2024 AHS Prelim Question Paper (with Marking Scheme)

© Anglican High School Humanities Department 2024 2260/01, 2261/01, 2262/01, 2263/01/S4Prelim/24 Section A (Source-Based Case Study) Answer all Questions Living in a Diverse Society Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the question, in addition to the sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use the knowledge of the issue to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1. Study Source A. What is the message of this cartoon? Explain your answer, using details of the cartoon. [5] 2. Study Sources B and C. How different are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7] 3. Study Source D. How surprised are you by this source? Explain your answer. [7] 4. Study Sources E and F. How far does Source E show that the views in F are unjustified? Explain your answer. [6] 5. “Universal healthcare does more harm than good”. Using sources in this case study, how far would you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [10]

2 What challenges do governments face in managing healthcare within their countries? BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. In a socio -economically diverse society, people come from various economic backgrounds, leading to disparities in financial resources. While some enjoy financial stability, others face challenges needing government support. Countries adopt different strategies to address these disparities, especially in healthcare. Most countries in Europe adopts a universal healthcare approach funded by the government, ensuring equal access for all citizens. The United States employs a market -based approach where healthcar e is left to private insurance companies and the individuals themselves. Conversely, Singapore uses a shared-responsibility approach involving the government, employers, and individuals. The shared -responsibility approach was praised for its efficiency and high quality care. Public opinion on these approaches varies, and governments strive to balance the trade-offs to meet their populations' needs effectively. Study the following sources to find out what challenges do governments face in managing healthcare within their countries. Source A: A cartoon published on an American current affairs website.

3 Source B: Adapted from an article titled “Cutting wait times, delivering better health care in Ontario*”. The article was published on the official Canadian government website, published in 2024. Universal public health care is a core part of what it means to be Canadian. It is the idea that no matter where you live or what you earn, you will always be able to get the care you need. Unfortunately, our health care system has not been living up to expectations. From overwhelmed emergency rooms to health care workers under enormous strain – Canadians deserve immediate action to deliver better health care. That is why the government is enhancing healthcare delivery through investing over $200 billion to improve healthcare. The government will deliver better results for patients, support health care workers and protect our health care system now and into the future. *Ontario – a city in Canada Source C: A cartoon about healthcare systems, drawn by a popular American cartoonist. This cartoon was published on an online forum dedicated to discussing the American healthcare system.

4 Source D: Adapted from a speech by Singapore’s Minister for Health during a parliamentary meeting on healthcare cost, published in 2024. Source E: From a research report published by Thailand’s first policy research institute. This independent institute serves as a “think tank” of the country which advises on policy issues and recommends solutions. The 30 -Baht Scheme provides universal healthcare coverage for Thais, particularly the poor, aiming to reduce healthcare costs. Promoted as a "pro -poor program," it has been more effective in reducing poverty than previous schemes, which often excluded the poor. By ensuring the right to healthc are for everyone, it reduces the vulnerability of the poor to being denied access. Financial costs for healthcare have not drastically changed for most, but the scheme provides security against future catastrophic illnesses. While beneficiaries welcome the scheme, concerns about hospital and health personnel inadequacies persist. Addressing these issues is crucial for the government to provide quality healthcare for all, especially the poor. Source F: From the opinion section of a Thai news website. I was optimistic when the Public Health Minister announced that the Universal Health Care (UC) scheme, known as the "30-Baht scheme," would allow treatment anywhere. I thought it was the best news from the ministry in a long time, but I was wrong. The government maintains the UC scheme, but our prime minister seems to view it as a charity and complain about its budget burden. The scheme is often inaccessible; local hospitals turned me down due to lack of space, directing me to hospitals 15km and 28km away, which is impractical. It actually defies logic. It's time to find solutions so that treatment is accessible nearby. SECTION B (Structured-Response Question) Answer all questions. A major factor for rising healthcare cost is that we are getting older, and as we get older, we are more likely to fall seriously ill. Second, advancement in medical technology. New treatments may work better, but always cost more. Third, healthcare cost inflation. So how do we address rising healthcare cost? If a government uses taxes to make healthcare free, then it will likely lead to the ‘buffet syndrome’ - there will be over-consumption and wastage. If a government leaves the people to buy their own health insurance, they may not purchase it and be underserved. That is why we weaved together a more robust way of paying for healthcare. That includes subsidies, MediSave, which is from one’s personal savings, MediShield Life, which is the national insurance, and MediFund as a final safety net.

5 Being Part of a Globalised World Extract 1 The image shows an impact of the September 11 attack . Transnational terrorism has escalated in recent years as a consequence of globalisation. Extract 2 Countries can become vulnerable to external events such as pandemics, economic crises and unrest. Countries may then respond to the events in various ways. Extract 3 A crisis that happens in one country can cause a ripple effect and impact economies of other countries. This would, in turn, bring about employment challenges for individuals. Individuals must be proactive in responding to these challenges. 6. Extract 1 shows the impact of transnational terrorism as a result of globalisation.

6 In your opinion, what lessons can young people in Singapore learn from the increased number of transnational terrorism attacks. Explain your answer with reference to two lessons. [7] 7. Extracts 2 and 3 highlight the economic challenges that governments and individuals may face as a result of globalisation and their respective responses. Do you think that the role of governments is more crucial than that of individuals in managing the economic challenges caused by globalisation? Explain your answer. [8] Copyright Acknowledgements: Source A: https://henrykotula.com/2016/09/10/cartoon-european-vs-american-style-healthcare/ Source B: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/speech-by-mr-ong-ye-kung-minister-for-health-at-the-min