TANJONG KATONG GIRLS’ SCHOOL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION SECONDARY FOUR 2192/01 Thursday
COMBINED HUMANITIES Social Studies 2nd September 2010
1 h 30 min
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your name, register number and the question numbers clearly on each piece of writing paper you use. Write legibly in dark blue or black ink. . Section A: Answer all parts of Question 1. Section B: Answer one question. Begin your answers to Section B on a fresh sheet of paper. Write all answers on the writing paper provided. Hand up Section A and Section B separately.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES You are advised to spend no more than 50 minutes on Section A. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of the question or part question. This Question Paper consists of 6 printed pages, including this page.
2 Section A (Source-Based Case Study) Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates. Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources. 1 (a) Study Sources A and B. To what extent does Source B support Source A? Explain your answer.
[6]
(b) Study Source C. Can you believe what Source C says about the ‘new generation of Tamils’? Explain your answer. [7] (c) Study Source D. How useful is Source D as evidence that the conflict in Sri Lanka can end in a lasting peace? Explain your answer (d) Study Source E. Why did the cartoonist draw this picture? Explain your answer.
[7] [5]
Has the conflict in Sri Lanka finally ended? BACKGROUND INFORMATION For nearly three decades, this island paradise had been scarred by a bitter civil war arising out of ethnic tensions. A ceasefire signed in 2002 was undermined by regular clashes between government troops and Tamil rebels, and in January 2008, it ended. As violence escalated, the United Nations called Sri Lanka a “bloodbath” and the international community appealed for another ceasefire. In May 2009, the Government of Sri Lanka led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced a decisive military victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or Tamil Tigers. Can this pave the way for a resolution to the conflict?
3 Source A: A report on an interview in early 2010 by Kumaran Pathmanathan (a Sri Lankan Tamil living in Sri Lanka) who seeks welfare funds from Tamils overseas. In an exclusive interview with The Island newspaper, Kumaran Pathmanathan was confident that a group of like-minded Tamils based in various parts of the world would support the initiative for the benefit of Sri Lankan Tamils, and said President Mahinda Rajapaksa was genuine in his efforts at resolving differences among communities and helping to re-build the war-devastated regions. “Within a year of the conclusion of the war, the majority of the people displaced by the conflict are back in their villages and ex-combatants of the LTTE are undergoing rehabilitation and the international community, too, is supportive of Sri Lanka’s efforts. None of these would have been possible without the political leadership given by President Rajapaksa,” he told the paper.
Source B: A report on a comment made by a government official in early 2010. Government spokesman K Rambukwella (a Sinhalese) told a news conference that the group representing the Tamil diaspora*, which had been forced to fund the militant activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, was now willing to contribute to the welfare of the war-displaced civilians. Mr Rambukwella said Kumaran Pathmanathan, who had been responsible for raising funds for purchase of military materials for the terrorist outfit, had realized his past follies and joined the group which was willing to help in development activities. *diaspora: a large group of people who come from a particular place and are now living in many different parts of the world. Source C: An extract of a news report in late 2009 by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). The government says the rebels have been crushed. For the first time in decades, the army now controls the whole of Sri Lanka’s territory. The rebel movement is over as a conventional military force and its leadership has been decimated. But the Tamil Tigers controlled huge financial and logistical resources, and were supported by many expatriate Tamils around the world. Analysts say that the manner in which the government pursued victory – ignoring international calls for restraint – may have radicalised a new generation of Tamils, both on the island and in the diaspora in Europe, Asia and North America.
4 Source D: An extract from a report by the international media in late 2009. Pro-government Tamil minister Douglas Devananda says Tamils have committed a historical mistake once again by not supporting President Rajapaksa in the elections. He points out that Tamils had missed opportunities – like the India-Sri Lanka accord of 1987 and subsequent peace talks – with successive Sri Lankan governments to find a peaceful solution. Those missed opportunities, he says, only increased the sufferings of the Tamils. “The vote against the government in Tamil areas, in the elections, will only prolong the problem. It will not help in finding a solution,” Mr Devananda says. However, he admits that there have been shortcomings in the resettlement of war-displaced Tamils but insists that the government is trying to address the issue. Source E: A cartoon drawn in August 2009, for the National Herald, a newspaper in India, by a cartoonist who has previously won a United Nations award.
5 Section B
Structured Essay Question (25 marks)
Answer one question only. Each question consists of two parts. You should answer both parts of the question.
2
Public healthcare policies in Singapore and the United Kingdom
(a)
The following strategies have been implemented to manage healthcare in Singapore.
