NYJC 2026 Prelim P2

This document consists of 5 printed pages. NANYANG JUNIOR COLLEGE JC2 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION 2026 GENERAL PAPER 8881/02 PAPER 2: INSERT WEDNESDAY 2 September 2026 1 hour 30 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST This insert contains the passages for comprehension.

2 Passage 1. An author writes critically about ethical consumerism in today’s society. 1 Ethical consumerism is frequently promoted as a seemingly straightforward remedy to some of the most persistent crises of the contemporary world, including climate change, labour exploitation and environmental degradation. Consumers are encouraged to believe that moral responsibility can be exercised through ordinary purchasing decisions: that by selecting fair -trade food, cruelty -free cosmetics or sustainably manufactured clothing, they can exert a positive influence on distant social and environmental con ditions. This idea resonates powerfully because it reduces morality to an act of convenience, presenting ethical action as something that can be performed effortlessly, without prolonged political engagement or disruptive changes to one’s way of life. In t his framing, the shopping basket becomes a moral instrument, and consumption itself is transformed into a quiet but reassuring form of personal activism. 5 10 2 However, this appealing narrative obscures the complex realities of ethical decision-making in contemporary consumer societies. Ethical consumerism imposes significant cognitive and moral demands on individuals, who are expected to make informed choices within environments that actively discourage careful reflection. Supermarkets and digital marketplaces prioritise “speed”, “efficiency” and “impulse”, thereby encouraging rapid decisions rather than ethical deliberation. Labels that claim responsibility offer only limited or superficial information, while the complexities of global supply chains remain largely hidden from view. Additionally, faced with competing claims, consumers are presented as disoriented rather than empowered, navigating a moral landscape marked by uncertainty. 15 20 3 More significantly, ethical consumerism risks entrenching existing social inequalities rather than alleviating them. Goods marketed as ethically produced are typically more expensive, rendering them inaccessible to those whose choices are constrained by st agnant wages and rising living costs. For lower -income consumers, ethical considerations are often eclipsed by the immediate concerns of affordability. When moral behaviour becomes closely aligned with purchasing power, ethical responsibility is subtly redefined as a privilege rather than a shared obligation. Those with limited financial resources may be implicitly criticised for making “unethical” choices, despite the fact that their decisions are shaped less by apathy than by economic constraint. 25 30 4 Corporate responses further highlight the limitations of ethical consumerism. Although many businesses readily adopt the language of ethics and sustainability, their commitments often remain superficial . Companies may draw attention to minor reforms, such as recyclable packaging or reduced plastic usage, while neglecting more fundamental injustices including unfair wages, unsafe working conditions or environmentally destructive production processes. This selective morality allows corporations to reap the reputational benefits of ethical branding without undertaking costly structural change. As a result, ethical consumerism risks becoming a mechanism for image management rather than genuine accountability, enabling profit -driven practices to persist beneath a carefully polished ethical facade. 35 40

3 5 Government approaches complicate the picture still further. Rather than implementing robust regulatory frameworks capable of addressing systemic harm, authorities frequently encourage individuals to “vote with their wallets”. By promoting ethical consumption, governments can appear responsive to social and environmental ills while avoiding politically contentious reforms that might disrupt markets or challenge powerful economic interests. Responsibility for change is quietly displaced onto individuals, despite their limited capacity to influence global production systems. 45 50 6 This is not to suggest that individual ethical choices are insignificant —but we cannot afford to overestimate their impact. Ethical consumerism may raise awareness, shape attitudes, and signal dissatisfaction with harmful pra ctices, yet, on its own, it is far from enough. It may soothe the conscience, but it cannot, on its own, deliver systemic change. Without urgent demands for transparent supply chains, stricter regulation, and real corporate accountability, ethical consumerism remains little more than a reassuring illusion. Meaningful reform will not happen passively—it requires collective pressure, systemic change, and immediate action. 55

4 Passage 2. An author presents a positive view of ethical consumerism. 1 Despite its limitations, ethical consumerism remains a meaningful force in shaping modern economies. While individual purchases alone cannot solve complex global problems, ethical consumption provides people with a practical way to express concern and infl uence business behaviour. Increasingly, consumers are more informed about social and environmental issues and are willing to consider the broader consequences of their choices . This growing receptiveness signals that ethical values are no longer confined to activist circles but are entering the mainstream. 5 2 One key justification for ethical consumerism lies in its impact on market demand. Businesses are highly sensitive to consumer preferences, and sustained demand for ethical products can encourage firms to adopt more responsible practices. Over time, what begins as a niche market can influence entire industries, demonstrating that ethical consumerism can exert real pressure when demand is persistent. 10 3 Ethical consumerism also plays an important educational role. Labels, certifications and public campaigns draw attention to issues such as worker exploitation, environmental damage and animal welfare. Even when consumers do not always act on this information, repeated exposure increases awareness and encourages reflection. This heightened awareness shapes public attitudes and expectations, contributing to a culture in which unethical practices become less acceptable. Ethical consumerism, therefore, influences not only purchasing behaviour but also social norms. 15 20 4 Businesses have shown that they can be responsive to this shift in expectations. Many companies now are shifting to ethical sources, discouraging practices such as child labour and unfair trade. This reduces exploitation in developing countries. Companies also spend more to develop greener technologies . Ethical consumerism, when sustained, creates incentives for long -term improvement rather than short-term image management. 25 5 Governments can also benefit from ethical consumerism. Consumer pressure often strengthens political will, making it easier for authorities to introduce regulations that protect workers and the environment. As these regulations take root, they not only improve domestic standards but also enhance the nation’s global reputation. Over time, the country may gain recognition for being progressive. 30

5 Passage 3. This passage contains the reflections of an individual trying to practise ethical consumerism. 1 I want to shop ethically, but it often feels overwhelming. Ethical products usually cost more, and I am not always sure which labels I can trust. One