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SUGGESTED ANSWERS FOR PRELIM 1 PAPER 1 QN 1: The ideal of beauty portrayed in the mass media is simply unattainable and

ultimately self-destructive. Discuss. BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Students must discuss both parts of the description, simply unattainable and self-destructive in order to pass. 2. Students should indicate an understanding of the ideal of beauty. 3. Examples must be drawn from the mass media (slimming advertisements, celebrity endorsements, movies). They may be limited to women. 4. The essay should not degenerate into a description of the mass media and various portrayals of women/men/ideals, without dealing with the 2 key phrases. HIGHER ORDER 1. New role models can be found in the mass media who do not necessarily only promote a dangerous interpretation of beauty, but who have endorsed the benefits of exercise and healthy living (e.g. Michelle Obama). 2. Aside from the physical aspects of beauty, the intangible aspects like acts of kindness as portrayed in the mass media can also be brought up. QN 2: To what extent do you think the arts have been sufficiently promoted in your country? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Define the arts and the role played in Singapore. 2. Set up criteria to evaluate if the arts have been sufficiently promoted. 3. Evaluate the extent of sufficiency (i) on an individual, community and national levels (ii) in terms of support from public vs private sponsorship; from local sponsors to philanthropic organizations (iii) in terms of infrastructure available to build a conducive environment (e.g. The Esplanade, etc) (iv) in terms of institutions built (e.g. SOTA, NAFA, Lasalle, Theatre Studies in VJC, NMA in IJC, AEP in schools, etc) (v) in terms of the progress made over time : (a) industrialization promoted in the 60s and 70s (b) banking and services promoted in the 80s and 90s (c) the Arts promoted in the 90s and 21st century (vi) in terms of the progress made over space: compare with other major arts cities. HIGHER ORDER

1. Include NMA in the discussion on the arts. 2. Why should the arts be promoted in Singapore in the first place? (a) For pragmatic purpose: On the pragmatic level, the arts are promoted to (hopefully) enhance creativity which is generally considered to be the mother of innovation, that will put Singapore on a competitive edge in order to reap economic gains. (b) For arts sake: To serve for creativity outlet. (c) To create a vibrant cultural and home base for all (hopefully to create a place to live, work and play for both Singaporeans and foreign talent) 3. What more can be done? (i) Government to set aside more money for the promotion of the arts (ii) Educate the public (iii) Infuse the arts into our daily lives (iv) Conserve heritage sites such as Little India and Chinatown. QN 3: Do you agree that the first priority of medical science is not to preserve life but to enhance it? BASIC REQUIREMENTS 1. Need to make a strong stand for either one: PRESERVE LIFE or ENHANCE LIFE. 2. Define: (i) PRESERVE life in acute illnesses e.g. Emergency and trauma/severe infection/heart attack, the aim is to preserve life. Interventions include: resuscitation and other invasive interventions. (ii) ENHANCE life in chronic conditions where acute intervention has its limitations to achieve cure e.g. stroke/dementia/ AIDS, the aim is to improve the quality of life. Interventions include: chronic disease management, patient/caregiver education, palliative care 3. Discuss (i) Preserve life in the light of Advanced Medical Directives (AMD) vs. euthanasia (ii) Enhance life in the light of health promotion/preventive health/wellness medicine vs. aesthetic medicine. HIGHER ORDER 1. Preserve life or enhance life? Discuss this in the light of a. Contraception and abortion. WHOSE life? WHEN does life begin? b. Therapeutic vs. reproductive cloning c. Upholding the morals of the community that one lives in. Licensing agencies are empowered to revoke a physicians

licence for offending the morals of the community. But WHO empower these licensing agencies? d. WHO decides what quality of life is? i. the patient himself/herself? ii. the loved ones of the patient? iii. The gatekeepers of medical/scientific research? Or government bodies, MNCs and private philanthropists who pay the bill? But WHO watches these bioethics watchdogs? 2. Conclude by arguing that the line demarcating preserve life and enhance life becomes increasingly blurred with commercializing of medical research, the nuanced interpretations of life. QN 4: Politics is for politicians only. Comment. BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Students should oppose the absolute statement. 2. Students should point out the obvious reasons why the above statement is largely invalid: The belief that politics is for politicians only is obsolete in an increasingly democratic age like ours. Without public mandate, few governments can remain securely in power. Citizens should have a voice in the formulation of political policies which have a bearing on their lives. Absence of political participation by citizens produces social apathy. Detached from public opinion, politicians may govern from an ivory tower. Unchecked by public watchdogs, politicians may become authoritarian or corrupt. HIGHER ORDER 1. Good scripts could discuss precisely when and how the public (not only politicians) can be involved in politics. There must be continuous participation in the form of grassroots discussions, open forums and letters to the press. Such participation should not degenerate into factional politics, riots or prolonged crippling protests like the recent ones in Thailand. 2. To score, students should not just point out the obvious idea that public involvement in politics prevents authoritarianism. They could also draw attention to how such involvement guards against an inefficient democratic system where rival political parties may spend more time discrediting each other than working for the public good. 3. Students aiming for higher marks could dispute the popular argument that the poor cannot afford the luxury of political participation. Politics is not just for politicians because the poor cannot afford to detach themselves from the workings of government since they can only redress economic inequalities through political action.