Encouraging self-reliance Promoting a healthy lifestyle Keeping healthcare affordable Which strategy has been more effective in managing the increasing healthcare costs in Singapore? Explain your answer.
[12]
(b)
‘The reformed National Health Service has been able to serve Britain well.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13]
3
Managing International Relations
(a)
The following strategies have been implemented for the defence of Singapore.
Joint military exercises Defence industry 3rd Generation armed force Which strategy has been more effective in enhancing Singapore’s national security? Explain your answer. [12]
(b)
‘Singapore’s membership in ASEAN has been able to serve her well diplomatically.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. PTO
[13]
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4
The Rise and Fall of Venice
(a)
The following factors were responsible for the rise of Venice.
Capable leadership Political institutions Trade Developments Which was more responsible for Venice achieving greater heights? Explain your answer.
(b)
[12]
‘Venice’s policies were always able to serve her well.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13]
End of Paper
Setters: Mdm Azizan and Mrs R Lopez Markers: Mdm Azizan, Mrs R Lopez and Mr Vincent Low
7 Marking Scheme Section A: Source-based Question 1. (a) Study Sources A and B. To what extent does Source B support Source A? Explain your answer. [6] L L1
Suggested Answer Support or does not support based on provenance/source type Support e.g Both sources are textual sources. OR Does not support e.g. Source A was a report about a Sri Lankan Tamil but Source B was a report on a Sri Lankan Sinhalese.
M 1
L2
Support because of similarity of topic Support. Both sources are on the aftermath of the Sri Lankan conflict.
2
L3
Support OR does not support, based on source evidence Award 3m for 1 point that support/does not support. Award 4m for 2 or more points support/do not support.
3-4
Yes, Source B supports Source A in saying that the Tamil diaspora is now supporting Rajapakse and helping in the development of Sri Lanka after the civil war. Yes, Source B supports Source A in saying that Kumaran is with the Tamil group working for post-war development. OR No, Source B does not support Source A because Source B says Kumaran was once financing terrorists but Source A gives the impression that Kumaran was not involved with terrorists in the past. No, Source B does not support Source A because Source B suggests that Tamil diaspora had supported LTTE in the past years because ‘they had been forced’ (or had been misled by people like Kumaran) but Source A is only focusing on the last one year and makes no mention of the diaspora helping the terrorists in the past either willingly or unwillingly. L4 L5
Support AND does not support based on source contents Both of L3 Support in terms of purpose Source A shows Kumaran assuring overseas Tamils of the Sinhalese government’s efforts in rebuilding ‘the war devastated
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8 regions’ so that they will continue to contribute ‘welfare funds’. Source B also shows the Sinhalese government representative acknowledging Kumaran’s new initiative and also says that it is not holding grudges against the Tamil diaspora for their past support of militants because it feels they had been ‘forced’. In this way they probably hope the diaspora will continue to help in development activities. Thus Source B supports Source A in their purpose. (b) Study Source C. Can you believe what Source C says about the ‘new generation’ of Tamils? Explain your answer. [7] L L1
Suggested Answer Provenance/Typicality e.g. Yes I can believe it because it is from the media and journalists always know what is going on.
M 1
e.g. No I cannot believe it because this is only one media station and other media stations may not agree. L2
Significance of the Provenance detected but not elaborated Yes, I can believe it because this source is from the BBC which is known to be balanced and accurate in its reporting.
2
L3
Evaluate the reliability based on source content only
3
Yes, Source C claims that a new generation of Tamils would have been ‘radicalised’ after knowing ‘the manner in which the government pursued victory – ignoring international calls for restraint’. They would feel very angry towards the Sinhalese government for its treatment of civilian Tamils during and after the conflict. L4
Cross-reference to other source(s) Award 4m for 1 successful checking. Award 5m for 2 successful checking.. Yes, Source D supports Source C in what it says about the Tamils’ displeasure towards the Sinhalese government when it states that Tamils in the Sri Lanka elections did not vote for Rajapakse, probably out of anger at the heavy-handed lack of restraint by the Sri Lankan Government. The new generation of Tamils has felt and will feel resentment because of this. OR
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9 Yes, Source E supports Source C because it highlights the plight of the bloodied civilian who was injured in the cross-fire between the Tiger and the Sinhalese government (represented by Rajapakse), amidst the international calls for restraint. He is shown using a big stick to hit the Tiger which has in fact already been caught (as seen by the trap on his leg) but still the government went ahead with full force and this would have aroused resentment among the ’new generation of Tamils’. OR No, Source A does not support Source C’s claim of a ‘radicalised new generation of Tamils’. This is because in Source A, Kumaran was confident that ‘a group of like-minded Tamils based in various parts of the world would support the initiative for the benefit of Sri Lankan Tamils’ and ‘the international community, too, is supportive of Sri Lanka’s efforts’. OR No, Source B does not support Source C. Source B reports on the support given by supporters of LTTE who now form a group ‘willing to contribute to the welfare of the war-displaced civilians’. L5
Both sides of the above
6
L6
L5 + Yes: Evaluation of source content based on provenance
7
Nevertheless, I can still believe what this source about a new generation of Tamils being radicalized because this source is from the BBC which is known to be balanced and accurate in its reporting. It was also neutral in the conflict. (c) Study Source D. How useful is Source D as evidence that the conflict in Sri Lanka can end in a lasting peace? Explain your answer. [7] L L1
Suggested Answer Answer based on provenance It is useful because it is from the international media which is usually more objective and reliable. OR/AND No it is not useful because the comment is made by a Tamil who is ‘pro-government’ and thus he can be expected to be critical of the Tamils.
