2024 RVHS JC2 Prelims P2 Ans Scheme

Answer Scheme JC2 Preliminary Examination August 2024 (Version 28 Aug) From Passage 1 1) In the opening sentence, what contrast does the author make between the perceptions of nostalgia? (2m) From the passage Paraphrased Depending on whom you ask, nostalgia has either been described as being a warm fuzzy feeling by one who is sentimental, The author wants to show that nostalgia can be perceived as… A) something that gives one a feeling of happiness or contentment to a person moved by emotions… Accept: ‘cosy / comfortable’ Good / positive = imprecise = no credit warm fuzzy ≠ heartfelt / heartwarming (partial lift) or something that can be capitalised on as a ‘hipster heritage impulse’ by another with a sharp business acumen. B) or which can be monetised by one who is business savvy / experienced in business. Note: Mention of stakeholders not required exploited / leveraged = BOD 2 or 0 mark 2) Identify two ways in Paragraph 2 which illustrate how ‘nostalgia does not always sit well with our modern-day practical sensibilities’ (line 18). (2m) From the passage Paraphrased which can stand in the way of progressive and efficient use of space. Nostalgia… A) prevents the productive / optimal allocation of land. BOD: effective Quaint but uneven cobblestone walkways run contrary to modern attempts to build infrastructure for the differently-abled… B) Preserving historical footpaths are impractical because they do not allow for the handicapped to traverse smoothly. Accept ‘disabled’ Differently-abled ≠ special needs

…rise of socio-cultural clashes between newly arrived migrants and the local populace, with the latter resenting globally famous brands perceived as symbols of cultural imperialism, even as these brands offer wider variety at a lower cost compared to local traditional businesses. C1) Local people protect their own community / customary establishments while blocking / are disapproving of international companies… C2) that provide a diverse array of products / products at a cheaper price. Any 2 points for 2 marks Need C1 and C2 for 1 mark Need to have ‘global’ vs ‘local’ but no need to paraphrase 3) From lines 19-21, explain two ways in which the author uses language to convey the challenges of modern- day life. (2m) From the passage Explanation A) bruised soul The author uses the phrase ‘bruised soul’ to exemplify that modern life has challenges that hurt or damage one’s inner being. people facing difficulties / hardships = no credit B) flood of foreigners The author uses the phrase ‘flood of foreigners’ to convey how the citizens have to grapple with the impacts of many foreigners entering their countries. BOD: If a complete quote isn’t provided, reference to ‘foreigners’ must be present in the explanation for the answer to be credited. ‘Impact’ = needed to show link to 'challenges' C) unrelenting The author uses the word ‘unrelenting’ to describe how the pace of change does not let up / cease. D) stream of change The author uses the phrase ‘stream of change’ to describe how changes in modern society are continuous / come one after the other. overwhelming = BOD E) discomforting The author uses the word ‘discomforting’ to describe how modern life makes one feel uneasy. F) disorienting The author uses the word ‘disorienting’ to describe how modern life confuses one. ● Any 2 ways correctly identified AND explained for 2 marks ● Word / complete phrases MUST be identified & put in quotation marks for credit

4) According to the author, what are the characteristics of a ‘simpler, slower way of life’ (line 24)? (2m) From the passage Paraphrased humble possessions are skillfully handmade and sold… A) It is when modest / simple personal belongings are intricately / masterfully / deftly / very well created by craftsmen… humble ≠ basic BOD: ordinary, everyday, day-to-day items skillfully ≠ professionally made and where the traditional arts of craftsmen are also elevated… B) where the long-established arts of the craftsmen have their status raised / are celebrated / promoted… ● Note: craftsmen’s work receives acknowledgement ● BOD: original arts / old / cultural (= beliefs and behaviours of a particular group of people) symbolising the allure of a stable and unchanging unique, local identity. C) that signify the attraction of a steady / constant, and special local identity. Allow lift of ‘craftsmen’ and ‘local identity’ stable = lasting / fixed = BOD 1-2 points = 1 mark 3 points = 2 marks 5) In paragraph 4, what contrast does the author make in the use of nostalgia in politics in the United States? (2m) From the passage Inference In his presidential acceptance speech in 2008, Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States, popularised the political slogan ‘Yes we can!’ to unite a disenfranchised and divided country to embrace the possibilities of the future, by drawing on the collective strength of the nation in battling slavery, overcoming the Great Depression and emerging triumphant in World War Two. Strategy: A1) Obama uses nostalgia by focusing on the victories of the nation in overcoming challenges in history / nation’s historic victories… Outcome: A2) to bring together a polarised country / disillusioned / marginalised citizens. Accept if context is missing A3) [key idea: look to future] to welcome a hopeful future / to move forward as a country.

Yet nostalgia, while having the potency to unite the masses with a shared history, could equally fracture a nation – by uniting those who yearn for a return to a better imagined past while unfairly blaming parties today for destroying that same past. Said Donald Trump in his 2020 pre-Independence Day rally, ‘Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign by the Democrats to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.’ Strategy: B1) However in Trump’s case, nostalgia is used to refer to an idealised past… Outcome: B2) to break up society / by accusing those who have caused the demise of a more desirable past. ● Accept if given answer only mentions ‘unfairly blaming / accusing others’ (underlined part) without the outcome of breaking up society. ● Accept if ‘accuse’ context is missing B3) [key idea: stay in past] as an excuse to wallow in / remain in / want to go back to the past (that has been unfairly glorified / blindly glamorised). 1 mark for 1 correctly identified and paraphrased pair of contrast A1 + B1 = 1m A2 + B2 = 1m A3 + B3 = 1m 6) How does the final sentence in paragraph 5 provide an effective ending to the author’s argument? (1m)

Summary 7) Summarise the reasons why nostalgia can be harmful. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8] Main Idea From Passage Suggested Paraphrase Romanticise A it can also ensnare us when it distorts the past into something idealised. OR Nations may romanticise historical narratives (line 14) Nostalgia can… trap us by turning / transforming / manipulating the past into something unrealistic (inferred) / cause us to see the past through rose-tinted glasses Overlook austerity B they overlook the austerity that came along with it. … they ignore the severity / sombre / harsh conditions that accompanied it. Distorts perception of reality C distorts one's perception of reality and … warps / misrepresent / manipulate one's view of what is real distorts ≠ changes (lacks intensity, imprecise) distorts MUST be paraphrased Disaffection D cultivate disaffection with the present. and fosters dissatisfaction with the present. Always yearning for the past E Individuals may become trapped in a cycle of longing for a time gone by. People may find themselves caught in a loop / pattern of yearning for the past. From the passage Suggested Answer How else are we able to resist looking bac