HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (High School Section) COMBINED HUMANITIES SECONDARY THREE TOPIC : HEALTHCARE IN SINGAPORE SOURCE BASED

TEACHING

Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates. Study the sources carefully and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

(a)

Study Source A. Why was this cartoon published? Explain your answer. [5]

(b)

Study Sources B and C. How different are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7]

(c)

Study Source D. How useful is this source as evidence on the need for means testing? Explain your answer. [6]

(d)

Study Source E. Do you trust what this source says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans? Explain your answer. [7]

Is Means Testing the best way to meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans? BACKGROUND INFORMATION Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. Granting government subsidies has been an important approach to help meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans. Direct subsidies are given to government hospitals and polyclinics to ensure that basic healthcare remains affordable to all Singaporeans. However, there have been concerns that the government would be unable to maintain such high levels of subsidy as the demand for healthcare increases. In January 2004, the government decided to endorse a recommendation made by the Health Feedback Group to introduce Means Testing. Under Means Testing, all health-care subsidies are to be tied to the patients' financial status, instead of the hospital or ward class which they choose to go into. This suggestion to introduce Means Testing generated much debate as Singaporeans were divided over the use of Means Testing to meet their healthcare needs. Study the following sources to find out if Means Testing is the best way forward for Singapores healthcare system. Source A A cartoon published in Laugh out loud, a website on Singapore humour, in 2004.

Means Testing and our Healthcare system

Source B

Adapted from a parliamentary speech made by Low Thia Khiang, a Member of Parliament from the Workers Party, in 2004.

Should means testing be introduced is something debatable. Are you saying that only those families whose income is less than $1,000 should be our focus, and those with $1,001 will not require the same level of assistance? No doubt, we do need to help the lower income people, but what about those who are unemployed and those whose assets have devalued and the middle class who are squeezed? Do they not need help too? Will the use of means testing to decide the medical subsidy not result in higher medical costs for most of the patients? In the end, more people will suffer because of means testing.

Source C

Adapted from a Straits Times editorial by Salma Khalik in 2004.

Fine-tuning the health-care system is a necessity because our population is an ageing one that will tend to require more medical services in its greying years. Means-testing can be expected to cause unhappiness amongst some Singaporeans who fall outside the range of subsidies which they enjoy now, but it is the sensible way forward. Means testing is about fairness. It becomes unfair when high-income patients begin to occupy subsidised beds. An over-crowded Class B2 or C ward will come at the expense of lowincome patients, who do not have the means to afford an alternative ward. Singaporeans should therefore welcome the approach that targets public subsidies at this segment of the population who needs most help.

Source D

Adapted from a blog entry by Gerald Tan, a Singaporean blogger, in 2004.

The government has argued that means testing is necessary as it ensures that there are enough subsidised wards for poor patients who really need them. But the question is: if there is expected to be overcrowding in our subsidised wards, is this due solely to the presence of high-income patients? As our population ages, demand for hospitalisation will legitimately rise. What about the high growth rate of our foreign population welcomed into Singapore to churn our economy? Have our social services, including healthcare, kept pace with these trends? The government has to address these fundamental issues before asking working class Singaporeans like us to co-pay more for such an essential service as hospital care.

Source E

Adapted from a Parliamentary speech made by Mdm Halimah Yacob, a Member of Parliament from the Peoples Action Party, in 2004.

On means testing for hospital care, I agree with the principle that we need to focus subsidies on those who need them. However, I would like to urge that before we introduce any means testing for hospital care, we should study the issue very carefully. Singaporeans who are really poor, and the upper income, will have fewer problems, but those caught in-between may face difficulties. Likewise, those who suffer from a prolonged illness, even though they may be enjoying a certain income level, will have their savings wiped out and little monthly income to support their medical needs.

Section B (Structured-Essay Questions) Answer one question.

2.

Conflict and Harmony in Multi-Ethnic Societies (a) How far was the education system a cause of conflict in Northern Ireland? Explain your answer. [12] (b) Building the national identity is a more effective strategy than safeguarding the interests of the minority groups to counter the threats of terrorism in Singapores society. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13]

3.

Sustaining Economic Development (a) How far was the invention of advanced communication technology a driving force for globalisation? Explain your answer. [12] (b) Developing human capital is a more effective strategy than nurturing the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises for Singapore to overcome challenges in a globalised world. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13]

4.