L2
Useful , based on source content Award 2m for 1 point, unsupported. Award 3m for 1 point, supported Award 4m for 2 points supported
M 1
2-4
10
Yes, it is useful because I can infer that Tamils had missed opportunities for reconciliation in the past. This is useful in understanding the causes of the conflict. OR/AND Yes, it is useful because the source states that the Tamils are doing it again i.e. missing the opportunities for reconciliation, so what hope is there of having peace in the future? In other words, the source is useful in showing that the level of distrust between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan Government is too high for any kind of lasting peace. OR/AND Yes, it is useful in telling us about the mistakes of the Sri Lanka Government as seen by its ‘shortcomings’ in the resettlement of war-displaced civilians. This is a cause of the lingering anger of the Tamils towards the Sri Lanka government. L3
Evaluation of source content based on cross-reference to other sources, or to specific contextual knowledge on the Sri Lanka conflict.
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Award 5m for 1 successful checking. Award 6m for 2 successful checking. No it is not useful because of what is missing. (i.e. the source’s limitations). Source D does not show the government’s heavyhanded approach in the last stages of the war as seen in the cartoon in Source E. E.g. in Source E, the government leader is holding a very big stick to hit a tiger which is already trapped. By hitting the tiger, an innocent civilian will also be hurt. OR It is not useful because Source D has no mention of the role of the Tamil diaspora, then and now. The Tamils in Sri Lanka alone could not have made the conflict so long-lasting. If they continue to be unhappy it will generate support from the diaspora to continue the conflict. However Source D does not seem to place much importance on the influence of the diaspora on whether the conflict will really end or not. This is unlike Sources A, B and C which point to the influence of the overseas Tamils in the past conflict. L4
L3 + understanding of the significance of the provenance On the whole this source is useful because the Tamil politician does give a balanced assessment of the weaknesses of both the
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11 Tamils and the government. This helps us understand that for the conflict to end, both parties need to do their part. Also it is probably rare to find a Tamil in Sri Lanka who is able to be critical of his own people. This enhances the reliability of his assessment. (d) Study Source E. Why did the cartoonist draw this picture? Explain your answer. [5] L L1
Suggested Answer Describes the cartoon i.e. Does not identify a message but describes features of the cartoon, or repeats details from the provenance. Award 1 mark for each point described, to a maximum of 2 ms.
M 1-2
The cartoon shows a bloodied civilian caught in between the war in Sri Lanka. The cartoon shows a call to ‘Make Peace Not Aggression’. L2
Identifies the sub-message on the plight of the civilians. Answer makes Interpretations based on the idea that civilians should be protected in the cross-fire. Award 2m for one detail and 3 for two or more.
2-3
The cartoonist portrays the heavy-handedness of the Sri Lankan government’s treatment of the civilian Tamils despite calls for restraint. (2m) The Tiger had already been çhained (or trapped) but the Government went all out even though a civilian was caught in the cross-fire. (3m) L3
Identifies the overall message of the cartoon.
4
The cartoonist wants to convey the Tamils’ indignation at the heavy loss of civilian life in the cross-fire in the final stages of the war between the Tamil rebels and the Sri Lankan government. L4
L3 + Identification of purpose The Indian cartoonist wants to highlight what was happening in Sri Lanka during the final stages of the war, so that the international community would increase the pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to exercise restraint and stop the ‘aggression’ against the Tamils.
