Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

1. From paragraph 1, What does the media do to make the obsession with youthfulness more pervasive? (line
x) Use your own words as far as possible. (2m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase/Inferred Answer

The media
articulates certain
desires that, though
long repressed, are
integral to the
Western character.
(l.2-3)

(A) It does so by expressing mans longings/yearning/impulses that have been

suppressed/held back/restrained/buried inside(1)

More brilliantly
portrayed, more
often amplified to
grotesque levels.
(l.5-6)

*Accept: inner longing, hidden impulses (adj + n)

N.B. As long as answer expresses idea of a longing being held back
(B) and representing it in an exceptional/vividly/lively manner that is
exaggerated/outlandish/bizarre (1)
*Accept as long as answer has an overall negative connotation (i.e. shows
understanding/appreciation of grotesque levels)
N.B no mark-students must express the overall manner by which the the media
does so.

2. What is the author referring to when he uses the phrase soul sickness (line 7). (1m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

A journey to its
source is a good first
step towards
understanding the
peculiar soul sickness
it often induces. (l.68)

He refers to a deep, emotional dissatisfaction / sadness / despair/ painful longing for

youth/ melancholy that growing old brings about. (1m)
Do not accept: obsession with youthfulness
N.B. The context must be expressed: soul sickness must be a result of growing
old/aging/desiring to stay young

3. According to Calasso, why is the modern world as obsessed as the Greeks were with the glory of
appearance (line 19)? Use your own words as far as possible. (2m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

Perfection of the outward

appearance was indissolubly linked
to the acceptance of a life without
redemption, without salvation,
without hope of repetition
It is only because life is
irretrievable and unrepeatable that

(A) Bound to the recognition that youth/beauty cannot be

regained/replaced.
*Must be contextualized to desire to be young/beautiful again
*Can accept best phase of their lives which can be read as youth but
not a generic phase of their lives
(B) and that we only live once.

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

the glory of appearance can reach

such intensity. (l.15-19)

N.B - do not accept direct lifts of redemption, repetition,irretrievable

4. Why does the author use abyss to describe the process of growing old? (1m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

Indeed, it may be
generating the deep
melancholy that
seems to afflict
those now leaving
youth behind. (l.
21-22)

It represents the fear of the unknown

OR
It refers to the bleakness/ despair/ anguish/ agony/ hopelessness/ ordeal/ desolation/
gloom/ depression/ inevitable doom one feels about growing old.
OR
It represents the belief that the process of ageing is like being in a state of constant
decline.
Do not accept: sadness, sorrow, misery, anxiety, fear, ageing is never-ending,
irreversible.

5. Summarise the reasons for the increasing anxiety associated with the loss of youth. Use material from
Paragraphs 3-6 and write your summary in no more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are
printed below. Use your own words as far as possible. [8]
People are increasingly anxious about the loss of youth because
Material from the passage

Suggested Answer

A A similar awareness - of the abyss lies just beneath the modern youth
obsession.

Greater fear of the unknown/emptiness (growing old)

Todays society values youthfulness very highly

B There is a fear among [baby

boomers] that the countrys social
security system will be impossible
to finance before their pensions can
be collected (l.21-24)

People approaching retirement* are afraid that the

government will be unable to provide funding/monetary
support for their retirement needs.

C The ties to family that once offered

some protection against old age and
death are even more frayed today
(l.27-28)

Blood relations/Kinship connections that used to provide

security/assurance in ones twilight years are increasingly
eroded/disintegrated/fragmented
- accept lift of family

D and the insights of modern science

are making things worse (l.28-29)

Contemporary/breakthrough/new genetic
ideas/theories/principles

*accept elderly but make note to students that passage refers to

people who are middle aged

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

exacerbate/aggravate the fear of growing old

*Technology is not accepted as a paraphrase for
science/genetics.
E The geneticist sees life not as a
6
gradual rise and fall peaking at
maturity but as a grim record of
constant, insidious decline. (l.30-31)
Our genes change and decay
through our lives (Ln 34-36)

Scientists now perceive life as a downward spiral/degeneration

of our human bodies.

