Recommended Questions for Week 1 Assessment Quiz

1. Which of these is not used to promote homogenisation and social cohesion in Singapore?
a. A centralised education system
b. English as a working language
c. Meritocracy
d. Secularism

2. Which of these does not underscore the integration of diverse cultural and religious groups within our nation-state?
a. Accountability
b. Equity
c. Autonomy
d. Nationalism

3. The government cultivates cultural diversity and national unity through the following ideologies except _____.
a. respect for all races
b. commitment to the nation
c. liberal individualism
d. shared values

4. Which Confucian value significantly undergirds Singapore’s Character and Citizenship Education?
a. Harmony
b. Sameness
c. Tolerance
d. Respect

1
5. The key danger(s) of limiting cultural understanding to surface culture lie(s) in the fact that it _______.
a. limits understanding of individual races
b. perpetuates ethnic stereotypes
c. prevents students from articulating own ethnicity and culture
d. All of the above

6. The surface culture approach should be replaced by the deep culture approach so that students can ________.
a. go beyond tolerance to substantive cultural exchanges
b. develop deep understanding of other races and religion
c. cross cultural boundaries
d. All of the above

7. The impediment to the deep cultural approach will be ________.

a. students’ interest
b. teachers without the knowledge and skills to teach well
c. parents’ prejudices
d. lack of resources

8. The education system advocates that values inculcation should begin _______.
a. at home
b. in school
c. with the self
d. All of the above

2
9. According to David Chan, national identity is best founded on a consensus, and this can point to all values below except _______.
a. meritocracy
b. social harmony
c. xenophobia
d. clean government

10. Meritocracy is based on ________.

a. inheritance
b. tested ability
c. IQ
d. All of the above

11. When was the Education Act enacted?

a. 1954
b. 1963
c. 1965
d. 1979

12. English Language was adopted as the language of instruction at independence because ________.
a. we needed a unifying language to build a notion of statehood.
b. Chinese was too contentious politically.
c. there will be more opportunities for markets and adoption of technology.
d. All of the above

3
13. What is the cornerstone of the education system?
a. Ranking
b. Meritocracy
c. Bilingualism
d. Citizenship education

14. Which policy, according to Prof. Gopinathan, worked against the educational ideal that every child is valuable?
a. Ranking of schools
b. Focus on results
c. Bilingual education
d. Meritocracy

15. Who introduced streaming into the education system?

a. Mr Lee Kuan Yew
b. Mr Teo Chee Hean
c. Mr Goh Keng Swee
d. Dr Tony Tan

16. According to Mr Zainul, the ceiling on admission numbers in schools across Singapore by race was mooted by ______.
a. the government
b. Chinese grassroots leaders
c. Malay MPs
d. All of the above

4
17. A challenge posed in the early days of independence for Mr Zainul, as a journalist, was _______.
a. communalism
b. communism
c. communitarianism
d. Confucianism

18. Riots happened in the mid-60s due to _______.

a. racial tensions
b. religious issues
c. political ideologies
d. All of the above

19. One contentious issue for the Muslims in Singapore lies in _______.
a. the use of the tudung in schools for female Muslim students
b. National Service
c. Halal food
d. the freedom to worship

20. Mr Zainul cautions that politics in Singapore should not play along _______.
a. racial lines
b. the lines of different political parties
c. social economic lines
d. religious lines

5
Recommended Questions for Week 2 Assessment Quiz

1. What key factor does the writer of Reading 2 think is imperative for small states?
a. Being sovereign
b. Being independent
c. Being successful
d. All of the above

2. What, according to the writer of Reading 2, gives Singapore credibility?

a. Our international relevance
b. Our hub status
c. Our success as a country
d. Our independence

3. What characterises Southeast Asia?

a. Its Indochinese background
b. The diversity of the region
c. Colonialism
d. Political unrest

4. Which principles define Singapore?

a. Meritocracy
b. Democracy
c. Multiculturalism
d. All of the above

6
5. What phenomenon is stressing ASEAN and may pull its members in different directions?
a. Interstate relations
b. Domestic tensions
c. Shared assumptions
d. Social media

