Montfort O Level SRQ7 Revision (2025)

1 Chapter 1: What does it mean for me to be a citizen of my country? Attributes shaping citizenship Point (Factors) Elaborate (Definition) & Examples Link: How do these attributes shape citizenship? 1. Legal status Rights Definition When a person has legal status as a citizen, he or she is recognised by law as a member of a country. It grants rights which include freedom and privileges that citizens have. Examples - One can elect leaders to represent him. Citizens’ rights are also protected by the constitution so governments do not have unlimited power to make decisions. - The constitution also gives citizens the right to education in Singapore. Hence, the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) ensures that no one would be denied basic education. Obligations Definition It also involves obligations which refer to duties that citizens are required to fulfil as members of the country. Examples - freedom of speech. We should also not discriminate against people of different ethnic groups. - National Service: contributing to the defence of Singapore With clear rights and responsibilities defined as a citizen of a country, citizens feel a sense of belonging as their rights are protected and they also serve the country by being responsible citizens by contributing in meaningful causes, This effort contr ibutes towards the good of the country in order to bring about progress and prosperity, and to build a harmonious Singapore so as to advance the well -being of fellow Singaporeans..

2 2. A sense of identity Definition Refers to how a person perceives himself or herself as a citizen. People from the same country have a sense of national identity. It comes from a shared belief of connectedness to other citizens belonging to the country, and can be shaped by common experiences, common practices, and common spaces. Examples: - common practices such as singing the National Anthem and taking the National Pledge. We also celebrate National Day as Singaporeans. - Pride of our food culture/sports scene - Bonding via unique language (Singlish) This will lead citizens to feel a sense of belonging and ownership to the country and be part of Singapore. This uniqueness binds us together, leading us to feel a part of the Singapore society and as such, citizens of Singapore. Also, when Singaporeans feel closer to one another and the country, other positive outcomes may result, such as a willingness to care for others and improve society 3. Shared values Definition Refer to principles and beliefs that are seen as important by a group of people. These values can shape a person’s attitude, thinking and behaviour. Shared values are shaped by a country’s history, heritage, and experiences, and may change over time as cit izens respond to challenges faced by the country. Examples - Filial piety: the responsibility of taking care of our parents - Multicultural harmony - Resilience to overcome crises and challenges during e.g. COVID-19 This will lead citizens to feel a sense of belonging and ownership to the country and be part of Singapore. This uniqueness binds us together, leading us to feel a part of the Singapore society and as such, citizens of Singapore. Also, when Singaporeans feel closer to one another and the country, other positive outcomes may result, such as a willingness to care for others and improve society

3 4. Civic participation Definition Refers to citizens taking part in public affairs. Public affairs are matters of general interest or concern to most people in society. It involves citizens contributing their time, effort and money, either as individuals or community groups (formal and informal) to address societal issues, specific needs in society, or interests that they are passionate about and concerned with. Examples - Temporary Academic Assistance: This project was started by Mr Andy Teo who wanted to connect students who were facing difficulties learning during the COVID-19 HBL period with volunteer tutors. - GoodHood.SG: An application started by Mr Nigel Teo and his friends that allows people who need help to seek help from their neighbours. - Zero Waste Singapore: an NGO (non -profit organisation) to influence Singaporeans to produce less waste, and be more environmentally friendly. (through education) Participating in public affairs demonstrates the commitment a citizen has towards their country as you are willing to care for others and improve society.

4 SRQ7 Practice: Chapter 1 Do you agree that an individual’s legal status as a citizen helps to build a stronger sense of belonging to a country than civic participation? Explain your answer. Paragraph 1: Factor 1 Point Identifies factor: - Mirror question - State factor Legal status as a citizen helps to build a strong sense of belonging to a country. Elaborate with Example Describes factor: - Definitions - Elaborating descriptions - Example** Legal status means a person is recognised by law to be a member of a country. There are several ways to gain legal status, through one’s country of birth, by marriage or by naturalisation. When someone has legal citizenship, they acquire rights such as the freedom of speech and freedom of religion. In turn, they have obligations and duties to fulfil as members of the country. For example, male citizens and PRs in Singapore have to serve National Service (NS). After completion of full -time NS, they are required to serve up to 40 days of Operationally Ready NS per year, until the age of 40-50. Link back to Qn Explains factor: - Explains how the factor contributed to the Question Issue - State outcomes Legal status as a citizen helps to build a strong sense of belonging to a country because (Mirror QI) citizens have more rights and privileges compared to non-citizens. This will help them to feel included and protected by the country, thus will feel more committed to the country. In addition, since they have to fulfill obligations to the country, they will feel that they have an important role to play in society. They will see that their efforts help to make the country a safer or better place to live in and will feel the need to look after their country. This increases their love for the country and builds a strong sense of belonging. **Outcomes provided must answer the Question Issue. Paragraph 2: Factor 2 Point Identifies factor: - Mirror question - State factor Civic participation as a citizen helps to build a strong sense of belonging to a country. Elaborate with Example Describes factor: - Definitions - Elaborating descriptions - Example** Civic participation generally refers to citizens taking part in public affairs which are matters of general interest or concerns to most people in society. This involves citizens sacrificing their time, effort and money to address societal issues, specific needs in society or interests that they are willing to resolve or are concerned with.

5 For example, Mr Andy Teo noticed schools were going to have home -based learning during the covid -19 pandemic. With the help of social media, he enlisted the help of tutors online to teach students for free. . Link back to Qn Explains factor: - Explains how the factor contributed to the Question Issue - State outcomes Civic participation as a citizen helps to build a strong sense of belonging to a country because (Mirror QI) they will feel that they have an important role to play in society. This will see that their efforts help to make the country a better place for the community to live in and will feel the need to look after their country. Thus, citizens will develop a sens e of ownership and responsibility towards their community. This increases their love for the country and builds