QN 5: Education only pays lip service to creativity. How far is this true in your society? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. The absolute term only should be qualified and questioned. 2. Discuss some reasons as to why there is a link between education and creativity 3. Must factor in and discuss other relevant factors of pressure form other directions such as CCAs, exams, etc 4. Examples for and against sense of lip service must be shown HIGHER ORDER 1. While the question explicitly states the extent of truth in your society, pertinent examples of similarity and contrast can stem from other countries so long as there is a sense of proportion and that the focus remains firmly rooted in your society 2. The idea of creativity can be varied (from innovation, imagination, alternative viewpoints, divergent thinking, etc) 3. Examples and evidence is not just from the candidates perspective but from a national and macro viewpoint, not from a students but a teachers perspective. 4. Candidates question if it is possible to teach creativity in the first place. 5. The ideas of creativity and other syllabus concerns are weighed against that of inculcating a sense of creativity QN 6: Sport today has nothing to do with fair play. Is this a valid comment? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Identify the absolute statement and challenge it, not dismiss it 2. Clarify what fair play means in sport - respect for rules of the game and for other players; graciousness in winning or losing; no one has an undue advantage over others (grey area) 3. Discuss what else sport involves honour, fame, wealth, influence and how these could affect (interfere with / diminish?) fair play 4. Give relevant examples (even if limited in range) 5. May compare with the past to illuminate the present but still focus on the present predominantly. HIGHER ORDER 1. Examine how fair play may conflict with the essence of sport and competition. [Can there be sport without competition?] 2. Acknowledge that fair play is an ideal, and thus may not be imposable on every scenario.

3. Acknowledge the fact that people wanting to have as big an advantage over others already implies unfairness. [Can still be fair as long as it is done within acceptable boundaries (rules that apply to all in the game)?] Rich poor divide & the problem of technology aiding ability. 4. Examine how the imposition of external conditions (i.e. politics, economics/commercialisation, media (focus on winners)) affect fair play 5. Give relevant and current examples covering an adequate range of sports in the world QN 7: Should the profit motive always be the top priority in business? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Identify the absolute statement and challenge it. 2. Be aware of profit making based on Adam Smiths theory of the invisible hand or simply, the forces of demand and supply in a free market economy or a consumer-driven economy. Also to discuss the benefits when businesses make profits (e.g. optimal resource allocation, R&D for long-term viability, etc.) 3. Describe circumstances when profit motive is not paramount, e.g. special circumstancee.g. During the (present) recession, most companies save jobs or lower retrenchment rate rather than make profits HIGHER ORDER 1. State that it is not really possible to separate profit and non-profit goals at times. 2. Distinguish between perception and reality: e.g. the image/reputation as portrayed by the businesses and their real intention (e.g. Is it really true that Body Shop is environmentally friendly or does it only want to tap on the more educated masses so that ultimately brand loyalty is secured?) 3. Consider the extreme case of subsistence farming in a very traditional, barter-trade economy where profiteering is not the top priority. 4. For a balanced essay, bring in the fact that most successful businesses in the world today are both profit-oriented and have a strong philosophy such as social responsibility. QN 8: The pursuit of health in todays society has become unhealthy. What do you think? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. A basic, obvious point students should state is that we cannot make the generalisation that the pursuit of health is unhealthy for everyone (There is some truth in the statement but the negative evaluation of modern societys pursuit of health is not always applicable/jusitifiable.)