5
12 Section B: SEQ Answer 2a. The following strategies have been implemented to manage healthcare in Singapore. Encouraging self-reliance Promoting a healthy lifestyle Keeping healthcare affordable Which strategy has been more effective in managing the increasing healthcare costs in Singapore? Explain your answer. [12] L1
Suggested Answer Writes about the topic without focus on the question. Award 1 mark for one point and 2 marks for two or more
M 1-2
Due to improvements in medical technology, in the cost of training medical staff and longer life expectancy, the provision of healthcare is becoming too costly for the government The limited resources that the government has must be wisely used for other important needs such as defence and education. L2 Describes Given Strategies Award 3 marks for one description and 4 marks for two or more
3-4
Encouraging self-reliance means that individuals take responsibility for their own healthcare by using Medisave or Medishield. These schemes are provided by the government. Or Encouraging a healthy lifestyle helps individuals stay fit and trim. Schools and workplaces have programmes that help promote health of individuals and keep them free from diseases and illness. OR Keeping healthcare affordable especially for the needy has not been overlooked by the government. The needy, i.e. the lower income and the elderly who may not have sufficient Medisave or cash for their medical cost enjoy the largest subsidies. L3 Explains Given Strategies Award 5 marks for one explanation of a strategy and 6 for any additional details. It is important that individuals take responsibility for their own health care and not depend on the government for heavy subsidies. To facilitate this, the government has put in place the Medisave
5-6
13 Scheme. With this scheme, the individual will be able to pay for his own hospitalization fees and for certain treatment in private clinics. For long term hospitalization, Medishield, an insurance scheme can be used to bear the cost since Medisave may not be sufficient. Again, this reflects personal responsibility and less dependence on the government for cost of healthcare because the premiums for Medishield are paid by the individual through his Medisave. The two schemes help lighten the government’s burden of paying for healthcare services and there is thus no need to increase taxes. OR Adopting a healthy lifestyle helps to cope with rising cost of healthcare for both government and individuals. Here, the government’s rationale is that a healthy person will not need medical treatment and hence will save on medical expenses. Therefore, schools and workplaces have programmes that help promote the health of individuals so that students and workers alike stay fit and trim. This then keeps them free from diseases and illness and in fact, negates the necessity for medical treatment. Since prevention is better than cure, the cost to the individual and society is curbed and such an arrangement works in everyone’s favour. OR The government has pledged to keep healthcare affordable. This is done through subsidies and grants given to government hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes. In government hospitals, the greatest subsidies are given to Ward C to make sure that the needy have access to basic healthcare at affordable cost. In 1993, the government set up the Medifund at a cost of $200 million. The interest earned is distributed to public hospitals to provide help for needy patients. This is especially helpful for those who have little Medisave and no Medishield. Means testing was introduced to ensure equitable distribution of subsidies. Thus subsidies, grants and Medifund ensure that no Singaporean is denied basic healthcare since medical care cost remains affordable. L4 Explains Given strategy and identifies/describes other strategies L5 Explains Given strategy and other strategies Award 8 marks for one explanation, and 9 for another. The 10th mark is for any additional details.
7 8-10
L6 L5 + Weighs the relative importance of the Given strategy and 11-12 other strategies Award 11 marks for weighing of two strategies and the 12th mark for discussion of another strategy or any other relevant detail.
14 2b.‘The reformed National Health Service has been able to serve Britain well. Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13] L Suggested Answer L1 Writes about the topic without focus on the question. Award 1 mark for one detail and 2 marks for two or more
M 1-2
In a welfare state, the government looks after its citizens from cradle to grave. In order to do this the people of the country agree to contribute to a national fund to help the more needy people of the country. L2 Agrees or disagrees but does not give any clear explanation of the reasons. Award 3 marks for one vague reason and 4 marks for two or more details.
