2016 JC1 Block Test Paper 1

1. ‘The traditional family unit is no longer important today.’ Do you agree?

Key terms

‘Traditional family unit’ –

A family structure, model or makeup that has been sanctioned and upheld by
various stakeholders (e.g. the state, religion, mass media etc), and has been present
for generations.

Two types of traditional family units

a) Nuclear family: The immediate family, and consists of a father, mother and
child(ren).

b) Extended family: A multigenerational family unit that extends beyond the nuclear
family, and comprises grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who live nearby or in
the same household.

‘No longer important’ –

Does not have as much meaning, value, prominence or influence as in the past.
Also, does not have much of a role or function to play at present as in the past.

‘Today’ –

Context of modern society or the challenges facing the traditional family unit, which
may be different, unprecedented or more intense as compared to past challenges.

To note

a) ‘Traditional family unit’ refers to the structure of the conventional family, which
may affect (e.g. weaken or strengthen) the quality of family ties.

b) Question is an absolute statement, and candidates are not to fully agree with it.
Advise candidates to take a moderate stand: Although the traditional family unit is
gradually diminishing in importance, it still has a place today/in modern society.
Then, candidates are to explain why majority of society still subscribes to the model
of the traditional family.

Possible stand

Short version, without reasons: While the traditional family unit is gradually declining
in importance, it still has a place in modern society.

OR Long version, with reasons: The traditional family unit is gradually declining in
importance because of socio-economic and cultural changes in modern society.
These include changing attitudes towards marriage and divorce; a growing trend of
decoupling marriage from parenthood; and the legalisation and normalisation of
same-sex marriage. However, the conventional family unit still has a place today
because conservative attitudes towards marriage endure in many traditional
societies; parenthood and childrearing remain highly esteemed; some countries are
still conservative about issues of sexuality, marriage and parenthood; and stable
traditional families preserve treasured traditions and values.

Approach for stand

A: Address why the traditional family unit is waning in importance by examining

socio-economic and cultural changes in modern society.

B: Argue that the conventional family structure still has a place today. Moderate the
extent to which the abovementioned changes can engender a decline in the unit’s
importance, and argue that stable traditional families preserve treasured traditions
and values.

Part A: Address why the traditional family unit is waning in importance.

1. The traditional family unit is dwindling in importance because of changing

attitudes towards marriage and divorce. Today, marriage is often viewed in
individualistic terms, and is no longer seen as a lifelong commitment. Divorce has
become an acceptable and viable option. Thus, shifts in attitudes toward marriage
and divorce have diminished the importance of conventional families, and made
singlehood and single-parent families more acceptable.

In the 1950s, marriage used to be framed as a social and legal contract that
enabled a couple to be recognised as fully adult; have regular sex; qualify for legal
rights; and obtain financial security for women.

In modern society, however, marriage is seen as a personal contract or relationship

that two individuals voluntarily enter. Romantic love and commitment are highly
regarded in this contract, and marriage is seen as a matter of personal choice and
fulfilment; individuals marry out of their own autonomy and to secure personal
happiness. Being married is no longer necessary to become a full-fledged adult or
have frequent sex. Furthermore, with the entry of many women into institutions of
(higher) education and the workforce, women are better able to support
themselves financially, and marriage is no longer a social and economic necessity or
institution.

Thus, the perception of marriage in individualistic terms has decreased the incentive,
especially for women, to marry and has challenged the place of the conventional
family structure. In turn, singlehood appears more acceptable and feasible.

Also, in the past, marriage was framed as a lifetime commitment and divorce was
largely frowned upon. In fact, single-parent families only formed because of the
death of a spouse – an uncontrollable circumstance. Today, however, marriage is
no longer viewed as a lifetime contract and many single-parent families form
because divorce has become more socially acceptable. According to analysts,
many see marriage not as a non-negotiable and lifelong commitment, but as an
emotional relationship from which they can enter and exit at will. Thus, when the
emotional satisfaction derived from marriage wanes, divorce presents itself as a very
real option.

That marriage is no longer a lifetime commitment and divorce is not frowned upon
can also be attributed to a decline of religious influences on marriage. In the past,
marital principles such as fidelity, monogamy and lifetime commitment were most
strongly advocated by various religions. However, there has been a global decline in
religiosity and an increase in secularisation. People are less religious today, and do
not refer to religion or its tenets when deciding to sustain or annul a marriage. This
has challenged the place of the conventional family and made single-parent
families more common.

Lastly, a change in women’s social status and roles has made divorce a viable
option in unhappy marriages. Today, married women in developed countries are
more likely to be independent, educated, employed and with fewer children. With
much economic and cultural capital to fall back on, it is easier for these women to
leave an unhappy marriage. In fact, in developed countries, approximately 70% of
divorces are initiated by women. Overall, changing attitudes towards marriage and
divorce have challenged the place of the traditional family model, and made
alternative family units – singlehood and single-parent families – more acceptable.

2. The traditional family unit is less important today because of a growing trend of
decoupling marriage from parenthood; more married couples are choosing to
remain childless or to have fewer children. This trend is due to rising childrearing
costs and the lack of childcare support, and lifestyle changes.

Today, the decision to (not) have children is the result of a complex combination of
many factors, including costs to a couple’s career and finances. However, a more
commonly cited reason is a rising cost of childrearing and the dearth of childcare
support. For example, in Singapore where dual-income families are the norm, a
shortage of affordable full-day children facilities worries young parents who may not
have the help of a domestic helper or grandparents in providing childcare.
Moreover, the scarcity of childcare centres has resulted in long waiting lists and
driven up the cost of childcare. In the face of such structural constraints, more
young, married couples may think twice before having children.

Lastly, some couples decide to have fewer or only one child; a single-child family is a
modern lifestyle choice. Hakim, a sociologist, states that a small family lets couples
off the hook from their parents’ and social expectations, while imposing the least
burden on their lifestyles. In addition, it is in small families where parents believe that
they can offer their best, financially and emotionally, to their children. This rings
especially true in countries that have high costs of living and among parents who
invest much in and indulge their children – the latter are ‘little emperors’.

In sum, soaring childrearing costs, a dearth of childcare support and lifestyle

changes have prompted a growing trend of decoupling marriage from parenthood,
and have discouraged the formation of large families. The traditional family unit has
become less important, and childless or small families have become more
acceptable today.

3. The traditional family unit is diminishing in importance because of the legalisation

of same-sex marriage and the normalisation of same-sex parenthood. These have
enabled gays and other social groups to reject the conventional family structure.

Today, gay marriage is legally recognised in the US, Argentina, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and
Sweden. In many European countries, gay couples can enter civil unions.

Developments in medical science, such as in-vitro fertilisation and surrogacy, have

given same-sex couples reproductive options, and prompted the rise of gay family
units. These developments have been complemented by a higher level of faith in
the parenting abilities of same-sex couples. Advocates of same-sex marriage have
argued that gay marriages do not weaken the family, but can in fact strengthen it.
Research has shown that children raised in loving, intact gay families are not subject
to the problems that children in single-parent households face. Thus, to some extent,
same-sex parenthood receives support and has been normalised, enabling gays
and other social groups (e.g. scientists, some heterosexuals, queers etc) to reject the
conventional family structure.

Part B: Argue that the conventional family structure still has a place today.

1. The conventional family unit still has a place today because conservative
attitudes towards marriage endure in many traditional societies, keeping in check
individualistic ideas of marriage and family and the acceptability of divorce.

Although individualistic notions of marriage and family exist today, conservative

attitudes towards marriage endure in many tradition-bound societies; the notion of
marriage and family as a social contract holds up. In traditional societies, especially
in the East, the idea of marriage and family as a social contract is upheld by various
social institutions such as religion, the state, the media, and individuals themselves.
These institutions emphasise a sense of duty and an obligation to marry and form
traditional family units, and play down individualistic ideas of marriage and family.
This is especially true in Confucian societies such as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and
South Korea, where conventional marriage and family formation is perceived as a
union of two families, a continuation of the family line and a rite of passage into
adulthood. Although divorce has become more acceptable in these societies, it is
still less preferable to marriage and is resorted to only as a final resolution for marital
conflict.

In this sense, the precedence of social and conservative notions of marriage and
family over individualistic ones, and the use of divorce as a final option, secures the
place of the conventional family unit and checks the acceptability of singlehood
and single-parent families.

2. The traditional family structure still has a place today because parenthood and
childrearing remain highly esteemed by society and the government, keeping in
check the growing trend of decoupling marriage from parenthood.

Although more married couples are choosing to remain childless or to have fewer
children, ideas about the value of parenthood and childrearing still endure today. A
large number of married couples still want children, and the traditional family
structure is privileged over the growing trend of decoupling marriage from
parenthood.

Children are still valued and cherished in modern society, evident in the kinds of
support given to them, and the focus dedicated to their education, health and well-
being. In Singapore, China and South Korea, many parents spent much money on
enrichment activities that develop talent in their children or give them a head-start
in life. In 2014, The Straits Times wrote that Singapore’s tuition industry is worth more
than 1 billion, attesting to the great investment in quality parenthood and
childrearing.
Also, many states endorse the traditional family unit and its expansion through
housing, tax etc policies. Singapore’s Baby Bonus Scheme, Have Three Or More If
You Can Afford it policy, Third Child Paid Maternity Leave Scheme and more
progressive tax schemes are given only to conventional families. Such families
benefit more from these schemes when they have more three or more children.

In this way, the value that society and the Singapore government place on
parenthood and childrearing supersedes that of childless marriages, and contributes
to the importance of the traditional family unit.

3. The traditional family structure still has a place today because many Asian
countries remain conservative when it pertains to same-sex marriages and families.
This keeps in check the acceptability of same-sex family arrangements.

Although same-sex marriage and parenthood has been legalised and normalised in
a number of Western countries, Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, South
Korea and China remain conservative about issues of sexuality, marriage and
parenthood. Their leaders, religions, the media and the general population endorse
heterosexual marriages and families, and are antagonistic to alternative family forms.
For example, in 2015, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that Singaporeans are
not ready to accept same-sex marriages because the larger community is ‘still
conservative’. He noted that although Singapore society is changing, change is
occurring at a gradual pace and any push for same-sex marriage or parenthood will
risk pushback from wider society and religious groups. He believed that the
conventional family structure is an ‘entrenched’ one, and talk of alternative family
structures may evoke anger among the masses.

