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 Lankas 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 Lankas 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.

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]

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 Singapores national
security? Explain your answer.
[12]

(b)

Singapores membership in ASEAN has been able to serve her well

diplomatically. Do you agree? Explain your answer.
PTO

[13]

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]

Venices 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.

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 governments efforts in rebuilding the war devastated

5
6

8
regions so that they will continue to contribute welfare funds.
Source B also shows the Sinhalese government representative
acknowledging Kumarans 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.

L3

Evaluate the reliability based on source content only

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

4-5

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 Cs 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 Lankas 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

L6

L5 + Yes: Evaluation of source content based on provenance

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.

5-6

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 sources
limitations). Source D does not show the governments 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

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

governments treatment of the civilian Tamils despite calls for
restraint. (2m)
The Tiger had already been hained (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.

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.

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

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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 governments 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
governments 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
everyones 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 peoples 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

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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,
Britains economic growth is hindered. Businesses are driven out
and peoples 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 governments 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 Singapores national
security? Explain your answer. [12]
L1

Suggested Answer
Describes Singapores 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 Singapores 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

Spore 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
Singapores Defence Industry focuses on buying and upgrading
weapons as well as developing new weapon systems for the SAFs
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.
Spore 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. Spore has military

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17
agreements with France, Australia, NZ and India to allow our troops
to train in their countries. Spore 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 Spore has many
military allies that can be consulted on for appropriate
measures of defence.
OR
Singapores 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 SAFs use.
By working with other countries and local tertiary institutions on
defence related research, the Defence Industry has developed
equipment which enhances the SAFs capability to engage and
destroy the enemy more effectively. Hence, the DSTAs 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
SAFs 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. Singapores 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 60s.
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 60s. 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 Singapores 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 regions 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. Singapores
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

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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
Venices 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.

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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
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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. Venices 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

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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 Venices 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 Venices 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

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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