Facing Challenges And Change (a) How far was Venices innovative trade practices a reason for her trade development between 9th 15th century? Explain your answer. [12] (b) Poor governance was a more important factor than maritime competition in bringing about Venices downfall. How far do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer. [13]

ANSWER SCHEME FMSS SOCIAL STUDIES PRELIMS 2009 This question is about Means Testing in Singapore. 1. (a) Study Source A. Why was this cartoon published? Explain your answer.
Level L1 1m Descriptor Describes the source only E.g. This cartoon depicts a tangled stethoscope. L2 2m Inference, unsupported/ Context explained E.g. Source A tells me that means testing is a complicated process/ will have complications on our healthcare system OR E.g. Many Singaporeans are divided over the use of means testing to meet their healthcare needs. OR Describes outcome, but no inference. E.g. This cartoon was published to poke fun at means testing in order to garner public support against it. L3 3m Makes inference on the message/ Supported E.g. This cartoon was published to tell Singaporeans that means testing will result in complications for Singapores healthcare system. This can be seen from how the relationship between means testing and our healthcare system, indicated by the caption Means Testing and our Healthcare system, is represented by a tangled stethoscope which represents complications in this relationship. L3 + Purpose, explained E.g. This comic strip was published to poke fun at means testing in order to convince the public that it is unfeasible and garner public support against it.

[5]

L4 4-5 m

Award 5 marks only if purpose is explained in context

Purpose, explained in context E.g. In view of the divide amongst Singaporeans over the use of means testing to meet their healthcare needs, this comic strip was published to poke fun at means testing in order to convince the public that it is unfeasible and garner public support against it.

(b)

Study Source B and C. How different are these two sources? Explain your answer. [7]

Level L1 1m

Descriptor Similarity or Difference based on provenance / invalid matching E.g. Source B is part of a speech made by an Opposition MP while Source C is from a newspaper editorial. OR

E.g. Source B says that more people will suffer because of means testing while Source C says that Singaporeans should therefore welcome (means testing).

L2 2m

Similarity in topic/ false matching E.g. Both sources are on the need for means testing.

L3 3-4m

Similarity or Difference based on source content Award 3m for Similarity or Difference, unsupported Award 4m for Similarity or Difference, supported E.g. Both sources are similar in agreeing that the poor need government subsidies. Source B tells us that poor people require government support to pay for their medical expenses. This can be seen from how it states that we do need to help the lower income people. Similarly, Source C acknowledges that needy Singaporeans should receive the most assistance as it states that government healthcare subsidies should be targeted at this segment of the population who needs most help. OR E.g. Both sources are similar in agreeing that means testing will impact some people adversely. Source B tells us that means testing could result in problems for some

people, such as those with $1,001 in monthly income or those who are unemployed and those whose assets have devalued and the middle class who are squeezed. Similarly, Source C tells us will hurt the interests of some people. This can be seen from how it states that means testing can be expected to cause unhappiness amongst some Singaporeans who fall outside the range of subsidies which they enjoy now. OR E.g. Source B and Source C differ in their support for means testing. Source B tells us that means testing should not be introduced as it is something debatable and how it will result in higher medical costs for most of the patients. On the contrary, Source C tells us that means testing should be introduced as can be seen from how it states that means testing is the sensible way forward.

L4 5m

Both Similarity and Difference in content, supported/ Tone unexplained E.g. Source B adopts a critical tone towards the use of means testing to meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans, while Source C adopts a supportive tone towards the use of means testing to meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans.

L5 6-7m

L4 + Difference in tone/purpose explained E.g. Both sources differ in terms of their tone towards the use of means testing to meet the healthcare needs of Singaporeans. Source B adopts a critical tone towards the use of means testing. This can be seen from how it states that more people will suffer because of means testing. However, Source C adopts a supportive tone towards the use of means testing. This can be seen from how it states that finetuning the health-care system is a necessity and that Singaporeans should welcome (means testing). OR E.g. Both sources differ in terms of their purpose. As Source B is adapted from a speech made by an opposition MP, its ostensible purpose is to criticize the governments decision to endorse means testing in order to garner public support against it. In contrast, Source C is adapted from an editorial by a Straits Times journalist whose purpose appears to be to convince Singaporeans about the need for means testing in order to garner public support for a policy which he feels is the sensible way forward and for which he exhorts Singaporeans to welcome.

(c)

Study Source D.

How useful is this source as evidence on the need for means testing? Explain your answer. [6]
Level L1 1m Descriptor Useful/Not useful based on Provenance E.g. Source D is useful because it is said by a Singaporean blogger. L2 2m Typicality E.g. Source D is not useful because it provides me with only one view on the need for means testing. L3 3-4m Useful/Not useful based source content. Award 3 marks for unsupported answers and 4 marks for supported answers. E.g. Source D is useful because it tells me that the need for means testing is unjustifiable as it is not the right solution to the problems in Singapores healthcare system. This can be seen from how it questions if there is expected to be overcrowding in our subsidised wards, is this due solely to the presence of highincome patients? and states that the government has to address these fundamental issues before asking working class Singaporeans to co-pay more for such an essential service as hospital care. OR E.g. Source D is not completely useful as it does not tell me reasons that justify the need of means testing such as the need for equity in our healthcare system. L4 4m L5 5m Useful and Not useful based source content.

