Secondary 4 Social Studies Preliminary Examination Paper 1

TuitionGoWhere Exam Practice (AI) - Social Studies Secondary 4 PRELIM Practice Paper

School: TuitionGoWhere Secondary School (AI)
Subject: Social Studies
Level: Secondary 4
Paper: PRELIM Practice Paper (Version 1 of 5)
Duration: 60 minutes
Total Marks: 60
Name: ___________________________
Class: ____________
Date: ____________

Instructions

• This paper contains 20 questions in three sections.
• Section A: 5 short source-based questions (2 marks each)
• Section B: 10 structured explanation questions (3 marks each)
• Section C: 5 essay-explanation questions (7 marks each)
• Use the provided sources and your own knowledge where asked.
• Write your answers in the spaces provided.

---

Section A (Questions 1–5) [10 marks]

1. Study Source A below. What does the writer mean by "active citizenship"? [2]

Source A:
"In Singapore, being a citizen is not just about holding a pink IC. Active citizenship means people take part in community projects and speak up on public issues."

---

2. Source B states that the government "maintains law and order". Give one example of this role. [2]

Source B:
"The government makes laws and ensures they are followed. It maintains law and order so that people can live safely."

---

3. From Source C, identify one challenge of diversity mentioned. [2]

Source C:
"In a diverse society, groups may compete for limited resources such as housing and jobs, leading to tension."

---

4. Source D says globalisation brings "economic vulnerability". What does this term suggest? [2]

Source D:
"Globalisation connects our economy to the world. This brings economic vulnerability as a downturn overseas can affect Singapore jobs."

---

5. According to Source E, what is one principle of governance? [2]

Source E:
"Good leadership and meritocracy are important principles so that the best people serve the country and all have opportunities."

---

---

Section B (Questions 6–15) [30 marks]

6. Explain why trade-offs are necessary in governance using one example. [3]

---

7. Source F and Source G below show different views on government help for the poor. Explain one way they disagree. [3]

Source F: "The government gives enough financial aid to the poor through ComCare."
Source G: "Many low-income families still struggle as aid does not cover rising costs."

---

8. Explain how integration differs from assimilation in a diverse society. [3]

---

9. Using Source H, explain how citizens can work with the government for a greener Singapore. [3]

Source H:
"Citizens joined the OneMillionTrees movement planting trees, while NParks provided saplings and land."

---

10. Explain one effect of stereotypes on harmony in a diverse society. [3]

---

11. Source I and Source J are about globalisation. How far do they agree that globalisation creates jobs? Explain. [3]

Source I: "MNCs in Singapore hire locals and foreigners, creating employment."
Source J: "Globalisation opens jobs but some local workers lose out when firms move overseas."

---

12. Explain why reliability of a source depends on its author. [3]

---

13. Study Source K. Explain whether it is useful for understanding youth views on national service. [3]

Source K: A 2023 survey by a youth club of 200 members on their thoughts about NS.

---

14. Explain one challenge of becoming a Smart Nation using Source L. [3]

Source L:
"Elderly residents may lack digital skills, making online services hard to use without help."

---

15. Explain how a sense of belonging can be strengthened by community groups. [3]

---

---

Section C (Questions 16–20) [20 marks]

16. "'Singapore is prepared for a potential terrorist attack.' Using Sources M and N, explain how far you agree with this statement. [7]

Source M: "Since 2002, Singapore runs Exercise Northstar with neighbours to test emergency response to attacks."
Source N: "A 2018 report noted gaps in coordination between agencies during a simulated attack."

---

17. Extracts 1 and 2 reflect on the roles of citizens and government in building an inclusive society. Do you think citizens play a bigger role than the government? Explain using the extracts. [7]

Extract 1: "Grassroots groups organise outings for disabled residents to build friendship."
Extract 2: "The government launched Enabling Masterplan to support persons with disabilities."

---

18. "'Globalisation is a force for good.' Using sources in this paper, explain how far you agree. [7]

(Refer to Sources D, I, J, L as needed.)

---

19. Study Sources O and P. How similar are they in their view of meritocracy? Explain. [7]

Source O: "Meritocracy ensures hard work is rewarded with opportunities for all."
Source P: "Critics say meritocracy favours those with family wealth who can afford tuition."

---

20. "'The government alone cannot ensure social harmony.' Using Sources C, G, and your knowledge, explain how far you agree. [7]

---