Secondary 4 Social Studies Preliminary Examination Paper 3

TuitionGoWhere Practice Paper - Social Studies Secondary 4

Answer Key & Marking Scheme (Version 3)

Subject: Social Studies
Topic: Issue 3 - Being Part of a Globalised World (Essay Explanation)
Total Marks: 60

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Section A: Short Structured Responses (3 marks each)

1. Define ‘globalisation’ in the context of economic interconnectedness.

• 1 mark: Definition of globalisation as the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.
• 1 mark: Specific reference to economic aspects (e.g., flow of goods, services, capital, labor).
• 1 mark: Clarity and accuracy of expression.
• Sample Answer: Globalisation is the process where countries become increasingly interconnected through the free flow of goods, services, capital, and labor across borders, leading to a single global market.

2. State two driving forces of globalisation.

• 1.5 marks for each correct force.
• Acceptable Answers: Technological advancements (transport/communication), Liberalization of trade policies, Growth of MNCs, Internet/Digital technology.

3. Explain one way technological advancements facilitated cultural globalisation.

• 1 mark: Identification of technology (e.g., social media, streaming services).
• 1 mark: Explanation of mechanism (e.g., instant access to foreign movies/music).
• 1 mark: Link to cultural spread (e.g., adoption of foreign trends/values).
• Sample Answer: Social media platforms like TikTok allow users to instantly share and view cultural trends from around the world. This exposes Singaporeans to foreign lifestyles and values, leading to the adoption of global cultural practices.

4. Identify one potential economic vulnerability Singapore faces.

• 1 mark: Identification of vulnerability.
• 2 marks: Explanation of why it is a vulnerability.
• Sample Answer: Dependence on global supply chains. If a major supplier faces a disruption (e.g., pandemic, war), Singapore may face shortages of essential goods or components for its industries, causing economic slowdown.

5. Distinguish between ‘economic growth’ and ‘economic vulnerability’.

• 1.5 marks: Definition/Explanation of Economic Growth (increase in GDP/output).
• 1.5 marks: Definition/Explanation of Economic Vulnerability (susceptibility to external shocks).
• Sample Answer: Economic growth refers to an increase in the production of goods and services in a country. Economic vulnerability refers to the risk that an economy faces due to external factors, such as a global recession, which can reverse that growth.

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Section B: Source-Based Short Essays

6. Based on Extract A, explain why Singapore’s economic structure makes it susceptible to external shocks. [4]

• 1 mark: Cites evidence from Extract A (trade volume > 3x GDP).
• 1 mark: Explains dependence on external demand.
• 1 mark: Links to impact of recessions in major economies (US/China).
• 1 mark: Concludes with impact on local business/employment.
• Key Point: High trade-to-GDP ratio means Singapore’s economy is an extension of the global economy; thus, external downturns directly translate to local downturns.

7. Using Extract B, discuss one benefit and one challenge of globalisation for the local workforce. [4]

• 2 marks: Benefit (Access to specialized skills allows scaling/efficiency).
• 2 marks: Challenge (Increased competition for local jobs/talent).
• Note: Must reference Extract B.

8. Explain two ways Singaporeans have responded to preserve local culture. [6]

• 3 marks per way:
  • 1 mark: Identification of response.
  • 2 marks: Explanation/Example.
• Possible Responses:
  1. Celebration of Heritage Festivals: Actively participating in Racial Harmony Day or heritage festivals to keep traditions alive.
  2. Support for Local Arts/Cuisine: Patronizing local hawker centers (UNESCO recognized) or local films to sustain cultural industries.
  3. Education: Schools teaching Mother Tongue languages and cultural values to ensure transmission to the next generation.

9. Explain how "SkillsFuture" helps individuals manage challenges of economic globalisation. [5]

• 1 mark: Identifies the challenge (job displacement/obsolescence due to global competition/tech).
• 2 marks: Explains SkillsFuture (lifelong learning, subsidies for courses).
• 2 marks: Links to outcome (upskilling/reskilling makes workers adaptable and competitive in a global market).

10. "MNCs only benefit... while SMEs suffer." To what extent do you agree? [6]

• Level 1 (1-2 marks): One-sided argument.
• Level 2 (3-4 marks): Balanced but lacks depth.
• Level 3 (5-6 marks): Balanced, well-explained, uses economic reasoning.
• Key Arguments:
  • Agree: MNCs have economies of scale, can undercut SMEs.
  • Disagree: MNCs create supply chain opportunities for SMEs (vendors); SMEs can niche-specialize; Globalisation allows SMEs to export via digital platforms.
  • Conclusion: MNCs benefit significantly, but SMEs can also benefit if they adapt; it is not a zero-sum game.

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Section C: Extended Response Questions (10 marks each)

Marking Rubric for Section C:

• 7-10 marks (High): Balanced argument, clear stance, substantial use of knowledge/examples, logical structure.
• 4-6 marks (Medium): Some balance, relevant points but limited explanation, or one-sided with good explanation.
• 1-3 marks (Low): Limited relevance, descriptive only, or lack of structure.

