2025 NJC SH2 GP Prelims 8881 P2 Insert

Name GP Class Reg No. NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE Senior High 2 Preliminary Examination Higher 1 General Paper 8881/02 Paper 2 28 August 2025 INSERT 1 hour 30 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST This Insert contains the passages for Paper 2. ______________________________________________________________________ This document consists of 4 printed pages.

2 © NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE 8881/02/NJC/25 Passage 1. An author writes about the art of collecting. 1 Collecting is an intrinsic part of the human experience, deeply embedded in our history, psychology and social interactions. From ancient cabinets of curiosities to modern-day NFTs and designer collectibles, people have always gathered objects – sometimes for pleasure, sometimes for prestige, and often for reasons they may not even fully understand. 2 One of the most compelling aspects of collecting is the emotional satisfaction it brings. The thrill of the hunt – the excitement of discovery – can be intensely rewarding. Whether it is stumbling upon a rare vinyl in a record store or unearthing a limited-time deal in a supermarket aisle, the process of finding and acquiring something meaningful provides a rush that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This search, often described as a journey, engages us deeply. The moment of acquisition offers a fleeting sense of joy, but it is the act of searching that remains most emotionally re sonant. It is no surprise, then, that collectors often repeat the process, driven by the desire to re-experience that moment of discovery. 5 10 3 Beyond the emotional, collecting can also be intellectually gratifying. According to neuroscientist Shirley M. Mueller, the discipline and knowledge required to curate a specialised collection brings intellectual satisfaction. From building custom gaming P Cs to archiving news articles, the process demands research, critical thinking, and a degree of mastery. Each collected item adds to a growing repository of expertise, affirming one’s identity and sense of self. The collector, in this sense, is not merely an accumulator but also a curator of knowledge. 15 4 Socially, collecting fosters connection. Shared interests give rise to communities – whether among vinyl enthusiasts, designers bookmarking websites, or NFT traders – where individuals bond over their findings. Within these spaces, recognition and admiration serve as strong motivators. Sharing one’s collection becomes a means of social interaction, offering validation and contributing to one’s sense of belonging. Such interactions have parallels in the natural world: crows collect shiny objects to attract mates; chimpanzees have made specific choices in items of interest they kee