4. The conventional family unit still has a place today because stable traditional
families encourage economic and social growth through the preservation of
treasured traditions and values.

Societies that endorse the traditional family structure have a better chance of
economic survival and sustainability. Countries such as China, France and Italy have
strong conventional families, and their economies are partly driven by traditions –
family businesses or based companies – and strong state control. A high level of trust
and finances is invested in the traditional family unit, and trust ends at the borders of
this unit. In this sense, stable traditional family units allow the preservation of some
traditions and the flourishing of social and economic capital.

In fact, many companies and states uphold the conventional family unit through the
implementation and execution of policies that encourage this family form. For
example, companies such as Dupont, IBM and Hewlett Packard promote family
friendly policies in Singapore. Such policies include flexible work hours and locations,
extensive parental leave, shorter work weeks, and social activities for the family.
These policies are highly beneficial for corporations as they preserve and drive good
company practices: teamwork, flexibility and agility, and work-life balance. In turn,
these practices maximise the contribution of each employee, stimulate creativity
and innovation of each employee to ensure that a company has a competitive
edge in the marketplace.
2. ‘Schools have failed to impart the right values to students.’ Do you agree? Discuss
this with regard to your society.

Key terms

‘Schools’-

Consider only formal education: Classroom-based, structural educational system run

by trained teachers, and involves intermediate and final assessments that evaluate
whether students advance to the next phase of learning.

‘Values’-

Moral principles, qualities or standards that govern behaviours, attitudes, and

actions.

‘Right values’-

Correct, desirable, virtuous, ethical values; values that are worthy of having.

Students should a) consider the perspectives of multiple stakeholders when

discussing what constitutes ‘right values’. From whose perspective (e.g. individual,
community, society, schools, government, religion etc) do these values appear
‘right’?

b) lay out the assumptions behind the statement: Schools are supposed to transmit
the right values but have failed to do so; schools may be transmitting the wrong
values instead.

c) recognise that the question is an absolute statement, and they should not agree
wholly with it; students are to refute it.

Possible stand

There may be some instances in which Singapore schools have failed to impart the
right values to their students, and this has resulted in students displaying undesirable
behaviour or adopting a wrong attitude to life. However, it is too extreme and
absolute to claim that schools have not managed to impart the right values at all as
Singapore schools have generally managed to instil the right ethical principles in
their students.

Approach

A: Address the proposition, explaining how and why Singapore schools have failed
to impart the right values to their students and the implications of this.

B: Qualify the above points and the extent to which schools have failed in imparting
the right values.

C: Argue that schools have in place other programmes that impart the right values
most of the time, and explain how and why.
Part A: How and why Singapore schools have failed to impart the right values, and
the implications.

1. In pitting students against one another in the arenas of grades, CCA etc and
emphasising results, Singapore schools have imparted to students a relentless sense
of competition and drive to succeed at the expense of others (wrong value). This
prevents a spirit of co-operation and care for others or the less able (right value)
from being cultivated. In turn, some students may become self-centred and overly
aggressive or competitive individuals.

Example: As competition for a limited number of spaces in the universities and for
prestigious scholarships intensifies, some students make no qualms about stealing
notes from others before the examinations, or refuse to render help to their
academically weaker classmates. Such students may desire to secure academic
achievements at the expense of others and a spirit of co-operation and care.

2. In formally assessing the contributions that students make to the community,

Singapore schools have encouraged students to view community work in
transactional terms (i.e. an exchange of labour for rewards) (wrong value). This
comes at the expense of a genuine and altruistic desire to give back to the
community, without demanding any returns (right value). As a result, some students
may become calculative and apathetic to issues that concern the community, if
there is no incentive for them to care for such issues.

Example: Many medical and law undergraduates in Singapore universities may

render pro bono advisory services to the less privileged in Singapore and her
neighbouring countries. However, this may be done to fulfil the requirements of
Service Learning and internships; it may not be done out of a genuine desire to serve
these communities without attaining anything in return.

3. In emphasising the economic impetus of learning – schools impart knowledge that

prepares students for the workforce – Singapore schools have instilled a sense of
pragmatism and materialism in the pursuit of knowledge (wrong value). Students do
not acquire knowledge out of interest, curiosity or a desire for self-improvement in
non-monetary terms (right value); they pursue knowledge in order to secure a job or
increase their value in the job market. Hence, some students may become overly
pragmatic individuals who learn only for economic purposes, and not for the joy of
learning itself.

Example: When choosing university courses, some junior college graduates may
select a major that presents a direct career track and lucrative career paths:
medicine, law, engineering etc. As much as the graduates may be genuinely
interested in these majors, they probably choose these majors for pragmatic reasons.
Many of these graduates eventually clinch high paying jobs, and shun similar jobs
that pay less, have long working hours but present many opportunities for learning
(e.g. they work in the Big Four law companies rather than as a pro bono lawyer;
doctor in a private rather than public hospital etc).
Part B: Qualify the extent to which schools have failed in imparting the right values.

1. It is not entirely true that Singapore schools have promoted competition at the
expense of co-operation in schools and at the institutional level. This is in line with the
education ministry’s shift away from individual learning to group-based learning.

Examples in schools: group work and the formal assessment of this in secondary
schools (especially the Integrated Programme and International Baccalaureate
programme), junior colleges (Project Work), universities (group term papers and
presentations); in CCAs etc.

Examples at the institutional/education ministry level: 2012 removal of secondary

school banding; 2014 removal of Masterplan of Awards and reduction of school
awards; then Education Minister Heng’s 2011 declaration that ‘every school is a
good school’; 2012 National Day Rally announcement to replace the PSLE point
system with T-scores.

2. It is not completely true that Singapore schools have encouraged the view of
community work in transactional terms, at the expense of altruism. This is in line with
the education ministry’s shift towards a character driven education.

Examples: 2005 removal of PEARLS CCA grading system, and minimum six hour
requirement for Community Involvement Programme; Alternative community work
programmes that are not tagged to CCA grading or points (e.g. Service-Learning;
Regional Service-Learning Expeditions)

3. It is not wholly true that Singapore schools promote pragmatism at the expense of
interest in the pursuit of knowledge. This is in line with the education ministry’s
diversification of educational pathways, to acknowledge non-academic talents
and to emphasise a passion for learning.

Examples: Building of less conventional schools like SOTA, Singapore School of

Science and Technology, Laselle College of the Arts. Offering of less conventional
subjects like Knowledge Inquiry, Critical thinking and evaluation modules in the
Integrated Programme, Music and Art Elective Programme, Chinese Literature etc.

Part C: Argue that schools have imparted the right values most of the time. Explain
how and why.

1. Many Singapore schools impart a sense of morality (i.e. right and wrong) to their
students through a system of punishment and reward.

Examples: School rules; Edusave Character Awards; Character and Citizenship

Education, where ‘white spaces’ – spaces in which teachers facilitate the learning
of moral values; sexuality education etc.

2. Many Singapore schools instil a sense of belonging to and responsibility for the
nation.

Examples: Values of citizenship that are taught in Character and Citizenship

Education; Edusave Character Awards etc.

3. Many Singapore schools impart the value of respect or tolerance for different
cultures and religions, and this is vital in multicultural Singapore and a globalised
world.
Examples: National Education values; moral education in religious schools (mission or
Christian schools, Madrasahs etc).
3. “Not enough attention is paid to the needs of the elderly.” Is this true of your
society?

Key Terms

Not enough attention: implies that the effort put in by society and the government’s
policies/reforms aimed at taking care of the needs of the elderly are lacking
/inadequate /insufficient.

Needs of the elderly: conditions necessary for a quality life. Can range from the
physical needs (eg, food, shelter, security) to moral, social, emotional and material
needs of the elderly.

Possible Stands:

1. It is true that there is not enough attention given to the elderly. There is still a
group of elderly whose needs are unmet despite increased efforts made to
address their concerns both by the government and society.

2. No, it is not true that not enough attention is paid to the elderly as there have
been efforts stepped up by the government and society to address their
concerns.

Approach for Stand 2:

A. Address the proposition and give reasons for why it is perceived that not
enough attention is paid to the needs of the elderly.

B. Refute arguments in A

C. Show that in reality, there is increased attention paid to the needs of the
elderly.

Key Arguments:

Part A: Address the proposition and give reasons for why it is perceived that not
enough attention is paid to the needs of the elderly.

1. Family members of the elderly ,especially those who are working, are found
to be spending not enough time with elderly parents/relatives as they are
often too busy to manage a demanding work schedule or too self-centred .
With the ever-rising levels of individualism, apathy and the weakening of the
family unit in general, that comes with a fast-paced society, the elderly are
often rendered alienated, lonely and ignored in Singapore. Hence the
emotional needs of the elderly are often not met, leaving them to feel
neglected.
 The preoccupation with career advancement and material acquisition
has seen family ties being relegated to secondary importance. Even if
the pro-family policies (incentives for couples to live in close proximity
to their parents, intergenerational bonding initiatives, mandatory need
 to provide care for elderly parents) had any effect, they may not be
sufficient to nurture or safeguard close family ties. As anecdotal
evidence would have it, the highly-educated and affluent people are
often the ones who are the most estranged from their poor and elderly
parents owing to their own pursuits.

2. Singapore’s rapid ageing population has sparked a race to meet the surge in
demand for care services for the elderly and infirm. Welfare
organisations/Social services face constraints in terms of manpower and
financial resources and are unable to cope adequately with the surge in
demand for their services brought on by this rapidly ageing population.
 Day-care waiting lists show that people are not receiving these
services because their capacity is still very limited. The waiting time for
a place at a day-care centre can be nearly two months. There is a
growing number of caregivers who suffer from “caregiver burnout”
owing to them thinking that they can cope by themselves because of
a lack of awareness on caregiving.
 According to the Singapore Department of Statistics (2014), the
number of public hospital beds rose only marginally in the face of
growing population. The rate of increase in hospital beds was just not
enough to cater to the burgeoning population, especially for the
elderly and infirm. It is felt by many that current infrastructure and
resources are clearly not adequate to meet the demand.