L4 + Cross Reference to other sources E.g. Source D is not completely useful as it does not tell me about reasons that justify the need of means testing. A cross-reference to Source C. tells me that means testing is necessary to make our healthcare system more equitable. This can be seen from how it states that Means testing is about fairness. It becomes unfair when highincome patients begin to occupy subsidised beds.

L6 6m

L4 plus limitations in reliability Eg. Source D is not completely useful because of limitations in its reliability. This is because it is from a blog entry by an involved party who is working class Singaporean who refuses to co-pay for such an essential service as medical care and for whom there are implications for means testing. Thus, this source cannot be taken at face value as its ostensible purpose is to criticize the need for means testing in order to garner support amongst Singaporeans against the implementation of

means testing.

(d)

Study Source E. Do you trust what this source says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans? Explain your answer. [7]

Level L1 1m

Descriptor Uncritical acceptance/rejection of source, based on provenance E.g. I trust what Source E says about says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans as it is said by a PAP member of parliament.

L2 2m

Typicality or bias. E.g. I do not trust what Source E says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans as it represents only one view- that of a PAP member of parliament which may not be representative of others.

L3 3-4m

Answers based source content. Award 3 marks for unsupported answers and 4 marks for supported answers. E.g. Source E tells me that means testing will be a strain on middle-class Singaporeans in particular. This can be seen from how it states that Singaporeans who are really poor, and the upper income, will have fewer problems, but those caught in-between may face difficulties.

L4 5-6m

L3 + Cross Reference to other sources E.g. I trust what Source E says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans. Source E tells us that means testing will be a strain on Singaporeans who are from the middle-class. This is supported by a cross-reference to Source B which tells us that means testing will hurt middle-class Singaporeans as can be seen from how it questions: what about the middle class who are squeezed? Do they not need help too?

L5 7m

L4 plus Enhanced Reliability E.g. I trust what Source E says about the impact of means testing on Singaporeans due to its enhanced reliability. As a member of parliament from the ruling PAP, I would naturally expect her to support the PAP governments decision to endorse means testing. However, the fact that she urges the other members of parliament to study the issue very carefully before deciding on its implementation, suggesting that

the system has flaws that need to be rectified, makes the source more credible.

2.

Conflict and Harmony in Multi-Ethnic Societies (a) How far was the education system a cause of conflict in Northern Ireland? Explain your answer. [12] L1 Describes the conflict NI, without answering the question. i.e. In NI, the conflict was caused by differences in education system, voting rights etc L2 Describes Given Factor OR Identifies/ Describes Other Factors Award 3 marks to answers that describe the given factor OR answers that identify other factors. Award 4 marks only to answers that describe other factors. i.e. In NI, there are fully-funded public schools that cater to the Protestants only and partly-funded private schools that cater only to the Catholics. In public schools, the Protestant children learn the history of the British. They also play British sports such as hockey, rugby and cricket. They are taught loyalty to Britain etc OR i.e. The difference in political beliefs between the Protestants and Catholics also contributed to the conflict in NI. Most Protestants see themselves as British and wish to see the country remain as part of the United Kingdom. Many of them do not want a union with the Republic of Ireland, a Catholic country. i.e. The voting rights is about only those who owned houses and businesses were entitled to vote in the local government elections. Each household was entitled to 2 votes while companies were entitled to more votes, depending on their size etc L3 Explains Given Factor Award 4 marks for an explanation and additional marks for any supporting details to a maximum of 6 marks. i.e. The education system in NI does not cater to interaction between the Protestants and Catholics. In NI, there are fully-funded public schools that cater to the Protestants only and partly-funded private schools that cater only to the Catholics. In public schools, the Protestant children learn the history of the British. They also play British sports such as hockey, rugby and cricket. They are taught loyalty to Britain. For example, they would sing the British national anthem in schools. On the other hand, the Catholic children learn Irish history and take up Irish sports such as hurling. They are taught the Irish language and culture. They regard Britain as a foreign country. Thus, the education system not only does not cater to common activities and opportunities for building a common identity, preventing understanding and cooperation, causing conflict in NI. OR Explain Other Factor(s) Award 4 marks to answers that explain alternate factors 4 6m 3 4m 1-2m

