Secondary 4 Social Studies Preliminary Examination Paper 1

TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Social Studies Secondary 4

Marking Scheme & Answer Key (Version 1)

Subject: Social Studies
Level: Secondary 4
Paper: Issue 3 – Being Part of a Globalised World
Total Marks: 60

General Marking Principles

• L1 (Basic): Simple statements, lack of explanation, or irrelevant points.
• L2 (Developing): Clear points with some explanation, but may lack depth or specific examples.
• L3 (Proficient): Well-explained points with relevant examples/evidence. Logical flow.
• L4 (Advanced): Comprehensive, balanced, and nuanced arguments. Strong use of concepts and context.

Section A: Structured Explanations (20 Marks)

1. Explain two reasons why MNCs are attracted to set up operations in Less Developed Countries (LDCs). [4]

• Reason 1: Lower Cost of Production. LDCs often have lower labour costs and cheaper land/raw materials. This allows MNCs to reduce production costs and increase profit margins. [2]
• Reason 2: Access to New Markets. LDCs have growing populations and emerging middle classes. Setting up locally allows MNCs to tap into these new consumer bases and avoid import tariffs. [2] (Award 1 mark for identifying the reason, 1 mark for explanation. Max 4 marks.)

2. Explain two ways in which globalisation makes Singapore’s economy vulnerable to external shocks. [4]

• Vulnerability 1: Dependence on Trade. Singapore is a small, open economy heavily reliant on exports. A global recession or drop in demand in key markets (e.g., US, China) directly impacts Singapore’s GDP and employment. [2]
• Vulnerability 2: Supply Chain Disruptions. Globalisation means Singapore relies on imports for food, energy, and raw materials. Disruptions elsewhere (e.g., war, pandemic) can cause shortages and inflation in Singapore. [2] (Award 1 mark for identifying the vulnerability, 1 mark for explanation. Max 4 marks.)

3. Explain two impacts of digital technology on the spread of culture across borders. [4]

• Impact 1: Cultural Homogenisation. Digital platforms (e.g., Netflix, TikTok) spread dominant cultures (often Western) globally. This can lead to the dilution of local traditions and values as people adopt global trends. [2]
• Impact 2: Cultural Hybridisation/Exchange. Digital technology allows for the easy sharing of diverse cultures. People can learn about and appreciate different traditions, leading to a blend of local and global elements (e.g., K-Pop popularity in the West). [2] (Award 1 mark for identifying the impact, 1 mark for explanation. Max 4 marks.)

4. Explain two measures the Singapore government has taken to protect the nation from transnational terrorism. [4]

• Measure 1: Legislative Frameworks. Laws like the Internal Security Act (ISA) allow for the detention of individuals involved in terrorist activities without trial to prevent imminent threats. [2]
• Measure 2: Community Engagement (SGSecure). The government encourages citizens to be vigilant, report suspicious activities, and strengthen community cohesion to deny terrorists the social support they seek. [2] (Award 1 mark for identifying the measure, 1 mark for explanation. Max 4 marks.)

5. Explain two ways individuals can acquire knowledge and skills to remain relevant in a globalised economy. [4]

• Way 1: Lifelong Learning. Individuals can pursue further education, attend workshops, or take online courses to upgrade their skills (e.g., digital literacy, coding) to match changing job requirements. [2]
• Way 2: Adaptability and Soft Skills. Individuals can develop transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural understanding, which are valued in global workplaces and less likely to be automated. [2] (Award 1 mark for identifying the way, 1 mark for explanation. Max 4 marks.)

Section B: Source-Based Opinion & Analysis (20 Marks)

6. Refer to Extract A. In your opinion, why is it difficult for Singapore to "close its doors" to globalisation? Explain your answer. [5]

• Level 1 (1-2 marks): States that Singapore is small or needs trade. Limited explanation.
• Level 2 (3-4 marks): Explains that Singapore lacks natural resources and relies on trade for survival. Mentions that closing doors would hurt the economy.
• Level 3 (5 marks): Clearly explains that Singapore’s economic model is built on being a global hub (ports, finance, connectivity). "Closing doors" would cut off essential imports (food, energy) and exports (services, goods), leading to economic collapse. It also isolates Singapore from global innovation and opportunities. The extract highlights that connectivity brings wealth; removing it removes the source of prosperity.

7. Refer to Extract B. In your opinion, is the concern about the "erosion of local identity" justified? Explain your answer. [5]

• Level 1 (1-2 marks): Agrees or disagrees without strong reasoning.
• Level 2 (3-4 marks): Acknowledges that global media influences youth. Mentions that language use is changing.
• Level 3 (5 marks): Provides a balanced view. The concern is partially justified because exposure to global media can dilute traditional practices and language proficiency among youth. However, it is not fully justified because Singapore actively promotes national identity through education, National Day celebrations, and heritage preservation. Globalisation can also allow Singaporeans to share their culture globally, strengthening pride. The "erosion" is a risk, but not an inevitability if managed well.