3-4
I agree that the NHS is able to serve Britain well. This is done by increasing efficiency. One way to achieve this was through privatization which was carried out in order to make National Health Service more cost effective. With privatization, patients would have more choices and hospitals would improve their services to meet people’s needs. L3 Agrees or disagrees, explains reasons Award 5 marks for explaining 1 reason for agree or disagree. Award 6 m for explaining 2 reasons for agree or disagree, up to a maximum of 7 m. I agree that the reformed NHS is able to serve Britain well by increasing efficiency. One way to achieve this was through privatization which made the National Health Service more cost effective by cutting back on government subsidies. Private companies would have to be more efficient in order to make profits. Privatization was carried out by outsourcing non-medical services thereby freeing up resources within NHS hospitals to concentrate on medical services. Hence, more resources and time has now been freed up for the provision of medical services by the reformed NHS. Another reason is that it now provides quality service. Patients are given more access to medical information and advice so that they can decide on their own treatment and care. NHS plan 2000 and the NHS Improvement plan 2004 have improved service standards The former has increased government spending and
5-7
15 provided patients faster and more convenient services. The latter offers 4 different healthcare providers which Britons can have a choice of and the treatment is paid for by the NHS. It also provides over the phone medical advice which will save the patient a trip to see the doctor. Hence there is better healthcare as patients now receive faster feedback and faster treatment. OR I disagree because there has been an increase in government spending as there are still many people who qualify to receive free health and medical care provided by the British government. All these have led to an increase in government spending and the government will still need to find ways to cope with the increase in spending. This is especially true with an ageing population and longer life-spans in Britain because people who are old are more likely to need healthcare. OR I disagree because the British government has to continuously divert resources to make up for the losses suffered in providing quality healthcare for the people. This means they have to spend less on other areas of development for the country and eventually, Britain’s economic growth is hindered. Businesses are driven out and people’s motivation to work is reduced in the long term, because they have to pay so much national insurance contributions to support this kind of quality service. OR I disagree because waiting time for the British public has not lessened which causes a great inconvenience and even causes the government to make use of healthcare services in neighbouring countries. This in turn increases the government’s expenditure on the NHS. Thus the NHS does not serve Britain well. L4 Agrees AND disagrees, explain reasons Award 8 marks for explaining 1 reason for agreeing and 1 for disagreeing, 9 marks for 1 + 2, 10 for 2 + 2 or 3 + 1 and the 11 th mark for any additional detail.
8-11
L5 L4 + Arrives at a balanced conclusion based on the reasons discussed. Award 12 marks for conclusion based on clear evaluation of reasons and 13 marks for additional details which enhance the evaluation.
12-13
16 3a. The following strategies have been implemented for the defence of Singapore. Joint military exercises Defence industry 3rd Generation armed force Which strategy has been more effective in enhancing Singapore’s national security? Explain your answer. [12] L1
Suggested Answer Describes Singapore’s security, but without focus on the question Award 1m for 1 detail, to a maximum of 2m
M 1-2
SAF is the most important segment of Singapore’s security. Singapore is a small state with limited resources and so security of its installations are important to it. L2 Describes the given strategies Award 3m for one description and a 4th mark for any additional detail.
3-4
S’pore actively fosters friendly ties with armed forces of other countries. This is conducted through bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint military exercises, training programmes and participation in the UN peace missions. OR Singapore’s Defence Industry focuses on buying and upgrading weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for the SAF’s use. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) works with other countries and local tertiary institutions on defence-related research. OR The 3rd Generation armed force is an effective fighting force. It maximizes its capabilities through modern technology. This then enables soldiers to fight decisively in war and respond flexibly in peacetime L3 Explains Given Strategies Award 5 marks for one explanation of a strategy and 6 for any additional details. S’pore actively fosters friendly ties with armed forces of other countries. This is conducted through bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint military exercises, training prgrammes and participation in the UN peace missions. S’pore has military
5-6
17 agreements with France, Australia, NZ and India to allow our troops to train in their countries. S’pore also conducts regular military training with neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. It is an effective deterrent strategy because any potential aggressor will think twice since S’pore has many military allies that can be consulted on for appropriate measures of defence. OR Singapore’s Defence Industry aims to develop the Army via the use of the latest technology and equipment. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) focuses on buying and upgrading weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for SAF’s use. By working with other countries and local tertiary institutions on defence related research, the Defence Industry has developed equipment which enhances the SAF’s capability to engage and destroy the enemy more effectively. Hence, the DSTA’s role is important as its continued research and upgrades of weapons enable SAF to be an effective fighting force. This clearly is a factor in deterring potential aggressors. OR Advances in information technology have made warfare more complex. The 3rd Generations SAF therefore aims to maximize the SAF’s defensive capabilities through modern technology. This will enable our soldiers to fight more decisively in war and respond flexibly in peacetime. It creates an ‘intelligent’ defence force where the surveillance and strike systems of the Air Force, Navy and Army operate together to provide early intelligence so that we can ‘look deep and strike deep’. This would destroy the enemy even before they can locate us. In this way, potential aggressors are clearly deterred. L4 Explains one Given Strategy and identifies/describes Other Strategies L5 Explains two or more Strategies Award 8 marks for one explanation, and 9 for another. The 10th mark is for any additional details.
7 8-10
L6 L5 + Weighs the relative importance of the various strategies. 11-12 Award 11 marks for weighing of two strategies and the 12 th mark for discussion of another strategy or any other relevant detail.
18 3b. ‘Singapore’s membership in ASEAN has been able to serve her well diplomatically. Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13] L Suggested Answer L1 Writes about the topic without focus on the question. Award 1 mark for one detail and 2 marks for two or more
M 1-2
The aims of ASEAN are to promote economic, social and cultural development, protect the peace and stability of the region and provide opportunities for members to discuss and resolve differences. ASEAN came into being because of the disputes, conflicts and challenges in South East Asia during the 60’s. L2 Agrees or disagrees but does not give any clear explanation of the reasons. Award 3 marks for one vague reason and 4 marks for two or more details.