11. "Economic globalisation has done more harm than good for Singapore’s society." [10]

• Good Response Structure:
  • Introduction: Define globalisation; state that it has brought both benefits and challenges.
  • Benefits (Good): Access to wider markets (exports), lower prices for consumers (imports), job creation by MNCs, access to global talent.
  • Harms (Bad): Income inequality (wage gap between skilled/unskilled), job insecurity (retrenchments during global crises), cost of living increases.
  • Evaluation: Weigh the two. Argue that while harms exist, the government mitigates them (taxes, welfare, jobs credits), and the overall standard of living has risen.
  • Conclusion: Disagree to a large extent; the benefits outweigh the harms if managed well.

12. "Singapore is fully prepared to handle the security threats posed by a globalised world." [10]

• Good Response Structure:
  • Introduction: Acknowledge threats (terrorism, cyber).
  • Preparedness (Agree): Strong intelligence (ISA), community vigilance (SGSecure), robust cyber defense (CSA), international cooperation (Interpol, ASEAN).
  • Limitations (Disagree): Threats are evolving (lone wolves, deepfakes), small size makes it a soft target, cannot control external radicalization sources.
  • Evaluation: "Fully" is a strong word. Singapore is highly prepared but never fully immune due to the unpredictable nature of global threats.
  • Conclusion: Agree to a moderate extent; preparedness is high but requires constant adaptation.

13. "The spread of global culture... threatens Singapore’s multi-racial harmony." [10]

• Good Response Structure:
  • Risks (Agree): Clash of values (e.g., liberal vs. conservative religious views), erosion of traditional respect, potential for offensive content causing racial/religious friction.
  • Opportunities (Disagree): Exposure fosters understanding, shared global identity can bridge local divides, platforms for inter-racial dialogue.
  • Evaluation: The threat exists but is managed through laws (POFMA, maintenance of racial harmony) and education. Global culture can also unify youth across races.
  • Conclusion: Disagree; it poses challenges but does not necessarily threaten harmony if citizens are media-literate and respectful.

14. "Individuals have a more important role than the government..." [10]

• Good Response Structure:
  • Individual Role: Adaptability, lifelong learning, financial prudence, community support. Without individual effort, government policies fail.
  • Government Role: Creating the framework (education, infrastructure), safety nets (ComCare, CDC vouchers), negotiating trade deals, regulating MNCs. Individuals cannot fix systemic global shocks alone.
  • Evaluation: Interdependence. Government sets the stage; individuals act. Government role is arguably more important in setting direction and protecting the vulnerable, but individual agency is crucial for success.
  • Conclusion: Disagree; both are critical, but government provides the essential stability and opportunities that enable individuals to succeed.

15. "Globalisation makes it impossible for small nations... to protect their national interests." [10]

• Good Response Structure:
  • Argument for Impossibility: Vulnerable to larger powers’ dictates, MNCs can bypass laws, global norms may conflict with local values.
  • Argument for Possibility: Small nations can punch above weight (diplomacy, niche expertise), form alliances (ASEAN, EU), attract MNCs by offering stability/rule of law (leveraging globalisation). Singapore protects interests by being useful to the world.
  • Evaluation: It is difficult, not impossible. Strategic diplomacy and internal resilience allow small nations to safeguard interests.
  • Conclusion: Disagree; it requires smarter, more active diplomacy, but protection of national interest is achievable.

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Section D: Case Study Application

16. Suggest two measures to support local manufacturers. [6]

• 3 marks per measure:
  • Measure 1: Grants/Subsidies for automation/technology adoption. Explanation: Lowers production costs, making them competitive against cheap imports.
  • Measure 2: "Buy Local" campaigns or government procurement preferences. Explanation: Guarantees market demand, allowing SMEs to sustain operations while improving efficiency.

17. How can youth critically evaluate global cultural trends? [4]

• 2 marks: Identify strategy (e.g., checking sources, discussing with family/elders).
• 2 marks: Explain outcome (distinguishing between harmful trends and positive innovations, retaining core values).

18. "The free trade agreement is a mistake..." Explain how far you agree. [6]

• Level 1 (1-2): One-sided.
• Level 2 (3-4): Acknowledges both but weak evaluation.
• Level 3 (5-6): Balanced evaluation.
• Key Points: Short-term pain for manufacturers (competition) vs. Long-term gain for consumers (lower prices) and exporters (access to larger market). Mistake? No, if accompanied by support measures for affected sectors.

19. Role of international cooperation in managing cyber threats. [4]

• 2 marks: Explanation of nature of cyber threats (borderless, hard to trace).
• 2 marks: Role of cooperation (sharing intelligence, joint protocols, extradition treaties) enhances defense capabilities beyond national limits.

20. "Adaptation is more important than resistance." Explain why. [4]

• 2 marks: Explanation of inevitability (technology/trade flows cannot be stopped).
• 2 marks: Consequence of resistance (isolation, economic stagnation) vs. benefit of adaptation (resilience, new opportunities).