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,