6. Which of these countries is not part of ASEAN?

a. Brunei
b. Myanmar
c. Timor Leste
d. Laos

7. When was ASEAN formed?

a. 1967
b. 1990
c. 1965
d. 2000

8. Which of these countries was not one of the first signatories of ASEAN?
a. Singapore
b. Malaysia
c. Thailand
d. Brunei

7
9. According to Kwa Chong Guan, what factor led to Singapore’s success from a sleepy fishing village to a modern metropolis?
a. Our position as a port
b. Our colonial status
c. Strong leadership
d. Regional instability

10. What event in the mid-70s caused ASEAN to take its role as a regional force more seriously?
a. Communist victory in Vietnam
b. The Second World War
c. The oil crisis
d. The Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia

11. According to Kwa Chong Guan, Singapore is able to punch above its weight internationally due to our ______.
a. economic stability
b. effective diplomacy
c. natural resources
d. competitiveness

12. What defines the success of a global city in this era?

a. Traditional status
b. GDP
c. Connectivity
d. Cosmopolitanism

8
13. According to Mr S R Nathan, what was the key challenge for our pioneer foreign diplomats?
a. The unpredictability of the times
b. Their lack of experience
c. Their lack of training
d. All of the above

14. Which country was the chief proponent of ASEAN?

a. Indonesia
b. Thailand
c. Singapore
d. The Philippines

15. Where was the inaugural ASEAN meeting held?

a. Singapore
b. Kuala Lumpur
c. Bangkok
d. Jakarta

16. Singapore was not supportive of one of the clauses in the draft ASEAN accord at the inaugural meeting. Which was this?
a. That foreign military bases should not be allowed to be established in our country
b. That foreign military bases should be allowed to be established in our country
c. That the British should withdraw from Malaya
d. That Vietnam should be punished for invading Cambodia

9
17. Who is often referred to as the “Lion of Singapore”?
a. Mr S R Nathan
b. Prof Kishore Mahbubani
c. Mr Rajaratnam
d. Mr Bilahari Kausikan

18. According to Kishore Mahbubani, what is a crucial factor in political leadership?

a. Confidence
b. Context
c. Consistency
d. Competence

19. What, according to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, is a political hard-truth, as exemplified by Deng Xiaoping in the Tiananmen incident?
a. Life is never a choice between good and evil but between the lesser or greater evil.
b. Asian nations are better at peace making than the West.
c. Aggression is never a good strategy in Asia.
d. Western democracy will never work in Asia.

20. According to Janet Lim, Singapore as a well-resourced and developed country is expected to _______.
a. continue to look to the West to solve humanitarian conflicts
b. do more for international humanitarian crises
c. sign the Refugee Convention
d. absorb some of the refugees from the region

10
Recommended Questions for Week 3 Assessment Quiz

Version 1

1. Which of the following statements about global population growth is the most accurate?
a. Population growth around the world began to increase exponentially when fertility rates rose in the mid-18th century.
b. A substantial proportion of population growth in the world today comes primarily from industrialised nation-states.
c. One of the significant reasons for state interest in global population growth is its effects on the environment.
d. All of the statements above are true.

2. The “population problem” that is constructed by the Singapore state is largely connected to issues pertaining to
a. Economic development
b. Migratory flows
c. Ageing and increased longevity
d. Fertility and family formation

3. Which of the following factors does not account for falling total fertility rate (TFR) in Singapore?
a. Attraction to the rewards of paid work
b. Increase in men’s status and labour participation
c. Success of early anti-natalist policies
d. Rising levels of education

11
4. Although low TFR is experienced in many industrialised societies such as those in East Asia, Paulin Straughan argues in her interview that Singapore’s case
is peculiar because
a. of its size and lack of a hinterland
b. its TFR has been ultra-low as compared to other East Asian contexts
c. the contemporary migration patterns in Singapore have become more intensified
d. None of the above; i.e. Singapore’s case is not peculiar

5. Which of the following statements below can be drawn from the range of different policies introduced by the Singapore state to manage concerns
surrounding population growth?
a. Expansion and access of state support to resources is not universally directed to all children and family configurations.
b. The pro-natalist population policies in the 1990s did not significantly influence TFR in Singapore.
c. Many state programmes and policies pertaining to population give very little attention to men’s bodies.
d. All of the above statements are true.

