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 onesel