ASRJC 2024 JC2 GP Prelim P2 Answer Scheme (8881)

Anderson Serangoon Junior College\English Department\General Paper\JC2 2024 (8881) 1 Anderson Serangoon Junior College General Paper 2024 JC2 PRELIMS Suggested Answer Scheme From Passage 1 1. What is the author implying about cynicism and practicality by their use of the phrase ‘a rebellion against short-sightedness’ (lines 1-2)? [2] Question type: What does X suggest about Y? From the text Lifted Answer In a world dominated by cynicism and practicality, being an idealist emerges as both a rebellion against short- sightedness and an affirmation of hope. (lines 1-2) Rebellion Short- sightedness The phrase suggests that cynicism and practicality a) NORM (THAT IS REBELLED AGAINST) is typical/ common/ the norm/ majority/what many people have/ dominant way [1] which b) SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS is just about the present / causes us to not think about how the future will be affected / about future impacts / causes us to think only about the present / is myopic / thinks about the short-term / [1] If subject is wrong, 0m. 2. From lines 9-12, explain two ways in which the author uses language to convey their strong feelings about idealists. [2] Question type: How the author uses language From the text Answer While most people quibble over practical concerns, idealists, like a compass pointing to the north, guide public discourse and actions towards the moral principles that really matter. By adhering to their convictions without wavering, without compromise and without fail, idealists challenge others to prioritise what is right over what is convenient. (lines 9-12) a) “COMPASS”: METAPHOR (1)The author uses a metaphor/ simile, (2)likening idealists to a compass (3)to show how idealists show us the way / guide us / give us direction (that would lead to progress/how society ought to conduct itself) / to show others towards / b) “QUIBBLE”: DICTION/WORD (1)The author uses the diction / uses the word, (2)“quibble” (3)to highlight the insignificance of their opponents’ views to emphasize the relative importance of idealists/emphasize the ability of idealists in focusing on important things c) “REALLY”: DICTION/WORD (1)The author uses diction/chooses the word (2)“really” (3) to show how idealists focus on values/things that are significant.

Anderson Serangoon Junior College\English Department\General Paper\JC2 2024 (8881) 2 d) “WITHOUT” X 3: REPETITION/TRIPLET “WITHOUT WAVERING”: ALLITERATION “WTHOUT”: WORD CHOICE → idealists have strong convictions (1)The author uses repetition/triplets / repeating / lists (2)“without” ()to emphasise/show the extent to which idealists stick to their beliefs/highlight the strength of their beliefs / how steadfast idealists are in upholding their beliefs. e) “CONVICTIONS”: DICTION/WORD (1) The author uses the word (2) “convictions” (3) to describe the strength of the idealists’ beliefs. (Device (1) + Quote (2) + Effect (2)) = 1 point 1 point = 1 mark 3. Explain what the author means by ‘a solitary lighthouse’ (line 21). [2m] Question type: Phrase Question From the text Answer Take Malala Yousafzai, for example. A solitary lighthouse in Taliban-run Pakistan, she bravely spoke out for her right and the right of all girls to attend school. (lines 20-22) The author means that Malala Yousafzai (necessary subject) is a) SOLITARY the only one/left alone to/by herself/singularly/isolated figure b) LIGHTHOUSE directing towards/guiding towards/showed others the way in pursuit of c) CONTEXT the rights of girls to attend school/gender equality/ gender rights/ girls’ rights No subject = 0m 1 – 2 points – 1m 3 points – 2m

Anderson Serangoon Junior College\English Department\General Paper\JC2 2024 (8881) 3 4. Explain how the author illustrates the claim that idealism can bring about ‘societal changes’ (line 24) in paragraph 4. [3] 5. Why does the author use the phrase ‘On the face of it’ (line 39)? [2] Question type: Author’s Intention (words/ phrase/ sentence) From the text Answer On the face of it, being an idealist is often dismissed as daydreaming. However, it is anything but. (lines 39- 40) The author wants to highlight that a) (thinking/perceiving that) idealism is daydreaming is superficial/shallow/simplistic/ lacks depth OR It is hasty/too quick/premature/too impressionistic to think that idealism is daydreaming OR There is a deeper/ more complex/ more sophisticated way to understand idealism than just dismissing it as daydreaming / beyond daydreaming. [1] b) In reality/actually when idealism improves society/useful or fruitful for humanity’s progress/ helps to drive progress. [1] Question type: How author/X supports or illustrates Y / Literal Direct Question From the text Lifted Answer Whether pushing for civil rights or championing gender equality, idealists inspire and mobilise others to join their cause, catalysing societal changes that might otherwise seem impossible. Nelson Mandela’s civil resistance during apartheid-era South Africa was a symbol of hope. The anti- apartheid movement, fueled by the collective idealism of millions, pressured international communities to impose sanctions and ultimately led to the dismantling of the apartheid regime in 1994. (lines 23-28) Collective Millions Pressured International Communities Impose Sanctions Dismantling The author illustrates by a) TECHNIQUE giving the example of/referring to Nelson Mandela’s civil resistance/civil resistance in South Africa/ Anti – apartheid/The Apartheid b) COLLECTIVE IDEALISM OF MILLIONS the shared/ unified/ common/ rallied/ combined/ community idealism/vision/dreams/hopes of a huge number of people/ many/ countless people c) PRESSURED INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS forced/pushed/compelled/pressed/drove/coerced world leaders/world organisations/global institutions/countries to implement/put in place/place/introduce/inflict penalties/limitations/bans/embargoes/boycotts/ injunctions/ restrictions/ economic pressure/ stop trade d) (LED TO THE) DISMANTLING OF THE APARTHEID REGIME which tore apart/pull apart/demolish/pull down/took down/destroyed/ the apartheid regime / brought the apartheid to an end/ the fall of the /topple the apartheid regime Context of Nelson Mandela/The Apartheid/South Africa/ The Apartheid Regime must be mentioned for any mark to be awarded 4 points – 3m 2 – 3points – 2m 1point – 1m

Anderson Serangoon Junior College\English Department\General Paper\JC2 2024 (8881) 4 6. Summarise what the author has to say about the benefits of pragmatism. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. No. From the passage Lifted Answer 1 pragmatism helps to address issues we face in nearly every facet of our lives address issues “nearly every” Pragmatism helps tackle problems in almost all parts of our lives. 2 pragmatism thrives on delivering tangible results delivering tangible results It produces real improvements 3 advocates the attainment of goals through achievable steps advocates achievable steps and promotes the accomplishment of targets through doable measures. 4 This creates a sense of accomplishment creates accomplishment This produces a feeling of success 5 and motivates further action motivates further and spurs us to do more. 6 pragmatists are effective at using the resources available to them effective resources available Pragmatists are skilled at using the materials they can access 7 and generating creative solutions. generating creative solutions and creating innovative remedies. 8 Pragmatism is also key on the international stage (required context), helping countries maintain amiable relations maintain amiable relations On the international stage, pragmatism preserves