12
Version 2

1. Which of the following statements best reflect the changing global population patterns which emerged after the demographic transition?
a. There has been an increase in the world population after the demographic transition, given that high birth rates were offset by high mortality rates.
b. The world’s population is rising with approximately 80 million people each year, with a vast majority of the increase coming from developed nation-
states.
c. While the world population will steadily increase, the UN projects that the figure will reach between 8.3 and 10.9 billion people in 2050 and
subsequently decrease because of falling global birth rates.
d. The growth of the world’s population is a significant challenge to the environment.

2. State policies which attempt to manage the “population problem” in Singapore’s context address issues pertaining to
I. Below-replacement fertility rate
II. Delayed live childbirth
III. Growing ageing population
IV. Delayed marriage and family formation

a. I and III
b. II and IV
c. I, II and III
d. I, II, III and IV

3. The most common indicator to measure the incidence of childbearing in a country’s population is
a. The mean number of children a woman must have in order to replace herself with a daughter in the following generation.
b. The number of live births in a given year for every 1,000 people in a population.
c. The number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children based on current
age-specific fertility rates.
d. The rate of the actual level of reproductive performance of a population based on the number of births that occur.

13
4. In the interview with Paulin Straughan, which of the following have been identified as challenges that the state faces in regard to managing low TFR and
family formation in Singapore?
a. Family and family formation is not one of the top five aspirations of singles in Singapore.
b. The appeal and draw of career rewards and aspirations trump the importance individuals accord to family and family formation.
c. The power of the market lacks significant force in influencing the lifestyle aspirations of women and men in Singapore.
d. Given women’s changing aspirations, they no longer desire to take on the role of the caregiver in their families.

5. The Singapore state has invested significantly in structuring fertility policies for several reasons. Which of the following is not one of them?
a. A high fertility rate will be able to buttress the growth of the potential labour force to maintain economic progress and development.
b. Having a young population is crucial to sustain and foster the purchasing of education, transportation and housing.
c. Increasing TFR will help establish the base underpinning defence capability through the replacement of young women and men.
d. An increasing elderly population would mean such groups will completely disengage from consumption activity and hence it is important to rethink
fertility policies.

14
Version 3

1. Why is the increasing growth in the world’s population today a significant challenge many governments are concerned about?
a. Changes in human demography carry long-term implications for economic growth and productivity.
b. The growth in global population has long-term impacts on the working population and the costs of dependency.
c. The rise in the world’s population is connected to the unfavourable consequences of industrialisation on the environment.
d. All of the statements above are true.

2. Which of the following statements most appropriately reflect the historical events that contextualise the “population problem” encountered in Singapore
today?
a. The proportion of citizens in Singapore’s population started to increase since its independence in 1965.
b. The postwar years were characterised by a significant decrease in the number of crude deaths but a low rate of natural population growth.
c. Singapore’s early population growth as a British colony came primarily from China and the Indian subcontinent.
d. Given Singapore’s economic focus on export industries in the 1970s and 1980s, Singapore had to rely on labour migration.

3. Identify the statements below that closely illustrate and/or explain declining total fertility rates (TFR) and family formation in Singapore.
I. The development of tertiary education opportunities has accelerated women’s entry into the workforce and family formation in Singapore.
II. The declining fertility rates in Singapore are connected to increasing singlehood, delayed marriages and women bearing fewer children.
III. The proportion of families with no children or only one child is progressively increasing in Singapore.
IV. The patterns of falling TFR in Singapore are similar to many industrialised economies in East Asia such as Japan and South Korea.

a. II and IV
b. I, II and III
c. II, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

15
4. Paulin Straughan argues in her interview that all of the following factors account for the established fertility patterns and family formation in
contemporary Singapore except
a. changing women’s aspirations and values accorded to children.
b. advancement of medical technologies and contraception.
c. radical transformation to the traditional gendered division of labour.
d. economic and social power drawn from paid work.

