary life when the world is your oyster? The growing burden of student debt and disenchantment with traditional four-year degrees are driving young people towards vocational and technical education, seeking not only to alleviate financial strain but also to engage directly with pressing global issues. This movement is deeply intertwined with a commitment to environmental stewardship, as 74% of young individuals view combating climate change as their generational duty. Consequently, the shift toward conservation-focused careers transcends mere job preference, embodying a dedication to nurturing and protecting our planet. In this brave new world, the concept of ‘work’ is undergoing a metamorphosis, morphing into a quest for meaning, purpose, and passion. For the young warriors of today, the office no longer resides between four walls; it spans the entirety of the great outdoors. They are not just looking for a job; they are on a mission to live a life rich with adventure, grounded in purpose, and dedicated to the preservation of the natural world. So, to the young ones standing on the precipice of their futures, I say: The world is your canvas, and your career is the brush. Paint a future where your work reflects your wildest dreams and deepest values. The path less travelled is calling. Will you answer? 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

3 © DHS 2024 8881/02/Y6/PRELIMINARYEXAMINATION Passage 2. An author discusses how young people today are prioritising finding stable jobs. 1 2 3 4 5 In an era marked by boundless opportunities, Generation Z’s discerning approach to career selection has been raising eyebrows across generations. It might be confusing that such an idealistic generation is leaving their ‘dream’ jobs behind in favour of stability. A report by renowned job portal Handshake illuminates this trend, revealing that recent graduates exhibit a pronounced inclination towards stability in their career pursuits. Notably, nearly two-fifths of this cohort are expanding their exploration beyond the confines of their ideal job descriptions or preferred employers, casting a wider net across various industries, firms, and roles. This proclivity towards stability finds its roots in a milieu of unsettling layoff reports and pervasive discourse on an impending economic downturn, which has left a palpable impact on the psyche of recent graduates. Furthermore, the tumultuous backdrop of their collegiate journey, characterised by the disruptive forces of the COVID-19 pandemic, has solidified the conviction among many that stability reigns supreme in the contemporary landscape. The shift towards stable jobs mirrors how Generation Z conceives work. While it was common to tie one’s identity to their jobs, contemporary workers gravitate to occupations that cultivate personal contentment, and support their preferred lifestyles, a prospect often realised only within the framework of stable career trajectories. Consequently, they exhibit a preference for enterprises endowed with a legacy of resilience and endurance, avoiding the allure of the tech industry that was believed to be a lucrative route but is more volatile now. Moreover, the scars from watching previous generations grapple with occupational instability and weather the reverberations of economic downturns have instilled within the young more prudence. Their quest transcends mere employment; instead, they seek vocations that offer long-term fulfilment and stability. For many young workers, the notion of a dream job is not dead. What has changed is what defines a dream job, which to many of them, is one that secures financial certainty for them. 5 10 15 20 25

4 © DHS 2024 8881/02/Y6/PRELIMINARYEXAMINATION Passage 3. An undergraduate shares her thoughts about job seeking. 1 2 3 At one point, we were all captivated by the idea of pursuing our passions. The familiar saying, “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”, suggests that following our passions will free us from the drudgery of necessity. However, as a final year student at university, I am weighing my options more carefully. Conversations with friends who have recently entered the workforce offer an insight to my decision-making. Take for instance, my friend, Alex, who graduated last year with a degree in psychology but decided to pursue a career in photography. He had several gigs lined up before graduation, but those opportunities fell through. Eight months later, he was struggl