3. It is perceived by some that not enough attention is paid on the elderly as the
government policies aimed at helping them are inadequate and cannot
reach out to all of them. Policies that are implemented often do not address
the root of the problem faced by the elderly. The government can only focus
on the physical needs or focus on building relevant infrastructure to alleviate
the suffering of the elderly.
 There is a group of elderly Singaporeans who have to cope with non-
existent family support, continually seek employment and live tediously
and frugally from pay-check to pay-check.
 Easily seen in Singapore are the scenes of elderly beggars, homeless or
in menial, lowly-paid jobs which are dirty and tiring ( food court
cleaners, janitors or cardboard collectors). Employment opportunities
are often menial and physically-demanding while the unresolved
monetary limitations equate to perpetual difficulties with healthcare,
public transportation and housing.
 In the poorest neighbourhoods of Singapore where many elderly stay
in public rental flats in Jalan Kukoh, York Hill and Jalan Minyak,
interviews with the residents there disclosed that many residents there
sometimes were so poor that they did not eat for a few days.

Part B: Refute arguments in Part A, showing that it is only a perception.

1. Cases of elderly neglect/abuse are still a minority. Singapore society

emphasises Asian values of piety and respect for the elderly.
 2. The problems faced by social services in terms of constraints on
financial/manpower have been largely addressed by the government in
recent years. The government has significantly increased social spending on
the elderly and devoted more resources to social services.
 Besides advancing state-based strategies, efforts have been made to
engage organisations (Hua Mei Centre for Successful ageing at Tsao
Foundation; Touch Community Services) involved in elder care, as well as
with elderly residents in respective constituencies to identify on-the-ground
shortcomings. In the pipeline is a new eldercare system aimed at better
supporting vulnerable old people. Under this, Singapore would be divided
into zones with each one overseen by a cluster operator to entail better
coordination and less wastage of manpower.

3. Though the government has focused largely on physical needs such as

healthcare, one may argue that these are the most pressing concerns for an
elderly (affordable healthcare). Hence, it is unfair to claim that the needs of
the elderly have not been met.

Part C: Show that in reality, there is increased attention paid to the needs of the
elderly.

1. It is not that they have not been given help but that the elderly still rely too
heavily on the government to provide career opportunities for them instead of
taking the initiative to make themselves employable. In fact there is
increased attention being paid to the elderly as there is help in the form of
Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) and Workfare Training Scheme to
encourage them to upgrade their skills through training so that they can
improve their employability. Herein is the case of the unwillingness and lack of
motivation on the part of the individual to help himself/herself.

2. There is also the beefing up of social security net to help the elderly who are
needy. This is to ease the main fear related to ageing as their inevitably failing
health and ability to support themselves is the main concern of the elderly.
 Under the Silver Support Scheme rolled out in 2016, it would provide
eligible elderly Singaporeans with a cash amount of between S$300 and
S$750 every three months, based on residence and lifetime wages. This is a
form of supplement income for the bottom 20 to 30 per cent of the elderly,
who have fewer means in their retirement years. There is automatic
qualification with no application required.

3. In an ageing demographic landscape, the government has stepped up

measures to meet the vital needs of the elderly to age with dignity by staying
financially independent. To ensure that there is equality of treatment and
opportunities in employment, the Retirement and Re-employment Act has
raised retirement age to 65.
 However, this is still inadequate to eliminate age discrimination, where
employers are usually reluctant to interview anyone above the age of 50.
The compulsory rehiring scheme only applies to the elderly who were
 already employed. For the retrenched or unemployed elderly, it had
proved to be exceedingly difficult to get a job.

4. It cannot be said that not enough attention is paid to their needs as the
Tribunal of the Maintenance of Parents provides a legal channel for aged
parents who are unable to maintain themselves adequately to seek
maintenance from their children. It is not uncommon for the elderly to fall out
of the radar where help is concerned.
 There have been cases of many uneducated elderly when abused or ill-
treated by their children or family members chose to suffer in silence. This is
because they are either unaware of the existence of a law to protect their
rights or do not want to resort to the law to take their children to task. Very
often, language barriers and illiteracy have contributed to the lack of
comprehension over available aid schemes and the appropriate
application processes which in turn rendered many of the elderly quite
helpless.
 Often many chose not to sue their children for not supporting them as they
may be uncomfortable with bringing private familial conflict to the public
sphere for debate and resolution.
4. Is plastic surgery anything more than vanity?

Understanding the Question

plastic surgery: Plastic surgery is a medical procedure with the purpose of altering or
restoring the form of the body. Though cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is the most well-
known kind of plastic surgery, plastic surgery itself is not necessarily considered
cosmetic; and includes many types of reconstructive surgery, craniofacial surgery,
hand surgery, microsurgery, and the treatment of burns.

vanity: excessive pride in or concern about one’s appearance (in this context)

anything more than: Candidates need to pick up on the sceptical tone in the
question – that is, the belief that plastic surgery is nothing more than vanity.

nothing more than:

1. denotes plastic surgery is only for vanity’s sake.

2. connotes contempt, disdain or scorn – candidates need to explain why going
under the knife for vanity’s sake is considered a contemptuous behaviour

Clearly, the question requires candidates to examine it from the perspective of those
who have gone under the knife or are planning to do so (clue: “vanity”). Responses
like “Plastic surgery is more than vanity: a booming plastic surgery industry can
propel a country’s economy forward.” would be deemed irrelevant.

Approach

Candidates should

a. acknowledge that one of the motivations behind plastic surgery is indeed vanity
b. explain why plastic surgery for vanity’s sake is perceived to be contemptuous
behaviour [OPPOSING VIEWPOINT]
c. refute (b) by arguing that plastic surgery for vanity’s sake is nothing to be scorned
at [REBUTTAL]
d. and finally explain that there are far more sobering (less frivolous) reasons for
‘going down this route’.
Suggested Outline

A: Ackowledge that one of the motivations behind plastic surgery is indeed vanity.

1. ‘Going under the knife’ is undeniably a fast-growing trend worldwide, evidenced

by the droves of distressed customers (whose average age is ever plummeting)
crowding the waiting rooms of cosmetic surgery hospitals and clinics, which are
mushrooming even in the most remote parts of the world (not to mention, the
mass exodus of medical practitioners from their original specialties to capitalise
on this burgeoning cash cow), in the hope of either erasing their (often self-
perceived) imperfections or literally looking ‘on-trend’. No doubt, one of the
motivating forces behind this phenomenon is vanity or the pursuit of human
beauty. After all, vanity is part of the human condition and thus we (especially
the ‘fairer sex’, though members of the other gender are fast catching up these
days) are predisposed to continually improve our physical appearance with the
most advanced knowledge and means that our current level of science and
technology can offer us: from dieting and exercise to makeup and skincare
products to the beauty fad du jour, cosmetic surgery.

B: Explain why plastic surgery for vanity’s sake is perceived to be contemptuous

behaviour [OPPOSING VIEWPOINT]

2. It is perfectly understandable why plastic surgery is perceived to be nothing more

than vanity. Many have expressed their contempt for this fast growing
phenomenon, as they feel that seeking cosmetic surgery, apparently all in the
name of vanity, is putting one’s health and life at risk unnecessarily.
(contemptuous tone of ‘nothing more than’ addressed) While surgery mishaps are
less likely to occur than before, what with medical advancement and stricter
regulations, they are still serious risks one has to bear for opting to go under the
knife. Health risks aside, the amount of hard-earned money spent on beautifying
oneself for seemingly no good reason other than self-gratification is also frowned
upon.

C: Refute (B) by arguing that plastic surgery for vanity’s sake is nothing to be scorned
at [REBUTTAL]

3. Living in this increasingly superficial world where beauty is venerated and ugliness
scorned, the plain Janes and Joes of today are having a much harder time than
their predecessors coming to terms with the harsh realities of life. Unsurprisingly,
many have failed, evident from the rising number of men and women, especially
the young, suffering from low self-esteem and depression (even driven to suicide)
as a result of relentless exposure to modern-day Adonises in the media, and
institutional indoctrination of the seemingly unattainable beauty ideal (which
they will never be able to live up to, without some help), not to mention, the
ridicule, however subtle and well-disguised, they have to endure on a daily basis
from vicious foes and callous strangers or even their well-intentioned but tactless
loved ones. It is no wonder that an increasing number have turned to cosmetic
surgery to reclaim even a shred of self-confidence and dignity in order to make
living slightly more bearable. Yes, while one goes under knife because one is
 vain, it is perfectly justifiable behaviour given the image-conscious society we live
in today.

4. Another hard truth about this superficial world we inhabit is that image appears
to matter more than substance, and in some cases, image is substance! (think
models) Studies found that individuals with better or the ‘right’ look are generally
perceived as possessing greater ‘magnetic’ appeal, which is especially
important to those whose jobs require them to be ‘at the frontline’, or even being
more competent in their jobs (awfully sad but true). So, there is a practical
dimension to cosmetic surgery: to secure one’s livelihood in today’s fiercely
competitive globalised world. Clearly, it is no longer enough to be qualified for
one’s dream job, but one has to now ‘look the part’ as well.

D: While there is no denying that vanity is one of the key drivers of this unstoppable
trend, there are far more sobering (less frivolous) reasons for ‘going down this route’.

5. In extreme cases, individuals opt for cosmetic surgery, not to improve their
physical appearance for greater self-esteem but to fit in with mainstream society
or to leave behind their ‘inglorious’ past. It is not unheard of for immigrants trying
to assimilate into their less-than-inclusive adopted homelands, racial minorities
wanting a better chance in life, or women escaping the bloodied clutches of
their abusive lovers to transform themselves by way of cosmetic surgery. For
example, nose shape is one of the most indicative of one’s ethnic origin. It was
reported that an increasing number of immigrants in Spain, especially those from
South America, had been resorting to rhinoplasty to look more European (by
transforming their originally flat, snub noses into narrower, pointer ones) in a bid to
adapt to their new environment.

6. It is worth noting that plastic surgery encompasses far more than just cosmetic
surgery. Reconstructive surgery, for instance, has had a history far longer and
illustrious than that of aesthetic medicine. Performed on abnormal structures of
the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma,
infection, tumours or disease, reconstructive surgery endeavours to restore and
improve essential functions of the body, while approximating a normal physical
appearance. Its goal extends far beyond that of allowing the patient look good
and feel better about him/herself, to that of improving life expectancy and
ensuring he/she is able to, literally, survive and function (almost) like an able-
bodied person. One of the commonest forms of reconstructive surgery is breast
reduction surgery, which has spared countless well-endowed women from the
agony of severe neck and back pain or other health complications.
5. Is there still a place for newspapers in today’s world?

