CGS 2025 GEOG PRELIM P2 MS

This document consists of 21 printed pages. [Turn over CRESCENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL SECONDARY FOUR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2025 GEOGRAPHY Paper 2 Candidates answer on the Question Paper. Additional Materials: Insert 2279/02 21 August 2025 1 hour 45 minutes MARK SCHEME

2 1 (a) Explain how the planned layout of neighbourhood in a town contributes to convenience for residents. [2] • In Singapore, each town is systematically planned to include several neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods are strategically arranged around the town centre, where key amenities such as transport hubs, retail outlets, healthcare facilities, and community se rvices are concentrated. • [Elaboration] This town structure ensures that residents from various parts of the town can easily access essential services within a short distance. • The integrated layout also promotes efficient mobility throughout the urban area. By concentrating services such as public transport, shops, schools, and healthcare facilities within or near the town centre, residents can reduce their reliance on private vehicles and instead make use of well-connected networks. • [Elaboration] This design significantly reduces travel time for everyday tasks and commutes, which improves the overall quality of life. (b) Using supporting examples, suggest ways in which social sustainability can be promoted in an urban neighbourhood. [5] • A smaller population makes it easier for residents to engage in frequent and meaningful interactions, which can help foster a strong sense of community. • When residents regularly come together to discuss local concerns and collaboratively solve issues, it builds a culture of participation, mutual support, and resilience —key elements of a socially sustainable neighbourhood. • [Example] Dawson estate comprises around 3,700 residential units spread across several Build -To-Order (BTO) projects such as SkyVille @ Dawson and SkyTerrace @ Dawson. This smaller population size supports more frequent and meaningful interactions among residents. • Another important factor is the presence of shared community spaces. Facilities such as parks and green areas provide neutral, inclusive spaces where residents can interact and build positive relationships. • [Example] For instance, HDB incorporated features such as sky gardens, rooftop terraces, and open community spaces in the Dawson estate. These shared spaces are designed to encourage casual meetups and interactions among neighbours, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection. • By attracting individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds, these communal areas also promote interaction across different social groups, strengthening social cohesion within the neighbourhood.

3 [Turn over (c) Study Fig. 1 (Insert), which shows the ‘Garden by the Roof’ project implemented in Jurong West. Using Fig. 1, describe how the ecosystem service has benefited people in the neighbourhood. [4] • Fig. 1 illustrates a provisioning ecosystem service , where natural systems supply resources—specifically food—to people. • “A bountiful harvest of edibles for residents,” indicates that the rooftop garden provides fresh produce for the local community. • This contributes to food sustainability and supports part of the residents’ nutritional needs. • The benefit is made possible through the collective efforts of residents who came together to “set up MCSP rooftop garden to promote food sustainability,” showing how community-led urban farming can directly improve quality of life in the neighbourhood. 1 (d) Study Photograph A (Insert), which shows the impacts of fire hazard in a neighbourhood. Using Photograph A, explain the negative consequence s fire hazards may have on the urban neighbourhood. [4] Health Impacts • Fires can release high levels of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO ₂). Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. • [Elaboration] In addition, acidic gases and other chemical irritants released during fires can cause permanent damage to the respiratory system. Smoke inhalation can lead to severe breathing difficulties and suffocation, which are common causes of fire-related fatalities. • These health risks are visually represented in Photograph A, where individuals in the foreground are seen wearing masks, likely as a protective measure against toxic fumes and smoke. Economic Impact • Fires can cause extensive destruction to residential and commercial properties, as shown in the background of Photograph A. The loss of goods, furniture, and important documents contributes to significant economic losses. • Beyond the immediate destruction, post -fire recovery costs —including expenses for repair, rebuilding, and restoration —can place a heavy financial burden on property owners. • [Elaboration] This often disrupts business operations and displaces affected families, further compounding the social and economic impact of the fire.

4 [Turn over Social Impact • Fires can also lead to significant emotional and psychological trauma for those affected. The immediate shock of losing one's home, belongings, or even loved ones can leave individuals deeply shaken. • In the left foreground of the image, the individuals appear visibly distressed — their body language and facial expressions suggest they may be experiencing acute stress, grief, or anxiety. These emotional responses are common in the aftermath of a fire, especially when individuals are suddenly displaced or have witnessed traumatic events. • [Elaboration] Children and elderly residents are more vulnerable to lasting psychological effects, which may hinder their ability to resume normal routines or reintegrate into school or community life. This trauma can ripple through families and neighbourhoods, weakenin g social bonds and increasing the need for emotional support and counselling services. 2 (a) Study Table 1 (Insert), which shows the characteristics of selected major earthquakes. Using Table 1, compare how the characteristics o f the four earthquakes affected the death toll and economic loss of each location. [5] Vulnerable Conditions – building condition/geology: • [Similarity] A clear similarity is observed in Haiti (2010) and Türkiye – Syria (2023), where widespread building collapse occurred due to non- engineered or poorly regulated structures. This led to devastating death tolls of ~230,000 and ~59,000, respectively. • [Similarity] Similarly, the Indian Ocean earthquake (2004) impacted many coastal communities in Sumatra that lacked seismic -resistant infrastructure, resulting in an estimated 227,000 deaths. • [Difference]] In contrast, Japan's Tōhoku region had implemented strict earthquake building codes, which greatly limited structural failure and helped reduce fatalities—even though the event had a magnitude of 9.0, only ~19,700 lives were lost. Vulnerable Conditions - Soil Composition: • [Similarity] a common vulnerability in Haiti and Türkiye–Syria was that many affected urban areas were constructed on soft sediments or alluvial plains. These geological conditions amplified seismic waves, increasing the intensity of shaking and the extent of structural damage. This likely contributed to their extremely high death tolls —~230,000 in Haiti and ~59,000 in Türkiye–Syria.

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