3-4
I agree because ever since Singapore joined ASEAN, she has been able to forge better relations with its neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. ASEAN also helps Singapore to manage environmental issues such as the haze problem through peaceful dialogue. In its Environmental collaboration to tackle the forest fires in Indonesia, Singapore assisted by monitoring forest fires through the use of satellite images. L3 Agrees or disagrees, explains reasons Award 5 marks for explaining 1 reason for agree or disagree. Award 6 m for explaining 2 reasons for agree or disagree, up to a maximum of 7 m. I agree because ever since Singapore co-founded ASEAN, she has been able to make full use of its membership to forge better relations with its neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia with whom we had problems such as the failed merger and Confrontation in the 60’s. This was part of the reason for ASEAN to be formed and ASEAN has served as a platform for Singapore to discuss its differences with neighbouring countries peacefully. OR I agree because ASEAN helps Singapore to manage external threats such as the environmental haze problem through peaceful dialogue. Singapore was able to assist Indonesia by monitoring forest fires through the use of satellite images. Such collaboration through ASEAN, has strengthened Singapore’s relationship
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19 with its immediate neighbours and also protected us from external environmental threats, thus serving her well. OR I agree because ASEAN has also enabled Singapore to speed up its economic development. Singapore is part of an attractive destination for foreign investors because the South East Asian region is economically vibrant for investment. The AFTA, an ASEAN initiative, hopes to integrate the region’s economies into a large single production base. This will enable Singapore to capitalise on a regional market of 500 million people by 2015. In this way, ASEAN can serve us well because it will help to protect us from economic uncertainties and competition from countries like China or India which have much bigger markets. OR I disagree because the AFTA is still not a reality and the many countries of ASEAN with their diverse economies and paces of development will find it hard to become fully integrated by 2015. Bilateral ties on the other hand are more secure. Singapore’s relations with Japan, USA and Germany since the 1970s have helped us seize trading opportunities, thus serving her well. OR I disagree because it is often difficult to get a consensus of opinion among member countries in ASEAN in cases where there is any dispute which to resolve. On the other hand if there is a close bi-lateral relationship between two countries involved, there is more chance of definite progress being made to resolve a dispute. Moreover, countries which have trade ties with Singapore will not want to jeopardise their investments. OR I disagree because Singapore can forge deeper friendships by sending humanitarian aid to any particular country regardless of whether it is a member of ASEAN or not. Such bilateral relations help Singapore foster relations at a person-to-person level with a country and not just among the political leadership which is often the case with ASEAN. OR I disagree because Asean cannot take any diplomatic action in any dispute between member states. On the other hand our membership in the international organization like the United Nations can serve us well. It is able to protect us diplomatically because it has a Security Council whose resolutions must be followed by members or else sanctions will be imposed. OR I disagree because ASEAN only has discussions and forums which cannot resolve issues in the same legally binding way that the International Court of Justice in the United Nations is able to
20 do. In other words, Singapore is able to protect herself diplomatically by being a member of the UN. OR I disagree because our membership in ASEAN only raises our visibility as being a small member of a small region whereas the UN is a platform which helps us raise our visibility as a small country in the world. In other words, UN membership allows Singapore to gain recognition as a sovereign state. This is not guaranteed by ASEAN membership. Hence it does not serve us well. L4 Agrees AND disagrees, explain reasons Award 8 marks for explaining 1 reason for agreeing and 1 for disagreeing, 9 marks for 1 + 2, 10 for 2 + 2 or 3 + 1 and the 11 th mark for any additional detail. L5 L4 + Arrives at a balanced conclusion based on the reasons discussed. Award 12 marks for conclusion based on clear evaluation of reasons and 13 marks for additional detail(s) which enhance evaluation..
