TMJC 2024 J2 Prelim P2 Suggested Answers

2024 JC2 Prelim Paper 2 Suggested Answers 1 Tampines Meridian Junior College 2024 JC2 General Paper Preliminary Examination Paper 2 From Passage 1 1. Explain the author’s use of the phrase ‘Of course’ in line 4. [2] From the passage Suggested answer But for today’s generation, information floods our senses constantly – a child marriage in Chad, a drought in Delhi, a mine collapse in Mongolia … Of course , this excess of information is often criticised for fuelling anxiety (line 4). (a) The phrase “Of course” suggests that the statement is expected / obvious / emphasise his agreement (Function) (1) (b) In this context, an abundance/ surplus of distressing/dreadful news/is expected to/ lead to/ be blamed for causing angst/ tension/ unease. (Context) (1) [Function (a) – 1m] [Context (b) – 1m] 2. In paragraph 2, how has the internet become the ‘great equaliser’ (line 6)? [3] From the passage Suggested answer (1) No longer is the power to inform solely in the hands of a privileged few. Social media platforms, with their algorithmic feeds and viral content, have made (2) information more widely available to everyone. To give just one telling example, note how ferociously the Arab Spring swept through the Middle East in a series of revolutions. Information in the hands of the many is a powerful thing. (3) The internet has levelled the playing field for ordinary youths in these countries, empowering them to transcend borders and coordinate protests, share grievances, and mobilise support through social media platforms - a feat unimaginable in the face of the information blackouts of previous generations. (a) The ability to communicate is not exclusively controlled by a select group of individuals (1) (b) Information is accessible to a broader audience. (1) (c) The common man/ young (collective noun) can now take serious actions to address injustices. (1) No action mentioned = 0 (the youngsters are given a voice to be heard)

2024 JC2 Prelim Paper 2 Suggested Answers 2 3. In paragraph 3, h ow does the author support the idea that ‘global consciousness fosters empathy that in turn, prompts collective action’ (lines 14–15)? [3] From the passage Suggested answer What matters is that this newfound global consciousness fosters empathy that in turn, prompts collective action . The heart - wrenching image of a starving child in a war-torn nation, once confined to a blurry black and white photograph on a forgotten newsreel, now stares back at us from our smartphones in full, agonising colour, cultivating empathy worldwide . This sensitivity towards suffering enables us to channel our emotions to constructive acts such as donating to relief efforts or raising our voices in protest. (a1) (How)The author uses the example of a well -defined/ sharper picture of a malnourished/suffering child in a conflict zone. (1) (as long as (a) is not just a picture instead describes the example - high- resolution/heart-breaking) (a2) How) The author uses the example of smartphones to show how the images of those suffering are more accessible to all of us (1). (b) (Empathy feeling) To make the pain/suffering more real/vivid to the people around the world (1)/ (Empathy feeling) This serves as a constant reminder of the existence of pain/suffering (1), (c) (Empathy to do something ) Prompting them to help out of compassion/ to help the people who are suffering (1). 4. In line 20, the author states ‘This multitude of information comes with challenges.’ What are two solutions to these challenges? [2] From the passage Suggested answer This multitude of information comes with challenges. In particular, we fall for misinformation more easily since fake news travel faster and more widely online than facts. But here too, awareness is the key in detecting misinformation. The internet has birthed a generation of fact-checkers and critical thinkers, essential players in a world saturated with information. By staying vigilant and knowledgeable about the means and methods of misinformation, individuals can better discern truth from falsehood. The solutions are to (a) be alert/ remain watchful/ careful (b) to verify information for accuracy/ check validity (c) question assumptions / examine and think deeply (d) and well-informed about the ways by which fake news is spread (Any 2 for 2 marks)

2024 JC2 Prelim Paper 2 Suggested Answers 3 5. Why does the author end the passage with a contrast between the response of our grandparents and the current generation to news? [1] From the passage Suggested answer Our grandparents might have preferred to act like the proverbial ostriches who stuck their heads in the sand to avoid danger. But we are not them. We can no longer afford to turn the page or switch off the radio when the news does not suit us. What we are doing instead is dissecting the noise to do what is necessary. Who knows? The rest of us may be emboldened to take similar actions to benefit the world we are living in. (a) (Function)To reinforce the contrast he sets out in the introduction where he states that compared to the grandparents, the younger generation is taking active steps to change the world. (Link to the intro) OR (b) (Function) To give everyone the courage to take steps/ endeavours/ initiatives to better the world/positive impact to the world (Any 1 for 1 mark) From Passage 2 6. Summarise how the media has desensitised society today and the impact this has on us. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8m]. From the passage Rephrased 1. constant exposure to graphic images (line 3) / 24-hour news cycle repeatedly shows violent incidents, natural disasters and human suffering (line 4) Frequent encounters / intense contact with explicit content/ gory visuals 2. As the shock value diminishes, the audience may start to view these occurrences as routine (lines 5-6) As the impact / outrage fades/ it becomes less alarming, the audience might begin to see these events as commonplace/ a norm. (The process of lessening shock must be captured) 3. thereby reducing the emotional impact and urgency that should accompany such news (lines 6-7). Lessening/ decreasing the emotional response and sense of importance/ immediacy that such news should evoke. (Awarded for either ‘emotional impact’ OR ‘urgency’) 4. media's tendency to prioritise sensationalism over sensitivity, often focusing on the most shocking aspects of a story to maintain viewer engagement and ratings (lines 8-9) The media emphasises the dramatic / startling elements over thoughtful reporting to keep viewers engaged and boost ratings (Must show the idea of sensitivity in contrast to sensationalism) 5. extends beyond individual emotional responses; it influences societal attitudes and behaviours (lines 10-11) it shapes/ affects/ impacts how society thinks and acts. (Awarded for either ‘attitudes’ OR ‘behaviours’) 6. When people become accustomed to seeing violence and suffering They might become less understanding / caring / sympathetic and more unconcerned

2024 JC2 Prelim Paper 2 Suggested Answers 4 without a corresponding emotional response, there is a risk that they may become less empathetic and more apathetic toward real-life situations (lines 11-13). / uninterested in what is happening around them. (Awarded for either ‘less empathetic’ OR ‘more apathetic’) 7. decreased willingness to engage in social or political action aimed at addressing these issues (lines 13-14). There may be reduced inclination to participate in community / civic efforts/ movements/ causes to tackle these problems. (Concept of collective action is required) 8. lead to a society becoming more accepting of these conditions as part of the status quo (lines 16