8. Using Extract A and Extract B, explain how far you agree with the statement: "The benefits of globalisation outweigh the costs for Singapore." [10]

• Marking Rubric:

  • L1 (1-3 marks): One-sided argument. Lists benefits or costs without evaluation. Little use of sources.
  • L2 (4-6 marks): Presents both benefits and costs. Uses sources to support points. Conclusion is present but may be weak or unbalanced.
  • L3 (7-8 marks): Balanced argument. Evaluates the significance of benefits vs. costs. Uses both sources effectively. Clear conclusion.
  • L4 (9-10 marks): Sophisticated evaluation. Weighs the long-term necessity of benefits (economic survival) against the manageable nature of costs (identity/security). Strong synthesis of sources and own knowledge. Nuanced conclusion.

• Suggested Answer Structure:

  • Agreement (Benefits outweigh costs):
    • Economic Survival (Extract A): Globalisation provides the wealth and opportunities Singapore needs. Without it, Singapore cannot sustain its high standard of living. The "connectivity" mentioned in Extract A is the lifeline of the nation.
    • Access to Resources: As a resource-scarce nation, Singapore needs global trade for food, water, and energy. The cost of isolation is existential.
  • Disagreement (Costs are significant):
    • Security Risks (Extract A): The extract notes that viruses, financial crises, and terrorism can "quickly reach our shores." These costs can be devastating (e.g., pandemic impact).
    • Social/Cultural Costs (Extract B): The erosion of identity and social cohesion can weaken the national fabric. If Singaporeans lose their sense of belonging, the society becomes fragmented, which is a high social cost.
  • Conclusion:
    • I agree to a large extent that benefits outweigh costs. While the costs (security, identity) are real and serious, they are manageable through government policies (e.g., SGSecure, heritage promotion). The benefits (economic survival, prosperity) are essential and non-negotiable for Singapore’s existence. Therefore, the benefits are more significant because they underpin the nation’s viability, whereas the costs are challenges to be mitigated.

Section C: Evaluative Essays (20 Marks)

9. "Globalisation is a force for good." Using your knowledge of Social Studies, explain how far you agree with this statement. [10]

• Marking Rubric: Same as Q8.
• Suggested Answer Points:
  • Agree (Force for Good):
    • Economic Growth: Creates jobs, raises living standards, allows access to cheaper goods.
    • Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding, tolerance, and access to diverse ideas/art.
    • Cooperation: Enables international collaboration on global issues (climate change, health).
  • Disagree (Not entirely good/Negative Impacts):
    • Inequality: Wealth gap may widen within and between countries. MNCs may exploit workers in LDCs.
    • Loss of Sovereignty/Identity: Local cultures may be overwhelmed by dominant global cultures. Nations may lose control over their economic policies.
    • Security Threats: Facilitates spread of terrorism, cybercrime, and diseases.
  • Conclusion:
    • Globalisation is a double-edged sword. It is a force for good in terms of economic opportunity and connectivity, but it brings significant challenges. Whether it is "good" depends on how well governments and individuals manage the downsides. For Singapore, it is net positive but requires constant vigilance.

10. "Singapore is fully prepared to face the security challenges of a globalised world." Using your knowledge of Social Studies, explain how far you agree with this statement. [10]

• Marking Rubric: Same as Q8.
• Suggested Answer Points:
  • Agree (Prepared):
    • Strong Defence: SAF is well-equipped and trained. National Service ensures a reserve force.
    • Intelligence & Policing: ISD and Police work closely with international partners to track threats.
    • Community Resilience: SGSecure movement educates citizens to be vigilant and resilient.
    • Cybersecurity: CSA (Cyber Security Agency) protects critical infrastructure.
  • Disagree (Not fully prepared/Challenges remain):
    • Unpredictability: Terrorist tactics evolve (e.g., lone-wolf attacks, cyber-attacks) which are hard to predict.
    • Resource Constraints: Singapore is small; a major attack could cause disproportionate damage.
    • Human Factor: Complacency among citizens can undermine security measures.
    • Interdependence: Singapore’s security is linked to regional stability; conflicts nearby can spill over.
  • Conclusion:
    • Singapore is well-prepared compared to many nations, with robust systems in place. However, "fully prepared" is an absolute term that is hard to achieve given the evolving nature of threats (e.g., cyber, bio-security). Singapore is continuously adapting its preparedness, but there is always room for improvement. Thus, I agree to a moderate extent – we are prepared, but must never be complacent.