DHS 2026 Prelim P2 Ans

1 DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Higher 1 2026 YEAR 6 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION Paper 2 - Comprehension Answer Scheme 17July From Passage 1 (7/11) 1.In the opening paragraph, in what two ways is the use of the word ‘chorus’ (line 2) effective? [2] From the passage Suggested answer Adults have always said: ‘Young people today are just different.’ Teachers, parents, employers and politicians use it like a chorus. It is effective because (a)a chorus is a refrain sung repeatedly/over and over again, emphasising how adults over the has been repeating the same complaint/criticism about young people. [1] (b)a chorus is used to refer to a large group of people, showing how many different groups of adults seem to be saying the same thing. [1] Context of complaint/criticism about young people must be present in (a) or (b). 2.In paragraph 2, how does the author illustrate the idea that young people have withdrawn from ‘the social contract that once marked the recognised passage into adulthood’ (lines 10-11)? [2] From the passage Suggested answer Previous generations spoke of duty, sacrifice, and building for the future. Today's youth have embraced a different logic: they believe that life is too short to be surrendered to obligations whose rewards are no longer guaranteed. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the workplace, where young employees draw firm boundaries around their professional lives - declining unpaid overtime, resisting constant availability, and prioritising personal well -being above organisational loyalty. (a)The author contrasts /compare the past/earlier generation beliefs with the current generation’s motto of prioritising their wants and needs over responsibilities OR The current generation of young people operates by a different set of values. They feel that life is too brief to be spent fulfilling commitments that do not promise any meaningful return. (b)This is demonstrated in (the example in) their place of employment, where young '+6

2 workers strictly adhere to their given duties/role. 3.In paragraph 3, how does the author use language to convey sympathy for the young workers? [3] From the passage Suggested answer … inherited a wreckage of an economy defined by low wages, uncertain employment, and unaffordable housing. (line 16-17) …to insist that they were not born into mere slaves to work, are not unreasonable expectations. (line 20-21) … the stolen weekends that can never be returned - are never properly acknowledged. (line 22-23) (a)Inherited wreckage of an economy - shows that the young are helpless as they did not contribute to the dire economy yet are left to deal with it. [1] (b)Mere slaves - shows that they are powerless and exploited at work. [1] (c)Stolen weekends - protected time / rest days / personal time is unfairly taken away from them. [1] Uncredited is not a strong diction/not strong lexical choice Sleepless nights is factual 4.Using paragraph 4, identify the three negative impacts on society with young people ‘opting out of collective responsibility’ (line 27). [3] From the passage Suggested answer Many provide ongoing financial support to boomerang kids who return after college and remain at home well into their thirties, delaying their own retirement plans and depleting savings intended for their later years. (line 28-30) Governments face the prospect of diminishing tax collection as younger workers prefer working in the gig economy over stable, taxable employment. This means less funds available for healthcare, infrastructure, and social support. (line 30-32) More insidiously, a (c) cycle of mutual withdrawal sets in. (a)[impact on elderly parents] The elderly family members will have to continue to support their mature children, leaving themselves with less savings for retirement OR retiring later than planned. (b)[impact on government] The young contribute less to the country’s revenue (via taxes), and this reduces the government’s spending on essential services. (c)[impact on societal beliefs] The society has reached a situation where nobody is willing to contribute to society to sustain the system.

3 Young people (d) slowly erode the very systems that would one day support them. As this happens, the young are left feeling abandoned and anxious, scared of a future that offers no guarantees. (line 32-35) (d)[impact on young people] Young people will be directly affected as ultimately, they themselves will have no safety net. 5.In paragraph 5, explain the author’s use of brackets in lines 40-41. [1] From the passage Suggested answer What older generations condemn as laziness, the young reframe it as self-preservation (if that is what it is). (line 40-41) (a)[function] The brackets show that it is the author’s comment / personal opinion (b)[context] that he is not fully convinced by / questioning / doubting the idea that young people’s behaviour is truly for protecting themselves from danger / for survival.

4 From Passage 2 6.Summarise the responses of young people to today’s uncertainties. Write your summary in no more than 120 words. [8] Text Reference Paraphrase 1.young people are rewriting the rulebook in the face of diminishing job opportunities (line 2-3) (1)They take unconventional path / moderate / adjust / finetune their aspiration during a tough job market. 2.seem unfazed by the fear of a bleaker future (line 3-4) (2)by remaining calm / unperturbed / undaunted / not discouraged in the current situation. 3.Risk-taking is their new mantra to eagerly pursue passions that speak to them (line 4-5) (3)having a new principle / mindset, they are open to trying things that resonate with them / align with their beliefs / connect with them. 4.career plans have taken a different trajectory (line 6) OR open to joining industries such as urban farming, plumbing and housekeeping (lines 7-8) (4)they have no qualms / do not resist doing manual / hands-on / practical / menial / blue collar work Driven not by material goals etc (not accepted because this is different from the past graduates point of view) 5.they devote their energy to hone their skills and take pride in their active and on-site work (line 9) (5)they spend time / invest their effort / perfect / sharpen their know-how / expertise / proficiency / competency in physical work 6.To them, a decent living (vague) (line 11) OR go for jobs that benefit the community (line 10) (6)they choose meaningful work that serves / has positive impact in society / contributes to public good 7.channel their spirit to re-examine the intractable issues (lines 13-14) OR battle against climate change and gender inequality (lines 14-15) (7)they harness their drive / summon their will power / energy to revisit / overcome / fight against persistent / perennial challenges (i.e. environmental problems and sexism)

5 8.they redefine the functions of consumerism and gender roles (line 15) Separate points 9.obliterate the dysfunctions of wasteful materialism and prejudice against women (line 15-16) (8)by rethinking ways (to handle environmental and social issues). (9)and demolishing / destroying / eradicating all unacceptable / irresponsible practices / mindset Collapse – paradigm shift, complete transform get marks 8 and 9 Fundamentally transform mindsets 10.find like-minded individuals to form new networks to raise the visibility of their action plans (line 17-18) (10)they collaborate / work with people of similar interests / concerns to share their solutions / views / ideas 11.reshaping travel to create purposeful impact (line 21) (11)they leave positive influences / effects when they visit foreign places (allow lift of ‘travel’) 12.choose ethical businesses that offer deeper and challenging experiences (line 22) (12)support socially responsible enterprises that provide meaningful opportunities for growth and reflection. 13.participating in eco-tourism