TJC 2024 Prelim GP P2 ANS

Temasek Junior College 2024 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 1 2024 JC2 Preliminary Examination GENERAL PAPER Paper 2 Suggested Answers From Passage 1 1. Explain the use of the phrase ‘extolled as a virtue’ in line 1. [2] From the passage Suggested rephrase • From a child's earliest age, independence has always been extolled as a virtue and proof of maturity. (l. 1–2) • The phrase means that independence is highly praised/ lauded/ exalted/ hailed [1] • as a moral/ethical value worth inculcating. [1] NOTE: • For the 1st point, students need to capture the extent of praise. • For the 2nd point, do not accept answers based on traits/ characteristics that do not capture the context of morality or ethics. 2. How do the examples in lines 5–8 convey the author’s view that independence is not always positive? [2] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● …being required to be ‘independent’ when we are ill and without adequate health insurance coverage is not to be recommended. (l. 5–7) ● And going into debt for simply covering the cost of our own or our children’s college education is far from salutary. (l. 7–8) ● Independence is not always positive because one could end up having to bear high medical costs/ be unable to afford high medical costs when one is unwell and without a medical protection plan to rely on. 1] ● Another example that highlights that independence is not always positive is facing financial burdens just to pay for one’s own/ family's academic pursuits. [1] NOTE: • There should be some reference to being unable/ having no means to be independent which causes some problem. • Answers that simply state that certain actions are not commendable, without highlighting a clear problem will not be credited. TJC

Temasek Junior College 2024 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 2 OR ● The examples highlight how trying to be independent when one is unable to/ has no means to is not always positive [1] ● because it leads to even more dire/ serious consequences/ problems. [1] 3. From paragraph 2, what are three consequences the author sees arising from the ingrained cultural belief that ‘we must do without support’ (line 9)? [3] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● …we often force ourselves to slog through these – and other crucial human experiences – in solitude. (l. 9–11) ● …when we do get assistance, we may feel we must play down the help we receive from our government, our families or our neighbours (l. 11–12) ● we see even asking for help as something to avoid at all costs , contributing to the rising suicide rates of older men in this country who are some of the least likely to ask for psychological assistance. (l. 12–14) ● We are regularly told by self -help manuals that we need to look only to ourselves to achieve mental well- being, even though that … requires social connection. (l. 14–17) ● [A] People push themselves/ struggle to face life’s fundamental challenges/ significant milestones alone. [1] NOTE: • All three parts need to be captured for the answer. ● [B] People feel obliged to make light of/ dismiss the help received from others// People try not to appear too/ overly reliant/ dependent on others for help. [1] ● [C] People are so averse to/ entirely steer clear of seeking assistance/ refuse to ask for help even if it leads to grave/ lethal consequences. [1] NOTE: • Intensity needs to be captured for both parts of the answer. ● [D] We are not able to interact/ bond/ engage with others which is important/ needed for our psychological/ emotional health. [1] NOTE: • Both parts need to be captured for the answer. (Any 3 points)

Temasek Junior College 2024 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 3 4. What does the word ‘pathologises’ (line 24) suggest about society’s perception of being dependent? [1] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● In a society that pathologises dependence – even as every human being is born into it – being vulnerable takes courage (l. 24–25). ● It suggests that society views being dependent as a psychological/ medical problem/ an illness// something abnormal/ unnatural. NOTE: • Students need to capture the correct context/ intensity. 5. What does the phrase ‘expose the lie of being self -made’ (line 35) suggest about the wealthiest people? [2] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● Part of acknowledging the art of dependence means we release people from shame about their need for others, and expose the lie of being self-made that is propagated publicly by the wealthiest people (l. 33–35). ● It suggests that the wealthiest people are being dishonest in hiding the fact that // are embarrassed to admit that [1] ● they are wealthy not completely owing to their own abilities/ they are wealthy because they have received some help from others [1] 6. Identify one way in which the final sentence provides an effective conclusion to the passage. [1] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● It brings us closer to others, which at this moment in the world might be the thing we need most (l. 43–44). • It serves as a call to action (function) for people to foster bonds with others/ to rely/ be more dependent on others (context). OR • It reiterates the author’s main argument (function) on the value of developing bonds /relying on others (context). OR • The use of the pronouns ‘we’/ ‘us’ serves to include the readers/ draw the readers into the issue (function) so they can appreciate the value of relying and bonding with others (context). [1] NOTE: • Answers should include both function and context.

Temasek Junior College 2024 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 4 From Passage 2 7. Summarise what the author has to say about the benefits of being independent. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8] From the passage Suggested rephrase ● … doing it alone builds resilience, critical for navigating the complexities of life. (l. 2–3). A1 ● Being independent develops tenacity/ grit/ strength/ toughness/ perseverance ● which are crucial/ vital/ key/ important in coping with life’s challenges// charting through obstacles/ difficulties in life. ● … being independent not only protects oneself, but also others. (l. 4). A2 ● Being independent keeps ourselves and others away from harm ● People turn to us as a beneficial resource and a reliable source of assistance. (l. 4–5). A3 ● We are viewed as dependable/ helpful/ someone that can be counted on. ● Instead of being millstones around others’ necks, we lighten their load. (l. 5–6). A4 ● We also ease their burden/ responsibilities. ● … helps us realise our strengths as individuals so that we can strive to nurture those strengths. (l. 7– 9) B1 ● Being independent allows us to be fully aware/ cognisant of our abilities/ capabilities/ positive traits [CAUSE] ● to cultivate/ develop them further. [EFFECT] ● While our flaws do not disappear, we now know that the innumerable cracks that thread their way through us are a part of our core personality. (l. 9–10) B2 ● We also discover our weaknesses ● that define us/ show us who we are/ reflects our identity. ● … we build trust in ourselves, cultivating a more positive outlook on life in general. (l. 10– 12) B3 ● Independence fosters self-confidence/ self-assurance [CAUSE] ● which helps us view life more optimistically/ develop a brighter perspective of life. [EFFECT] ● Relying more on ourselves also increases the likelihood of things getting done. (l. 13) C1 ● With independence, there is a higher chance of us achieving our goals / completing our tasks. // improves our productivity/ efficiency. ● We are able to freely act, move, and operate as we see fit, and are not held back by our current circumstances