2. Discuss the nature of modern society which promotes this unhealthy pursuit. The pursuit of health is psychologically unhealthy when it is fed by fears and misinformation from dubious sources on the Internet. The pursuit of health is unhealthy when pill-popping in our busy world becomes an expedient substitute for a healthy diet. However, the pursuit of health motivated by fears of global pandemics can be considered prudent rather than unhealthy. With proper medical advice and in moderation, the pursuit of health is sensible. HIGHER ORDER 1. Higher scoring scripts are distinguished by the students ability to go beyond a discussion of physical health: The pursuit of health is psychologically healthy especially when undertaken by optimistic people who feel motivated to do something for themselves. This spirit of self-empowerment is beneficial beyond mere physical health. 2. The pursuit of health is sensible (not to mention financially healthy) because it costs less than remedial medical care in todays society. 3. Extreme physical exercise in the name of health and fitness is counterproductive and ultimately unhealthy. (Witness the modern phenomenon of over-avid marathoners with joint problems and muscle loss.) QN 9: In order for science to advance, morality must take a backseat. How far do you agree with this view? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Recognise the claim of the mutually exclusive relationship between science and morality in the statement and challenge it. 2. The scope of science should not be limited to just one area of science such as cloning or stem cell research but include medical science (cures for diseases, stem cell research, GE, IVF, cosmetic surgery etc), nuclear research and other forms of scientific research which have given rise to the technologies we have today 3. Clarify concept of morality: considerations of what is right, proper and acceptable in terms of decent human conduct, ethical values and judgement, not necessarily religious beliefs/values. 4. Show balance: Discuss the idea that morality impedes scientific progress/ development (curbs imagination/ bizarre possibilities insisting that man conforms to established codes of conduct/ view of life & moralists seek to bring this about via coercion employing means ranging from social disapproval, religious opposition/ objection to legal control) balancing it with the idea that ethics acts as a moral compass, preventing potential abuse. HIGHER ORDER

1. Consider why scientists should consider moral values (exercise social responsibility which will impact the lives of millions, gain trust and respect of people). 2. Discuss the need for bio-ethics experts, scientists and governments to set guidelines, regulations or even impose legislation in research where morality must be safeguarded and show how valid or enforceable these guidelines or regulations are. 3. Discuss the amorality of Science by itself, it is neutral. It is Mans actions that will determine whether science will be used for good or evil. QN 10: Let the punishment fit the crime. Should this principle always be upheld? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Students should identify the absolute word always and try to take a moderate stand. (The principle is generally sound but it should not be upheld in all situations since many other factors must be considered in meting out punishment.) 2. In most situations, when the punishment fits the crime, a sense of justice and fairness are affirmed. Upholding the principle reassures victims that there is just retribution for wrongs committed. 3. In most criminal cases, there is more effective deterrence when the principle is upheld. 4. For a basic balanced approach, students should be able to present simple counterpoints: Matching crime to appropriate punishment would be a contentious exercise considering the diversity of views in any society. Punishment alone, however well-calibrated, may not deter crime. Rehabilitative efforts are also needed. HIGHER ORDER 1. Students would score higher marks if their discussion goes beyond the topic of crime to encompass all wrongdoing or offences against individuals or society. 2. To score, students should offer examples/arguments which refute the above principle: The principle cannot be literally upheld in the case of heinous crimes because the penal system cannot descend to the same level of barbarism as the criminal. In some situations, the punishment should fit the criminal (not the severity of the crime) because minors should not be given the same sentence as adult criminals. Many idealists believe that upholding transcendent values like mercy and forgiveness (rather than the above principle) may bring about healing/emotional closure for victims and genuine remorse on the part of some criminals. 7

QN 11: In a culture that is biased in favour of the young, the old have become increasingly sidelined. Is this true in your society? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Students must address the question in the context of their society, using current examples. 2. Students should have an understanding of a culture that is biased towards the young, perhaps in the sense that we live in an age that celebrates youth and being young. Or that technology and other acquired abilities have divided the two camps. 3. Discuss why such a view might exist. The times are different and it may seem like the old have nothing to offer except outdated morals and values. 4. More than ever, we need moral grounding and traditional values still have a place in the modern world. The value of experience also cannot be discounted. Patience and the virtue of hard work are also solid qualities that are noticeably absent in the young. 5. Students should at least show that there has been/has not been an increase in marginalization of the old. HIGHER ORDER 1. Students may chart the progression of this marginalization. 2. The essay will go beyond a presentation of how the old are discriminated against, providing nuanced interpretations of this biased culture. QN 12: Does international aid still play the most crucial role in eradicating global poverty? BASIC REQUIREMENT 1. Candidates should adequately tackle most crucial role part of the question and deal with the sense of absolutism there. 2. There should be mention of specific countries and not whole continents in citing examples 3. Adequate explanations and evaluations of international aid mechanisms should be attempted with more of a focus on showing debatable issues surrounding them 4. There should be mention of other factors contributing to global poverty such as: bad governance, corruption, bureaucracy, pilfering of aid resources, health and hygiene issues, etc 5. Element of comparison is crucial 6. Focus on the word still HIGHER ORDER

1. Candidates could bring issues like the need for proper audit systems and accounting to show deep understanding on poverty issues 2. Sophisticated points could be in showing insight as to whether the donor or the recipient should set the correct conditions for usage of aid resources 3. While there should be mention of other methods of solution provided, e.g. Justice and proper governance, trade, education, debt reduction/forgiveness, other financing systems, e.g. microfinance, etc 4. Yet the main focus should still be on the key terms like international aid and global poverty. 5. The consequences of the lack of aid or indifference to the poverty situation may also be taken up, e.g. arguably the Somalian pirate situation stems from Western countries neglect and that Western countries are now suffering as a result from it. END

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