5. Which of the following early population policies introduced in Singapore was not part of its anti-natalist agenda?
a. Abortion Act
b. “Stop at Two” campaign
c. “Why Build Your Career Alone? Family Helps” campaign
d. All of the above

16
Recommended Questions for Week 4 Assessment Quiz

Version 1

1. All of the following measures can be used to provide a more holistic overview of ageing in any society including Singapore with the exception of
a. The mean number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future.
b. The process in which the proportion of adults and elderly increase in a population, while the proportion of children and adolescents decrease.
c. The number of years that the person at 65 years can expect to live further.
d. The number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children in accordance with
current age-specific fertility rates.

2. There have been several critical concerns of a growing ageing population and low fertility rates in Singapore. Which of the following is not one of them?
a. An old-age dependency burden, where Singapore is increasingly transforming into a pyramid attempting to stand on its point
b. Potentially increasing economic burden on the working-age population
c. The growing number of elderly who are primarily afflicted with communicable and acute diseases
d. A less vibrant and innovative economy, with a shrinking customer base

3. Based on the interview clip with Feng Quishi, identify the relevant statements below that describe the broad global patterns of population ageing.
I. All countries globally will face a disproportionately higher number of elderly population which would outnumber younger people.
II. There is a significant shift in health and morbidity patterns, with the largest burden coming from non-communicable diseases.
III. More middle-aged persons in many countries will potentially have elderly parents who are still living.
IV. In all countries throughout the world, the elderly are healthier and more ambulant, better educated and have more access to financial resources.

a. I and III
b. II and III
c. I, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

17
4. Which of the following is not a consequence of international labour migration into Singapore?
a. Given the falling TFR and labour shortage, the Singapore state attracted migrants from different parts of the world and skillsets.
b. There has been increased social and cultural diversity, given the influx of ethnically diverse communities into Singapore.
c. Hostility and tension between Singapore citizens and some foreigners have surfaced, partly arising from perceived cultural and economic differences.
d. Strong concerns have been voiced amongst citizens in regard to the accelerating population growth from migrants.

5. Based on the interview with Kelvin Low, what did he identify as some of the key challenges and concerns which have emerged in Singapore in regard to
migration?
I. Different and competing aspirations of the state and those of migrant labour
II. Issues of liveability with different groups of ethnically diverse migrants within space limitations
III. Provision of infrastructure to manage growing population of migrants
IV. Maintenance of national identity and fostering of belonging amongst citizens

a. I only
b. I, II and III
c. I, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

18
Version 2

1. If demographers and other policymakers are interested to appraise and measure the overall quality of life in Singapore and a summary of mortality at
different ages, they should look more closely at Singapore’s
a. expectancy of life at birth
b. life expectancy at 65
c. old-age support ratio
d. all of the above measures

2. The average life expectancy of Singaporeans was 65.8 years in 1970 but this number increased to 82.5 years in 2013. Which of the following factors do
not account for this change?
a. Control of infections
b. Retention and training of older workers
c. Declining infant and child mortality
d. Improved living conditions and quality of life

3. In the interview with Feng Qiushi, what recommendations can be proposed to state policymakers for managing population ageing in Singapore?
I. Engage with policies which foster successful ageing to give the elderly a more dignified and affordable life.
II. The cohort effect should not be considered in policy intervention, given that the future generation of the elderly will be better educated and
technologically savvy.
III. Invest in and develop human capital for the elderly such as postponing the retirement age to promote economic growth.
IV. Encourage population policies which engender “ageing-in-place” and social inclusion so that the needs of the elderly can be met within the
community.

a. I and IV
b. II and III
c. I, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

19
4. Which of the following issues is not a point of contention for Singapore citizens surfacing from the outcomes of increasing the intake of foreign workers
and talent, and new citizens?
a. Economic competition
b. National identity
c. Out-migration
d. Income inequality

5. In the interview with Kelvin Low, he raised some issues surrounding the passing of the Population White Paper (PWP) in Singapore. Based on this interview
and the lecture on PWP, which of the following is not a central concern to the Singapore state in regard to the PWP and international migration?
a. Infrastructure and transport development
b. Labour productivity and economic competitiveness
c. Total fertility rates of residents and non-residents
d. National identity and belonging of citizens

