General Paper Comprehension Sample Question Paper & Answers (Paper 2)
GP Comprehension Question Paper – Economics and Globalisation
(Note that 15 marks out of 50 will be awarded for your language.)
Note: When a question asks for an answer IN YOUR OWN WORDS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE and you select the appropriate material from the passage for your answer, you still must use your own words to express it. Little credit can be given to answers, which only copy words or phrases from the passage.
[GP Tutor’s Notes: This GP Paper 2 focuses mainly on the issues of Economics and Globalisation, especially it’s intended and unintended pacts on countries, both positive and negative ones.]
Read Passage A and then answer the questions below.
Paragraphs 2 and 3
1. Briefly contrast the attitudes of the “capitalists” and “demonstrators” towards the impact of globalization. Answer in your own words as far as possible. [2]
Paragraphs 2 to 6
2. Supporters and critics of globalization have presented opposing views of its effects on our lives. State their views on the benefits and problems of globalization in a summary of 130 words. Write in your own words as far as possible. [9]
Read Passage B and then answer the questions below.
Paragraph 1
3. What does the term “whirlwind” imply in relation to globalization? [2]
Paragraph 3 and 4
4. What points do the China and Sub-Saharan African examples illustrate? Write in your own words as far as possible. [2]
Paragraph 5 to 8
5. In your own words as far as possible, outline the four challenges posed by globalization. [4]
Paragraphs 9 and 10
6. Explain why, according to the writer, the G7 Summit failed while a global economic summit could succeed? [2]
7. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the two passages. You may write the answer in a word or a short phrase. [5]
Passage A
a) spearheading (line 2)
b) coalition (line 18)
Passage B
c) spurs (line 2)
d) unprecedented (line 8)
e) strain (line 58)
Application Question
Passages A and B
8. The writers raised a number of concerns related to the impact of globalization on our lives.
a) Identify and discuss two such concerns that you believe to be of particular relevance to your country.
b) Suggest and discuss ways in which your country can best deal with them.
Draw appropriate information from the texts. However, you should rely largely on your own relevant ideas and experience in order to justify your answer. [9]
H1 JC GP Passages – Article Sources for Economics & Globalisation:
Globalisation: What On Earth Is It About? , BBC
Expand The Debate on Globalization, TIME Magazine
Q1. Briefly contrast the attitudes of the "capitalists" and "demonstrators" towards the impact of globalization. Answer IYOWAFAP (Answer in your own words as far as possible). [2]
1. Capitalists’ attitudes are supportive of globalisation / favour / approve of / as they believe it has brought numerous / several benefits to humankind / mankind. The demonstrators oppose to globalization / disapprove / skeptical of / critical of instead as they feel it has given rise to several undesirable / adverse consequences for humankind.
Note: Once it is asked of the JC student to “answer in your own words as far as possible”, you have to try your best to do exactly so.
Q2. Supporters and critics of globalization have presented opposing views of its effects on our lives. State their views on the benefits and problems of globalization in a summary of 130 words. Answer IYOWAFAP. [2]
See below for the suggested answer to this Summary Question (SMQ)
Q3. What does the term "whirlwind" imply in relation to globalization? [2]
3. Globalisation or its effects are powerful and rapid. It can bring about either progress or destruction to economies.
Examiners’ Comments: Answers must refer to the economy. Answers such as positive and negative to countries are considered vague and thus given less marks when they both occur.
Q4. What points do the China and Sub-Saharan African examples illustrate? Write in your own words as far as possible. [2]
Suggested Answer:
The Chinese example illustrates that globalization can improve the living standards at a rapid rate.
The Sub-Saharan African example shows that life becomes harder for those who failed to merge with the global or world economy.
Examiner’s Comments: 1 full mark is given to the condition or outcome, as well as the reason for that condition.
GP Passage Source [text that are lifted from the passage(s)]
“Globalization has resulted in the stunning increase in international investment… This trade and investment is raising living standards in some countries faster than thought possible. Until recently, it took at least 2 generations for living standards to double, but in China, living standards now double every 10 years.”
“Globalization has made life more difficult for those dislocated by change and it threatens to leave part of the world behind. It is no coincidence that the disappointing economic performance in much of Sub Saharan Africa reflects a failure to integrate into the world’s economy and thus to trade successfully and attract investment.
Q5. In YOWAFAP, outline the four challenges posed by globalization. [4]
The first challenge is to ensure that all nations reap its benefits (or experience economic growth).
To reduce the worry that the economic progress it brings about might weaken the economy.
To deal with the problem of global competition in richer / developed nations which may be detrimental to the nations’ living standards / real income.
To deal with / solve the ills caused by / worsened by globalization.
Text from the Passage:
“The foremost challenge of globalization is therefore to ensure that its fruits extent to all countries.”
“The second challenge of globalization is to allay the fear that the growth it brings is inherently unstable.’
“The third challenge address the concern in wealthier nations that international competition will harm living standards.’
