SJI 2026 GEOG(E) MS

St. Joseph’s Institution Year 4 Preliminary Examination 2026 Geography 2260/02 Qn Answer Marks 1ai Using Fig. 1.1, describe the trend in Singapore’s highest PSI reading from 2012 to 2022. Award 1 mark for each description of the trend of PSI reading from 2012 to 2022, to a maximum of 3 marks. Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of each description, where applicable. Possible responses include: ● The PSI readings fluctuated significantly from 2012 to 2022 with a few sharp peaks and several years with relatively low PSI readings [1 mark] ● The PSI peaked in 2013 at 400 , which is the highest value in the period. This is at least 13 times higher compared to the lowest PSI reading recorded in 2020 [1 additional mark] ● Similarly, 2015 and 2016 also recorded very high PSI levels with PSI reading of about 340 and 320 respectively [1 mark] ● In contrast, some years such as 2020 (PSI 30) and 2022 (PSI 50) had much lower readings. [1 mark] 3 1aii With reference to Fig. 1.1, suggest the impacts on human and natural systems if the PSI level increases above 300. Award 1 mark for each negative impact on human and natural systems, to a maximum of 3 marks. Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of the impact, where applicable. Possible responses: Impact on human system ● When the air quality becomes hazardous it can lead to health issues such as respiratory infections, heart diseases and lung cancer [1 mark] ● Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter such as soot, smoke and dust) may cause lung function to decline in older adults as it enters the bloodstream and lodge deep in human lungs [1 additional mark] Impact on natural system ● The pollutants can deposit into water bodies, potentially causing acid rain, contaminating water quality [1 mark] 3

2 ● PSI levels above 300 are generally linked to massive forest and peatland fires, which directly destroy habitats, reduce biodiversity, and eliminate vegetation [1 mark] ● High levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and other smoke pollutants block sunlight and create a persistent, thick haze [1 mark]. This reduction in solar radiation inhibits the ability of plants to photosynthesize, hindering growth [1 additional mark] 1bi Using Fig. 1.2, assess the effectiveness of community resilience day in a HDB town. Award 1 mark for an assessment that provides support for the effectiveness of community resilience day. Award 1 mark for an assessment that does not support the effectiveness of community resilience day. Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of the evaluation. Possible responses include: Effective ● It provides practical resilience-building activities o Examples such as fire-fighting try-outs, lifesaving skills, SGSecure tips, and home team roadshows show that the event focuses on equipping residents with emergency preparedness skills [1 mark]. This is effective because community resilience depends on people who have the knowledge and skills to respond to crises [1 additional mark]. ● It strengthens the relationship among residents and raises their awareness of potential hazards o The free admissions and walk-ins lower barriers to participation. This inclusiveness strengthens social cohesion, which is a key aspect of resilience [1 mark]. ● The inclusion of trusted organisations (e.g. SCDF, Singapore Police Force, SGSecure) enhances credibility [1 mark]. This reassures the public that the information and activities are reliable and relevant to real emergency situations [1 additional mark] Less effective ● The “uniform try-on for kids” is largely recreational than educational [1 mark]. As such it is not a very effective strategy for promoting community resilience because it contributes little to the core goal of building knowledge, skills, and preparedness for emergencies [1 additional mark]. 3

3 1bii Suggest one factor that can affect the sphere of influence of an event such as Community Resilience Day. Award 1 mark for one factor that is elaborated. Possible response: ● Accessibility – Events located near MRT stations, bus stops, or major roads are easier to reach, so they attract people from a wider area [1 mark]. 1 1c Using Fig. 1.3, evaluate how well the data supports the students’ hypothesis. Award 1 mark for an evaluation that provides support for the hypothesis, to a maximum of 2 marks. Award 1 mark for an evaluation that does not support the hypothesis, to a maximum of 2 marks. Award a maximum of 1 additional mark for further development of the evaluation. Possible responses include: Support ● For town centre X, the number of vehicles on Saturday is consistently higher for all timings [1 mark]. The average number of vehicles for town centre X on Saturday is 283 vehicles while on Wednesday it is lower at about 144 vehicles. OR ● Town centre X shows that generally there were almost twice as many vehicles on Saturday than on Wednesday [1 mark]. For e.g., on Wednesday between 10.00 – 10.15, there were 110 vehicles and the number increased by almost to 210 which is about 91% on Saturday (210 – 110/110). [1 additional mark] ● The peak on Saturday at 380 vehicles is 65% higher than the peak on Wednesday at 230 vehicles [1 mark]. Does not support ● Town centre Y shows more traffic on Wednesday at 3 survey times compared to Saturday (10.00 – 10.15; 14.00 -14.15 & 16.00 – 16.15) [1 mark]. ● Between 18.00 – 18.15, the number of vehicles for both Saturday and Wednesday is very similar at 350 and 340 respectively, a difference of only 10 vehicles [1 mark] 4

4 2a Explain how globalised information sharing has shaped tourism trends. Award 1 mark for an explanation on how globalised information sharing has shaped tourism trends. Award 1 additional mark for further exemplification. Possible responses include: ● Globalised information sharing driven by the improvement of ICT such as the internet, have made travel information widely accessible and rapidly disseminated [1 mark]. ● Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allow destinations to gain global attention quickly. For example, visually appealing locations can go viral, attracting large numbers of tourists within a short period [1 additional mark]. OR ● Globalised information sharing has influenced the type of tourism experiences sought by travellers. Tourists are increasingly drawn to unique and “Instagrammable” activities, leading to the growth of niche tourism such as cultural, food, and adventure tourism [1 mark]. ● This reflects a shift from traditional sightseeing to more experiential travel [1 additional mark]. OR ● Online platforms like TripAdvisor enable tourists to access reviews and recommendations from other travellers. This allows for more independent travel planning and reduces reliance on travel agencies [1 mark]. ● As a r