i.e. The difference in political beliefs between the Protestants and Catholics also contributed to the conflict in NI. Most Protestants see themselves as British and wish to see the country remain as part of the United Kingdom. Many of them do not want a union with the Republic of Ireland, a Catholic country. They fear that a Catholic government may not be tolerant of their Protestant beliefs. On the other hand, the Catholics see themselves as Irish, and want to be reunited with the Republic of Ireland. Moreover, they still resent the history of English conquest where Catholics were either killed or treated harshly. This loyalty to different countries makes the Protestants and Catholics intolerant of each other. i.e. The voting rights was also a cause of conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. At that time, only those who owned houses and businesses were entitled to vote in the local government elections. Each household was entitled to 2 votes while companies were entitled to more votes, depending on their size. Since many companies were owned by the richer Protestants, they ended up with more votes. The voting system was unfair to the poorer Catholics population. In addition, the Catholics were most unhappy that voting districts were often drawn to include a larger proportion of Protestants. These resulted in the lack of representation for Catholics in the government to speak up for the rights of the Catholics. The Catholics protested against the voting system. L4 Explains the given factor and describe other factors Award 7 marks to answers that explain the given factor and describe other factors. Explains both the given factor and other factors Award 8 marks to answers that explain the given factor and other factors, an additional mark for any supporting details, to the maximum of 10 marks. L4 + Relative importance of the given and the other factors Award 12 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the time impact of the various factors. i.e. L4 + the education system was the most significant cause of conflict because the system continues to reinforce the differences between the Protestants and Catholics since young. This results in constant social segregation and the lack of understanding in the renewal of the generations. While there were moves by the government to correct any discrimination, such as fairness in the voting system by giving everyone 1 vote, and redrawing the voting districts, these moves do not address root cause of conflict as the education system would simply reinforces the differences between the groups and their loyalty. (b) Building the national identity is a more effective strategy than safeguarding the interests of the minority groups to counter the threats of terrorism in Singapores society. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13] L1 L2 Writes about the threats of terrorism, without answering the question Agrees OR Disagrees, Describe Strategies Award 4 marks only to answers that describe both strategies. i.e. To build national identity, we need to adopt the policy of multi-racialism as the policy promotes equality among the races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious groups. Everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background etc. 1 2m 3 4m 7m

L5

8-10m

L6

1112m

OR i.e. To safeguard the interests of the minority groups, we need to give them a say in governance. The Presidential Council of Minority Rights and the Group Representation Constituency are examples. The PCMR consists of members from minority racial and religious groups and it ensures no racial or religious group is disadvantaged as a result of a law that is passed in parliament etc L3 L4 Both L2 Agrees, Explains the strategy of Building National Identity Award 6 marks to answers that explain a strategy, an additional mark for any supporting details to the maximum of 8 marks. i.e. I agree with the statement that building the national identity is a better way to counter the threat of terrorism in Singapores society because the national identity provides a shared sense of nationhood to all citizens of Singapore and this shared sense of nationhood would enable them to look beyond race and religions in identifying each other as Singaporeans. Building the national identity requires the Constitution to prohibit favoritism to any groups because of their race or religion. The policy promotes equality among races, with no special rights granted to any particular racial or religious group. Everyone has equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. For example, all pupils are promoted to the next higher institute of learning based on their results of their national examination, and not based on their race, religions or family background. Since everyone is seen as a valued member of the Singapore society, a sense of national identity as Singaporeans is created. In times of threat from terrorism, the national identity, created through the policy of multi-racism, would ensured that people of different racial and religious groups in Singapore continued to live and work harmoniously with one another as one citizen of Singapore without being influenced or creating ill-feelings among different races or religions. In addition, building the national identity also requires common practices among the people. These common practices help foster national identity as the practices inculcate loyalty and pride towards Singapore, a way to help Singaporeans see themselves as one people. For example, singing the national anthem, reciting the pledge and attending the flag raising ceremony are common practices carried out in schools. In times of potential threat from terrorism, Singaporeans would see the acts of terrorism against Singapore as a nation, and not targeted at any particular groups of people in Singapore. This sense of national identity would also help Singaporeans in understanding the potential threats of terrorism objectively. OR Disagrees, Explains the strategy of Safeguarding the Interests of Minority Groups Award 6 marks to answers that explain a reason, an additional mark for any supporting details to the maximum of 8 marks. i.e. I disagree with the statement. Safeguarding the interests of the minority groups is a better way to counter the threat of terrorism in Singapores society because the safeguards seek to assure all groups in Singapore that they have a stake in 5m 6 8m

