2025 NJC SH2 GP Prelims 8881 P2 Suggested Answers

Suggested Answers for 2025, (SH2) NJC Prelim Paper 2 1) According to paragraph 1, why do human beings collect things? [2 m] (Literal) From the Passage Suggested Answer Remarks ‘sometimes for pleasure, sometimes for prestige, and often for reasons they may not even fully understand’ (lines 3-4) Human beings collect things for a) On occasion/partly/at times/occasionally for fun/enjoyment/happiness satisfaction/amusement b) for recognition/ status/ honour c) and many times / frequently / more often / quite often for purposes beyond their own / without complete comprehension/ cannot quite grasp / inexplicable. Any 2 points 2) Why does the author state that ‘it is no surprise...that collectors often repeat the process...to re-experience that moment of discovery’? [2m] (Literal) From the Passage Suggested Answer Remarks ‘The thrill of the hunt — the excitement of discovery — can be intensely rewarding.’ (lines 5- 6) ‘... process of finding and acquiring something meaningful provides a rush that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.’ (lines 8-9) ‘The moment of acquisition offers a fleeting sense of joy, but it is the act of searching that remains most emotionally resonant.’ (lines 9-11) a) The spark/ kick/ exhilaration/ delight/ adrenaline one gets from searching and finding / uncovering something new can bring a profound sense of satisfaction / lasting happiness. b) The journey / pursuit of looking and attaining something close to the heart / uncovering something of personal value that is tough / challenging to find anywhere else / unlike most other experiences / that few other things can match . c) Though the happiness / delight is momentous/ temporal, it is the journey of pursuit that lingers most deeply / leaves the strongest impression / what stays with us the longest. Any 2 points

3) What is the author suggesting by writing “not merely an accumulator but also a curator of knowledge” (lines 18-19)? [1m] (phrase) From the passage Suggested Answer Remarks The collector, in this sense, is not merely an accumulator but also a curator of knowledge. (lines 18- 19) The author is implying that a collector not only gathers information but carefully selects / filters what he wants from other things. 1m 4) In paragraph 4, provide three similarities the author makes between human and animals’ reasons for collecting. [3m] (Literal) From the Passage Suggested Answers Remarks ‘... crows collect shiny objects to attract mates [infer point]; chimpanzees have made specific choices in items of interest they keep around their dwellings; wolverines (not the Hugh Jackman variety!) practise ‘cache spacing’, strategically spreading food across a large area to prevent it from being pilfered. Meanwhile, humans flaunt collectibles to signal social standing, taste, and intelligence.’ (lines 25-29) a) While crows collect to woo partners by showing their status through collection (inferred), humans collect to display their status. b) While chimpanzees pick certain items of their liking around their habitat, humans similarly showcase their chosen collections. c) While wolverines display their mental capacity by the way they plan and disperse the food, humans reflect their mental capacity / acuity through their collections. 3m 5) Explain the author's use of the em-dash in “but they speak to broader human desires— for status, for identity, and for permanence” (lines37-38). [2m] (Author’s Intention) From the Passage Suggested Answer Remarks ‘In many cases, the value of a collected item is symbolic rather than functional. The 50-second video by Grimes or a £1,850 Loewe mini bag might seem extravagant, but they speak to broader human [Function] a) It is to elaborate / explain / further details / additional information about / signals / introduces further elaboration / explanation / provide additional information / further details of what the cited examples 1m each

desires—for status, for identity, and for permanence.’ (lines 35-38) might symbolise / represent / to link example to the point that [Context] b) which range from social standing, selfhood / personality to or a sense of constancy / security. *At least 2 of the 3 characteristics must be paraphrased From Passage 2 6) Summarise the negative effects of hoarding on individuals. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8] Concept From the Passage Suggested Answer a. Debilitating (mental) condition ‘It becomes a dangerous and debilitating condition with serious consequences.’ (line 2) Hoarding is a harmful, disabling illness that impairs functioning. b. Difficulty in discarding items ‘... struggle intensely with discarding possessions, regardless of actual value.’ (lines 5-6) Hoarders find it extremely hard to part with / throw away belongings / items, no matter their worth. c. Negative emotions & psychological distress ‘... often triggers overwhelming anxiety and shame’ (line 6) / ‘... often linked to depression, anxiety, and chronic distress.’ (line 15) Hoarding is connected to / can provoke / heighten worry / uneasiness, embarrassment, sadness, and long-term emotional pain / negative emotions d. Unhygienic living conditions ‘... severely compromises living conditions’ (line 7) / ‘... unsanitary conditions ... that foster(s) mould growth and pest infestations,’ (lines 12-13) Hoarded environments are dirty / unsanitary, degrading the quality / cleanliness and comfort of homes. e. Poor health conditions ‘... potentially resulting in respiratory illnesses and infections.’ (line 13) ‘…compounding health risks’ (line 14) This may lead to physical health problems over time f. Safety concerns ‘Cluttered homes pose a heightened risk of trips and falls, ... among the elderly’. (lines 8–9) / ‘... large quantities of items stacked near heat sources can easily ignite, leading to house fires.’ (lines 9-10) Clutter may pose a hazard to the safety of hoarders/ other stakeholders.

‘…, clutter may obstruct escape routes’(line 11)/ ‘…access to basic utilities…blocked’ (lines13-14) ... endangering both residents and rescue personnel. g. Social withdrawal & isolation ‘... withdraw from social contact due to embarrassment ... feelings of isolation (lines 15–17) Shame over their homes causes hoarders to avoid people, leading to solitude / alienation and loneliness. h. Strained family relationships & conflicts ‘... strains familial and social relationships, ... leading to conflict and estrangement’ (lines 17–18) Hoarding damages / harms familial and interpersonal ties, often resulting in tensions / arguments and emotional disconnection. i. Inability to perform daily activities '... daily functions such as cooking, cleaning, and sleeping can become nearly impossible,’ (lines 18–19) It makes the implementation of daily routines / tasks / chores difficult to achieve. j. Legal consequences ‘Severe cases may result in eviction, loss of child custody ... animal cruelty charges (lines 20-23) It may even result in legal k. Financial consequences Financial mismanagement ... hoarders often struggle to track important documents or pay bills.’ (lines 22-23) and financial consequences or the loss of crucial files. Concept 1-2 3 4 5 6 7 8-9 10+ Marks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

7) Passage 1 states ‘the art of collecting offers insight into what we value , how we think, and who we are’ Identify one specific idea from Passage 3 which can be used to undermine this statement. Justify your answer. [2] From the Passage Suggested Answer ‘The joy of collecting