TJC 2025 Prelim P2 ans

Temasek Junior College2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 1 2025 JC2 Preliminary ExaminationGENERAL PAPER Paper 2 Suggested AnswersFrom Passage 11.According to the author, why are many shoppers ‘increasingly disillusioned’ (line 6) with online shopping? [2] From the passageSuggested rephraseOnline shopping promises variety (l.6–7)but often delivers frustration in the form of misleading images, vague descriptions, and unpredictable sizing (l.7–8)Many shoppers are increasingly disillusioned because they expected/ were looking forward to// were excited about a wide range of products that they could buy online, [1]but the products they bought were nothing like what was shown online/ fell short of what they looked like online// they were disappointed/ let down by/ dissatisfied/ felt cheated/ scammed by the actual product. [1]**Note: answers which pick points from lines 2 to 6 = 0, because these do not illustrate disillusionment.2.From lines 17–22, explain two ways in which the author uses language to depict the ‘hyper-competitive’ (line 17) environment of online retail. [2] From the passageSuggested rephraseconstant churn of advertising, promotions and discounts (l.18–19)In this race to the bottom (l.19)forced to undercut their profit margins (l.19–20)Businesses slash prices to the bone (l.21–22) The author uses the phrase ‘constant churn’ to show how businesses have to continuously/ keep rolling out strategies to attract consumers. [1]The author uses the phrase ‘race to the bottom’ to show how businesses try to outdo/ compete with one another at huge cost/ with great losses// end up in financial ruin in their quest to outdo one another. [1] The author uses the phrase ‘forced to undercut their profit margins’ to show how the businesses have no choice/ are pressured to keep prices low/ reduce their profits. [1]The author uses the phrase ‘slash prices to the bone’ to describe how businesses compete by reducing prices to the point where they cannot survive/

Temasek Junior College2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 2 barely earn profits. [1]*Any 2 points for 2 marks.3. Explain the author’s use of the phrase ‘endangered species’ (line 27). [2]From the passageSuggested rephraseBrick-and-mortar shops are becoming the endangered species of the retail world. (l.27)Empty storefronts are now a common sight in city centres, as independent shops struggle to compete with global giants like Amazon. (l.27–29)Just as endangered species are dying out/ facing extinction/ becoming fewer in number, [1]brick-and-mortar shops are dwindling/ disappearing/ closing down in large numbers as they are losing consumers to online businesses/ people prefer online shopping. [1]4.What does the phrase ‘quietly siphons’ (line 34) suggest about the impact of online shopping? [2]From the passageSuggested rephraseWe lose a sense of shared space and a connection to our community, (l.33)… life out of the very communities we live in. (l.33–34)as online shopping quietly siphons life out of the very communities we live in. (l.33–34)It indicates that the communities’ togetherness/ sense of closeness/ community spirit is removed/ taken away// energy/ exuberance/ vitality is removed [1]and this happens silently without people noticing/ before we know it. [1]5.How do the examples in lines 40–47 illustrate the author’s argument that ‘the planet’s future is becoming dimmer’ (lines 47–48)? [2]From the passageSuggested rephraseWhat was once a single item in a store now arrives in a shipping box that’s bigger than the product itself, stuffed with padding that serves little purpose other than to increase waste. (l.40–42)Behind the cardboard boxes and bubble wrap lies a massive logistical operation that requires fleets of delivery trucks burning through fossil fuels, creating pollution and adding to ever-growing carbon emissions. (l.42–45)Millions of people order things that they do not need, buying items that The huge/ tremendous/ humongous amount of packaging used for each parcel worsens the accumulation of waste/ leads to more waste. [1] Furthermore, carbon emission levels will never be reduced/ become even higher due to the colossal/ immense amount of fossil fuel required to transport/ ship the parcels. [1]Goods are thrown away untouched/ unconsumed/ still new, contributing to

Temasek Junior College2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 3 will sit in drawers or closets unused for months or, let’s face it, years, before making their way to the overflowing landfills. (l.45–47)more waste than we can cope with/ causing waste management problems/ causing a lack of space for waste disposal/ an overwhelming/ tremendous amount of waste. [1]*Any two points.6.Identify one way in which the final paragraph provides an effective ending to the author’s argument. [1]From the passageSuggested rephraseJust because we can buy something with a click doesn’t mean we should. So, next time you’re tempted by the siren call of online shopping, take a moment to consider: is it really worth the cost? (l.49–51)It is an effective conclusion becausethe author poses a question that makes readers reflect on the harmful impact of their online shopping behaviour. [1]the author makes a call for readers to take action to reduce the harmful effects of online shopping. [1]*Any one point.From Passage 27.Summarise what the author has to say about the positive effects of online shopping. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8]From the passageSuggested rephraseOnline stores have an almost limitless inventory, offering customers an unprecedented array of choices (l.1–2).Every product imaginable is just a search away (l.2)A1A positive effect is the inexhaustible/ unparalleled/ astounding/ tremendous [INTENSITY] range of goods that online stores provide.*Many, huge variety – 0 marksniche markets, satisfying the quirkiest of tastes (l.3)A2including products for idiosyncratic/ non-mainstream/ unusual/ rare/ strange tastes.*accept ‘tastes’the range of information that consumers are empowered with (l.4)transforming them from passive buyers into active participants and enabling everyone to shop smarter, not harder (l.8–9)A3The availability/ exchange of information/ opinions/ details/ views [CAUSE] enable consumers to buy more wisely/ make better shopping decisions/ [EFFECT].it’s all at your fingertips, available 24/7 and delivered to you within hours, or by the next day. (l.11–12)The ability to shop anytime, from B1Online shoppers enjoy convenience in so many ways/ Online shoppers are unconstrained by location or time

Temasek Junior College2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 4 anywhere (l.12–13)means you can manage your life with less stress and more efficiency. (l.13–14)B2and makes our lives easier/ hassle-free/ less frazzled// we waste less time/ can make better use of our time. People who struggle with mobility issues, lack of transportation or sensory sensitivities can shop from the comfort of their homes, finding products they need without facing physical obstacles. (l.14–16)B3Those who have difficulty navigating/ moving/ the handicapped/ physically disabled [CONTEXT] can shop without encountering accessibility issues [EFFECT].people with specialised needs, be it gluten-free food or adaptive clothing, can find exactly what they are looking for (l.16–18)B4Even those who have particular/ specific needs [CONTEXT] can also obtain just what they require [EFFECT].* Need to have reference to constraintOnline shopping fuels an entire ecosystem of industries and jobs (l.19) C1Furthermore, online shopping gives rise to a staggering/ tremendous [INTENSITY] number of employment opportunities/ careers. *Many / various fields - 0Drive the demands of many industries - 0spurs innovations in logistics and technology. Artificial intelligence and machine learning in retail help companies anticipate consumer demand, personalise recommendations, and streamline inventory management. (l.20