Key words:

1) still-- highlights that the previously unchallenged role of the newspapers has
come under question. The question asks for re-evaluation of the viability of the
newspapers given today’s changing conditions.

2) a place— relevance of, the roles and functions of

3) newspapers— both the print and digital editions of newspapers can be

considered in this question

4) today’s world—Students should highlight what are the conditions that have
changed today, that have contributed to the role of the newspapers being
challenged or questioned, e.g. the heavy use of the internet as the main source of
news today.

Possible Approaches:

1) There is decreasing importance placed on the newspapers today.

2) Though there are valid concerns about the viability of newspapers today, its role
has not diminished owing to several reasons.

Suggested Approach: No. 2

A) Explain how certain factors, e.g. digital alternatives or the internet, are perceived
to have undermined the relevance/appeal/need of newspapers and magazines.

B) Explain the limitations of these factors, and show how there still remains a need for
newspapers and magazines.

Possible arguments:

Arg 1: Many question whether the newspapers still offer a variety of opinion and
objectivity in reporting, since many newspapers in several countries tend to
sensationalise news and social media today has led to the deregulation of the
media.

Ideally speaking, newspapers should offer credible, objective news to its readers to
ensure a well-informed population. However, in several countries such as Singapore,
our newspapers are owned by Singapore Press Holdings, and the limitations placed
by the government on news to ensure that it toes the government line has
increasingly frustrated our younger generation today, who call for more
independent opinion and freedom of speech.

Apart from this problem, newspapers are also guilty of sensationalising news and
twisting headlines to ensure higher readership and thereby profits. An analysis of
global reporting in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks shows how impossible
objectivity was to achieve in news reporting.

In a more recent example, the TODAY newspaper was slammed in July 2015 for
misleading readers with a headline that falsely suggested many students were
dropping out of the Yale-NUS arts college in Singapore due to the disappointment
with its syllabus offerings, when reality showed only 2 students had chosen to do so.

The rise of social media has only exacerbated the problem, by effectively providing
credible and multiple news sources, and at times also nullifying efforts at censorship
and even objective reporting, with its ability to provide news in real time without the
need for accountability nor even identity.

These have served to invalidate the need for newspapers in today’s world.

CA (Arg 2): The credibility of news in newspapers is generally not to be

underestimated, especially in comparison to its digital counterparts online.
Censorship, vetting, and the matter-of-fact, objective tone of news in the
newspapers are still to be highly valued in an age where news is churned out and
reported instantaneously by a myriad of unreliable sources, be it online news
agencies or individuals online.

For example, popular but sensationalist websites like Temasek Review have less
inclinations towards honest and credible reporting, with a heavier emphasis on
being a voice for the minorities. Another website, The Real Singapore, was forced by
the Singapore government to shut down in 2015, with the court verdict reading that
"patently false information was represented as being the truth", and TRS "even
resorted to outright and blatant fabrication in order to attract internet users to their
website - all with the objective of increasing their advertising revenue".

The 2011 General Elections in Singapore clearly reinforced the notion that the
newspapers were Singaporeans’ main reference for accurate reports of official
interviews and campaign activities, despite the vast availability and popularity of
online news.

Furthermore, though there was extensive airing and sharing of news and opinions
online, we should also recognise the value of the matter-of-fact reporting of the
newspaper as an information source which was crucial in allowing people to filter
out inaccurate opinions and balance their own viewpoints.
Even amongst Western countries, the tabloids and online news agencies are
notorious for money-spinning tactics in news reporting, with the main trusted sources
of news and information still being the official newspapers and channels, such as the
Herald Tribune, and the New York Times.

Arg 3: News-making and reporting have become much faster and more
democratic today with the internet, and the younger generation today have little
appreciation for the protracted process of submission, vetting and approval of the
written news before publication. This has made the newspapers seem like an
outmoded medium for news and communication.

Broad surveys carried out in the US show that the 60-70% of the younger generation,
commonly known as “Millenials”, very much look for their news sources online on
social media sites such as Facebook. Few turn to the newspapers or television
channels or print media for their news, choosing instead the more accessible and
quicker route to getting the information they need.

Furthermore, the internet or social media both allow for more nuanced and specific
searches on more narrow areas of interest, which make for much more efficient and
effective acquiring and consolidation of information.

CA (Arg 4): Newspapers are fast adapting to the technological changes in the
media landscape by having a strong online presence - they do not merely offer a
digital version of the newspaper, but also take advantage of popular social media
platforms to provide their subscribers with constant and immediate, not to mention
credible updates and opportunities for feedback, thereby eliminating the
advantages alternative news media have over the print newspaper.

Virtually any credible news source or newspaper in the developed world today has
an online presence apart from its print editions, to make itself more accessible to the
general population and to international audiences. This ability very much extends
these newspapers’ credibility and accessibility to a generation that places an
overwhelming price on time and efficiency, and to businesses that need and run on
information on real time, e.g. stock markets.

For example, the Straits Times in Singapore has a strong online presence and allow
for live updates, as well as feedback and an exchange of views on its forums.

Many of these news sites also allow for their articles to be shared across social media
platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, in a bid to expand its readership.
Supporting Argument (Arg 5): There are still many people who prefer the newspapers
as their main means of attaining news, especially the older generation who do not
take to technology as well or as quickly as the younger generation.

As developed or well-educated as Singapore may be, and even if the internet is the
younger generation’s preferred choice of news, the burgeoning ageing population
still means that the newspapers will continue to be effective as a source of news and
information dissemination.
6. To what extent does social media have a negative impact on relationships?

Understanding the Question

social media: Social media refers to computer-mediated tools that allow people or
companies to create, share or exchange news and information, opinions and ideas,
and pictures and videos in virtual communities and networks. Some of the more
popular social media platforms include online forums, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and YouTube.

relationships: Candidates must not confuse ‘communication’/’interaction’ with

‘relationships’. They should go beyond examining the impact of social media on the
frequency and depth of communication to assessing its impact on the strength of
relationships (just take the discussion one baby step further!)

‘Relationships’ does not simply refer to interpersonal relationships but can (not ‘must’)
also include business-customer relationships and government-people relationships
(though few would do so, which does not detract from the quality of the discussion).

To what extent… negative impact: Refer to ‘Approach.’

Approach

The more common (read: lesser) approach would be to first acknowledge the
negative impact social media has on relationships before examining the positive
impact.

This approach does not assess the extent to which social media purportedly has a
negative impact on relationships and would be better suited to the question: Does
social media only/always have a negative impact on relationships?

Note to examiners: Credit should still be given for well development of sound
arguments even though the approach taken is far from desired. Adoption of
the less favoured approach should not be grounds for automatic failure.
However, candidates who choose to discuss the positive impacts first clearly
fail to understand even the most basic requirement of the question and thus
do not deserve to pass.

The question assumes that social media has a negative impact on relationships, and
the author of the question wants to find out the extent of the negative impact. So,
the focus of discussion should centre on the negative impact.

A more evaluative (read: recommended) approach would be to first acknowledge

the perceived negative impacts social media has on relationships before examining
the extenuating circumstances that would mitigate the repercussions (To help
candidates understand the question requirements better, an alternative phrasing of
the question would be: Does social media really have a negative impact on
relationships?)

A second note to examiners: Candidates need to present sufficient scope of

discussion to be awarded a good pass. There may be a case where
candidates examine the same (negative) impact – that is, the same way in
which social media hurts relationships – on a variety of relationships (each
discussed in a separate paragraph), which should be considered as one
point. The same applies to the mitigating factors discussed in the essay – they
should be varied.

Conclusion

“Since its advent, social media has been blamed for strained relationships in modern
society. In my opinion, the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships is
blown out of proportion/exaggerated/overstated.”

OR

“Since its advent, social media has been blamed for strained relationships in modern
society. The truth of the matter is, the impact of social media on interpersonal
relationships is mitigated by extenuating circumstances.”

(Avoid making ‘empty’ statements such as “I agree to a large/small extent that

social media has a negative impact on relationships.”)

Suggested Outline

Perceived negative impact (Opposing Viewpoint)  Mitigating factor(s) (Rebuttal)

Opposing Viewpoint 1 (OV1): The accessibility and convenience of social media

have made it much easier for one to make ‘friends’ with like-minded individuals. It is
not uncommon for one to have hundreds or even thousands of ‘friends’ or ‘followers’
on the likes of Facebook and Instagram, but it is humanly impossible to maintain a
deep, meaningful relationship with every single of them. As such, existing
relationships may be sacrificed, with far fewer face-to-face or even computer-
mediated interactions than before.

 Addictions expert David Smallwood claims that many who use Facebook
become hooked on the urge to acquire more friends in an attempt to appear
popular and successful. But while we may be able to count 5,000 friends on the
online social networking site, scientists have shown that humans' brains are
capable of managing a maximum of just 150 friendships. Research findings of
Oxford University Professor Robin Dunbar, based on his theory 'Dunbar's number',
developed in the 1990s, asserts that size of the part of the brain used for
conscious thought and language, the neocortex, limits us to managing 150
friends, no matter how sociable we are.
Rebuttal 1 (R1): The use of social media to widen one’s social circle may have been
exaggerated, as the majority uses social media primarily as a means to stay
connected with family members and real-life friends whom they may not get to
interact face-to-face with as often as they would like to for a myriad of reasons, the
chief of which being their hectic schedules. Thus, the aforementioned problem of
estrangement as a result of overreliance on social media does not apply to the
majority of people in modern society. In fact, without social media to keep us
updated on each other’s lives, our once close relationships may be reduced to we
being mere acquaintances or worse, vaguely familiar strangers. (positive impact –
bonus)

OV2a: It is said that addiction to social media, which admittedly is difficult to resist
considering the countless hours of multi-sensory entertainment it offers, can lead to
the weak-willed being hopelessly trapped in their virtual lives and consequently
neglecting their family members and friends in the real world.

 Sherry Turkle, who writes extensively about social media, believes that we are
expecting more from technology and less from each other. Social media can
give us the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship (such as
the need for face-to-face interaction for greater emotional intimacy). Addicts to
social media would turn down plans to go out with real people so they can
spend time on a social network. This could lead to even more isolation as friends
are less likely to spend time with them in person.

