2024 NJC SH2 GP Prelims Paper 2 Answer Key

From Passage 1 [11m for Passage 1’s SAQs] 1. According to the author, what are two reasons for ‘the collapse of the American mall’ (line 1)? [2] From the passage Suggested answer 1. The most obvious—the rise of online retail—is undeniably a significant factor, (L2) …Amazon gutted brick-and-mortar (EG of point 1) 2. but it also masks a rot that had been spreading before Amazon gutted brick- and-mortar It is hard to think of any comparable social institution that cost so much and covered so much physical space and then imploded so quickly. The two reasons are the 1. Emergence/ proliferation/ increasing popularity of e-commerce Idea of upward trend/ growth needs to be present for Point 1 2. (inferred) and the inability of physical malls to keep up / remain relevant. or People also lost interest in / have been apathetic about going to malls or (inferred) Malls became too expensive to maintain. Note: intensifier needed; ‘expensive’ alone is insufficient Learning points:

2. In paragraph 2, explain how the author supports the claim that the idea of the suburban shopping mall ‘was incredibly successful’ (line 8)? [3] From the passage Suggested answer The exodus from urban centers to suburbs created an enormous opportunity to fill a vacuum for goods and services in smaller communities. (L8-10) Note that ‘smaller communities’ is synonymous with ‘suburbs’ A mall patron could get their hair styled, buy groceries, visit the bank, and enjoy an art installation all in one building. (L10-11) As the concept gained steam, the mall seemed a well of endless novelty — a preeminent showcase of modern architecture and innovative products. (L11-13) 1. The author supports it by explaining that the suburban mall capitalised on/ exploited the immense consumer demand / need for goods and services. [1] Intensifier needs to be captured in point 1 2. The suburban mall was also capable of providing a wide range of services, located conveniently in the same place. [1] 3. It also appeared to offer items / experiences and amenities that were new / never been seen before / unusual / original. [1] Learning points: 1. Essentially, the 3 points can be condensed as: Fill the gap, all things / multi-functional in one place, have fun. 2. Point 1, strictly speaking, can feature the context of smaller communities/ more compact neighbourhoods. But team consensus is that we are willing to overlook that. 3. For Point 3, there is no need to paraphrase the list of activities given.

3. Explain three ways the author uses language in paragraph 5 to convey the failure of larger anchor stores. [3] From the passage Suggested answer presented another catastrophic problem (L31) became a liability: dead ends , darkened storefronts, and vacant corridors created eerie, lifeless pockets – and a death spiral. (L32-33) Fewer tenants, fewer shoppers, decreased income, more unkempt areas. (L33-34) Malls became static islands surrounded by seas of asphalt. (L34) When online shopping grew, it stabbed a victim that was already bleeding out. (L35) 1. [Function] The author uses extreme / loaded words like ‘catastrophic’ to [Context] convey their assessment of shopping mall’s great / extreme / shattering collapse // falling out of favour among consumers. 2. [Function] The author uses hyperbole / language with negative connotations to dramatise / illustrate / emphasise / exaggerate [Context] the way that malls have fallen into disrepair / how the malls are no longer attractive (any reasonable response that shows understanding of malls being a liability) 3. [Function] The author’s repetition of comparative terms ‘fewer’ and ‘more’ highlights / reinforces [Context] the sense of diminished footfall / activity in shopping malls. 4. [Function] The author employs a metaphor ‘static islands’ to [Context] describe the condition of malls, suggesting that they are left to inactivity and isolation. 5. [Function] The author personifies the shopping mall as a ‘victim … bleeding out’ [Context] to convey the extreme extent of the mall’s decline/ failure. Any 3 out of 5 points Learning points: Students need to consider specific instances of language use. The statistics given in the last 2 sentences of Paragraph 5 should not be raised in this answer. Students need not label or provide terms for language use but quotes/ textual references need to be present for marker’s understanding. The subsequent explanation needs to present a clear understanding of context.

4. From lines 40-42, how has the concept of traditional malls changed? [2] From the passage Suggested answer (Inferred: Malls used to offer material things) These younger consumers prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than on material things. (L40- 41) Some malls are attempting to weather the storm by offering amenities, experiences, and entertainment to enhance the shopping experience. (L40-42) 1. Malls used to be functional places where people frequented to acquire / purchase what they needed. [1] 2. Now, malls need to offer / provide pleasant encounters, besides an enjoyable / delightful time. [1] Learning points: Answers should address the question, and not unthinkingly reflect line 40’s sentence on younger consumers. Students should adopt the good practice of having relevant opening phrases in their answers. Answers should also present the change clearly. 5. In what way is the final sentence (line 43-44) an effective conclusion to the author’s argument? [1] From the passage Suggested answer But there are no sure bets, and the champions of today’s marketplace may be buried in dust and shadows tomorrow. (L43-44) [Function] It is effective in reiterating / reinforcing [Context] the sense of uncertainty / risk / volatility faced by today’s shopping malls. OR [Function] It effectively echoes / rehashes / links back to the main / original / initial argument that [Context] the allure of shopping malls cannot withstand the test of time. [1] OR

[Function] The final sentence intrigues readers to consider the future of malls [Context] by emphasising how there is uncertainty in the future of malls. Learning points: Students should be familiar with this question type by now. Good reminder for them to reflect contextual understanding in their answers. From Passage 2 6. Summarise the reasons why shopping malls are still relevant. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8] Concept From the passage Suggested answer 1. Social space Shopping malls are social spaces designed within the walls in a cleaner and safer environment (L2-3) changing demographics […] means more people living in smaller spaces and a greater need for public spaces in which to socialize and congregate (L11-13) Malls remain relevant by being communal places / venues that are conducive for bonding Accept: area for people to come together / provide opportunity for people to gather and interact 2. Economic growth malls are centrally capitalist structures. They embody a country’s economic growth (L3-4) while encouraging advancement in wealth and industry Idea of growth must be captured Allow lifting: ‘economic’ 3. Showing off consumer power exist to meet consumer demand from a population keen to express its affluence and purchasing power (L4-5) as they serve the ones who want to flaunt their wealth. 4. Communit y shopping malls are the heart and soul of communities (L6) Malls form the essence of social groups/ encapsulate the spirit of / are focal points for neighbourhoods/ are central to the identity of the neighbourhood // bring life to social groups

5. Social sanctuary … safer environment (L3) a social sanctuary for teenagers