Singapore and thus, minimizing the potential social conflict arising from the external influences or the test of social bonds of the people of Singapore. Safeguarding the interests of the minority groups means giving them a say in governance. The Presidential Council of Minority Rights (PCMR) and the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) are to examples of how representation of the minority groups is achieved. The PCMR consists of members from minority racial and religious groups. This ensures that no racial or religious group is disadvantaged as a result of a law that is passed in Parliament. The GRC ensures that minority racial groups are represented in Parliament. In this way, the concerns and needs of the minority groups are made known to the government, giving the assurance that they are a part of the nation. In times of potential impact of terrorism in Singapore, the minority groups are assured that the government would continue to address their needs, thus, minimizing unhappiness and tension. In addition, self-help groups such as the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Mendaki are also formed to safeguard the interests of the minority groups. The self-help groups help members who are less fortunate to get support and help in studies or jobs. The groups also provide moral support. By doing all these, people from the minority rights will be able to compete on an equal footing, thus, improving their social and economic positions. The self-help groups also embarked on joint projects to allow different ethnic groups to interact and get along with each other. When faced with the threat of terrorism, the minority groups members know that there would still be strong platforms of social bonds and support from their associations, thus, not being discriminated.

L5

Both aspect of L4 Award 9 marks to answers that explain both sides, an additional mark for an additional supporting detail to the explanation. Award 11 marks only to answers that explain more than 1 reason on either side. Reach a balanced conclusion based on the explanation of factors of L5. Award 13 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the depth of impact between the 2 factors L5 + The threat of terrorism in Singapore could potentially disintegrate the society if race and religions are used to create ill-feelings amongst the people. Safeguarding the interests of the minority groups would work to minimize these ill-feelings as they are given moral and physical support. Through representation in Parliament in the GRC and PCMR, ill-feelings and unhappiness could also be voiced to the attention of the leaders of Singapore and actions could be taken to address these issues. While this may be effective, building the national identity is a better way to counter any potential social impact from terrorism as the strong sense of nationhood and identity would not provide opportunities to terrorists in using race and religions to create ill-feelings. This is because Singaporeans would see such acts more objectively as one people, and thus, not giving terrorism a chance to break the social bond.

9-11m

L6

1213m

3.

Sustaining Economic Development (a) How far was the invention of advanced communication technology a driving force for globalisation? Explain your answer. [12]

L1

Describes globalisation, without answering the question. i.e. Globalisation is the process where people, ideas and activities in different parts of the world become inter-connected or integrated. One such way of connectedness is through trade etc

1 2m

L2

Describes Given Factor OR Identifies/ Describes Other Factors Award 3 marks to answers that describe the given factor OR answers that identify other factors. Award 4 marks only to answers that describe other factors. i.e. the invention of advanced communication technology is about using advanced communication tools such as the internet and satellite technologies to help them communicate messages etc. OR i.e. the other driving forces of globalisation are the development in transportation where the way people travelled changed due to the availability of new transport technology such as commercial aircraft and large ocean going vessels etc.. i.e. the operations of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) resulted in the the setting of branch offices of the same corporation in many different countries all over the world etc

3 4m

L3

Explains Given Factor Award 4 marks for an explanation and additional marks for any supporting details to a maximum of 6 marks. i.e. The invention of advanced communication technology was a driving force for globalisation. The improvement of technology made communications among people in different locations faster and more convenient. People across the globe can communicate via tools such as telephone, emails, fax and even video conferencing. Satellite technology has enabled messages to be transmitted from one location and received in another part of the world almost simultaneously. Such invention enabled people to access information about new products and places more conveniently and efficiently. The technology has transformed the way one communicates, conducts business, obtains information and purchases goods and services. This allows cooperations to set up in other parts of the world and yet been able to be controlled centrally at HQ through the use of technology. For example, instructions from the HQ located in one country can be received by the branch office in another country via technology. This drives globalisation because cooperations would find it easier to manage operations across the globe effectively through the advanced communication technology etc. OR Explain Other Factor(s) Award 4 marks to answers that explain alternate factors i.e. The invention of transportation technology has shrunk the world considerably in terms of time taken to get from one place to another. A major improvement in transportation technology included the widespread use of the commercial aircraft and ocean-going vessels in the 20th century. These containerization has greatly reduced the time and cost of transportation of goods over long distances. It