F Marriage and family probably do

7
afford some buffer against the pain
8
of witnessing ones own decay
Marriages, like jobs, are less likely to
endure these days, and nobody can
9
dismiss the possibility that they
might soon be hunting for another
mate. [l.39-40, 42]

Increasing fear of ageing/loneliness

G (Media) are masters at channeling an 1

insecurity about ones sex appeal
0
into an impulse to buy things [l.3637]

Media manipulates/creates fear about a loss of youthfulness

and attractiveness/body image/good looks

H People are all single in their fantasies

as well, as the media constantly
reminds them. In a land where no
one wants to admit that they are old,
no one can admit that they are
sexually unavailable either. [l.43-46]

1
1

Persistent media messages that youthfulness is important

Accept reasonable associations of young singlehood: freedom,
independence, beauty

I The young and old now tend to see

each other as sexual and economic
competitors [l.52-53]
-answers must reflect understanding
of the distinct groups in competition

1
2

The young people and the elderly now contest/fight/ in conflict

for sexual partners/love relationships

1
3

The young people and the elderly now contest/ fight/ in

conflict for financial success/jobs/business opportunities

J Sport has always been the arena

where the consolations of age
wisdom, authority, influence, respect
count for nothing. The generations
battle it out in flesh, stripped of
any social armour and the young

1
4

(In sports competitions) young people no longer/ do not

need to show respect/deference to the elderly
OR
The young have an advantage in a physical competition

as there is an increasing incidence of matrimonial unions

breaking down/ divorce
people want to be young so they are able to attract new
partners

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

inevitable emerge victorious [l.5255]

K Yet, this stylised conflict between
old and young is
no longer limited to the ring; it has
spilled over into the stands.

1
5

L Everyone must eventually confront a 1

vast onslaught of teenagers eager to 6
bring them down [l.57-58]

and this reality is manifested in other aspects

OR
They are now rivals in all other areas

All individuals will have to face the invasion/pressure of youth

who are waiting fervently/enthusiastically to outdo/ perform
better than them

*mark repeated points with R. E.g., 1R

Points Marks Table
Points

1-2

4-5

9-10

11 <

Marks

6. At last mature enough to have real insights, they discover no one cares (line 61). Explain the irony in the
statement. (2m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

At last mature
enough to have
real insights,
they discover no
one cares.

(A) The common expectation/understanding is that older people should be respected

because experience has brought them wisdom.
(B) However, the reality today is that their very age causes them (and their views) to be
dismissed/disregarded. (1m)
*mature and insight acceptable lifts if irony is explained
*Can give 1m if there is an attempt to explain the irony and see some level of contrast
with a complete part (A) answer. If part (B) is not attempted, 0m.

7. ...stand on the verge of an exilelonging to return. (line 64) What do these phrases suggest about old age?
(2m)
(A) It suggests that growing old makes them feel left out/cast out/ banished/ marginalised/ on the periphery of
society. (1m)
(B) They yearn / desire for /regret the fact that they cannot regain their youth. (1m)

8.Explain why the modern media has difficulty reconciling the demands of the young and old (lines 82-3). [2]
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Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

The AARP... already has a profound effect

on public policy, an impact that seems
bound to increase as the AARP roster
swells. (l. 76-78)

(A) Older people form an increasing large percentage of the

market/have more say in policies
OR
Even as they have/need to cater to the old now
(Imperative must be present)
Reject: There are more old people

The artisans of the modern media will no

doubt have a harder time dissociating
themselves from the fixation on youth. (l.
79-81)
OR
Their (modern media) deeper ties to the
youth culture have led the to the brink of a
crisis... (l.81-82)

(B) They have been focused on youth-related material

OR
They cannot separate/detach themselves from societys
obsession with youth
NB: Answer should capture idea of what the media has been
producing/doing/focused on

9. Why does the writer compare modern cures with a kind of vanishing cream for the mind? Use your
words as far as possible. (2m)
From Passage

Possible Paraphrase

There is nothing scientific about this

diagnosis, but it is clear that the doctors now
treating the melancholy of those leaving youth
behind may not be more informed by science
either. We should all consider if the modern
cures for such anguish are truly necessary or
are they merely cosmetic - a kind of
vanishing cream for the mind. If the wrinkles
on a face are with us forever, then so are those
of thought, and only by seeing them clearly
for what they are can we go on with life in
something like peace.

