2009 Preliminary Examination Paper 2 Suggested Answers From Passage 1

What is the writers opinion of the reasons given for the causes of criminal violence in paragraph 1? [1] Inference - The writer does not think these causes of criminal violence in paragraph 1 adequately or accurately explain why people turn to crime (1) - There is no one reason given in paragraph 1 which sufficiently or adequately explains why people commit crime / the summative effect of the reasons offered lead one to commit crime (1) - The writer is rather skeptical of these reasons. (1) (any one opinion listed above)

Lifted Inferred from paragraph 1

According to paragraph 2, what are the causes of criminal violence outside of war and civil unrest? Use your own words as far as possible. [3] Paraphrase physiological / genetic factors; some are born to be criminals (1) the interplay of ones inborn characteristics and lifes events (1) the external social environment one lives in / the community and its inherent values and customs (1) (environment / society = 1 mk)

Lifted the biology of the individual (l.13) the psychology that reflects the interaction of innate traits and experiences (l.14) the larger culture (l.15)

Suggest why the writer compares the gene mentioned in line 29 to a weed (line 31). [1] Suggested reason Just as the weed is a harmful plant, the gene mentioned in line 29 plays a potentially destructive role in causing violence. (1) OR Just as the weed is hard to exterminate, the harmful effect of this gene is equally difficult to stamp out. (1) - Just as the weed is undesirable and unwanted, the
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Lifted causing someone to become violent, not strictly deterministic, permissive cultivates aggression only if society provides fertile ground for this weed to grow (l.29-31)

gene is also unwanted. (1/2 mk) Note: Answers must contain linkers like just as, similarly, similar to to be awarded ANY marks Comments: quite a few students gave the answer that just as a weed needs favourable conditions to grow (which is untrue!), the gene will only manifest itself if the conditions are right (this answer gets 0 mks).
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Using material from paragraphs 3 to 6 of Passage 1, summarise the factors that can contribute to criminal violence. 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] Lifted Paraphrase One of the factors contributing to criminal violence is aberrant form low gene A1 a deviant / mutant / atypical gene / genetic defect (1) activity engage in [genetic makeup = mk] persistent fighting (l.25,26) [abnormal gene is not accepted since it is lifted from normal (l.22)] only so if they had been A2 people who were not cared for or mistreated when neglected or abused as young (1) children (l.28,29) cultivates aggression only if A3 those who live in a dysfunctional social environment society provides fertile (1) ground (l.30,31) [environment = mk ] income inequality (l.33) B1 Huge income / wealth disparities (1) promote violence. [inequities without economic = mk ] Migrants / settlers take chances (risk-taking) AND (coupled with) act rashly / recklessly / aggressively / irrationally (impulsivity), causing them to be violent. (1) both parts of the answer must exist to be given (1) mk B3a Linguistic difficulties and cultural differences (1) No marks awarded for B3a by itself premise for B3b. B3b could prevent immigrants from assimilating / feeling a sense of belonging (1) to the larger community. B3b can exist by itself without 3b2.
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risk-taking coupled with impulsivity may set the stage for violence (l. 41,42)

B2

barriers of language or culture (l.42) keep immigrant child from fitting in become alienated (l.42,43)

mobile and heterogeneous C societies hard to put down roots and establish social glue that binds people into a community (l.45-47) nation of strangers (l.49) American character far D1 from civilization and the reach of laws took justice into his own hands (l. 49-51) soaking in competitive, D2 individualistic aspects of American culture where winners where admired inadequacies (l. 53-55) history of failure , losers who feel chronically frustrated and socially alienated, feeling of worthlessness (l.57-58) D3

Diverse groups of people usually on the move are unable to form close bonds / links that cement different groups of people in unity (1).

Violence was the norm / acceptable in the past when rules and regulations were not firmly policed / enforced in society. (1) In an environment where winning is everything, (1) NOTE competition and individualism are NOT causes per se the inability to achieve success diminishes selfesteem OR heightens discrimination / ostracism / alienation / marginalisation (1) NOTE - emphasis is on diminished self-esteem and causes one to lash out / make oneself famous / infamous through violent means (1) in order to achieve success in life.

media soaked culture (l.63) D4 to care about your story is the ultimate validation (l.64) one final chance to give their life meaning (l.65) Young killers tend to be highly suggestible, modelling their behaviour on widely reported crimes (l.65-67) E

Many young / juvenile murderers are impressionable / are easily influenced to emulate / replicate / copy extensively publicized / high profile crimes (1).

What can you infer about the authors attitude towards individualism from the phrase cult of the rugged individual (line 50)? Justify your answer. [2] Inference Writers Attitude: (0) mk: disdain, cynical, scornful, questioning (without further clarification) (1/2) mk: negative, dismissive (1) mk: disapproving, critical, sceptical Justification: the word cult suggests an unthinking or unquestioning veneration / worship / adoration of certain ideals (1).