4 6m

has also greatly simplified the transfer of goods from one mode to another. This invention of transportation technology drives globalisation because the efficient transport network has made it possible for goods to be moved around the world easily. Corporations would be able to export and import goods around the world. i.e. The TNCs are large global firms that operate in a number of countries and have production or service facilities outside the country of their origin. TNCs set up their operations in different locations around the world for a variety of reasons; sourcing for new markets and lowering the cost of production. As such, TNCs would actively seek out new economies where they could stage their branch offices in support of the cooperations network and operation, yet being coordinated and controlled by the headquarters which are located in the country of origin. The TNCs mode of operations drives globalisation. L4 Explains Given Factor and describes other factors. Award 7 marks to answers that explain the given factor and describe other factors. Explain Given Factor and Other Factors. Award 8 marks to answers that explain the given factor and other factors, an additional mark for any supporting details, to a maximum of 10 marks. L4 + Relative importance of the given and the other factors Award 12 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the time impact of the various factors. i.e. L4 + the TNCs roles in actively seeking out new opportunities and source for new markets drives globalisation as early as in the 19th century when countries traded with each other using steam engines. This was even before the invention of the advanced communication technology. It was because TNCs experienced the needs to be connected and integrated with their sources of market and income in overcoming their problem of scarcity of resources. The constant drive to seek new economies led to high demand for efficiency in communication and transportation that advancement in technology for both communication and transportation picked up in the 20th century. (c) Developing human capital is a more effective strategy than nurturing the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises for Singapore to overcome challenges in a globalised world. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [13] L1 L2 Writes about the given statement, without answering the question Agrees OR Disagrees, Describes Strategies Award 4 marks only to answers that describe more than 2 reasons. i.e. Developing human capital is about training the workers to ensure that they have the right skills and knowledge to stay employable in the globalised world etc OR i.e. Diversifying Singapores economy is about Singapore venturing into different sectors as engines of growth for Singapores economy. This is so that we could ensure that we have multiple sources of growth to meet the challenges in the globalised world etc.. 1 2m 3 4m 7

L5

8-10m

L6

1112m

L3 L4

Both L2 Agrees, Explains the strategy of Developing Human Capital Award 6 marks to answers that explain a reason, an additional mark for any supporting details. Award 8 marks to answers that explain more than 1 reason. i.e. I agree with the statement that developing the human capital is a more effective strategy for Singapore. Singapore does not have any natural resources and its people are the only precious resource. As such, to compete in a globalised world, the people need to have the right skills and mindset. One of the challenges in the globalised world is the increased business competition. A way to overcome this challenge is to develop the human capital to promote local entrepreneurship and technopreneurship such that new products and services could be launched to compete with foreign companies. This would ensure that Singapore would be constantly relevant and up-to-date in the globalised economy. Promoting entrepreneurship and technopreneurship would also enable Singapore to create its own niche in the globalised economy. For example, Qian Hu Fish Farm started off as a local ornamental fish service provider, but later began exporting its products and services to the rest of the world. Another challenge Singapore faced in a globalised world is that some jobs would become obsolete and be replaced by new jobs as investors moved their operations to other countries with lower cost of production. It is, thus, important to develop the workers skills to ensure employability with the equipping of new skills and ability to adapt to new job demands and changing work environment as Singapore continues to seek investments overseas. For example, the Workforce Development Agency and the Skills Development Fund were set up to provide assistance and opportunities for workers to upgrade their skills. OR Disagrees, Explains the strategy of Nurturing the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises Award 6 marks to answers that explain a reason, an additional mark for any supporting details. Award 8 marks to answers that explain more than 1 reason. i.e. I disagree. SMEs play an important role in helping Singapore overcome challenges faced in the globalised world. In the globalised world, TNCs established offices in countries where production costs are low. This means that the TNCs could pull out their investments and move to other countries where costs are lower easily, especially with the advancement of communications and transportation. Singapore is faced with uncertainty as large numbers of Singaporeans could be jobless when TNCs pulled out. As such, Singapore needs to nurture the growth of SMEs. The SMEs are important providers of jobs and make up a large percentage of businesses in Singapores economy. This would help Singapore overcome the challenge of potential issue of unemployment when TNCs pull out because the SMEs would continue to function in Singapore and the strategy becomes a softening strategy to counter the challenge of job losses in the globalised economy. For example, the Polar Caf is a SME which has many branches in Singapore and it provides jobs to Singaporeans. It also invests in staff training and research and development to cater to support the Singapore economy. The SMEs also play an important role to support the operations of TNCs by being the sub-contractors in supplying the products needed in the manufacturing processes or the services required for the TNCs to function in Singapore. The

