DHS Prelim 2025 Paper 2 Ans Scheme

DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Higher 1 YEAR 6 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION Paper 2 - Comprehension Answer Scheme From Passage 1 1. In paragraph 1, what does the author mean by ‘pains induced by polite restraint’ (line 5)? [2] From the passage Suggested answer However, the truth is that we often want to be rude and enjoy being rude – after all, it frees us from the (a) pains induced by (b) polite restraint. (a) The author suggests that being polite is uncomfortable/causes unease or strain (b) because we have to constantly suppress our true feelings or impulses OR have to be constantly politically correct. (Markers’ comments: For Pt (a), we need emotional impact. No word for word substitution which distorts contextual meaning) 1 pt = 1m 2. In paragraph 2, identify the contrasts the author makes between the perceptions of rudeness in the United States and Japan. [3] From the passage Suggested answer

However, it is crucial to note that perceptions of rudeness vary across different cultures. For instance, in the United States, people exhibit rudeness because they value self-expression. Consequently, people may admire those who are more direct, seeing it as a sign of strength. Often, the recipient of the hurtful comment is expected to toughen up and not take things personally. In Japan, though, rudeness often stems from a lack of social awareness. As such, people look down on rudeness, as it disrupts group harmony. Hence, the speaker is expected to manage their words carefully to protect relationships and avoid causing offence. A. Perception of the aggressor / cause of rudeness (cue: “because” and “stems from”) (i) In the USA, rudeness may arise from app reciating being open / speaking their minds, (ii) while in Japan, rudeness is caused by not being mindful of others in social situations. B. Public attitude towards rudeness (i) In the USA, being blunt or outspoken can be respected, (ii) while in Japan, being impolite is generally frowned upon/disapproved of OR (i) In the USA, people see rudeness as a symbol of confidence / power, (ii) While in Japan, it is seen to upset mutual respect / threaten social cohesion. C. Who bears responsibility for the emotional impact of rudeness (i) In the USA, the person on the receiving end is often expected to be emotionally resilient / not get upset, (ii) but in Japan, the person talking is expected to be thoughtful / sensitive in how they communicate / to not upset anyone. OR (i) In the USA, the onus is on the listener to not get upset (ii) but in Japan, the onus is on the speaker to be thoughtful and sensitive. (Markers’ Comments: Award 1m per pair of clearly contrasted point. If there is no signposting and fair comparison, then 0 m.) 3. In paragraph 3, explain how the author illustrates his claim that ‘rudeness is seen to help us achieve workp