2024 VJC GP Prelim P2 Answer Scheme

1 VJC 2024 General Paper JC2 Prelim Examination Answer Scheme From Passage 1 1. How does the author illustrate the ability of hobbies to serve as a ‘coping mechanism’ (line 2)? [2] From the Text Possible paraphrase Whether it was the myriad of pandemic hobbies adopted to distract us from an unprecedented global crisis or binge-watching Netflix to find solace from the political upheavals of contemporary society. Hobbies were used as a means to divert our attention from an unparalleled international calamity in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic [1m] as well as a source of comfort from the political turbulences of modern society. [1m] Markers’ comments: Students should pay attention to the specific contexts in which hobbies can serve as a form of ‘coping mechanism’. While the context does not have to be paraphrased, the correct context must be included. For the first mark, there is a need to relate to the idea of a global crisis, i.e. lockdown, COVID-19, global emergency. For the second mark, there is a need to relate to the specific idea of political problems. 2. From lines 7 to 9, in what ways were hobbies ‘exclusive’? [2] From the Text Possible paraphrase …used to be the exclusive domain of the aristocracy who had much wealth and leisure at their beck and call In the past, only those who were very rich / affluent and had plenty of free time [1m] at their disposal/readily available [1m] could afford to indulge in hobbies. Markers’ comments: Most students were able to get the first mark. However, quite a number of students did not paraphrase the idea of ‘beck and call’, highlighting the need for students to pay closer attention to what needs to be paraphrased in the passage. To demonstrate an understanding of the phrase ‘at their beck and call’, it is not enough to merely have the idea of ‘a lot’ but it is necessary to have the idea of ‘being readily available’ to be awarded the second mark.

2 3. What does ‘quick to leverage’ (line 11) suggest about how businesses respond to new trends? [1] From the Text Possible paraphrase This was due to how businesses are quick to leverage the emergence of new trends and markets and entice people into taking up unbeknownst activities in the name of leisure. Businesses react very fast to new trends in order to earn profits [1m]. Markers’ comments: This is an inference question. Students are expected to move beyond just paraphrasing the phrase ‘quick to leverage’ and think about what such an ability says about these businesses. To get the full mark, the answer needs to demonstrate inference by showing how the speed in which businesses react to new trends is reflective of their nature, in this case, being profit-driven. 4. Explain what the author means by the phrase ‘long-term investment in oneself’ (line 23). [2] From the Text Possible paraphrase Investing in hobbies is also a long-term investment in oneself. Just as how investments necessitate some effort/resource in order to gain something in the future, spending/setting aside time to engage in hobbies [1m] results in benefits for the person over time. [1m] Markers’ comments: For the first mark, the context of how hobbies can be seen as an investment where time is deliberately set aside needs to be identified. For the second mark, students need to incorporate the idea of how setting aside time for hobbies is beneficial for the individual in the longer run. 5. What does the author mean by ‘empirical evidence aligns with intuition’ (line 32)? [2] From the Text Possible paraphrase Unsurprisingly, empirical evidence aligns with intuition: humans require recreational time. Hard data/statistics or scientific findings support [1m] what we know instinctively, [1m] that hobbies are good for us. Markers’ comments: This is a vocabulary question. For students who do not know the meaning of ‘empirical’, they can use the context at the start of Paragraph 4 (description of the meta-analysis of data) to infer the meaning. Attempts to paraphrase ‘intuition’ as logical thinking or reasoning were inaccurate.

3 6. Explain how ‘Viewing leisure as a waste of time can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.’ (line 40). [2] From the Text Possible paraphrase Viewing leisure as a waste of time can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, ultimately diminishing the pleasure derived from hobbies. When one has the perception of leisure as a chore or of little value [1m], he will not engage in the hobby meaningfully. As a result, he will derive/enjoy little value/benefit from leisure [1m]. Markers’ comments: To get the first mark, answers need to refer to the perception that people have of leisure as a waste of time. Some students erroneously assume that hobbies are factually ‘a waste of time’. To get the second mark, answers need to refer to how having such a perception led to a particular outcome in reality. The use of appropriate signposting such as ‘as a result’, ‘hence’, and ‘actual’ will be helpful. From Passage 2 7. Summarise the problems associated with hobbies and how we should approach hobbies instead. [8] No From the passage Suggested Answer 1 propensity to evoke anxiety (lines 4-5) Tendency to arouse feelings of worry 2 In actuality, contrary to popular belief, it is normal for one to feel like one does not have any hobbies (lines 5-6) As one may be made to feel atypical/an aberration/ an abnormality if one does not have any hobby 3 own’s personal interests do not count as actual hobbies (lines 6-7) or dismiss one’s personal interests as not being legitimate/recognised Markers’ Comments: To be given credit, Points (2) and (3) need to be phrased as either as problems associated with hobbies or how we should approach hobbies instead. 4 having any free time to pursue passions can seem like a distant fantasy even though hobbies are often touted as panacea for stress. (lines 8-9) Being able to afford time can be seen as a remote dream/unattainable wish 5 Hobbies do not have to be ‘productive’ or involve specific benchmarks of improvement or progress (lines 11-12) Hobbies do not require results/upgrading ourselves 6 the last thing one should feel compelled to is to turn his hobby into a ‘side hustle’ (lines 14-15) Coerced into monetising one’s hobby/make it profitable/earn additional income from one’s hobby/ turn one’s hobby into a gig

4 7 feel the pressure to foster a suitable hobby in the eyes of others (lines 15-16) Need to conform to others’ expectations/social norms 8 assumptions that we always have the physical space, (line 21) Not everyone has room/the venue 9 spare time (line 21) leisure 10 and financial means to do so (line 21) money/privilege 11 passive digital distractions (line 27) sedentary/mindless digital/online activities Markers’ Comments: Very few scripts had Point (11) as there was a lack of sensitivity to the key idea of ‘passive’ (a problem associated with these digital hobbies). 12 Addictions (line 28) Compulsive activities, obsessions 13 fodder for comparison (line 33) Reinforces/fuels the need to measure up to others OR Becomes yet another benchmark for others to judge us/for competition 14 From impressive crafts to sumptuous baked goods to wild rock-climbing feats, there are countless images of people showing off their hobbies (lines 33-35) boasting about their hobbies 15 denigrating people without hobbies (line 35) disparage/belittle people without hobbies 16 not to dive into a hobby just for the sake of it (line 36) We should not plunge into a hobby/ take up a hobby impulsively/without much thought 17 we need to take advantage of the opportunity to do things that feel good for us (lines 37-38) Seize the chance to do what we enjoy 18 our guiding