(A) Just as vanishing creams merely conceal/remove the

signs of ageing
OR
Modern cures do not deal with the root cause of our anxiety

(B) In the same way modern cures do not deal with our lack
of acceptance of ageing /ageing is a natural process
OR
In the same way modern cures do not deal with our
obsession with looking young [1]

10. Vocabulary

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Give the meaning of the following words and phrases as they are used in the passage. You may write your
answer in one word or a short phrase.
1 mark

0 mark

epitomised (para 2)

fully captured, ideally reflected,

represented as the best standard of,
embodiment, exemplify, encapsulated

symbolised, defined,
characterised, reflected, essence

afflict (para 3)

Severely/detrimentally/badly/ negatively
affect

torture, torment, affect, trouble

palpable (para 3)

Strongly/keenly + felt/noticeable/seen,
tangible

understandable, obvious

peculiar (para 6)

unusual, strange, abnormal, odd, queer,

weird, curious

special, unique, exceptional, particular,

uncommon

clout (para7)

Power, influence, control

say, voice, dominance

*accept answers that say X and Y provided that X is the correct answer and Y does not compromise the
meaning of X. E.g., (iv) strange and unique - 1m; unique and strange - 0m; strange - 1m; unique - 0m

AQ
Jeremiah Creedon assesses the obsession with youthfulness and the fear of growing old. To what extent are
his views reflective of your societys? Justify your response with information from the passage and drawing
from your own knowledge and experience. [8]
Requirements
1. Answer must address both the obsession with youthfulness and the fear of ageing
2. Support views with reasoned argument
3. (Good scripts) Consider the perspectives of both genders
Explanation
1. Students must explain some of the issues raised in the passage: medias role in shaping perceptions, societal
institutions that ease burden of ageing are breaking down, scientific view that sees ageing as a downward
spiral, media exploitation of fears for profit, less respect for seniority today.
2. Explain how issues regarding youthfulness and ageing are dealt with in their society.

Evaluation
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JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

1. Balanced treatment of the issues.

2. Display understanding of the societal context and how it shapes attitudes towards youth and age.

AQ Analysis / Term 2 Common Test

Analysis of strengths and weaknesses
Possible range of examples to support evaluation
Sample AQ scripts
Jeremiah Creedon assesses the (R1) obsession with youthfulness and (R2) the fear of growing old. To what
extent are his views reflective of your societys? Justify your response with information from the passage and
drawing from your own knowledge and experience.
Strengths
1. Most scripts are structurally sound. Some attempt at balancing answers in the longer scripts with clear

signposting.
2. Better scripts included a framework for analysis or a brief summary of how they would proceed with
evaluation.

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Even the weakest of students show some awareness of the local context and policies (CPF, Active
aging policies, botox becoming a lifestyle choice etc) although they were not well explained or linked
to the question
4. Better students are able to evaluate their observations and explain/assess how and why these examples
prove R1/R2.
3.