8-11
12-13
4a. The following factors were responsible for the rise of Venice. Capable leadership Political institutions Trade Developments Which was more responsible for Venice achieving greater heights? Explain your answer. [12] L1
Suggested Answer Describes Venice but without focus on the question Award 1m for 1 detail, to a maximum of 2m
Venice is located in Northern Italy in a lagoon protected from the Adriatic Sea. Its strategic location near the Adriatic Sea and Mediterranean Sea contributed to its development as a city-state and rise as a maritime empire. L2 Describes the given Factors Award 3m for one description and a 4th mark for any additional detail. Capable, far sighted leaders made outstanding contributions in the growth & development of Venice. Doge Orseolo established relations with Germanic Kings in the West. Doge Dandolo directed the Fourth Crusade, a military campaign to free Jerusalem from Muslim control. Doge Pietro Ziani further expanded trade for the Venice empire in
M 1-2
3-4
21 the Mediterranean Sea. The Venetians adapted their system of government to meet the demands of the growing city-state. They achieved this by expanding the Great Council. More committees were created to handle matters of law, finances & coinage. A Council of Ten was established to effectively check power. In the election of leaders, a unique combination of balloting and voting was done. Venetians used their skill as diplomats and enterprising attitude. For example, Marco Polo travelled to. Venetians used their extensive knowledge in shipbuilding to build superior vessels propelled by oars and sails such as the Venetian great galley, a combination of merchant and war vessel. The Senate organised and efficiently monitored the schedule of trade voyages. L3 Explains Given Factor or Other Factors(s) Award 5 marks for one explanation of a factor and 6 for any additional details. Capable, far sighted leaders made outstanding contributions in the growth & development of Venice when they reconciled feuding cities and negotiated treaties with major powers. Doge Orseolo established relations with Germanic Kings in the West to protect Venice’s independence in the early days and obtain favourable trading terms. By subduing the pirates of Dalmatia, he also made the sea routes and passage of trading ships safe and conducive for trading to take place. Doge Dandolo used the Fourth Crusade, a military campaign to free Jerusalem from Muslim control, as a campaign to take over the Byzantine capital at Constantinople. He thus weakened the Byzantine Empire and helped Venice gain recognition from other states by controlling this important city. Doge Pietro Ziani further expanded trade for the Venice empire in the Mediterranean Sea when he gained control of important routes in the Mediterranean Sea. Hence all these capable leaders helped Venice gain important territories and secure important trade routes so that it could become greater. OR The Venetians adapted their system of government to meet the demands of the growing city-state. They achieved this by expanding the Great Council so that more nobles would be able to participate in decision-making. Thus there was no rivalry among the nobles which would have destabilised the government. As Venice grew, there was also a need for specialisation of duties in the Great Council. Hence, more committees were created to handle matters of law, finances & coinage.
5-6
22 AND/OR A Council of Ten was established to effectively check power (even at the highest level, the Doge) and ensure that no corruption or abuse of power took place. The Council of Ten also acted as a check on the leaders so that they would not be complacent but would look into the stability, prosperity and expansion of Venice at all times. In the election of leaders, a unique combination of balloting and voting was done to prevent any one family from dominating the government. These political institutions brought stability to Venice by ensuring high standards of governance with a lack of corruption. This stability was crucial for Venice to become greater. OR Venetians used their skill as diplomats to obtain favourable trading terms from competitors and bring in highly prized spices from the East. Their enterprising attitude allowed them to stay ahead of their competition by exploring new trade routes to get supplies & markets in unknown lands. For example, Marco Polo travelled to China and this enabled Venice to expand its trade. Venetians used their extensive knowledge in shipbuilding to build superior vessels propelled by oars and sails and hence travel further, facilitating the expansion of trade and territorial control. The Venetian great galley, a combination of merchant and war vessel, was formidable enough to discourage pirates from attacking it thus ensuring greater security for her trade. AND/OR Their innovations in maritime technology allowed Venice to travel even in winter and dominate trade in the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year. The Senate organised and efficiently monitored the schedule of trade voyages. It grouped traders and ordered them to travel in convoys as it was more profitable to trade in larger quantities. Thus Venice was able to expand its trade. Venice also made use of its strategic location at the tip of the Adriatic Sea to go by overland and sea routes to Arabian ports and gain a trade monopoly in spices, sugar and diamonds. It then sold these goods to Central & Southern Europe at very high prices, resulting in large profits. Unlike its competitors, Venice could also offer a large variety of goods to the Europeans because its navy had dominated the region to safeguard its monopoly. The wealth generated by such trade developments turned Venice into one of the greatest cities in Europe. L4 Explains Given Factor and identifies/describes Other Factors L5 Explains Given Factor AND Other Factor(s) Award 8 marks for one explanation, and 9 for another. The 10th mark
7 8-10