5m 6 8m

Association of SME was set up in 1986 to provide support to the SMEs through regular training and workshops to enhance the SMEs capcity. Financial supports are also given in the form of tax exemption by the government on their first S$100 000 income for up to 3 years as well as loan schemes made available by the banks. By nurturing the SMEs, the SMEs enhance the attractiveness of Singapore as a regional manufacturing and services hub. This would help Singapore overcome competitions from other countries for investments as TNCs know that their operations in Singapore are supported by well-developed and nurtured SMEs, with the backing of the government and the financial institutions, making their operations viable. L5 Both aspect of L4 Award 9 marks to answers that explain both sides, an additional mark for an additional supporting detail to the explanation. Award 11 marks only to answers that explain more than 1 reason on either side. Reach a balanced conclusion based on the explanation of factors of L5. Award 13 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the depth of impact between the 2 factors L5 + Singapore would not be able to reap the economic benefits unless Singapore develops its human capital in preparing its people to take on the jobs in the newly identified industries. TNCs need the support of competent SMEs with the right skills and knowledge when they invest in Singapore. This means that the SMEs also need to focus on developing their staff to be able to give the support. As such, developing its human capital is paramount for Singapore to overcome the challenges of the globalised world, 4. Facing Challenges And Change (a) How far was Venices innovative trade practices drive her trade development between 9th 15th century? Explain your answer. [12] L1 Describes Venices trade development, without answering the question. i.e. Venices trade development was brought about by having a competitive edge over their competitions by obtaining favourable trading terms such as having lower tax rates. The Venetians were also very enterprising peopled and they always strived to stay ahead of the competition for trade etc L2 Describes Given Factor OR Identifies/ Describes Other Factors Award 3 marks to answers that describe the given factor OR answers that identify other factors. Award 4 marks only to answers that describe other factors. i.e. The innovative trade practices developed in Venice were double-entry bookkeeping when the traders used the double-entry bookkeeping method to record business transactions, categorized by the credit and debit columns and the dates. This helps the traders to know the amount of goods they had in their possession and the details of their recent transactions etc.. OR i.e. the other factor that drive Venices trade development were efficiency in 3 4m 1-2m 9-11m

L6

1213m

managing trade voyages. Maritime technology enabled efficiency in arrival and departure of voyages. Voyages were also more frequent as Venetians traders were able to travel during winter. The vessels, galleys, were also capable of transporting more goods etc i.e. the main trade competitor Venice was facing was Genoa, which was also dependent on maritime trade. Genoa competed fiercely with Venice, especially in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea etc L3 Explains Given Factor Award 4 marks for an explanation and additional marks for any supporting details to a maximum of 6 marks. i.e. Venice developed and introduced the use of innovative practices in trade and business such as Giro-banking and Double-entry bookkeeping. Through the use of Giro-banking, merchants trading with Venice did not have to worry about carrying large amount of cash or different currencies. Instead, payment could be made at the banks. Double-entry bookkeeping would also allow the merchants to keep track of the business transactions. These innovative practices drove Venices trade development as many merchants trade at Venice for the convenience and efficiency of the trade-related services. OR Explain Other Factor(s) Award 4 marks to answers that explain alternate factors i.e. Venices trade development between 9th 15th century was driven by overcoming trade competition. The main trade competitor Venice was facing was Genoa, which was also dependent on maritime trade. Genoa competed fiercely with Venice, especially in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. This fierce competition resulted in many wars and after a series of wars, Venice defeated Genoa to control the Mediterranean Sea, earning itself the monopoly of trade in the region. As Venice was strategically located at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea, Central and Southern Europe relied on the Venetians for goods from the East such as spices, sugar and diamonds. Using both land and sea routes, Venetian traders went to Arabian ports to buy and later sell these goods to the Europeans at a very high price, reaping large profits. European states had little choice other than to buy from Venice as Venices navy dominated the region after overcoming all trade competitions. This drove Venices trade development. i.e. Venices trade development between 9th 15th century was driven by its efficiency in managing voyages. Maritime technology enabled efficiency in arrival and departure of voyages. Voyages were also more frequent as Venetians traders were able to travel during winter. The vessels, galleys, were also capable of transporting more goods. Venice came up with an effective management system which organized and monitored the schedule of trade voyages. It also grouped traders and ordered them to travel in convoys as it was more profitable to trade in larger quantities. The efficiency meant that Venice was able to expand her trade into many regions and many traders benefited from such efficiency. As such, this efficiency drove Venices trade development. L4 Explains Given Factor and describes other factors Award 7 marks to answers that explain the given factor and describe other factors. 7 4 6m

L5

Explains Given Factor and Other Factors Award 8 marks to answers that explain the given factor and other factors, an additional mark for any supporting details, to the maximum of 10 marks. L4 + Relative importance of the given and the other factors Award 12 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the time impact of the various factors. i.e. L4 + while Venice had innovative trade practices which brought conveniences to traders and expanded Venices trade, Venice was still facing trade competitions with Genoa. As such, Venices trade development was restricted by the existence of trade competition when traders could have an alternative trading partner. It would be after Venices complete domination of the region through overcoming Genoa that Venices trade developed fully as traders had no alternative ports to call, except Venice.