Weaknesses
Lack of attention to words like fear of growing old and obsession with youthfulness. These words
deal with the outlook, perceptions, beliefs and attitudes. Evaluation centered around the words old and
youth instead; students exhibit general tendency to misread subject of a question, passage or line (eg.
presence of foreign power, greed as greatest cause) across both papers.
a.
Degree inherent in obsession was not well understood any evidence of the focus on youth/catering
to their needs was equated with obsession (eg: youth oriented TV programs, even the presence of MCYS =
obsessed with youth.)
b.
Fear of aging (an EMOTION: individuals fear of an unknown future) was perceived as aging
population and evaluation
Poor links made to R1/R2 or the question. Evaluation was carried out at a statement level (quotes
author, compares similarity/difference of that statement to society, does not link back to the broader Q
requirements)
Descriptive or prescriptive AQs. Painfully long descriptions of the problems associated with aging, or
prescribing how we should not be obsessed with youth rather than comparing relevance to society. A
sizable proportion of students wilfully disregard the question.
Poor choice of passage material engaged. Points picked from the paragraph are not reasons/outcomes
(arguments) related to the obsession with youthfulness or a fear of aging. Often, examples or illustrations
were picked (Greek culture, Baywatch, western culture)
Evaluation often does not match point picked. It is almost as if some students pick points for the sake of
showing engagement. Students appear well-trained to disagree with particular ideas in the passage, but
often chose to dispute facts, rather than beliefs (The Singaporean government is unlike the American
government and provides its people sufficient social security; In Singapore, marriages are still holding strong,
thus contradicting Creedons point).
Examples are too limited to prove point (Popularity of SK-II potions are indicative of an obsession with
youthfulness) OR are exceptions rather than the norm. (MM Lee as evidence that the old have nothing to
fear as they will still be consulted etc)
Mere listing of examples related to youth/old age rather than explaining how or why these examples prove
R1/R2. Very superficial, almost flippant or illogical conclusions made about R1/R2 from just description of
examples. (American: no pension, SG: CPF. Therefore, we wont need to fear aging)

Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Simplistic understanding of context attributing complete similarity (relevant to SG) because Singapore
also has a high degree of media penetration / attributing complete difference (not relevant to SG) because
we are an Asian society that universally adopts Confucian values.

Range of possible examples

(R1) Society is obsessed with youthfulness

Singapore is not obsessed with

youthfulness

1.

Boom of cosmetics industry/cosmetic 1. Many larger apparel retailers actually

surgery now deemed as a lifestyle cater to a diverse age range e.g.
necessity. Re-packaging of such procedures as department stores (John Little, OG, BHG
aesthetic procedures
etc.). Quintessentially youth fashion still
concentrated in Queensway Shopping
2. Reports of increasingly young consumers Centre or Far East, which are perceived as
demanding for aesthetic procedures. less up-market.
Catering of procedures to a lunchtime
crowd/botox quick fixes.
2. Magazines do cater to diverse concerns
of different age groups (e.g. Her World,
3. Aesthetic services/beauty spas now Mens Health, Silver Lining) and they
actually make up about 50-60% of most
widely available in the heartlands.
magazine titles out there.
4. Gleaming cosmetic counters occupy prime
retail space in shopping malls, whole 3. Older actors and actresses also receiving
floors/buildings dedicated to aesthetic services due recognition and acknowledgement
(Paragon, Takashimaya Level 5, Wheelock (e.g. frequent mentions in Top 10 Lists
place, Camden Medical Center etc)
during Star Awards etc.)
5. Range of available anti-aging products has
dramatically increased/ Drugstores (Watsons
and Guardian) moving away from providing
basic toiletries but including a renewed
range
of
anti-aging
products/creams/promoters
stationed
at
dedicated counters.

5. Slimming products in newspapers and

magazines also feature older clients who
are portrayed as looking good and
confident for their age

6. Vibrant Internet age has actually allowed

many more mature and older voices to be
heard, especially for social commentary
6. Aggressive promotion in the newspapers (half blogs like Mr Brown, Yawning Bread etc.
page
splashes)
on
aesthetic (i.e. the blogosphere is not simply centered
services/clinics/anti-aging products.
on Xiaxue and other teen bloggers)
7. Use of young startlets/eternally youthful
looking Mediacorp stars to advertise for antihair loss products, promote anti-aging miracle
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JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

cures. Use of aging aunties who have been

made over into stunning versions of
themselves to front ads.
8. Plastic/cosmetic surgeons hailed as local
celebrities and consulted for their opinions on
health issues (Dr Woffles Wu, Dr Georgia
Lee).
9. Photoshop/image manipulation is widely used,
and even expected.
*Points must be further explained to show how such trends indicate a shift in mindsets/beliefs about
obsession with youthfulness
(R2) Society is fearful of old age