23 is for any additional details. L6 L5 + Weighs the relative importance of the Given factor and 11-12 Other Factor(s) Award 11 marks for weighing of two factors and the 12th mark for discussion of another factor or any other relevant detail. 4b. Venice’s policies were always able to serve her well. Do you agree? Explain your answer. [13] L Suggested Answer L1 Writes about the topic without focus on the question. Award 1 mark for one detail and 2 marks for two or more Venice had thrived until the 15th century but faced many challenges from the 15th century. These challenges were brought about by both developments in Europe and within Venice. L2 Agrees or disagrees but does not give any clear explanation of the reasons. Award 3 marks for one vague reason and 4 marks for two or more details. I agree because In the early years, she had a policy of bribing pirates to stop harassing her ships because her navy was still weak. I agree because merchants and skilled craftsmen were offered special incentives such as housing and citizenship to live in Venice. OR I agree because merchants and skilled craftsmen from other parts of Europe were offered special incentives such as housing and citizenship to live in Venice. OR I disagree because the system of rotation of duties which was supposed to prevent any individual or family from dominating the government backfired. OR I disagree because to finance the cost of wars with the Ottomans and other states, the government began to suspend the salaries of civil servants. Some of the nobles in the civil service had already lost part of their income due to disruption of trade. OR I disagree because Venice increasingly employed foreign professional soldiers to fight their battles. In 1619, some mercenary soldiers plotted to seize the Ducal Palace and kill the Senate members. They also planned to rob the nobles’ palaces. OR I disagree because Venetians had become used to living in peace and stability. When those in power had such complacency, they
M 1-2
3-4
24 shifted their focus away from security matters. The interests of Venice were not the first priority anymore. The rich nobles were less involved in the administration & development of the city-state. Instead they became more distant from the commoners and indulged in lavish parties and celebrations, some of which lasted as long as 6 months. They became addicted to gambling and lost their fortunes. L3 Agrees or disagrees, explaining reasons Award 5 marks for explaining 1 reason for agree or disagree. Award 6 m for explaining 2 reasons for agree or disagree, up to a maximum of 7 m. I agree because Venice’s policies ensured that her trade was always secure from pirates. In the early years, she bribed them to stop harassing her ships because her navy was still weak. This policy served Venice well because it gave her the time and money to build up her navy. Then later when she had a strong navy, she stopped paying bribes or annual gifts to the pirates because her navy could protect her traders. She also made her traders travel in convoys for safety. Thus her policies always served her well. OR I agree because Venice’s policies ensured that immigration was encouraged especially after the Black Death had killed about 3/5 of the population in 1347. Not only did Venice need skilled craftsmen, they also needed people in manual occupations such as the galleys’ oarsmen. Merchants, and skilled craftsmen from other parts of Europe were offered special incentives such as housing and citizenship to live in Venice. In this way, Venice would always have enough people to sustain its commercial activities and thus her policies served her well. OR I disagree because the system of rotation of duties which was supposed to prevent any individual or family from dominating the government backfired as competent leaders were replaced after only one term. This policy did not serve Venice well especially when scholars had to serve as naval commanders in the wars against the Ottomans even though they had no military or naval experience. As a result, Venice suffered heavy losses against the Ottomans which were a severe threat in the later centuries. OR I disagree because to finance the cost of wars with the Ottomans and other states, the government began a policy of suspending the salaries of civil servants. Some nobles in the civil service had already lost part of their income due to disruption of trade after the Ottoman wars began. As a result of this new policy, they became
5-7
25 poor and resorted to corruption. Since their votes in the Great Council were important for nominees to get important posts, the poor nobles started to sell their votes. In this way Venetian policies enabled the wrong kind of leaders to surface. These leaders regarded their office as a trophy rather than a service to the state and implemented policies for their own interest, not for the interest of Venice. OR I disagree because Venice increasingly employed foreign professional soldiers to fight their battles. It had to do so because its small population had been reduced significantly by the Black Death. However these mercenaries were often untrustworthy because they were loyal to whichever country could pay them more. They would also act in their own interest. For example in 1619, some mercenary soldiers plotted to seize the Ducal Palace and kill the Senate members. They also planned to rob the nobles’ palaces. Although the plan was discovered by the Council of Ten, Venice could never fully rely on mercenary army again. OR I disagree because Venetians had become used to living in peace and stability. When those in power had such complacency, they shifted their focus away from security matters. The interests of Venice were not the first priority anymore. The rich nobles were less involved in the administration & development of the city-state. Instead they became more distant from the commoners and indulged in lavish parties and celebrations, some of which lasted as long as 6 months. They became addicted to gambling and lost their fortunes. Thus the policies which enabled people with such attitudes to be in positions of influence led to Venice becoming a troubled land without focus and hence it declined. L4 Agrees AND disagrees, explain reasons Award 8 marks for explaining 1 reason for agreeing and 1 for disagreeing, 9 marks for 1 + 2, 10 for 2 + 2 or 3 + 1 and the 11 th mark for any additional reason which is well-explained.
8-11
L5 L4 + Arrives at a balanced conclusion based on the reasons discussed.
12-13
