TMJC 2025 H1 General Paper P2 Answer Guide

2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination H1 Paper 2 Suggested Answers Tampines Meridian Junior College 2025 JC2 General Paper Preliminary Examination Paper 2 From Passage 1: 1. In paragraph 1, what does the author suggest are fundamental problems created by the proliferation of private vehicles? [2] From the passage Answer The proliferation of private vehicles has created fundamental problems that threaten our collective future: a) it accelerates environmental degradation b) perpetuates social inequality by privileging those who can afford personal transport, c) transforms our cities into concrete jungles designed for cars rather than humans. The fundamental problems created by the proliferation of private vehicles are a) It speeds up/ worsens/increases/hastens/ heightens environmental deterioration/ecological decline. b) It reinforces/propagates/ continues social disparities by granting ease of mobility/ ability to travel to the wealthy/rich. DNA: emphasises, highlights, enhances, aggravates, worsens c) It reshapes/ modifies/ changes/ turns our urban landscapes into spaces that prioritise vehicles over people’s needs. DNA: creates, makes Any 2 for 2 marks. 2. In paragraph 2, what contrasts does the author make between the impacts of transport in the past and present? [3m] From the passage Answer a) (past) Previous generations… natural gathering points that fostered daily interaction and a strong sense of belonging. VS a) (present) today’s urban environments are shaped by car dependency… isolating b) (past) These systems were environmentally sustainable, producing fewer emissions VS b) (present, inferred) Roads and traffic dominate, a) In the past, public transportation brought people together / encouraged everyday encounters, whereas today’s car-dependent societies make people more disconnected from each other. b) In the past, the main mode of travel generated lower levels of pollution. However, today’s car- dominated travel landscape has resulted in greater environmental pollution (Idea: Environmental pollution is inferred from fewer emissions). c) In the past, the main mode of travel protected natural spaces/ conserved peaceful/ silent/

2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination H1 Paper 2 Suggested Answers c) (past) preserving quiet green spaces within urban areas. VS c) (present) replacing parks and social spaces with concrete and noise. d) (past) Mobility was affordable, ensuring access for all regardless of economic status. VS d) (present) largely on private vehicle ownership, dividing society between those with freedom to move and those confined to unreliable alternatives. tranquil spaces whereas today’s car-dominated travel has displaced green areas with roads and highways/ resulting in loud sounds (Idea: Protection of spaces or noises) d) In the past, mobility was inexpensive for everyone, despite their background/ wealth. In contrast, mobility today is largely linked to having a car, and is exclusive to those with the means to own a car/ granting only the wealthy with the liberty to travel. (Idea: For all vs only the rich) Any 3 for 3 3. Explain the author's use of the phrase ‘tyranny on wheels’ (line 15). [1] From the passage Answer Our cities have become victims of tyranny on wheels, where car needs override human requirements. The phrase suggests that cars have domination/ are oppressive over what people require in urban areas. (1m) Our cities suffer because of the dominance of cars on urban design. (1m) The requirements of people are repressed because of the requirements of automobiles. DO NOT ACCEPT The requirements of cars supersede/are prioritised over the needs of people. (Idea of ‘tyranny’ is not captured.) 4. In paragraph 4, how does the author support the claim that private transport systems demonstrate ‘staggering inefficiency’? [2] From the passage Answer There is a staggering inefficiency of private transport systems. Comprehensive urban studies reveal that private cars remain unused for 95% of their operational lifetime yet continue consuming valuable city spaces that could accommodate housing or green areas for thousands of residents. a) The author supports this claim by citing statistics/ data/ research/ urban studies on the usage of private cars (1m) b) which are left underutilised/ left dormant for most of their lifespan, while occupying precious urban areas that could have benefitted many people. (1m)

2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination H1 Paper 2 Suggested Answers 5. In paragraph 5, explain three ways in which the author uses language to criticise the impact of car-centric infrastructure. [3] From the passage Answer The environmental problem created by private vehicle dependency grows more alarming annually. Urban areas suffocate under exhaust fumes , with residents breathing toxic cocktails of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Private cars generate approximately 70% of transport - related carbon emissions in developed nations, resulting in devastating consequences for our climate that we cannot ignore. a) The author uses the phrase “grows more alarming annually” to suggest that car -centric infrastructure has resulted in greater/ more distressing environmental impact over the years , highlighting the growing severity of the situation. (1m) Award if student gives only the word ‘alarming’, if context of is correct—that of the environmental problem/impact. b) T he author uses the word "suffocate" to suggest that cities are being choked/deprived of air and killed by car pollution, conveying that vehicle dependency is strangling/killing urban life. (1m) c) T he author describes pollution as "toxic cocktails" which suggests that car emissions are like poisonous mixtures being force- fed to residents, emphasising the harmful nature of this environmental damage.(1m) Award if student gives ‘toxic’ and explains it correctly, or if student gives ‘toxic cocktails’ but only explains ‘toxic’. ‘Cocktails’ alone do not explain the context sufficiently. d) T he author uses the word "devastating" to describe cars' extremely / very destructive /damaging/harmful contribution to climate change, suggesting that the after-effects may be very severe . (1m) Award if student present linguistic/literary devices (i.e. rhetorical qns) WITH a relevant and logical explanation that shows criticism. Context must be present. Don’t penalise based on the use of devices alone. DNA: statistics Any 3 for 3.

2025 JC2 Preliminary Examination H1 Paper 2 Suggested Answers From Passage 2: 6. S ummarise what the author has to say about the problems of public transport systems. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. No Points (Paragraph 1) Paraphrased 1 FIXED ROUTES: A glaring deficiency lies in their inflexibility – fixed routes create constraints that poorly serve the diverse needs of a population. (lines 3-4) The public transport system does not meet the different requirements of where people want to go/ does not reach all areas 2 RIGID SCHEDULES: rigid schedules force passengers to conform to predetermined patterns rather than adapting to individual circumstances. (lines 4-5) This structural rigidity becomes particularly problematic during emergencies or unexpected schedule changes when immediate departure becomes essential . (lines 5-7) It also does not cater to travelling when the need arises/in times of urgent need No Points (Paragraph 2) Paraphrased 3 EXCEED BUDGET : invest billions in infrastructure projects that exceed budgets, (line 11) Building the transportation system results in overspending/ is (very) costly (accept as B.O.D) 4 USAGE RATE BELOW PROJECTIONS : usage rates consistently falling below projections (lines