Society is not fearful of old age

1. During financial crisis/instability - the old 1. Measures (laws/policies) in place to

are first to be retrenched. Set retirement age at reduce insecurity about aging 62 may also cause employers to lower wages
or discriminate older workers
CPF, eldershield, elderfund, medishield,
medisave
2. Increasing focus on front line/service
oriented/PR related makes image more Institution of Retirement Act, Parental
important today in business; more focus on Maintenance Act , Grandparent Caregiver tax
service rather than knowledge and experience relief (grandparents recognised as playing an
active/important role in looking after
3. Ageing population concerns: dependency grandchildren)
ratio continually decreasing--family support
less certain in future
More than $20million allocated to date since
2008 to the Golden Opportunities Fund - used
4. Fear may be related to pragmatic work- to provide funding for activities that seek to
based identity culture. Singaporeans fear old improve health, employment and lifelong
age may result in redundancy and inability to education of the elderly/those approaching
continue working (i.e. not willing to accept old age.
life of retirement or relaxation)
Lowered CPF contribution for employers
hiring elderly workers.
Promotion strategies/attempts to change
mindset about aging - Council for the Third
Age (promotes active aging, slogan for 2011:
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Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Giving
Seniors
http://www.c3a.org.sg/)

Choices

What signal do all these policies/initiatives

etc send about how we should feel when
entering old age?
2. Observations of old age being the golden
years/an enjoyable time.
simple observations of how the elderly enjoy
their retirement years by being involved in
activities at community centers/grassroots
level (morning Taiji sessions, line dancing,
karaoke competitions, block parties)
*Points must be further explained to show how such policies/trends reduce or increase fears of aging.

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Catholic Junior College

JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

COMPILED PRELIM QUESTIONS 2011

Abstract / Philosophical / History Issues
The real test of character is power, not adversity. What are your views? (AJC)
Consider the role of religion in achieving happiness. (AJC)
Manners make man. Is this true? (DHS)
Discuss the importance of image. (DHS)
Ambition is the parent of all enterprise, and the cause of all improvement. Is ambition always a
commendable and constructive thing? (HCI)
To what extent is religion a force for good? (JJC)
Slow and steady wins the race. Is this view relevant to the pursuit of success? (JJC)
There is no place for history in modern society. Discuss. (MI)
Have we become too obsessed with success in the modern world? (MI)
Adversity is the best teacher. Do you agree? (MI)
The future of humanity is bleak. Discuss. (MI)
Words matter more than numbers. Discuss (MJC)
There is nothing wrong in countries rewriting their history to suit their needs. Do you agree? (NJC)
Total honesty can destroy societies and relationships. Discuss. (NJC)
Consider the view that affluence means influence. (NJC)
Fear is good. Comment. (NYJC)
Governments have a right to censor undesirable elements of their nations history. Do you agree? (RI)
It is not only the living who are killed in war. (Asimov) Discuss. (RVHS)
How important is beauty? (RVHS)
History is nothing more than the invention of the powerful. Is this a fair comment? (SAJC)
Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today. Is this the secret to success? (TPJC)
The modern man is a lonely man. Discuss. (VJC)
Prosper thy neighbour, prosper thyself. Discuss. (YJC)
Think before you speak. How far do you agree with this statement? (YJC)
Should a challenge always be embraced? (CJC)
Originality is dead. Comment. (CJC)
Discuss the value of nostalgia in todays world.
Religion has brought nothing but conflict and destruction to our world. Comment.
Fear is good. Discuss.
Arts and Culture
In them you will find great treasures. Is this still true of books today? (AJC)
The Arts have the power to influence perception, opinion and values. Can the Arts really be so powerful?
(DHS)
Meaningless noise from talentless people manufactured by calculating corporations for purely commercial
gain. Is this a fair assessment of popular music today? (HCI)
Explore the view that art and science have much more in common than most people imagine. (HCI)
Appreciation of the arts is only relevant to the affluent. Comment. (JJC)
Examine the claim that museums are undervalued in todays world. (MJC)
Young people today pay far too much attention to fashion. How far do you agree? (NJC)
One should not underestimate the significance of Literature. Do you agree? (NYJC)
Is it necessary for a country to invest in its artists? (NYJC)
Art is I; science is we. (Claude Bernard) Which has done more to unify societies, science or art? (RVHS)
Is there a place for poetry in todays world? (RVHS)
Do you agree that the arts allow us to understand the world better? (SAJC)
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JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Should multilingualism be encouraged in our world today? (TPJC)

How important is it for music to be controversial in order to be relevant? (VJC)
Is self-expression the primary purpose of art in todays world? (CJC)
Movies are fun but useless. Comment.