“The fourth challenge is to tackle the problems complicated by expanded trade and investments – environmental degradation, disease, migration, crime and terrorism.”
Q6. Explain why, according to the writer, the G7 Summit failed while a global economic summit could succeed? [2]
G7 Summit failed because it started losing its sense of purpose a decade ago / lost sight of its objective / goal 10 years ago.
Global economic summit may succeed as it allows collective consideration / broad participation / gives opportunities for wide representation / includes about two dozen political leaders from different regions and levels of development / from rich and poor countries.
Is small enough for all to have input / substantial discussion.
Is an on-going consultative process / provides continuing discussion / exchange of ideas / opinions.
GP Tutors’ Comments: Note that lifting of sentences or phrases from the text for this question is allowed.
Q7. Vocabulary (5 marks)
| Word | 1 Mark | Half Mark (1/2) |
| spearheading | leading | |
| coalition | union / alliance / group comprising people from different social / political groups sharing a common purpose / aim | group |
| spurs | urges / speed up / accelerates / encourages / motivates | |
| unprecedented | never happened before / unparalleled | |
| strain | make extreme / tremendous demands on / stretched to the limits / fully put to the test | burden / stretch |
Q2. Summary Question (SMQ) (9 marks)
| From the Passages | Own Words |
BENEFITS: – increased trade has made us wealthier (L6 -L7) – to the more diverse lifestyles (L6 -L7) |
– rise in world commerce / business as make people richer – provided very ways of life |
– fusing of individual national markets (L8-9) – diminishing national borders / fall of protectionist barriers (L8) | – eradication of geographical boundaries / trade restrictions – linked economies |
– stimulated free movement of capital (L8-9) – paved the way for companies to set up several bases around the world (L8-9) | – promoted mobility of investments – established business brunches International |
| – rise of the internet and recent advances in telecommunications (L10-16) | – breakthroughs in communications technology |
| – more choice in High Street, greater spending (L12) | -greater consumer choice |
– promoted information exchange (L15) – greater understanding of other cultures (L15) – allowed democracy to triumph over autocracy (L16) | – enhanced knowledge sharing – appreciation of other nations / ways of life – democratic ideals spread / fall of dictatorship / allowed political freedom to prevail over oppression |
PROBLEMS: – West’s gain has been at the expense of developing countries (L23) – global income of poorest people has dropped (L24) |
– advanced nations exploited third world countries to succeed – reduced third world earnings / aggravated the poverty cycle |
– in developed world… leading to increased insecurity in the workplace. Not everyone has been the winner (L25-27) – manual workers in particular under threat as companies shift their production lines overseas to low-wage economies (L27-28) | – in first world nations workers fear unemployment – as businesses move their operations to countries with cheaper labor |
| – national cultures and identities are also under threat thanks to the spread of satellite TV, international media networks and increased personal travel (L29-30) | – local traditions / ways of life / sense of belonging eroded – due to global media influence and rise in tourism |
– huge trans-national companies are becoming more powerful and influential than politically-elected governments, putting shareholder interests above those of communities and customers (L32-34) – corporations are disregarding environment in the stampede for megaprofits and marketplace Supremacy (L35-36) | – rising dominance of multi-national businesses eclipsing local governments – prioritise business needs over societal ones – businesses neglect environmental concerns for commercial games |
– corporate power is restricting individual freedom (L37) – will put them (business folk) behind small firms out of work (L38) | – stifles / limits personal autonomy / Independence / liberty – economies of scale result in closure of small enterprises |
Q8 Application Question (AQ)
The following are some possible concerns that students could raise:
Passage A:
a. Job insecurity – companies may locate their businesses elsewhere, where cost are lower (example: clients like Evergreen moving operations to Port Pelepas in Malaysia); SMEs going out of business due to larger companies being able to reap economies of scale.
b.Local cultures and identities threatened due to mass media, travel – erosion of local lifestyles – influenced by Western / Korean / Japanese cultures
Passage B:
c. Linked economies can destabilise local economies. (Example currency crisis); open markets can threaten local companies; local banks competing with foreign ones.
d. Migration – free flow of human resource – stayer or quitter debate.
c. Crime and terrorism – the Al Qaeda having global links and networks.
d. Life is less predictable – open to influences.
NOTE:
When discussing the concerns, students should evaluate why that concern is of particular relevance to Singapore.
What are some of the consequences?
To what extent are the effects far-reaching?
In dealing with the ways the country can deal with the concern, students should try to give a range of measures:
1.Economic (More incentives, subsidies for SMEs, funding to help local firms prepare for foreign competition, such as merging of local banks)
2. Education (More programmes to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship for open competition)
3. Social (Refine / increase National Education for instilling and enhancing local values and lifestyles)
Students should elaborate on how their measures can help the situation and the corresponding effectiveness of these measures (long-term or short term). There should NOT be more generalisations like: “the government should educate the public.”
Our GP Teachers will share the actual GP Exam Marking Criteria got Paper 2 (Comprehension) for the AQ, during the lessons for JC H1 General Paper.