Edgefield 2024 4E SS Prelim MS

1 EFSS/PRELIM_2024/SOCIALSTUDIES/4E5N/CHONG WEN EE Edgefield Secondary School Humanities 2260/01, 2261/01, Paper 1 Social Studies Secondary Four Express 2024 Preliminary Examination (Aug 2024) Marking Guide Section A: Source-Based Case Study [35 marks] 1 Study Source A. What is the message of the source? Explain your answer using details from the source. Target skill: Basic Inference [5] Level Descriptor Mark L1 Description of the source only / Misinterpretation / No valid interpretation E.g. The message of this source is to tell young people that young people around the world likes to fish for followers instead of fishing. Other unacceptable answers: ● What we see on social media is fake/Social media gives others a false impression of users ● Social media leads to unhappiness because 1 L2 Answers based on literal interpretations of the source Award the higher mark for more fully developed answers. E.g. The message of Source A is to tell young people around the world that there is an immense number of connections and influence that can be achieved through social media platforms [MESSAGE]. The comic shows one individual holding a fishing rod connected to an Instagram logo and boasts, "I've got... 4.89 Billion." [EVIDENCE] This suggests that social media can amplify one's presence and influence to an unprecedented scale [EXPLANATION]. Other possible inferences: ● Social media allows us to make more friends more easily ● Globalisation has benefited businesses like Instagram by increasing the number of users ● 2 – 3 L3 Answers based on valid interpretation of the source Award the higher mark for more fully developed answers. 4 – 5

2 EFSS/PRELIM_2024/SOCIALSTUDIES/4E5N/CHONG WEN EE E.g. The message of Source A is to tell young people around the world that social media platforms, like Instagram, have a massive influence and reach, overshadowing other means of connection [MESSAGE]. The comic shows two individuals fishing, with one catching a single fish and exclaiming, "I've got ONE!", while the other holds a fishing rod connected to an Instagram logo and boasts, "I've got... 4.89 Billion." [EVIDENCE] This illustrates the idea that social media can connect billions of people effortlessly, compared to traditional, smaller -scale interactions. The exaggerated difference in the number of connections highlights how social media dominates and redefines the w ay people connect and interact globally. This suggests that while traditional methods of connection are still valued, they are vastly outmatched by the scale and power of social media platforms. [EXPLANATION]. Other possible messages: 1. Instagram has a significant hold/influence on young people (as seen from the person being caught as bait). 2. Social media leads to negative consequences like addiction 3. Social media affects teenagers’ mental health 4. Social media leads to undue comparison between peers (because teenagers start to chase followers and likes), which may lead to loss of self-esteem* → Must be supported by correct evidence Marker’s Comments: ● Students were not able to see the comparison between the reach/influence of social media platforms as compared to others. ● Many students thought that “4.89 billion” refers to having 4.89 billion followers or that 4.89 billion people were addicted to Instagram which is not what the cartoon is suggesting ● Students were awarded full credit if they suggested that Youths are too addicted to social media. However, this had to be backed up with relevant evidence - the idea of being “hooked” like the person at the bottom of the river. It would not be enough to support the claim with just saying that instagram has 4.89 Billion users. ○ Some students wrote that Youths are hooked onto instagram/social media - but this is too literal as the idea of “hook” is seen in the picture. They were usually awarded 4m instead of 5m depending on the development of the answer ● Many students included an “intended outcome” (e.g. raise awareness of extent of addiction so that teenagers would be more aware of their screen time and choose healthier activities instead) in their answer, which is not required for this question

3 EFSS/PRELIM_2024/SOCIALSTUDIES/4E5N/CHONG WEN EE 2 Study Source B. Why did the minister make this speech? Explain your answer. Target skill: Infer purpose of the source Important Note: For ‘why’ purpose question, the question asks ‘why’ therefore only answers that provide a reason can be accepted. If students answer ‘Source B tells me that...’ and without the accurate phrasing from the question, they will be awarded zero [6] Level Descriptor Mark L1 Description of the source only E.g. The minister made this speech to discuss the increasing amount of time young people spend on social media platforms and the resulting rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. He also announces the government’s commitment to making mental health a national priority, highlighting the launch of extensive research initiatives to gather data and insights on the effects of social media. 1 L2 Answers based on provenance, with explanation. E.g. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made this speech because he is a minister in Singapore responsible for addressing important national issues, including the mental health of youths. As a leader, it is his duty to ensure the well- being of the population, especially the younger generation. OR Answers based on context, with explanation. E.g. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made this speech because there has been an increase in the number of cases of mental health related issues in Singapore. He wants people to be aware of that increase in these issues. 2 L3 Answers based on the intended outcome. The minister hopes that Singaporeans [AUDIENCE], will acknowledge [ACTION] the importance of addressing mental health issues related to social media and take proactive steps to implement effective interventions and support systems, ensuring a resilient and supportive environment for the youth [INTENDED OUTCOME]. 3 L4 Answers based on what he wants to say i.e. addressing the impact of social media on youth mental health is a national priority. E.g. The minister seeks to persuade [VERB] Singaporeans [AUDIENCE], that it is crucial to prioritise mental health as a national issue and understand the impacts of social media on youth mental health [MESSAGE]. This is evident from his statement, “social media often perpetuates unrealistic standards and exposes 4

4 EFSS/PRELIM_2024/SOCIALSTUDIES/4E5N/CHONG WEN EE youths to cyberbullying, negatively impacting their well -being…We are launching extensive research initiatives to gather comprehensive data and insights. By doing so, we can develop targeted interventions that are grounded in evidence… We will also train 2 8,000 more individuals to provide mental health support within the community” [EVIDENCE]. This tells me that the government recognises the urgent need to address these challenges through evidence-based policies and community support [EXPLANATION]. L5 Answers based on the intention of the minister i.e. L3 + L4 Award the higher mark for more fully developed answers. E.g. The minister seeks to persuade [VERB] Singaporeans [AUDIENCE], that it is crucial to prioritise mental health as a national issue and understand the impacts of social media on youth mental health [MESSAGE]. This is evident from his statement, “social media often perpetuates unrealistic standards and exposes youths to cyberbullying, negatively impacting their well -being…We are launching extensive research initiatives to gather comprehensive data and insights. By doing so, we can develop targeted interventions that ar