Lifted

OR The writer is sceptical of individualism (1) because individualism may have had a functional or useful role in the past when there were no laws but not everyone venerates strident individualism in todays society where it does not play such an important role (1).

From paragraph 7, explain the effects of videogames on American youth. Use your own words as far as possible. [2] Paraphrase American youth become more belligerent / combative / bellicose / contentious in a rather harmless / bullying manner without actually being roused into a murderous rage (1). Video games desensitise youth to violence (1).

Lifted more aggressive but more in a punch-little-sister mode than shooting up a mall (l.70-71) games have a numbing effect (l.72)

Note: [0] mk for bullying siblings / family members (alone) too literal [1/2] mk for becoming more violent and bullying others or being slightly more violent to those around him without mentioning not being roused into a murderous rage.

What is suggested by the writer in the last sentence of paragraph 8? Use your own words as far as possible. [1] Writers suggestion The writer is suggesting that since the criminal / gunman exercises a personal choice to pull the trigger (1) OR he must also share the blame / take personal responsibility for the crime (1/2).

Lifted Somewhere in all of this is the will, the decision by the gunman to pull the trigger. (l.76-77)

From Passage 2 8 the youth themselves are often the providers of local social rules (lines 27-28). Explain why this is ironic. [2] Paraphrase This is ironic because: Conventionally / Traditionally / Normally, one would expect to find older individuals forming the core group that regulates the moral / proper code of conduct for the community. (1) AND Instead / Yet (contrary to expectation), in many societies today, we find that it is the young people who are the source of social norms / conventions / regulations / practices in society. (1) OR It is ironic that youth who are unruly / disorderly / aggressive are the ones who make the social rules (1).

Lifted youths were providers of local social rules (l.27-28)

The writer argues that increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not the answer (lines 39-40). What do you think is the answer the writer is implying? [2] Paraphrase The writer is implying that the answer (to violence) lies in: Social inclusion: - forging a common identity / a sense of community / a homogeneous society / commonality by down playing cultural differences (1) AND Economic OR Political empowerment: - reducing income disparities to level up the disadvantaged economically (1) OR - managing the political expectations / aspirations of the under-privileged or disadvantaged (1)

Lifted deculturalised individualised (l.41) inequities and cultural differences come in conflict with high ideals (l.43) integrate an angry underclass (l.45)

Note: [1] mk only for social and economic equality, or just equality

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Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the passage. Write your answer in one word or a short phrase. [5] From Passage 1 chronically (l.57) adv. feel chronically frustrated 1 mk constantly, continually, continuing, continuously, for a long time, happening all the time, having a long duration, persistently, perennially hard / difficult to: - pin down - achieve - attain - get - reach mk always, permanently, eternally, unceasingly, unendingly, indefinitely, long-term 0 mk frequently recurring, periodically, consistently, repeatedly, regularly, usually, from time to time, severely unachievable, unreachable, out of reach, not within grasp, unattainable, unrealistic, intangible, futile, evasive, seemingly + motivated, greatly encouraged, influenced, catalysed, stimulated, aroused, spurred, spurred on, instigated, gave hope to, made possible, started, resulted in, led to, boosted, powered, ignited, sparked, triggered, galvanised, stoked, sustained, driven, driven strongly, intensified, instigated, incensed further caused

elusive (l.61) adj. success proves elusive

inspired (l.67) verb. inspired several similar plans

sparked, sparked off, spawned, triggered, gave rise to, brought about, brought into existence, provided / gave an idea

From Passage 2 fuelled (l.16) verb fuelled by unemployment and racism

made worse, worsened, aggravated, exacerbated

echoes (l.30) noun echoes of black separatism

lingering reminders, reminders, past reminders, parallels, reminiscences, semblances

resemblances, similarities, similar +

reiterations, repetitions, repeats, repeated cries, reflects, reflections, shadows, voices, memories, similar to that of, recurrences, past images, reverberations, resonances

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The writers of both passages raise social, cultural and economic issues which relate to criminal violence. How applicable are these views on criminal violence to your society? (R1) In your answer, identify and discuss at least one issue from each passage (R2) and explain why these issues would be of concern to your own society (R3). You should support your views with examples drawn from your own ideas and observations. (R4) [8]

... identify and discuss at least one issue from each passage (R2) Passage 1: Writer 1 Para 4 & 5

... explain why these issues would be of concern to your own society (R3) - Singapore is a nation built by immigrants.

