BGSS Sec 2 English 2024 EOY Paper 2 (INSERT)

Name: Register Number: Class: 2E BEDOK GREEN SECONDARY SCHOOL End of Year Examination 2024 2E ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1184/02 Paper 2 Comprehension 30 September 2024 INSERT 1 h 50 min READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST This Insert contains Text 1, Text 2, Text 3 and Text 4. This document consists of 6 printed pages including the cover page. © BGSS 2024 No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of Bedok Green Secondary School. [Turn Over

Section A Study the webpage (Text 1) and the survey findings (Text 2) and answer Questions 1-3 in the Question Paper. Text 1 is taken from the official website of the Housing Development Board. Text 2 is taken from findings of an annual public housing resident neighbourliness satisfaction survey. Satisfaction with public housing resident neighbourliness in Singapore rose last year compared with 2022. This is shown in the annual survey conducted by the Public Neighbourliness Council (PNC), which seeks to better understand residents’ needs and identify areas for improvement with 75 per cent of residents expressing satisfaction. However, there were more residents satisfied with fewer vandalism, fewer littering along corridors, and more helpful neighbours, compared with 2022. A major bugbear was throwing things from a height. What kind of neighbour do you want to be?

Section B Text 3 The text below is the account of a lady’s experience with a piano. Read the text carefully and answer Questions 4-13 in the Question Booklet. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Celeste loved the piano. She took it all in, jolting with delight as she ran her hand across the smooth black ebony. Admiring the maze of strings tucked behind the wood, her eyes sparkled at the craftmanship that went into making such an impeccable object. She traced its delicate frame and basked in its beauty, from keys up to the embellishment of the lid. She had been using the books for beginners in the studio, targeted towards children a lot younger than her, which stung enough. The brightly coloured cover adorned with cartoon characters and oversized notes and cheerful drawings of smiling children, all seemingly younger and more enthusiastic, only making vivid her incompetence. She faltered as her eyes noticed how the exercises were designed with easy instructions, big letters, and fun stickers as rewards for completing such simplistic unsophisticated tasks. She delicately placed her fingers on the piano keys and struck the dreaded C chord, a tune that had yet to become ingrained in her despite repeated practice. As she played it, her touch was tender, and an effervescent burst of childlike joy radiated through her chest, just as it did every time she interacted with an instrument. She hesitantly embarked on the melody of her favourite song, her fingers wavering although she had had a week of practice devoted to it. As she continued playing the piece, she closed her eyes and sunk deeper into the music. Engulfed by a torrent of emotion, she resembled a butterfly, bursting from its trapped cocoon. The notes, transported her to a quaint and special place within her soul. She embraced the alluring chords, feeling them resonate through her very being, and smiled as a serene thought crossed her mind: ‘Nothing else matters. It’s just me and the music. I am in absolute peace. I...' – wrong note. With a determined resolve, Celeste decided to start the piece from the beginning once more. She maintained her previous pace but now approached each note with heightened strategy and precision. Her mind visualised the upcoming keys, while also meticulously analysing each note she had just played. She tapped her foot to capture each count. Then, abruptly, the harmony was shattered by another wrong note. Tears threatened to spill. After a frustrated sigh, she resolved to attempt the piece once more, but it was already too late. Her frustration was infiltrating her performance; she was overanalysing every note. Suddenly, she became hyper- 5 10 15 20 25 30

aware of every bone in her ten fingers, each one seemingly conspiring towards her inevitable failure. For the past two weeks, this pattern had repeated itself, each attempt deteriorating further than the last. Wrong note. 35

Section C Text 4 In the article below, the issue of eating eels is discussed. Read the text carefully and answer Questions 14-22 in the Question Booklet. 1 2 3 Unagi, or freshwater eel, has been consumed in Japan since ancient times. Its presence is well-documented in classical Japanese literature and historical texts, reflecting its long-standing role in Japanese cuisine. Historically, unagi was typically enjoyed grilled or simmered and was often associated with various festivals and rituals. This tradition aligns with a popular Japanese folklore about a kind princess who freed a giant eel entangled in a net. To her amazement, the eel transformed into a handsome prince, revealing that he had been cursed by a sorcerer. Grateful for her intervention, the prince invited the princess to his magical underwater kingdom. The bond they formed was extraordinary as the event bridged the worlds of humans and magical creatures. Their story became a beloved legend, symbolising the transformative power of kindness and the magical connections between nature and humanity. In contemporary Japan, unagi remains a cherished dish, widely enjoyed in restaurants and celebrated as a delicacy. It is commonly prepared in a style known as "kabayaki," where the eel is filleted, marinated in a sweet soy sauce, and grilled to perfection. This preparation results in a dish typically served over rice as "eel rice bowl" (unadon) or "eel served in a lacquered box" (unaju). Unagi holds significant cultural value, especially during the summer months. One of the most notable traditions is "Eel Day" (Unagi no Hi), celebrated in July. During the hot summer season, unagi is believed to combat summer heat fatigue by cooling down one’s body, replenish stamina, and prevent malnourishment. This tradition has led to a booming business for unagi stores, with Japanese supermarkets and restaurants celebrating the season by offering extra eel. Police have been deployed to manage the long queues during this season. Unagi is not only a cultural and culinary staple but also offers considerable health benefits. It is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which helps improve blood pressure in adults, lower cholesterol levels for the obese, maintain bone health in older folks, and even relieve menstrual pain in ladies. Unagi is believed to reduce wrinkles and keep the skin supple. Studies hint that regular consumption of unagi may reduce the risk of breast cancer though it is not confirmed. For the elderly, it improves blood flow to the brain, enhances memory and learning, and potentially lowers the risk of dementia. Thus, the health benefits of unagi extend beyond just boosting energy during the summer months, offering potential lifelong advantages. Its lore even suggests that unagi can increase virility and lift one's spirits. This was part of Japan’s oldest anthology of poems that was recited by many generations of scholars since the 18th century. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

4 5 Despite these benefits, unagi's unique texture and flavour can be polarising. Many people relish its rich, savoury taste, particularly when grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. This preparation enhances its flavour and makes it a distinctive culinary experience. However, some individuals are repulsed by the eel's slimy texture or find the flavour too strong. It also has a high oil content which some may find unappealing. Despite this, the unagi is a multifaceted dish as it has a rich historical background, cultural significance, and numerous health benefits. Whether enjoyed as