Secondary 4 Social Studies Preliminary Examination Paper 1

Answer Key & Marking Scheme - Prelim Version 1

Section A: Structured Response

Question 1 (7 marks) - Managing Digital Divide

• Marking Framework:
  • L1 (1-3m): Generic suggestions (e.g., "give more tablets").
  • L2 (4-7m): Reasoned solutions grounded in the context of Extract 2.
• Expected Response: Students should suggest targeted interventions. For example, establishing "Digital Help-Desks" in rental blocks to provide face-to-face guidance, or providing subsidized devices for low-income households. The explanation must link back to the "overwhelmed" feeling of seniors mentioned in the extract.

Question 2 (8 marks) - Government vs. Community Groups

• Marking Framework:
  • L1 (1-4m): One-sided argument or simple description of roles.
  • L2 (5-8m): Balanced evaluation of the complementary roles of both actors.
• Expected Response:
  • Government Role: Essential for large-scale infrastructure (broadband) and funding (Extract 1).
  • Community Role: Essential for "last-mile" delivery, providing emotional support and personalized tutoring that government programs may lack (Extract 2).
  • Conclusion: Both are interdependent; the government provides the "hardware" (policy/funds), while community groups provide the "software" (trust/human touch).

Question 3 (5 marks) - Specific Training for Elderly

• Marking Framework:
  • L1 (1-2m): Simple answer (e.g., "some don't have kids").
  • L2 (3-5m): Nuanced explanation regarding the "digital gap" and social isolation.
• Expected Response: Not all seniors have supportive family members (nuclear families/living alone). Furthermore, professional training is structured and patient, whereas family members may become frustrated, leading to a further decline in the senior's confidence.

Section B: Evaluative Essay

Question 4 (15 marks) - Preparedness for Globalised Security

• Marking Framework:
  • Agreement (5-7m): Use Source B (SGSecure) and Source D (CCTV/Police) to show readiness in community vigilance and physical security.
  • Disagreement/Nuance (5-7m): Use Source A (Encrypted apps/Recruitment) to show that threats evolve faster than traditional security, and Source C to show that Singapore cannot do it alone (dependence on international cooperation).
  • Conclusion (1-2m): A qualified judgment (e.g., "Largely prepared in terms of physical infrastructure, but remains vulnerable to the evolving nature of cyber-recruitment").

Question 5 (15 marks) - Preventive vs. Responsive Measures

• Marking Framework:
  • Preventive (Source B, C): Focus on intelligence, community reporting, and international cooperation. Argument: Stops attacks before they happen, reducing casualties.
  • Responsive (Source D): Focus on CCTV, police presence, and rapid reaction. Argument: Necessary to minimize damage once an attack has begun and acts as a deterrent.
  • Synthesis/Judgment: Students must argue that while responsive measures are the "last line of defense," preventive measures are more "important" because they address the root cause and prevent the trauma of an actual event. However, in a small city-state like Singapore, the lack of strategic depth makes responsive measures equally critical.