How applicable are these views on criminal violence to your society? (R1)

Rates of criminal violence are - In recent higher in mobile years, due to and socioheterogenous economic societies where changes, it is hard to put Singapore has down roots and had to source establish the for foreign social glue that labour / binds people workers as into a well as community. (l. implement a

In Passage 1, Para 4 to 5, the writer is of the view that the rates of criminal violence are higher in mobile and heterogeneous societies where it is hard to put down roots and establish the social glue that binds people into a community. (l. 45,46) He identifies societies where the immigrants face barriers of language and culture (l. 42) and become alienated as an issue contributing to criminal violence (l.44). This view of the writer in Passage 1 is not entirely applicable to Singapore. - Foreign workers form part of the migrant population in Singapore and come from many different countries: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and China. The diverse cultures and languages they

45,46) -barriers of language and culture (l.42) - become alienated resort to violence (l.43,44) - a few are impulsive plus have bigger risk appetite, resulting in violence (l.37, 38) risk-taking coupled with impulsivity may set the stage for violence (l.41,42)

deliberate policy of attracting foreign talent to our shores

speak all contribute to the difficulties and conflicts they experience living together in cramped quarters. Being itinerant workers, they feel little sense of belonging to Singapore as they work out their contracts and leave. (l. 45,46)

- Also, to - Often, these foreign workers face ostracism and circumvent the discrimination from locals who have resisted the problems of an govts efforts to centralise their living ageing quarters/dormitory/ hostel near residential areas in population, Serangoon / Jalan Kayu. policies are set in place to - On their days off, these foreign workers tend to encourage congregate in enclaves in places like Little India, immigration to Beach Road and even parts of Orchard Road, Singapore, prompting complaints from residents and businesses resulting in an about their rowdiness and their being a public increase in nuisance, blocking and dirtying public access areas. new citizens They have also sometimes been arrested for crimes and involving outrage of modesty and petty theft. Some permanent foreign workers, being impatient to succeed, take citizens from more risks (l. 41) and participate in illegal activities to the region make a quick buck. - It is therefore - However, most of the trouble caused by these imperative that foreign workers in Singapore seems to be confined crime be to relatively non-violent crimes. To be fair, there has controlled and not been any significant increase in violent crimes law and order directly attributed to this group of foreign workers. be preserved Most foreign workers are eager to stay out of trouble in our so that they can earn money and return to their immigrant home country when their contract expires. society so that we can - The crime figures in Singapore also do not show any continue to increase in the overall crime rate. In fact, crime prosper. figures reported in the first half of 2009 fell by 1.3% to 16,504 from 16,714 cases in 2008. - Instead of running foul of the law, there are even foreign workers the Jalan Kayu Rangers1 who join the police and volunteers to patrol the neighbourhood to discourage rowdy behaviour by fellow workers. - This shows that the writers view in Passage 1 that violent crime increases in tandem with a migrant society is generally not applicable to Singapore. The writer may be over-generalising in highlighting

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/377016/1/.html

immigrant society as a cause of violent crimes. - Although the writers view linking migrant society to violent crime is generally not very applicable to Singapore, his view on successful migrants is more applicable here in Singapore. Foreign talent, or the expatriate community in Singapore, earn good salaries and enjoy high social status. This community has much less reason and tendency to run foul of the law than semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers who are generally much less educated and poorer. Foreign talent in Singapore have strong links to other expatriates living and working here, and experience fewer barriers of language and culture (l. 42) than foreign workers. They have the financial means to enjoy the good life in Singapore and interact well among their peers and with locals. They do not experience social and cultural isolation to the point that they have to turn to violent crime (l.44). Some expatriates have even become Singapore citizens and permanent residents after working here for a while.

For most immigrants who have energy and willing to take risks, this translates into a spark and drive that lead them to success in their adopted land. (l.39-41)

Passage 2 : Roys view Para 1 The rioting in Paris and many other French cities reality is that there is nothing particularly Muslim or even French, about the violence. (l.5,6) Rather we are witnessing the temporary
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- Singapore is a nation with a relatively large middle to - In Jan 2009, the income gap in Singapore narrowed lower-middle for the first time in 10 years, as families in all income class (85% are groups enjoyed higher earnings.2 HDB home owners), and it - This seems to suggest that the (small) underclass in important that Singapore is now catching up a little more with the the the bottom rest of the population. 5-10% of the population (the - Although we have an underclass, there actually is underclass) do not much evidence of an angry underclass (l. 45) not get due to what Spore has done to help the marginalised underprivileged where inequities are being and turn to minimised through aid and our system of crime or meritocracy. violence -If Roys view in Passage 2 that violent crime is

In para 1, Roy argues that violent crime can be attributed to an underclass (l. 7) who are financially and socially under-privileged. This view does not entirely apply to Singapore society.

Jan 2009 - http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_328871.html Jun 2009 - http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_387263.html

rising up of one part of a Western underclass (l. 7) that reaches from Paris to London to Los Angeles and beyond. Para 5: angry underclass (l. 45)

caused by the underclass being poor and deprived is applicable for Singapore, then crime statistics in Singapore should show a trend of violent crime among the underclass. However, overall crime statistics in Singapore seem tell a different story. In 2009, the media reported a downward trend in crimes committed in Singapore, without any increase in violent crime: The overall crime reported in the first half of 2009 fell by 1.3% to 16,504 from 16,714 cases in 2008.