OV2b: Also, the veil of anonymity on social media (or so some believe), coupled with
the tendency to be less tactful when one fires salvos from behind the computer or
mobile phone, has been blamed for soured relationships, ‘flame wars’ and in the
worst case, cyberbullying, as one become emboldened to speak the unadulterated
truth or spread malicious rumours, subjecting one’s victim (who may once upon a
time be their best friend) to merciless ridicule.

 A study found that college students in the United States are 40% less empathetic
than they were 30 years ago, thanks to on-screen interactions that make it easier
to say mean things and act before considering the consequences of their
actions.
 It is thus not surprising that cyberbullying is on the rise. The problem is alarmingly
common among adolescents and teens (and even adults are not spared).
According to Cyber bullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation, over half of
adolescents and teens in the United States have been bullied online, and about
the same number have engaged in cyberbullying.
 One of the most high-profile victims of cyberbullying is 13-year-old Megan Meier
who hanged herself in a bedroom closet in 16 October 2006. Megan struggled
with attention deficit disorder and depression in addition to her weight issues.
About five weeks before her death, a 16-year-old boy named Josh Evans
 befriended Megan on the social networking website MySpace only to ‘unfriend’
her weeks later. Evans even told Megan, “The world would be a better place
without you.” The cyberbullying escalated when additional classmates and
friends on MySpace began writing disturbing messages and bulletins, which
eventually led to Megan’s suicide. It was later that fall when a neighbour
informed Megan’s parents that Josh was not a real person. Instead, the account
was created by another neighbour, Lori Drew, her 18-year-old temporary
employee Ashley Grills, and Drew’s teenage daughter, who used to be friends
with Megan.

R2: Public education on cyber wellness, close monitoring of activities on social

networking platforms by way of internal moderation, and the passing of laws
governing responsible speech on social media have all contributed to the
amelioration of the aforementioned problems – social alienation and cyberbullying,
brought on the irresponsible use of the medium.

 In December 2015, Singapore’s Ministry of Law introduced a bill into parliament

that would effect real consequences against those who participate in the hurtful
act of cyber bullying. The intent of the bill is to officially legalise harassment that
can happen in the realm of cyber space. In addition to this, the cyberbullying bill
will provide victims of this type of bullying with ways to protect themselves and
legal recourse against their aggressors. These include the ability to apply for a
Protection Order, which is similar to an American restraining order.

A third note to examiners: Candidates who adopt the more evaluative approach
may choose to also discuss the positive impact of social media on relationships, but
the discussion should be limited to one paragraph and as a follow up or an
extension of an earlier paragraph that examines the extent of social media’s
negative impact on relationships. See below.
Opposing Viewpoint 1 (OV1): The accessibility and convenience of social
media have made it much easier to one to make ‘friends’ with like-minded
individuals. It is not uncommon for one to have hundreds or even thousands
of ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on the likes of Facebook and Instagram, but it is
humanly impossible to maintain a deep, meaningful relationship with every
single of them. As such, existing relationships may be sacrificed, with far fewer
face-to-face or even computer-mediated interactions than before.
(PERCEIVED NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON RELATIONSHIP)

Rebuttal 1 (R1): The use of social media to widen one’s social circle may have
been exaggerated, as the majority uses social media primarily as a means to
stay connected with family members and real-life friends whom they may not
get to interact face-to-face with as often as they would like to for a myriad of
reasons, the chief of which being their hectic schedules. Thus, the
aforementioned problem of estrangement as a result of overreliance on
social media does not apply to the majority of people in modern society…
(MITIGATION OF PERCEIVED NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON
RELATIONSHIP)

R1b: Furthermore, critics of social media have failed to consider the interests
of the chronically shy and those who are unable to make friends easily in real
life due to their physical abilities. Social media has allowed them to transcend
physical and psychological barriers that would have prevented them from
forging meaningful friendships. In these cases, social media has not put a
strain on relationships but instead given them opportunities to savour the joys
of a healthy social life.
(POSITIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON RELATIONSHIPS)
7. “Fiction has one purpose—to entertain.” Do you agree?

Key Terms

Fiction
 a term used to classify any story created by the imagination, rather than
based strictly on history or fact.
 in terms of films and books:
 Fictional books – the class of literature comprising works of imaginative
narration, especially in prose form.
 Fictional films – tell fictionalised stories where believable narratives and
characters help convince the audience that the unfolding film is real.

Entertain
 provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment

One Purpose
 apart from being enjoyable, there are no additional benefits: no real life
application or relevance
 denotes an absolute proposition; needs to be refuted

Suggested approach
• Acknowledge how fictional films and books entertain and provide pleasure for
the viewer/reader.
• Point out that fiction has other benefits/purposes which are also significant.

Argument to acknowledge entertainment value of fiction

 Fiction, being make-believe stories which can sometimes be too incredulous for
reality, is a leisurely diversion which serves as a distraction from the complexities
and stress of life and responsibilities. When people read or watch fictional books
and movies, they indulge in sentimentality and/or escapism via predictable and
clichéd plots/characterisation. Fiction in these forms are often a pleasurable
form of escapism, and possess no real life practical value.
o Consider stories like Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, J.K. Rowling’s
Harry Potter series and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series – these are
touted to be enjoyable reads by many people due to the entertaining
nature of their storylines.
Arguments to show other significant purposes of fiction

• Fictional stories provide enduring life lessons and values development via their
plots. The influential reach of timeless fictional films and books shapes mind sets,
values and beliefs. Consumers of fiction are provided with choices faced by
characters, and these choices prompt reflections about their personal beliefs,
through engaged examinations of moral dilemmas, thereby stimulating their
moral development. The informal (and fun) nature of fiction allows for these
moral messages to be transmitted more effectively.
o In The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series, Gandalf, Bilbo, and
Frodo Baggins are surrounded by friends, family, and allies that help
them along their journeys. In Ender’s Game, Ender Wiggin learns how
to capitalise on his strengths and those of his teammates in the war
against a hostile alien race.
o Mark Twain’s novel, Huckleberry Finn, allows the reader to examine
and reflect on moral issues and conflict. When Huck Finn breaks the
law to help a slave escape, he confronts the conflict between society's
acceptance of slavery and the right of every human to be free.

 Fiction helps to create identity for the individual and the group through a similar
understanding. Traditional tales, from hero epics to sacred myths, perform the
essential work of defining group identity and reinforcing cultural values. Studies
have been carried out to suggest fiction acts as a kind of social glue among
humans, binding fractious individuals together around common values.
o In Australian Aboriginal mythology, The Dreaming is a sacred era in
which ancestral Totemic Spirit Beings formed The Creation. The
Dreaming establishes the structures of society, rules for social behaviour,
and the ceremonies performed to ensure continuity of life and land.
The Dreaming governs the laws of community, cultural lore and how
people are required to behave in their communities.

 Fiction also provides a powerful platform for the expression of political/social

critiques by the authors to educate the masses to bring about needed change
in an inoffensive way. Through fiction, authors can criticise the status quo, argue
against hegemonic forces in society, and resist power. Metaphors and other
literary devices often help writers criticise society in nuanced and subtle ways.
o George Orwell’s Animal Farm; Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, etc.
o Alessandro Manzoni, a famous Italian writer from the 19th century,
centered his historical novel, The Betrothed, around the tyranny of a
local lord against two young peasants. A famous passage of the book
sees Renzo, the main character, carrying four chickens for a lawyer
that might help him. Instead of rebelling against Renzo, who holds
them by the paws, the chickens fight and peck each other. The image
conceals a social critique: instead of collectively fighting against the
oppressor, disadvantaged people often argue with each other. The
 passage implicitly calls for Italians to rebel against the Austrians, who
ruled North Italy at the time.
o The Turkish author, Elif Shafak’s novels are another examples of how
literature can articulate voices of social critique. The book The Bastard
of Istanbul (2006), describes the friendship between two teenage girls,
a Turkish and an Armenian-American, and comments on the Turkish
government’s denial of the Armenian genocide. While the book is
fictional, the social commentary it encloses is so powerful that Shafak
was sued for “Insulting Turkishness” through the words of some of her
characters. In this novel, religion is important, as well. The Turkish family
described in the novel, interestingly composed exclusively by women,
includes different types of spirituality. From the refusal of Islam of
certain characters, to the devotion to Islam of certain others, and the
intertwinement between institutional and traditional religious practices,
religion is a constant theme of the book.

• Fiction challenges the reader’s narrow and fixed ways of thinking by engaging
the imagination in reflecting on the complexity of characters’ motives, choices,
actions and problems. This helps develop insights into self and others,
restructuring their understanding of life. A society that promotes the
consumption of fiction reaps the benefits of a mature and sensitive community.
Reading fiction is a powerful tool for developing and enlarging self and social
awareness. Consumers of fiction can become more psychologically astute,
empathetic and attuned to the complexity of life.
o A socializing tool that encourages understanding of others and
acceptance of differences as fiction helps us to negotiate the social world
through examining the myriad and complicated reasons that people—as
socio-culturally situated beings—think and behave the way they do.
o Author, Lev Grossman, cites the example of Edmund in The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe as an analogy to the cathartic effect of reading fiction:
you re-encounter in the fantasy world the problems you thought you left
behind in the real world. Going through the wardrobe does not solve any
of his grievances or personality disorders but his experiences in Narnia
forces him to confront and overcome them.
o Psychology Today suggested that reading fiction was “found to improve
the reader's ability to put themselves in another person’s shoes” (empathy)
as reading produces a vivid simulation of reality, much like a computer
simulation, so it allows reader’s to enter fully into other people’s thoughts
and feelings. The implication is that reading fiction might enhance a
person’s ability to discern others’ feelings and intentions—a skill that is
central to the successful navigation of complex social relationships in a
multifaceted multicultural world.
8. Is there any value in studying the past?

