CGS 2026 GEOG PRELIM P2 MS

This document consists of 15 printed pages. [Turn over CRESCENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL SECONDARY FOUR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2026 GEOGRAPHY Paper 2 Candidates answer on the Question Paper. Additional Materials: Insert 2279/02 20 August 2026 1 hour 45 minutes MARK SCHEME

2 1 (a) Fig. 1 is a photograph of a therapeutic garden at Jurong Lake Garden s – a community space that is designed for people and nature to coexist. Fig. 1 Using Fig. 1, explain how the ecosystem services provided by this area improves the quality of life of the residents. [4] • The therapeutic garden provides regulating services through the trees and vegetation shown in Fig. 1. The abundance of trees helps to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, while also lowering surrounding temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration. • [Elaboration] This creates a cooler and healthier environment by reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality. As a result, residents are more likely to spend time outdoors for exercise, recreation, or social interaction. • The garden also provides cultural services by offering a tranquil and attractive environment for recreation and relaxation. Features such as the winding pathways, seating areas, and lush greenery seen in Fig. 1. • [Elaboration] This allows residents to engage in activities such as walking, reflection, and social interaction in a calm natural setting. Exposure to greenery has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and provide a respite from the fast -paced urban environment. In addition, opportunities for social interaction can strengthen community bonds and reduce feelings of isolation, thereby enhancing residents' mental, emotional, and social well-being. • The therapeutic garden provides supporting services by creating habitats for insects, birds, and pollinators. These organisms contribute to processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling, which help to maintain healthy plant growth and biodiversity within the garden.

3 [Turn over • [Elaboration] A richer biodiversity supports ecosystem processes such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and plant regeneration, helping to maintain a healthy and functioning ecosystem. A more resilient ecosystem is better able to recover from environmental disturbances and continue providing benefits to residents. [AO2] (b) Explain two ways how gardens such as those seen in Fig. 1 can enhance the economic sustainability of urban neighbourhoods. [4] • Therapeutic gardens can increase property values in surrounding areas because well-maintained green spaces make neighborhoods more attractive and desirable to live in, encouraging higher demand for housing. • [Elaboration] This is because buyers and tenants are often willing to pay a premium for access to pleasant, accessible green environments that improve overall quality of life and neighbourhood image. • They can also reduce healthcare costs by improving physical and mental well- being. Access to green spaces lowers stress levels and encourages exercise, which can reduce the long-term burden on public healthcare systems. • [Elaboration] This leads to fewer doctor visits and lower rates of stress - related illnesses, ultimately reducing public and private expenditure on healthcare services. • They can attract visitors and do tourism-related activity , especially if the garden is well-designed, which can support nearby businesses such as cafés and shops, increasing local economic activity. • [Elaboration] This increased footfall can lead to higher sales revenue for local enterprises and may also encourage new business investments in the area. • They can reduce infrastructure costs in the long term by helping with stormwater management and temperature regulation, which lowers the need for expensive drainage systems and cooling infrastructure. • [Elaboration] Increased vegetation reduces surface runoff and urban heat, decreasing the strain on drainage networks and reducing energy demand for air-conditioning in surrounding buildings. [AO1] (c) Using a named example, explain how routine daily movements or memorable events work to shape a strong sense of place in an urban neighbourhood. [3]

4 • Repeated daily movements such as commuting to school or work along the same route allow individuals to develop strong familiarity with their surroundings through constant and repeated exposure. • This repetition builds a sense of predictability and comfort, where the environment feels “known” and safe, and the individual begins to associate everyday routines with specific neighbourhood spaces. As a result, the place becomes part of their daily lived experience rather than just a transit route. • [Example] For example, a student travelling daily on the MRT along the North–South Line and passing through stations like Ang Mo Kio or Bishan repeatedly sees the same platforms, shops, and commuters. Over time, this regular interaction with familiar routes, HDB est ates, and nearby hawker centres such as Junction 8 area food courts helps the individual feel comfortable and “at home” in the neighbourhood. • Memorable events at local landmarks deepen emotional attachment by linking places to significant personal or shared experiences. • These events stand out from everyday routines and are remembered more vividly, causing individuals to associate specific feelings such as joy, excitement, or belonging with those locations. • [Example] For instance, attending National Day celebrations at Marina Bay, with fireworks, performances, and large crowds, creates a strong emotional connection to the waterfront area as a symbol of national identity and pride. [AO1] (d) Fig. 2 shows statistics on Singapore's traffic situation in 2025.

5 [Turn over Fig. 2 Using Fig. 2, describe the negative consequence s of traffic accidents for individuals and the wider neighbourhood. [4] • Traffic accidents may result in injuries, which increased by 8.9% from 2024 as shown in Fig. 2. • This can lead to long -term health problems such as reduced mobility or permanent disability, affecting an individual’s ability to work or study and placing financial and emotional stress on both the victim and their family. • Traffic accidents may also lead to fatalities, which increased by 11.4% from 2024. • This results in grief and emotional distress for families and the wider community and can reduce the sense of safety in the neighbourhood as residents become more fearful of using roads, crossings, and nearby streets. [AO2] 2 (a) Fig. 3 shows the characteristics of the eruptions at White Island, New Zealand (2019), and Mount Semeru, Indonesia (2021).

6 Volcano Volume of ejected materials (km³) Height of eruption cloud (km) Duration of eruption White Island, New Zealand (2019) 0.01 3.7 2 minutes Mount Semeru, Indonesia (2021) 0.10 15 3 days Fig. 3 Using information from Fig. 3, explain why the eruption at Mount Semeru had a higher Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) than the eruption at White Island. [3] • The Mount Semeru eruption ejected a much larger volume of volcanic materials (0.10 km³) compared to the White Island eruption (0.01 km³). A larger volume of ejected materials suggests that a greater amount of magma, ash and volcanic debris was expelled from the volcano. This indicates that more energy was released during the eruption, making it more explosive and resulting in a higher VEI. • The Mount Semeru eruption produced a s