While the overall crime situation for the period Jan-Jun 2009 remains under control, two key crime concerns continue to surface, namely: Increase in the number of youths arrested for loansharking activities and Increase in petty theft cases

- From the report, loansharking and petty theft are relatively non-violent crimes and the incidence of violent crime in Singapore remains largely small. This seems to run counter to Roys view that poverty and deprivation experienced by the underclass cause violent crime. Roys view, it would appear, does not seem to be very applicable to Singapore society. Para 3 There are no leaders in these areas for a very simple reason: there is no community in the neighbourhoods. Traditional parental control has disappeared and many Muslim families are headed by a single parent. (l. 24-26) - Singapore believes strongly in the institution of the family as the This may be true generally but where Singapore is basic unit of concerned, it may not be particularly applicable. society, and depends on the - The dysfunction family situation described by Roy in family as the Passage 2 is not really applicable to Singapore major agent for where parental guidance exists alongside a strong the transmission school civic and moral education programme. of important and desirable values - Although there are single-parent families in to the next Singapore, many families do find support from the generation. larger community through the extended family, other voluntary organisations, and the government. -To ensure parental responsibility and guidance for their children, the courts have even given out
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In Passage 2, para 3, Roy raises the issue of the erosion in social institutions such as the family, especially in minority communities as contributing to violent crimes. (l. 25-29)

injunction orders that force parents to take control of their children or risk being punished themselves. - In the first half of 2009, the crime rate in Singapore has dropped by 1.3% with the only concerns being the increase in youths arrested for loan sharking activities as well as an increase in petty theft cases. These are hardly the gang violence or other high profile criminal violence mentioned in the passage which the writer attributes to the erosion of community leadership and parental control. In Singapore, government-backed racial and community groups such as MENDAKI, SINDA and CDAC actively look out for at-risk low-income families to ensure that the disadvantaged do not have to resort to violent crime in order to survive. The existence of various other financial assistance schemes available to all citizens on a needs basis available through grassroots organizations like community centres or Members of Parliament during Meet-the-People sessions also help to provide a safety net for the disadvantaged so that they need not resort to crime or violence. - Due to the network of support available here in Singapore, the issue of eroding community leadership and lack of parental control, though of concern, does not necessarily lead to criminal violence in Singapore as the writer of Passage 2 would like us to believe.

Para 5 Contrary to the calls of many liberals, increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not the answer. This angry young population is highly deculturalised and Singapore is a multi-cultural, multi-religious society where good intercultural harmony cannot be taken for granted. It has to be be carefully nurtured and respect for one another is crucial to the Roy asserts that emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures in France is not the answer to preventing violence (l.39,40). This view is not applicable to Singapore. - In Singapore, the emphasis on multiculturalism remains a very important factor in preventing violent crime because of violent historical events surrounding race and religion. - Roys view is potentially dangerous and foolish if adopted by Singapore as it will be foolhardy for Singapore to ignore history involving racial and religious sensitivities and neglect the need to practice mutual tolerance and respect.

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individualised. (l. continued peace - The government has always made it a point to 39-41) and stability ensure fair treatment of all races and encourage enjoyed by all in mutual respect. For e.g., the government has made Singapore. possible educational immersion by imposing a rule forbidding state-run schools from catering exclusively to any one race or religion. - Even public housing policies follow the same racial guidelines. The units of each block of Housing Board flats are apportioned roughly 70% to the Chinese, 16% to Malays and 8% to Indians to ensure a good mix of races living together to foster multiculturalism and mutual regard for other races. - The law also protects multiculturalism and punishes anyone who seeks to undermine it. The Sedition Law in Singapore gives the authorities the power to imprison or fine anyone threatening the fragile fabric of society by sowing discord among races and religions. Bloggers in Singapore have been prosecuted for posting racist remarks on the Internet. Two bloggers were jailed for making seditious remarks against Muslims and a third blogger was sentenced to do work within the Malay community. - All these show that Roys view that increased emphasis on multiculturalism and respect for other cultures (l. 39-41) is not important or relevant in reducing violent crime is not applicable in Singapore owing to the culturally and racially heterogeneous society we live in. Mutual respect among different races remains a very integral part of relating harmoniously with one another and maintaining peace in Singapore. Comments: 1) no link to criminal violence 2) phrase applicable to Singapore was generally misunderstood to refer to the concerns raised in the passages as being similar concerns in Singapore. What was expected was actually for students to evaluate if those concerns raised by the writer are as serious or similarly relevant in Singapore in relation to criminal violence.

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