Key terms

Any value
 Question is making the assumption that the past may not have much value/
importance/significance and requires the student to consider whether there is or
is no value to studying the past

Studying the past

 “Studying”: To investigate or examine in detail in a careful manner
 “The past”:
o At its most literal level, the past is a term used to indicate the totality
of events which occurred before a given point in time which here
refers to the present.
o The past is the object of such fields as history, archaeology,
chronology, geology, historical geology, historical linguistics, law etc.
o Here the concept of the past is very broad and encompasses the
past of an individual, historical past, traditions – food, culture, politics
and rituals from before the present

Suggested Approach
 Explain why there is a perception that there is no/little value in studying the
past
 Give reasons as to why contrary to this perception, there is importance/value/
use in studying the past

Reasons for the perception why there may not be any value in studying the past

 Studying history does not seem to provide a sure-guide for what will happen
in the future, neither can it give a timeframe for any predictions to take place.
The world today is a very different from the past, and things have progressed
at such a rapid pace that the situation today is very different from that of our
ancestors. Also, the random-ness and unpredictability of human nature
cannot be controlled, and this poses significant difficulty in finding general
historical laws applicable across all cultures, societies and individuals.
o The Sony hacking incident in 2014, which breached thousands of
confidential company emails and made terrorism threats against any
US cinemas that aired ‘The Interview – a film that depicts an
assassination attempt on Kim Jong-un. The FBI claimed that hackers,
working under the codename ‘Guardians of the Peace’, were in fact
representatives of North Korea. The attack, which crippled the
computers of Sony Pictures across its US and international offices, has
been linked with North Korea. Thus, lessons gained from threats to
security in the past would not have helped the authorities to prevent
the cyber- attack as such technology was not available in the past.
  As much of what we termed as ‘history’ is recorded by man, historical
evidence can be at times partial, incomplete, flawed, fraudulent, damaged
and prone to the selectiveness of past generations. It is debatable if learning
about history can really be a good defence against certain situations from
happening again. We cannot be certain if the sources behind historical data
are objective or complete.
o School textbooks in India and Pakistan present divergent views on
historical events. This conflict illuminates the biases and subjectivity
inherent in history.
 Stated in Indian textbooks: In 1947, when Hari Singh, the ruler of
Kashmir, opted to stay independent, Pakistani armed intruders
from Pakistan attacked Kashmir. Hari Singh then signed an
agreement to join India, and the Indian army was sent in to
defend Kashmir.
 Stated in Pakistan textbooks: Hari Singh started a brutal
campaign to drive out Muslims from Kashmir. Over 200,000
people in the princely State, supported by the tribesmen of the
Northwest Frontier Province, were successful in liberating a large
area of Kashmir from the Maharaja’s control. So Hari Singh was
forced to turn to India for help and in return acceded to India.

However…

 With improvements in technology and more efforts put into research work,
revisions have been made to make historical accounts more objective over
time. While the details may not be 100 percent accurate, the general trends
gleaned from the revisions may still be helpful as a form of guidance. It has
also been argued that the gradual professionalization of historical study in the
late 19th and 20th centuries has also given greater credence to historical
narratives as objective/reliable testimonies of the past.
o The incorporation of scientific models in the study of historical facts
enabled the professional historian to distance himself from the amateur.
With professionalization came the use of standardised techniques,
emphasis on authoritative voice, and the production of work
subjected to critique by an academic circle trained in theory and
analytical skills.

Reasons why there is value in studying the past

 Studying history allows us to draw parallels between examples of the past and
events of the present, implying a high probability that the outcomes might be
largely similar if certain conditions are repeated and present. When we study
history to find the factors that explain a particular development, we can
understand how and why societies and people change, which guide us in
making decisions for the future. The past teaches us to avoid mistakes made
 by predecessors and the lessons learnt can lead to improvements in the
present society.
o Singapore learnt from mistakes made in dealing with racial and
religious sensitivities to prevent racial riots – Racial riot in 1964 – lessons
learnt led to social policies to promote integration among different
races, like the HDB racial quota system. There are many programmes
to help foreigners integrate into our society. For example, the People's
Association (PA) runs the National Education Experience Programme
for new citizens, where they get to understand better our history,
culture and heritage.

 Studying history gives us a sense of identity in a society marked by rapid

changes. A shared body of ideas, values and experiences, which has a
coherent shape, becomes a cultural tradition, be it national, ethnic or racial.
The history of a nation or society is analogous to the memories of an individual,
and defines society in a pervasive manner. Defining a group in the present
pales against the possibility of forming an identity based on a rich past.
o African-American history in the United States  create awareness of
the struggles and challenges that African Americans overcame in the
United States, to promote a tradition of acknowledgement, inclusion
and community engagement in multi-ethnic US.

 A study of the past gives us an insight into human nature. Through the
examination of historical figures and events, we can derive a greater
understanding of human nature.
o The atrocities committed by Hitler and the Germans against Jews/Pol
Pot against the Cambodians point to a possible lack of morality in
humanity under extreme circumstances. On the other hand, there
have been many examples of human endurance and love for
humanity even under the most cruel circumstances.
9: “The rich should always help the poor.” Do you agree?

Interpretation of terms:

“Rich”/ “Poor”:

The interpretation of the key terms – “rich” and “poor” – can be very subjective, thus
the definition of these terms is important in determining the scope of discussion.

Possible interpretations of “the rich”:

a) Rich countries which could include countries with high-income economies.

Examples could include Singapore, Switzerland, the US, Norway, Qatar,
Kuwait, UAE etc.
b) Forbes list of the world richest people such as Bill Gates, Jack Ma, Warren
Buffet, Mark Zuckerberg, George Sorros, etc
c) People who are able to satisfy their needs and have money left over for luxury.

Possible interpretations of “the poor”:

a) Less developed countries like Ghana, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, etc.

b) People who lack the resources to meet even the most basic needs such as
food, shelter and clothing. If using the poverty line as an indication, the world
bank updated it to as less than $1.90 a day.
c) The poor who lack the resources to obtain minimal health care or to provide
an education for their children.

“Should”:

a) Indicates an obligation to act – both morally and socially

b) Implies that it is desirable to help the poor/ there are benefits to be reaped
from the act of charity

“Always”:

An absolute term meaning that there is no exception.

Approach:

It may seem that there are good reasons supporting why the rich are obliged to help
the poor, however, it is untenable for us to agree with this statement. The statement
contains the absolute term “always” which implies that help should be given under
all circumstances, without any consideration of the prevailing conditions, the nature
of the ‘help’ given and how it could affect the poor negatively in the long run. Aid
should be given with discretion and wisdom even when there is an obligation to do
so, as aid can have mixed impacts. It is, therefore, unrealistic and naïve to assume
that the obligation to help the poor transcends all circumstances.
Suggested Approach:

1) Explain why some might think that it is imperative for the rich to help the poor.
2) Transition : Address the implications of the absolute term “always” and
present the rebuttal via an examination of the assumptions found in the
above view.
3) Argue that helping the poor mindlessly without consideration given to the
nature of poverty, the prevailing conditions and the nature of the help given,
can bring about negative consequences.

Part 1: Explain why some might think that it is imperative for the rich to help the poor.

1) An obligation to help the poor – both morally and socially

The concept of noblesse oblige compels the rich, the famous and the
powerful to provide good examples of public responsibilities through
philanthropic efforts. It is believed that the rich, who have been blessed with
special advantages of wealth, rank and privileges, must balance their
privilege with duty towards those who lack such privilege or who cannot
perform such duty. In addition, many believe that the rich profited from the
capitalistic economy where globalisation and technological change
favoured them. They believe that much of the poverty of developing nations
is the result of unjust and exploitative policies of governments and
corporations in wealthy countries. The existence of such injustices in the global
economic structure thus creates an obligation for the rich to help the poor.

2) Benefits to be reaped when the rich help the poor

When the poor become better off, the rich will benefit as well. This is seen in
how improving the well-being of deprived people is a nearly universal goal
among policymakers in many countries.
Some examples of benefits:
Boost global trade by opening up new markets, expanding pools of skilled
labour and boosting innovation among the third world, all of which may serve
to benefit the rich countries:
- In 2011, Samsung launched its Electronics Engineering Academy in South
Africa, Kenya and Nigeria to open up "skilled, well-paying job
opportunities" for recent high school graduates. The programme is as part
of Samsung's broader goal to develop 10,000 electronics engineers across
Africa by 2015. As Samsung puts it, “Africa is being hailed now more than
ever, as a land of opportunity and Samsung is fully committed to growing
this opportunity for all. Our aim is to promote co-operation, innovation and
the exchange of new ideas in technology…”
Imperative for the achievement of global objectives:

- An alleviation of global poverty can also only have benefits for global
security, as poverty and inequality may be breeding grounds for political
 conflict and radicalism. Eg: Central Asia's densely populated Ferghana
Valley, shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, has long been
considered a potential hotbed of religious extremism, as the majority of
the impoverished region's 10 million inhabitants are young with little to do
and no job prospects, which fuels existing radicalism and criminality. Any
sustainable poverty reduction and economic development strategy can
then only have beneficial effects on regional and global security.

Transition: Address the implications of the absolute term “always” and present the
rebuttal via an examination of the assumptions found in the above view. (Optional)

Helping unconditionally without careful consideration of the nature of poverty,

the prevailing conditions and impacts it could bring onto the poor is naïve.
It is wrong to assume that help given will always reduce human suffering and
maximize human happiness. Aiding poor nations without careful
consideration of their root problem and the prevailing conditions can
produce far more suffering than it will alleviate in the long run. There is little
benefit if aid merely provides immediate relief without any long term plan to
address the root problem.
Example:
Nations with the highest incidence of poverty also have the highest birthrates.
Merely providing monetary aid to people in such countries will only
exacerbate the population problem. And as the populations of these
countries swell, more people will be forced onto marginal and
environmentally fragile lands, leading to widespread land degradation,
further reducing the land available for food production. The increase in
demands on the limited food supply combined with a decrease in the
production of food will threaten the survival of future generations of both the
rich and the poor.

Part 3: Argue that helping the poor can bring about negative consequences, hence
there is no point in insisting on a moral obligation if help might mean
creating/perpetuating long term inequalities.

3) Help/aid may be misused by the poor.

Even in the short-run, there can be little benefit gained from aiding poor
nations. Aid sent to developing countries rarely reaches the people who live
under corrupt governments. Instead, it is used by oppressive governments to
subsidize their military or spent on projects that benefit local elites, or ends up
on the black market.
Example:
Billions are needed to help rebuild Nepal after two deadly earthquakes in
2015. However, in a country where corruption is seen as endemic, many are
concerned about the effectiveness of pouring aid into the earthquake
resilience programme in Nepal. According to Kenichi Yokoyama, Nepal
director of the Asian Development Bank, one of the biggest investors in the
 country, it is common knowledge that building codes are ignored in addition
to poor enforcement. Approval of design documents for buildings can be
bought and millions were spent on what the public project document lists as
unspecified "professional services".