8-10m

L6

1112m

(b) Poor governance was a more important factor than maritime competition in bringing about Venices downfall. How far do you agree with the statement? Explain your answer. [13] L1 Writes about Venices downfall, without answering the question i.e. Venice declined from the 15th century. While the Venetians prided themselves on their successes, they overlooked developments in the region which threatened them. They were not as responsive to the changing circumstances etc. L2 Agrees OR Disagrees, Describe Reasons Award 4 marks only to answers that describe more than 2 reasons. i.e. Venices structure of government had not changed since the 12th century, and it was set up with the intention of smooth succession of leadership in government and to ensure that no individual or family could dominate the government. The structure also relied on the quality of leaders selected into office. OR i.e. The maritime competition was about Venices trade being challenged with the discovery of the new sea routes. In 1497, the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, discovered the round the Cape of Good Hope. As a result, Portuguese were able to buy their spices directly from India and this led to competition with the Venetians etc L3 L4 Both L2 Agrees, Explain the factor of Poor Governance Award 6 marks to answers that explain a reason, an additional mark for any supporting details. Award 8 marks to answers that explain more than 1 reason. i.e. I agree that poor governance was a more important factor than maritime competition in Venices downfall. Venices structure of government had not changed since the 12th century, and it was set up with the intention of smooth succession of leadership in government and to ensure that no individual or family could dominate the government. The structure also relied on the quality of leaders selected into office. 5m 6 8m 3 4m 1 2m

However, from 16th century, Venice faced a shrinking number of nobility as older families died. The situation was made worse with a plague which led to an alarming decline of the population of nobility. This affected the appointment to the highest office in the government. As a result, noble families arranged marriages among themselves in order to retain their family wealth and property, causing wealth to be dominated in a few noble families. Governance was also meant to preserve the power, prestige and wealth of the nobles rather than the good of the city-state. This resulted in corruption in the higher offices. The rotation of duties in the government structure also led to poor governance as nobles regarded their office as personal glory rather than service to the state. The rotation also resulted in incompetent officers taking office. For example, 2 Captain-Generals of the Navy, Nicolo da Canal and Antonio Grimani, were appointed to lead the navy against the Ottomans although they lacked military skills. This resulted in heavy losses suffered by Venice. In addition, to finance the escalating cost of war with the Ottomans and the neighbouring states, the Venetian government suspended the salaries of civil servants, resulting in many nobles losing their source of income, and thus, selling their votes at a high price for the selection of leadership in Venice. These practices resulted in incompetent leaders taking positions in government and decisions made were not in the interest of Venice. Thus, poor governance was a more important factor in Venices downfall. OR Disagrees, Explains the factor of Maritime Competition Award 6 marks to answers that explain a reason, an additional mark for any supporting details. Award 8 marks to answers that explain more than 1 reason. i.e. I disagree. Maritime competition was a more important factor in Venices downfall. In 1497, the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, discovered the round the Cape of Good Hope. As a result, Portuguese were able to buy their spices directly from India and this led to competition with the Venetians. This new sea route destroyed Venices monopoly of the lucrative spice trade and greatly reduced the profits which Venetian traders had earned for centuries. By 17th century, new trade rivals emerged when the Dutch East India Company was formed. The Dutch bypassed the Venetians to go to the East to get their supplies. Venice also faced competition from the British when the English East India Company was established. The EIC specialized in bringing cotton and pepper from India, and tea and porcelain from China. These developments adversely affected Venices position as an entrepot port. To remain competitive, Venice imitated the better-designed ships Dutch and British had, but their sailors lacked the skills in operating them. British and Dutch were also more successful in negotiating for favourable trading terms in new ports. Venice responded to these challenges by imposing a protectionist policy. They imposed higher duties on foreign trades. Such a policy did not attract traders as it was too costly to trade with the Venetians. Venices insistence on maintaining its monopolistic position eventually resulted in the loss of some of its trading partners. Thus, maritime competition was a more important factor in Venices downfall. Poor governance was a more important factor than maritime competition in Venices downfall L5 Both aspect of L4 9-11m

Award 9 marks to answers that explain both sides, an additional mark for an additional supporting detail to the explanation. Award 11 marks only to answers that explain more than 1 reason on either side. L6 Reach a balanced conclusion based on the explanation of factors of L5. Award 13 marks only to answers that explicitly highlight the differences in the depth of impact between the 2 factors L5 + despite the discovery of the new trade route and the competition imposed by the British and Dutch, Venice had continued to function as a trade centre in the western Mediterranean Sea as growing cities such as Lisbon in Portugal demanded more goods. Venice had also expanded its trade to the North Sea region and maintained trade links with England. While the maritime competition challenged Venice and removed its trade monopoly, Venice was still able to sustain its prosperity for some time. Venice downfall came when its leaders became obsessed with keeping personal wealth that decisions made during such challenging times were not aimed at meeting Venices needs and challenges, but rather to preserve their own existence. This eventually led to Venices downfall. 1213m