Media / Celebrity
Is fame more of a blessing or a curse? (AJC)
The internet promotes democracy. Is this really true? (JJC)
Social media brings more harm than good. What are your views? (MI)
What we say on online social media has no value. Discuss. (MJC)
Our fascination with fame and celebrities is having a negative impact on our fundamental values. Do you
agree? (NJC)
In this new media era, censorship is needed now more than ever. Do you agree? (NYJC)
To what extent has new media changed the face of human interaction? (RI)
Advertisements truly reflect what a society desires. Do you agree? (RI)
Can we tell the ideals of a nation by its advertisements? (RVHS)
Is objective reporting ever possible? (SAJC)
To what extent does the media have a negative impact on youths today? (SRJC)
To what extent is the new media a revolutionary tool? (TPJC)
Can computer gaming be anything more than entertainment? (TPJC)
Do the media always act in the interest of the public? (VJC)
These days anyone can become a celebrity. Discuss (YJC)
To what extent do celebrities deserve the media attention they receive? (CJC)
What we say on online social media has no value. Discuss.
Brands now dictate consumer choice. Do you agree?
Science, Technology and Medicine/Health
To what extent has the pursuit of profits dominated science? (AJC)
To what extent are health problems by man today of his own doing? (AJC)
Should the government regulate scientific research and development? (DHS)
Scientists have taken the world apart but have no idea what to do with the pieces. Discuss (HCI)
Explore the view that art and science have much more in common than most people imagine. (HCI)
Should technology be blamed for all privacy threats? (JJC)
Technology is the key for mankinds long term survival. Do you agree? (MJC)
To what extent should people be concerned with the ethical implications of scientific research? (NJC)
Art is I; science is we. (Claude Bernard) Which has done more to unify societies, science or art? (RVHS)
Profit or perish. Is this an accurate statement about the state of science today? (RVHS)
Do you agree that science only brings out the worst in mankind? (SAJC)
Medical science brings about too many problems. Discuss. (SRJC)
Technology threatens the family. Do you agree? (SRJC)
Mans mistakes are more than sufficient reason to discard scientific research and inventions. Discuss. (TPJC)
Medical science makes our lives better, but also much more complicated. Do you agree? (VJC)
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JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

Technology enables us to do more with less. Discuss. (YJC)

To what extent is the individual responsible for his own health? (CJC)
Medical science overpromises and under delivers. How far do you agree? (CJC)
Modern technology addresses our human desires rather than our needs? Discuss.
To what extent are the healthcare problems faced by man today of his own doing?
Modern technology has not made us wiser. What is your view?
Inequality, Poverty and Global Development
Has enough been done to solve the food crisis? (AJC)
The problems of survival for mankind have never been so great as they are today. Is this a fair comment?
(JJC)
The rich should shoulder more of the poors burden. To what extent is this true? (MI)
It the total elimination of equality a realistic aim? (NJC)
'A diverse society is better than a homogeneous one.' Discuss. (NYJC)
The world thrives on economic inequalities. Do you agree? (RVHS)
Idealism brings poverty; realism brings wealth. Discuss. (SAJC)
Men rather than women face greater challenges. Is this true today? (SAJC)
Is equality for all a realistic aim? (SRJC)
We are closer to world peace than we think. Do you agree? (TPJC)
An economic crisis is nothing but a reflection of greed and excesses. How true is this? (YJC)
To what extent have we risen above prejudices? Discuss in relation to gender or race. (YJC)
Do disasters really bring out the best in people? (CJC)
The key to solving global problems lies in water security. Comment.
We are getting poorer as we become richer. To what extent is this true?
Has our quality of life really improved with time?