4) Not addressing the root problem and producing a dependent relationship.

Any type of aid, even technological and development aid, can result in poor
countries becoming over-reliant on the rich, crippling their ability to become
self-reliant. The assistance from rich countries might deprive the poor country
of the incentive to develop their own scientific and technological innovation,
as they look to/are reliant on the rich country for direction. They might
become accustomed to emulation of the rich country’s science and
technological advancement, which, not only will prove detrimental to their
own innovation, will only ensure they remain behind them instead of
becoming on par. Worse, they may be stuck as offshore outsourcing centres
for the developed countries, instead of utilizing science innovation for their
own empowerment.

5) The poor might suffer exploitation.

Aid is often determined by the objectives of donor countries rather than the
needs of recipient countries. According to a report was authored by 13 UK
and Africa-based NGOs, including Health Poverty Action, Jubilee Debt
Campaign and World Development Movement, western countries are using
aid to Africa as a smokescreen to hide the "sustained looting" of the continent
as it loses nearly $60bn a year through tax evasion, climate change mitigation,
and the flight of profits earned by foreign multinational companies. The report
says that while western countries send about $30bn in development aid to
Africa every year, more than six times that amount leaves the continent,
"mainly to the same countries providing that aid". The perception that such
aid is helping African countries "has facilitated a perverse reality in which the
UK and other wealthy governments celebrate their generosity whilst
simultaneously assisting their companies to drain Africa's resources”.
10. Should migration be discouraged in today’s world?

Interpretation of terms:
‘Migration’:
The movement of a large number of people from one place to another with the
objective of settling down in the new place to work, study and live in. Migration
requires one to take up long-term residence in another city/country.

‘discouraged’:
Implementing laws and policies to deter/prohibit this movement by governments or
regulatory bodies e.g. United Nations and International Organisation for Migration

‘should’:
Evaluate the extent to which migration brings about desirable outcomes when
deciding whether countries should welcome migration or should
prevent/discourage it. It implies that countries are morally or legally bound to take
action to either welcome or discourage migration.

‘today’s world’:
The context for discussion: Students should make references to key developments
that would colour our attitudes towards migration. References could include the
Syrian crisis leading to the huge influx of refugees, an aging labour force in the
developed countries, anti-immigrant populism in Europe, etc.

Approach:
2 possible stands :
1. Although migration might bring some benefits, these benefits are insignificant
in comparison to the problems created and migration should thus be discouraged.
2. Although migration might create some problems, these problems can be
alleviated and are largely outweighed by the significant benefits brought about by
migration. Migration should thus be embraced.

Approach for Stand 2

a) Address why some countries discourage migration by pointing out the
problems that migration is perceived to bring.
b) Refute these criticisms of migration. Argue that migration should be
embraced instead as it manifests a vast array of positive effects for society.
c) Other consideration: "moral duty" to act during a humanitarian crisis.
Part 1: Address why some countries would discourage migration by pointing out the
problems that migration is perceived to bring

1) Difficulty in integrating migrants into local society which may lead to conflict
and unrest.
The outcome of forcibly making communities with sometimes vastly different religious
and cultural beliefs live, work and play in the same locale has been largely
problematic and even tragic in some instances. With such fears of communal strife
still fresh on the minds of leaders of countries, many of them are justified in being
cautious when deciding how many new citizens to allow into the country. The large
influx of immigrants into Europe from the current refugee crisis has heightened this
concern as many European countries do not have a well-regulated system to
manage and screen the refugees. Riots have taken place in many places with
migrant communities accompanied by a back lash from the local communities.
Example:
Even Sweden, a country with a global reputation for egalitarianism, the recognition
of human rights and support for international justice, has witnessed anti-refugee
vigilantism erupting on the streets of Stockholm in February 2016. More broadly, the
growing popularity of right-wing populist parties in recent opinion polls mirrors the
surge in anti-refugee sentiments across Europe, sending a hostile message to
refugees heading towards Europe.

2) A sudden and substantial increase in the number of migrants might lead to

competition for social welfare and jobs, potentially leading to the displacement of
local talents and generating in the locals a sense of resentment towards these
‘outsiders’.
Uncontrolled inward migration or the migration of people from the relatively more
rural parts of countries to the more urban one has had a detrimental impact on the
quality of life in many of the major cities of the world. Other than the strain on the
various infrastructures in the cities, the influx of these migrants has caused a sense of
resentment to arise amongst locals and led to discriminatory practices and attitudes
which become particularly worse during periods of economic downturn as migrants
are perceived as competitors for limited resources.
Example:
The European economic crisis has led to a rise in discrimination, racism and
xenophobia in Europe, particularly in EU countries such as Italy, Germany and
Hungary. The marginalisation is evident in the sharp rise in racism, hate speech in
public discourse and acts of violence in recent years. In August 2015, Neo-Nazi
protesters gathered to demonstrate against the arrival of migrants at a newly
opened shelter in eastern Germany which signalled growing tension over the record
influx of asylum seekers expected this year. In the Netherlands, Dutch politician
Geert Wilders demanded that money spent to house immigrants should be spent on
cancer treatment for Dutch citizens.
Part 2: Refute these criticisms of migration. Argue that migration should be embraced
instead as it manifests a vast array of positive effects for society.

3. The government can ameliorate the problem of integration.

With proper screening and regulation of the influx of immigrants, coupled with sound
policies advocating inclusivity and mutual understanding between locals and
migrants, migration actually contributes to the richness and vibrancy of local
cultures. Immigrants bring with them their own traditional practices, customs,
culinary heritage and knowledge that can inform and enhance the culture of the
host country by providing greater choice as well as exposing locals to the sheer
breadth and diversity of foreign cultures, enabling them to be more broad-minded
and cosmopolitan, or simply providing variety and interest to spice up local ways of
life.

Example:
Multiculturalism in Canada is a vibrant and evolving cultural mosaic premised on
mutual respect for Canadians of all backgrounds and ancestry. English-speaking
Canadians see multiculturalism as central to their national identity, ranking below
universal health care and the Canadian flag in a survey by Environics, a research
firm. It is a result of policies that have focused on admitting the most employable
people. The government constantly tweaks its system of awarding points to
prospective immigrants for languages, education and skills, in order to match them
with labour-market gaps. In addition, there is also an array of programmes; many of
them focused on the ability to speak languages to help immigrants to settle in.

4. It is a flawed assumption that the influx of migrants merely leads to stronger

competition for current resources and jobs. Immigrants can actually contribute to
the growth of job opportunities instead.

While it is undeniable that newcomers need resources like housing, schools and
health care, the pressure for public services is often compensated by an increase in
tax revenues. Evidence also shows that the immigrants’ impact on wages of the
lowly paid is marginal. In fact, immigrant entrepreneurs help to create new jobs
directly and contribute to long-term economic growth. By raising demand,
immigrants also cause firms and production to expand, resulting in new employment
opportunities for locals. Embracing immigrants is especially beneficial for Europe
which is facing a demographic challenge as the large influx of refugees can
rejuvenate the aging work force and jump-start the continent’s economy.
Example:
Immigrants to the U.S. have been transforming the industrial geography and the
technology landscape since the 1860s when Scottish-born Andrew Carnegie
launched Keystone Bridge Company, which became the cornerstone of his
mammoth steel empire. A century later, Palestinian-born Jesse Aweida launched
Storage Technology in Colorado, spawning an ecosystem of storage companies in
the region and nearly five decades later Russian-born Sergey Brin co-founded
Google.

Part 3: Other consideration: "moral duty" to act during a humanitarian crisis

5. Due to the ongoing strife in many parts of the world, it is a moral imperative for
many developed countries to open their doors to refugees or those seeking political
asylum.
A humane view of the refugee situation happening in the waters of the
Mediterranean would reveal one very sobering truth. Given a choice between
risking life and limb by going on the arduous sea journey, and staying at home albeit
with horrible conditions, it is apparent many took the drastic step of taking their
chances, all in the faint hope of achieving that all important resident status in safer
countries such as the UK and Germany. Shutting the door to these refugees is
tantamount to committing an act of murder as these refugees would most certainly
meet their end at sea or in their own countries.
Example:
In light of the many tragic stories coming out the Aegean Sea, the German
government, as well as many German commoners themselves, have come out in full
force to welcome Syrian migrants to the country. Even though the future of many of
these people remain uncertain, it is quite clear that the humanitarian slant of
Germany’s border policy is a lifeline for these migrants.
11. Examine the view that the arts are not for everyone.

Key Words Analysis

1) Arts -- Consider different genres of art, such as the performing arts (theatre, opera,
musicals, ballet), the visual arts (paintings, sculptures, installations), and auditory arts
(music), or literary arts, i.e. literature

2) Not for everyone -- Varying interpretations of this phrase are possible. It could refer
to the idea that:

a) the arts are a finer luxury and are therefore more for the well-off/elite in
society, or
b) not everyone is able to appreciate art as it requires some knowledge or
education in the subject

Approach:

A: Explain why the arts are perceived not to be for everyone. [OV]

B: Refute the opposing viewpoints presented in A. [R]

C: Explain why the arts can be made accessible for everyone. (Present reasons not
covered in B.) [SV]

Possible Arguments:

OV1) Many claim that the consumption of modern art has always been exclusive to
wealthy city dwellers.

The artificial inflation of the price of artwork has transformed art into just another
luxury product set alongside the other luxury goods the rich collect to emphasise
status, as well as a form of investment. This means that art can often be priced way
above what the ordinary masses can afford. For example, one of Picasso’s famous
paintings, “Women of Algier” sold in May 2015 for nearly $180m, and is an example
of an artwork that has more than tripled in value in the last twenty years, exchanging
hands several times before reaching its current value.

In another example, Alberto Giacometti’s sculpture “Man Pointing” also sold in 2015
for $141.3 million dollars to hedge fund billionaire Steven Cohen.

Apart from that, some argue that art performances are often staged in commercial
areas where people with higher incomes can cover the expense of the production.
For example, in 2011, when famous actor Hugh Jackman performed on Broadway
for a short couple of weeks only, ticket prices ran between $150-300USD per ticket,
pricing it way above what many might be able to afford for entertainment.

Thus, people who do not live or work in cities or commercial areas, or do not draw
significant salaries, have limited access to these acts.

