2025 EJC JC2 Prelim P2 Suggested Answer Scheme

2025 EJC JC2 General Paper Preliminary Examination Paper 2 (Uncertainty) Suggested Answer Scheme From Passage 1 1. In paragraph 1, what does the author suggest are ways we can develop self-management when we ‘approach uncertainty as an invitation to discover or explore’ (lines 3–4)? [2] Question Type: Literal Paraphrase From Passage Suggested Answer However, when we approach ambiguity as an invitation to discover and explore, we will be able to manage ourselves better. It enables us to test our ability to regulate negative emotions and to identify other psychological strengths that may need further development — uplifting us in all aspects of our lives. (a) we can assess/challenge how well we manage negative emotions (b) recognise other areas of our psychological well-being that could be improved/ recognise how we can build on areas where we already possess psychological well-being For (b), accept any reasonable response as long as the candidate shows understanding of either abilities [e.g. resilience, adaptability], or existing strengths that we want to improve on 1 mark each 2. Using paragraph 2, identify how ambiguity forces people to ‘think critically and creatively’ (line 9). [2] Question Type: Literal Paraphrase From Passage Suggested Answer (a) ‘we come to a slow realisation that the usual methods and strategies that we use in known and predictable situations no longer achieve anything’ (lines 10–11) (b) ‘come to accept the need to adapt to new situations’ (line 12) a Dawns upon them that the orthodox/status quo is not productive anymore 1 mark b Reached the conclusion/ Stop resisting that it is essential to adapt to new situations 1 mark 3. In paragraph 3, how does the example of Germany support the author’s claims that embracing uncertainty can ‘broaden our understanding of the world around us’ (lines 16 –17) and foster ‘compassion’ (line 17)? [2] Question Type: Literal Paraphrase From Passage Suggested Answer Anyone capable of deeper reflection cannot deny that it has opened important conversations about the plight of others and urged us to (a) The example of Germany shows that embracing uncertainty has created space for communities to have significant discussions about the predicaments of others / has triggered crucial discussions about the sufferings of others and

reflect on our shared responsibility towards those who are suffering. (b) think about what our collective roles are when we see people in pain. 1 mark each 4. In lines 35-39, explain three ways in which the author uses language to convey his approval of embracing uncertainty. [3] Question Type: Inference [Writer’s Craft] From Passage Suggested Answer An example of the unmistakably transformative power of embracing uncertainty is Netflix, ‘which pivoted from thriving DVD* rentals to the new frontier of streaming. Today, Netflix boasts a staggering yearly revenue of over $9.4 billion dollars. Evidently, choosing innovation over a tried (and tired) business model allowed Netflix to stay ahead of the curve. a1) ‘unmistakably (transformative)’, to convey his conviction that Netflix’s embrace of uncertainty was key to its ability to thrive today/ undeniable/ irrefutable ability to thrive today a2) ‘transformative’ = to highlight that embracing uncertainty was the main reason why Netflix was able to thrive / changes the game b) “pivoted” – the metaphor shows the agility that being ready to embrace uncertainty conferred to Netflix as they made a sharp move away from the old ways of doing things c) ‘the new frontier’ – metaphor for exploring a new form of video streaming which suggests a willingness to explore unchartered territory d) ‘boasts’ – the author used the word ‘boasts’ to emphasise that Netflix can be proud of the immense revenue it has gained through being willing to embrace uncertainty e) “staggering… $9.4 billion” – positive connotations highlight how Netflix’s massive annual revenue underscores the extraordinary rewards that can come from embracing uncertainty f) ‘evidently’ – the author used the word ‘evidently’ to emphasise that it is apparent/obvious that embracing new ideas can be an effective way to ensure a business’s long-term sustainability g) “tried (and tired)” – critique the current status by labelling the safe and certain way as something worn out, and thus showing approval for Netflix’s innovative way of doing something fresh h) “stay ahead of the curve” – idiomatic use shows by embracing uncertainty, Netflix can become a leader Any 3 for 3 marks 5. Identify two ways in which the first sentence in paragraph 6 provides an effective conclusion to the author’s argument in paragraph 1. [2] Question Type: Inference From Passage Suggested Answer

As John Allen Paulos contends, “Uncertainty is the only certainty there is; knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security” – it is in these moments of uncertainty that we often discover our true capabilities and unlock our potential for success. Paragraph 1 Life is unpredictable. From career decisions to personal relationships, we are constantly faced with uncertain situations that can lock us in moments of anxiety and stress. However, when we approach ambiguity as an invitation to discover and explore, we wi ll be able to influence events and turn them in our favour. It enables us to test our ability to regulate negative emotions and to identify other psychological strengths that may need further development — uplifting us in all aspects of our lives. In other words, learning to live with insecurity is the only way to feel truly secure. The final paragraph is an effective conclusion through… (a) [Bookending] Reiterate/Using the same idea of learning to live with insecurity as the only way to feel truly secure, which mirrors the opening sentence/ to give a sense of completion to the passage. (b) [Thematic unity] Paragraph 1 mentions the dangers of not embracing uncertainty, namely being locked in anxiety and stress. The conclusion references this same metaphor by stating how we can unlock our potential if we choose to embrace uncertainty. (c) [Personal pronouns] Repetition of the personal pronouns “we” and “our” multiple times which shows an attempt to include the reader, which is linked to the use of “us” and “we” in Paragraph 1. (d) [Quoted another person] The author quoted another person who corroborate with his view that John Allen Paulos (renowned person), to show that there are others who also agree with him (e) [Problem-Solution] Infer from “we often discover true capabilities” The author spells out the benefits of uncertainty, which shows how uncertainty can help us with the problems that have been raised in the introduction. (f) [Hopeful note] Infer from “unlocking our potential for success” The author offers an optimistic viewpoint, which is linked to the concept of uplifting our lives present in Paragraph 1. Any 2 points for 2 marks From Passage 2 6. Summarise what the author has to say about the benefits of planning ahead. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. Main Idea From the Text Suggested Paraphrase a Sense of stability / adaptability to plan is to plant roots—so we may bend, not break, when the winds of change arrive (lines 1–2) provides stability / develop adaptability (accept any relevant sense-for-sense paraphrase) b Control over our destinies empowers individuals to shape their own destinies with clarity (line 4) feeling in control of one’s destiny (lines 5–6) enables us to determine our own pathways with confidence

Main Idea From the Text Suggested Paraphrase c A path to success / sense of direction provide a roadmap for the road ahead (line 6) compass for tomorrow’s journey (lines