Globalization and National Issues

Geography is destiny. How far is this true? (DHS)
Efforts to reconcile differences are mere symbolic gestures. How far is this true in the world today? (JJC)
Global cooperation is unrealistic and a waste of time. What is your view? (NJC)
Immigrants are a necessary evil. How true is this of your society? (NJC)
For a small country, cooperation not competition is the key to survival in today's world. Comment. (NYJC)
The prospect of a global village is a depressing one. Discuss. (RI)
How far are our problems interconnected in a globalised world? (SRJC)
The bigger, the better. How true is this in international relations? (SRJC)
Can small countries play a significant role in todays globalised world? (TPJC)
Tourism is not necessarily the best way to showcase a country. Comment. (VJC)
Citizens first. Can countries continue to cling to such a mindset in an increasingly globalised world? (VJC)
Would it matter if there were no borders between countries? (YJC)
Is migration more of a blessing or a curse?
Is international cooperation possible in the world today?
The benefits of migration are overrated. Do you agree?
Environment (Broadly)
How far can we protect the earth when the worldwide demand for natural resources is increasing? (AJC)
Consider the view that we need to radically change our eating habits if we are serious about saving the planet.
(HCI)
To what extent can a government be responsible for environmental protection? (MJC)
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JC2 General Paper Common Test 2011

How far can science and technology be relied upon to solve our environmental problems? (NYJC)
Can national nuclear programmes ever be justified? (RI)
Discuss the view that the environment can only be saved through the efforts of developed nations. (RI)
The growth of eco-tourism is a threat to the environment. Discuss. (SAJC)
Should environmental conservation be the top priority of governments? (SRJC)
Food safety should be the responsibility of the producers alone. Is this a fair comment? (SRJC)
What we need to do is to get the common man on board, otherwise the environment is doomed. Do you
agree? (TPJC)
How important is it to pay attention to where our food comes from? (CJC)
Can green efforts be anything more than token gestures? (CJC)
Should clean energy be a priority for all countries?
Consider the view that we need to radically change our eating habits if we are serious about saving the world.
The government, not the people, should be responsible for protecting the environment. Do you agree?
Education
To what extent have educational priorities changed to meet the needs of the modern world? (DHS)
Do you agree with the view that educational qualifications are a very unreliable measure of a person's true
abilities? (HCI)
Education empowers. How far do you agree? (JJC)
Education solves problems but creates new ones. To what extent is this true in todays society?
Should education be a profit-seeking business? (MJC)
The educated are truly free. Do you agree? (NYC)
Education should be concerned with character development rather than achievement. Discuss. (RI)
School stifles the imagination more than it evokes curiosity. Do you agree? (VJC)
Is education for all a realistic aim?
Family and Youth
Young people are unable to cope with anxiety. Is this true of the modern world? (JJC)
Is marriage necessary when people are becoming more liberal? (MI)
Discuss the value of pain for young people today. (MJC)
Is ageing gracefully still possible? (DHS)
How far is ageing gracefully possible in todays society? (MJC)
An unhappy marriage is best resolved with a divorce. Comment. (RI)
A happy marriage does not depend on having children. Is this true? (RVHS)
Are the young people today prepared to shoulder the burdens of tomorrow? (RVHS)
Technology threatens the family. Do you agree? (SRJC)
Young people today no longer appreciate the simple pleasures in life. How far is this true? (TPJC)
Men should marry as late as possible; women should marry as soon as possible. Is this sound advice? (VJC)
Is the increasing trend of singlehood in developed countries a cause for concern?

Politics, Governance and Security

In a world where we are constantly watched, there is nothing to fear. Do you agree? (AJC)
How far should the views of the people influence political decisions? (AJC)
Do wars ever settle anything? (DHS)
Is democracy the panacea to modernitys ills? (DHS)