R1a) There has now been more concerted effort by the governments and art
institutions in various countries to make art more financially accessible to both the
disabled, as well as the lower income groups. Apart from that, in developed
countries, facilities and infrastructure have been built or made available to ensure
that the arts opens its doors to the less privileged.

For example, in Singapore, the government has made significant effort to dedicate
spaces to the arts, even common and public spaces for the free exhibition of art
pieces by the disabled/handicapped. MRT stations, and covered walkways regularly
house paintings and an assortment of art work done by local artists to raise
awareness of artistic talents and their concerns and perspectives in our country.

The Esplanade is also a facility chiefly dedicated to organisation and performances

of music, dance and theatre shows, and many of the performances held there are
open to the public at no cost, or at subsidised rates.

The Affordable Art Fair also comes to Singapore every year, with art pieces from
around the world starting at a relatively more affordable rate of $100, to attract a
broader and stronger audience.

OV2) Many may say that they have not been taught to appreciate the arts, or have
had few opportunities to do so.

The arts have traditionally not been a focal point for many education systems
around the world, especially for countries that are striving for greater economic and
social progress.

This is unfortunately due to the perception that the arts can bring little to the
development of the economy, and for the individual, specialised studies and the
pursuing of a career in the arts guarantees a route fraught with challenges and an
unstable income the world over.

This is very much so in the case of Singapore, where even well-known theatre actors
have spoken openly about the instability of their income, and the need to gain
further recognition and respect for their efforts and work in a nation that prizes
economic development above the arts.

Even in US for example, a country much more progressive in liberalising the arts and
promoting arts education in many of its colleges, out of the 2 million art graduates in
the nation, only 200,000, or 10 percent, earn their living primarily as artists, due to stiff
competition and the difficulty of finding jobs.

R2) There have been many initiatives and efforts in different countries to expose,
educate and encourage people to participate in and take a greater interest in
enjoying and gaining appreciation for different art forms.

This follows as there is greater recognition of the arts’ ability to grow the cultural
capital of a country, and lend to it a stronger national identity in an era of
unstoppable globalisation. The arts are also increasingly recognised as a
representation of a country’s progress and lend distinction to the social landscape
of already developed countries, such as Singapore.

For example, 2015 saw the opening of a new gallery and two major revamps, which
were part of a S$740 million investment to revitalise the historic Civic District in central
Singapore. Singapore's Civic District underwent a facelift, which involved the moving
of trees and the landscaping of open spaces near the Victoria Theatre and Concert
Hall. The Civic District is home to several arts institutions. Apart from the Asian
Civilisations Museum, the area also boasts the National Gallery and Victoria Theatre.

The authorities aimed to rejuvenate the area and make it more pedestrian-friendly,
thereby encouraging greater interest in the spaces dedicated to the arts.

Every other weekend in the past few years in Singapore, there have been art
exhibitions of various types, e.g. the Public Garden Flea Market where local art work
or craft work are on exhibition or on sale at various creative spots in Singapore, such
as Scape, warehouses near the port, empty shophouses for rent in the CBD area etc.

For more examples, please visit:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/what-to-expect-
from/2375980.html

Supporting Argument/SV) The arts are not necessarily high-brow - one that can only
be appreciated and understood by a connoisseur. Popular culture, for instance, is
not devoid of artistic merit and is highly accessible to (not difficult to be understood
by) the masses. For example, Andy Warhol.
12. “City life has become unappealing.” Do you agree?

Key Terms:

City life: focus should be on the common characteristics observable in cities around
the world- social and economic conditions, health, education, housing and the
environment

Has become: suggests a change in the perception of city life - past and present.

Unappealing: unattractive or undesirable.

Possible Stands:

1. While city life was attractive to many, it has become unappealing as the
benefits have been greatly overshadowed by the drawbacks.
2. While city life appears to have lost its shine and appeal, it is still attractive to
many today and will continue to be so for a long time to come because of
the bright-light syndrome.

Approach for Stand 2:

A. Show how the cities appeared to have lost their appeal as they evolved to be
different from the past.

B. Argue that despite the growing concerns about city life, the continuing rural-
urban migration globally suggests that it has not lost its appeal altogether.

Key Arguments:

A. Show how the cities appeared to have lost their appeal as they evolved to be
different from the past.

1. In the past, cities were attractive because they offered higher levels of
hygiene and sanitation and the promise of better quality of life which was not
easily available in the rural areas. However, today, physical well-being of the
individual is being compromised by higher levels of pollution and congestion.

 Cities like China (Beijing, in particular) and India (Mumbai, Delhi and
Bangalore) suffer heavy pollution and congestion.
 The WHO says that half of the world’s population is exposed to pollution at
least 2.5 times higher than it recommends.
 With globalisation, more transnational corporations choosing to locate in
global cities such as London, Seoul and Singapore – more factories and
industrial activities producing toxic fumes and gases, making it more
hazardous to city dwellers e.g. many cases of respiratory illnesses.
 Therefore, the past lure of city life has been significantly diminished; in fact,
critics argue that it is a present dream to move out of cities, if only to preserve
our health.
 2. In the past, many found cities to be highly attractive because they offered
better remuneration which promised a wider range of material comforts that
would increase the quality of their lives. They envisaged having fewer worries
about their future and that of their children’s as there was more predictability
through financial control that was only possible in the city. However, the
reality of living in the city today is quite different as the income/salary
received often does not commensurate with the increasing cost of living. This
makes it difficult to achieve work-life balance and it has taken a toll on the
individual and the society concerned:

 High cost of living e.g. in Singapore, inflation has appreciated 15% in the last
five years, pushing up the prices of basic necessities – housing, food &
transport.
 Leads to financial worries (especially about old age) that threaten to
overwhelm the benefits of city life.
 City dwellers work long hours (many take on a second job); e.g. common for
Singaporeans to work 14 hours a day according to the Straits Times, 14.4.14, to
secure financial security; hence, many are experiencing mounting levels of
stress & work-life balance is virtually non-existent.
 No surprise that marriage is being delayed or losing its appeal altogether to
city dwellers, exacerbating the silver tsunami issue.
 At the societal level, the income-inequality in many cities, especially in Asian
societies, is an added economic pressure because those at the bottom feel
disadvantaged and are often disgruntled.
 Many would, therefore, be quick to suggest that city life is no longer the
dream it once was.

B. Argue that despite the growing concerns about city life, the continuing rural-urban
migration globally suggests that it has not lost its appeal altogether.

1. Be that as it may, city life has not lost its attraction entirely, as seen from the
continuing trend of rural-urban migration globally even today. The perception
of city life offering a higher standard of living is still a point of attraction to
those living outside the city, as it has always been. For many, cities are
synonymous with a wide range of conveniences connected with good
infrastructure

 While city life may be beleaguered by pollution and high crime rates, it is still
undeniable that it offers much in terms of a comfortable life to those living
outside the city, especially for those in slums or poverty-stricken areas.
 Hence, the influx of migrants to various cities around the world, including
Singapore, because it means they can then afford to send remittances back
home to provide financial support and a better life (basic necessities).
 Educational opportunities mean better qualifications for higher-paying jobs
which exist only within the city: only hope to break out of the poverty cycle for
many – higher SOL in time to come.
 Survival no longer becomes a constant concern because of being at the
mercy of nature (crops being destroyed, etc) or the goodwill of
relatives/neighbours (debt accumulation, etc) – both SOL & quality of life
increased; hence, empowering the individual.

2. Despite the apparent concerns people have of city life, rural life or life in the
suburbs, however attractive they may be, are, at best, serene retreats from,
but never substitutes for, the civilised stimulation of a city. A city is the
animated and enchanted place of civilization, where social, humanitarian,
intellectual, cultural and recreational endeavours can flourish. It is this very
quality that attracts many city dwellers.

 Millennials and Baby Boomers alike are increasingly moving to cities for the
opportunities they afford: for employment, active lifestyles, sustainable living,
community and meaning. For many, the choice to live in cities in no longer
economic, but has now become cultural. This new generation of workers,
consumers and citizens is increasingly looking for experiences that connect
them to a greater purpose, enabling them to have social-cultural impact and
find like-minded communities.
 The city is the most active arena of human aspirations and ambitions, the
cauldron and cradle of character. E.g. Paris is not just for lovers; its rich
heritage and stunning architecture draw millions. The Louvre, Palace of
Versailles, and Notre Dame are just a few of the beautiful buildings that grace
the Paris skyline. An incredible array of paintings and art are sure to please
museum goers.
 Vienna with its high-quality social housing is uniquely affordable among major
cities. It is fast becoming the gateway to eastern European countries that
often have historic ties to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Ranked as the
Number One city in the world to live in, it scores highly in a number of
categories; it provides a safe and stable environment to live in, a high level of
public utilities and transport facilities, and good recreational facilities.

3. The city, remains attractive especially if it continues to be efficient catalyst

that energizes, enriches and challenges its citizens to strive to achieve their
individual dreams. Cities, being the focal point of businesses offer increased
opportunities for self-actualisation to develop one’s passions and talents
which champions individual self-worth and significance, fulfilment of personal
dreams through a range of job opportunities. In a globalised world
environment, employment opportunity matters much more than the standard
of living for many.

 The rise of cities can play a key part in creating jobs for the millions of young
people who enter the work force every year. The Pearl River Delta in China is
an economic powerhouse and the world's largest urban area in both size and
 population, with more inhabitants than countries such as Argentina, Australia
or Canada. These mega regions are the aggregation of many local
economic development stories, such as the hard disk drive industry in
northern Malaysia and the clustering of the animation industry around
Shanghai and Wuxi.
 In this respect, the city, with the channels and avenues for a myriad of jobs,
often has a strong pull factor.eg. Singapore, despite being ranked as a rather
expensive city to live in, is a hot favourite among foreign expatiates. The
Expat Explorer Survey 2011 ranked Singapore highly as a destination for expats
who are relocating in terms of salary. It said: “… half of those surveyed earn
more than US$200,000 (S$257,650), placing Singapore second in the Expat
Economics League table.”
 Following his recent visit to Silicon Valley in 2016, PM Lee announced that
many global tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Apple are
expanding their operations and creating employment opportunities for both
Singaporeans and foreign talents.
 In East Asia, Singapore stands as a good example of sustainable urban planning
and urbanisation-driven growth, where infrastructure investments were
transformed into productive assets for economic expansion and increased
prosperity in the city-state, enabling gross domestic product (GDP) growth to
average 7.7 per cent in the last 50 years.