2025 ASRJC GP Prelim P2 Answer Key (for sharing)

Suggested answer scheme 1. Explain what the author means by "a relic of a bygone era today" (2m) [Phrase Qn] From Text Suggested answer Notes For a considerable portion of the twentieth century, the conventional nuclear family—comprising father, mother, and their offspring— functioned not only as a prevalent domestic arrangement but as a revered cultural paradigm, emblematic of societal stability, economic utility, and the unbroken transmission of values across generations. Yet, with the continual reshaping of social structures and cultural sensibilities, this appears to be a relic of a bygone era today. Necessary context = the conventional/nuclear/traditional family/family structure with mum, dad and child (a) relic (1m) Marking principle: this point requires reference to value important / dominant / prevalent / valuable / relevant Allow “lifts” of words from para 1: prevalent, revered (b) bygone era today (1m) Marking principle: this point requires comparison between past to present in the past…but now / has now lost / no longer / used to be Note: Outdated / outmoded / obsolete: award (a) +(b) as it conveys the idea of “relevance” + time comparison No context = 0m Close reading to find a clear subject. CAM Definition of “relic”: an object from the past especially one that has no modern value except for meaning or importance in history While “relic” may have multiple meanings, contextually, it hints to the definition above

2. Explain how the author uses language in lines 14-18 to convey their strong disapproval of marriage. (3m) From passage Suggested Answer Rising divorce rates, the prohibitive expense of matrimonial ceremonies, and the immense burden of lifelong commitment have engendered a growing and, perhaps, justified skepticism toward the institution itself. So why even bother? Being single is no longer viewed as a transitional state but as a legitimate life choice as people seek happiness outside the shackles of marriage. (a) “prohibitive” expense of marriage Context: expense/financial cost of marriage/weddings (a1: identification of language) The author uses (the word) “prohibitive” (a2: explanation of language use) to describe that the cost of marriage/weddings is so high / exorbitant / sky-high / excessive / unaffordable DNA: expensive / high cost / huge financial costs / is unnecessary / a luxury (b) “immense (burden)” DNA “burden” Context for this point: “commitment of marriage” must be seen (e.g. staying married / maintaining your marriage, for one’s whole life). It may be conveyed as the student is paraphrasing “burden” (e.g. responsibility) (b1: Identification of language) The author uses (the words/phrase) “immense burden” (b2: explanation of language use) to describe that the commitment of marriage is crushing / overwhelming / causes suffering / takes a toll / is draining OR enormous (degree) pressure (negative) / extremely large (degree) to shoulder/to bear (negative) / a huge (degree) burden (negative) OR (time-frame interpretation of “immense”) Everlasting effort / always weigh you down / something to deal with (-ve) for the rest of their lives (degree) DNA: - a large responsibility to take on (no negative connotation)

- large / big / a lot (not enough degree) (c) “immense” “prohibitive” Context: consequence of marriage (c1: Identification of language) The author used (intensifiers such as) “immense” and “prohibitive” (c2: explanation of language) to criticize how the institution of marriage has enormous consequences. [1m] DNA: The author uses words like “immense” and “prohibitive” to convey that marriage is a huge responsibility that one should not take up. (c1, no c2 – inaccurate context) (d) “so why even bother?” / “even” / a rhetorical question Context: marriage (d1: identification of language) The author questions “so why even bother?” / uses the word “even / a rhetorical question (d2: explanation of language use) which conveys that marriage is not worth considering / futile / worthless / of no value / irrelevant / we should not care about marriage / a waste of effort / DNA: it is too troublesome/stressful (should be about marriage not having value, not about marriage being harmful) (e) “shackles (of marriage)” / DNA “the author uses a metaphor” (they have to quote the metaphor since there is more than one) Context: marriage (e1: identification of language) The author uses (the word/metaphor of) “shackles” (e2: explanation of language use) to convey the idea that marriage is holding us back / restrictive / limits one’s freedom / stifling / constraining / tied down / binds you / restrains you / trapped DNA if student merely replaces metaphor with another metaphor: jail / handcuffs / prison / imprisons

3. In paragraph 4, what distinctions does the author draw between the past and present perceptions of children? [2m] [Contrast Qn] From Passage Banned words Suggested answer Historically, offspring were seen as extra hands for household chores, successors to the family name, and a form of financial security in one’s twilight years. In contemporary discourse, however, children are perceived less favourably. Many believe that children demand sustained financial commitment, and caring for them is often taxing, causing stress to their parents. The emergence of DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids), and the even more pointed acronym DINKWADs (Dual Income, No Kids With A Dog), signals a broader cultural shift—one that favours self-determination over the obligations of parenthood. DNA: In contemporary discourse, however, children are perceived less favourably ➔ In the paragraph, this line is positioned as a transitional statement into the key points as to why they are perceived less favourably Extra Hands Taxing Financial Security Twilight years Sustained Financial Cultural shift Self- determination obligation Marking principle: The words used for (1) and (2) need to clearly contrast. In the past, children were seen as (a1) additional sources of manpower / additional workers (in the household) / lighten their parents loads / relieve them of work / helpers (conveys both extra + hands), but now, they are perceived to (a2) require effort to raise / tiring DNA for a2: parents need to take care of them (doesn’t convey taxing), troublesome (causes problems), put pressure (is a paraphrase of “stress”), stressful, severely affecting one’s mental well-being / well-being / an emotional burden (b – financial security vs financial commitment: “financial security in twilight years” “sustained financial commitment”) In the past, children were seen as (b1) monetary support / an investment / people who will provide for when their parents are older / for their elderly parents / when their parents retire / parents need not worry about money after retirement (b2) but now children require long-term / constant / continuous / consistent / expenditure / spending / monetary outlay / investment DNA for b2: “a lot / a large amount” of money (does not convey “sustained”) (c – cultural shift from “self-determination” vs “obligation”) In the past, (c1) it was a norm to have children/people felt they had to have children/there was a societal expectation/duty/responsibility to have children, whereas now, (c2) couples are now free to not have children/to choose. 1m for each correct contrast. Max of 2m.

4. In paragraph 5, the author asserts that “conceiving” and “raising” a child without a spouse is now possible. Give two examples of how the author illustrates this and explain how each example supports his assertion. [2] [Author’s Illustration of X] From passage Banned/key words Suggested answer But what if you wanted children but not a spouse?