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'It is better to be feared than loved.' (Machiavelli) Discuss the wisdom of this advice where politics is
concerned. (HCI)
You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake. Discuss. (HCI)
How far should public opinion in your society be regulated by the state? (JJC)
Is the elimination of terrorism a realistic aim? (MI)
Does war bring out the best of the worst in man? (MJC)
How important is charisma for leaders to succeed in todays world? (MJC)
Political dissent is needed for a society to progress. What is your view? (NJC)
Only when people accept the authority of the state and the security it provides, do they gain freedom. Do
you agree with this view? (NJC)
It is of no concern to the public what a politician does in his private life. Discuss. (RI)
Should war be fought for humanitarian reasons? (SAJC)
A good government is one which satisfies the desires of its people. Do you agree? (SRJC)
Is it justifiable for democracy to be imposed by force? (TPJC)
To what extent has democracy created a more progressive world? (YJC)
How far can our leaders be trusted to do what is right? (CJC)
How far should the views of the people influence political decisions?
To what extent is freedom of speech an ideal?
We have guide missiles but misguided men. Discuss.
Urban Lifestyles / Work and Business
Will restricting the growth of cities improve the quality of life?
Profit-making cannot be the sole concern of businesses today. Do you agree? (NYJC)
How far do you agree that life is better enjoyed when we slow down? (SAJC)
To what extent should businesses be socially responsible? (SAJC)
There is no pleasure in work. Discuss. (TPJC)
Is the city still worth living in despite the cost involved? (VJC)
Should play have more of a place in modern society? (CJC)
Crime and Punishment
To what extent is the imposition of extremely harsh punishments an acceptable way to combat crime? (HCI)
How far do you agree that punishment is effective in combating crime? (MI)
Capital punishment should be abolished. Discuss. (NYJC)
Should justice be pursued at all costs? (SAJC)
Forgive and forget. Should this be the attitude we adopt towards criminals? (SRJC)
Should we reconsider the relevance of capital punishment in modern society? (VJC)
Sport
There is too much attention on sport today. Do you agree? (DHS)
A successful sports scene is solely about the winning of medals. Discuss. (RI)
How far do you agree that sport has lost its ideals? (YJC)

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Catholic Junior College

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Singapore / Your Society

Discuss the impact of the Internet on politics in your country. (AJC)
To what extent is social inequality a problem in your country? (AJC)
Unprepared for the modern world. How true is this of the young people in your society? (DHS)
How urgent are population challenges in your society today? (DHS)
How far can ordinary Singaporeans be held responsible for their countrys environmental problems? (HCI)
We are becoming poorer as we are getting richer. To what extent does this observation apply to your own
country? (HCI)
Change should be embraced and not feared. Is this true in your society? (JJC)
How important is sports in the shaping of the future of your society? (MI)
Individual rights must always be sacrificed for the good of the majority. How far is this true in your society?
(MI)
The passionate pursuit of sports makes little sense for young people in Singapore. Discuss. (MJC)
Singapores economy has grown, but people are not living better lives. To what extent do you agree? (MJC)
Graciousness is a lost virtue amongst Singaporeans. Is this a fair comment? (NJC)
The golden years is a myth. Is this true of old age in your society? (NYJC)
National identity has become irrelevant in today's world. Discuss with reference to your society. (NYJC)
It has been said that Singapore is economically First World but socially Third World. What is your view? (RI)
Is it ever justified to spend large amounts of public money on national defence? Discuss this with reference to
your country. (RI)
The principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things. Has education
accomplished this goal in your society? (RVHS)
Is cultural change in your country a source of optimism or pessimism? (RVHS)
Singapore is an enviable country but not an admirable one. Discuss. (RVHS)
To what extent do young people in your society take a real interest in politics? (SAJC)
The Arts is only for the rich. How far is this true of your society? (SRJC )
How important is imagination in your society? (SRJC)
How effective are campaigns in changing the attitudes of people in your society? (TPJC)
Are the elderly in your society really valued? (VJC)
Would it matter if cars were banned in your country? (VJC)
Consider the view that the youth in your society today have an opinion on everything but a passion for
nothing. (YJC)
Language can unite and divide. How true is this in your society? (YJC)
How far does the arts scene preserve the culture and traditions of your society? (YJC)
The needs of many always outweigh the needs of a the few. How true is this in your society? (CJC)
Consider the importance of foreign talent in your society.
Work-life balance is unrealistic in todays world. How far is this true of your country?
How far does the arts scene preserve the culture and traditions of your country?
Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the arts. How far is this true of Singapore?
Money is everything. Is this true in your society?

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