2024 YIJC JC2 Prelim P2 Answer Guide

2024 GP Prelim P2 Answer Guide 1. Explain how the first paragraph supports the author's assertion about people rejecting the ‘stress and burnout traditionally baked into work culture’? [2] From the passage Suggested Answer In 2021, so many people were quitting their jobs the media began calling it the “Great Resignation”. Then, people started “quiet quitting”, proudly doing the bare minimum at work without resigning. Data shows that preference for part-time work is rising and, at least according to one 2022 study, the pandemic ushered a sharp decline in the number of hours adults want to work. a) The author referred to the trend of the “Great Resignation” to emphasise the large numbers of people are leaving their stressful jobs [1] b) The author referred to trends like “quiet quitting” to highlight how it has become prevalent for people to put in the least amount effort required at work, [1] c) The author also cited evidence to support this assertion as he/she referred to research finding that echoes the idea that there is a drastic drop in the duration that people were willing to work. [1] 2. What is the author’s purpose in describing individuals settling for mediocrity as ‘white noise’? (line 19) [2] From the passage Suggested Answer All our social institutions thrive on the spark that comes from the pursuit of excellence. Settling for mediocrity is abdicating our responsibility to be better. The world is already filled with mediocrity, and we should not settle for adding more meaningless white noise. a) Just as ‘white noise’ is not valuable/ just in the background/ does not stand out/ can be easily ignored, b) being mediocre will not value-add/ make a notable difference to society a+b = 1m C1) The author uses the analogy to help the reader understand/visualise/emphasise/illustrate the insignificance of settling for mediocrity. [1] Or C2) The author is criticizing/showing disapproval/distaste/ exhorting the world to consider not taking the easy way out and reinforcing mediocrity // exhorting people to aim for excellence as a duty/obligation for the advancement of the world. [1]

2024 GP Prelim P2 Answer Guide 3. From lines 23 –27 in paragraph 3, explain two ways in which the author uses language to emphasise the importance of the pursuit of excellence. [2] From the passage Suggested Answer Every single facet of human life thrives because of the spark that comes from the pursuit of excellence. Our schools and workplaces must imbue within us the audacity to aspire to loftier pinnacles. Only with this audacity to imagine and pursue a better future can we continue to plant the seeds of a flourishing tomorrow. The way forward has always been clear – excel, or be left in the dust. (a) The author uses the phrase "every single facet of human life" to emphasize the all-encompassing importance of excellence where no part of life is untouched by the d