20
Version 3

1. In Singapore, a person aged 65 in 2010 can expect to live another 20.6 years, as compared to 14.6 years in 1980. On the basis of such information, policy-
makers in Singapore can directly re-examine policies pertaining to
a. life expectancy at birth
b. morbidity rate
c. below-replacement fertility rate
d. retirement age

2. Which of the following statements best reflect the effects of a declining old-age dependency ratio in Singapore?
I. There will be lower national healthcare expenditure for the elderly, given the current increased subsidies and resources the state has diverted for the
elderly.
II. More paid help from domestic workers, and home-based caregivers and nurses are required to manage the old-age support ratio.
III. Given smaller family forms, there are fewer members in families and kin available to provide financial and emotional support.
IV. With increasing longevity, many elderly have expressed the desire to stay active.

a. I and III
b. II and III
c. II, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

21
3. What are some of the policy challenges the Singapore state faces pertaining to population ageing based on the interview with Feng Qiushi?
I. Policy-makers in Singapore are concerned about maintaining a sustainable healthcare and pension system for the growing ageing population in the
future.
II. The elderly dependency ratio will rise, given that the rate of increase of the elderly in Singapore is one of the fastest in the world.
III. Low fertility rates and rising life expectancy will translate into a disproportionately larger ageing population in subsequent years in Singapore.
IV. Many elderly in Singapore will increasingly depend on the state in future, given ultra-low TFR and rising morbidity rates.

a. II and III
b. I, II and III
c. I, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

4. Citizen-foreigner tension in Singapore was compounded when the state released a Population White Paper (PWP) in 2013. Identify the relevant
statements below pertaining to the issues raised in and responses to the White Paper.
I. The PWP rationalised the influx of foreign workers and talent to aid local businesses to thrive and foster job-creation for citizens.
II. One of the recommendations in the PWP included proposals to advocate more marriages and children amongst couples.
III. The PWP generated unfavourable responses from citizens for what was perceived to be the state’s favouring of particular foreigners over Singapore
citizens.
IV. Some scholars in Singapore have criticised the PWP for its lack of rigour and as being “sociologically and politically naïve”.

a. III and IV
b. I, II and III
c. I, III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

22
5. Based on the interview clip with Kelvin Low, which of the following is a key motivation and aspiration of the state to attract international migration in
Singapore?
a. Economic competitiveness and reinforcement of Singapore’s position as a global economic player
b. Buttress multicultural diversity through the arrival of different migrant workers throughout the world
c. Increase total fertility rates among resident and nonresident population
d. All of the above

23
Recommended Questions for Week 5 Assessment Quiz

Question 1

Version 1
Between 1970 and 2013, economic growth of Singapore has been _____ that of Greece.
a. slower than
b. equal to
c. faster than
d. none of the above

Version 2
Between 1970 and 2013, economic growth of Singapore has been _____ that of the Philippines.
a. faster than
b. equal to
c. slower than
d. none of the above

Version 3
Between 1980 and 2013, economic growth of Singapore has been _____ that of New Zealand.
a. slower than
b. faster than
c. equal to
d. none of the above

24
Question 2

Version 1
As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), average net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Singapore over the period 2010 to 2013
__________ that for China.
a. equalled
b. was below
c. exceeded
d. none of the above

Version 2
As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), average net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Singapore over the period 2010 to 2013
__________ that for South Korea.
a. exceeded
b. was below
c. equalled
d. none of the above

Version 3
As a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), average net inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Singapore over the period 2010 to 2013
__________ that for Malaysia.
a. exceeded
b. was below
c. equalled
d. none of the above

25
Question 3

Version 1
On average, unemployment in Singapore grew faster during the period ______ compared to the period ______.
a. 1980 to 1990, 2010 to 2015
b. 1995 to 2000, 2010 to 2015
c. 2005 to 2010, 2010 to 2015
d. none of the above

Version 2
On average, employment in Singapore grew faster during the period ______ compared to the period ______.
a. 2010 to 2015, 2000 to 2005
b. 2010 to 2015, 1980 to 1990
c. 2010 to 2015, 2005 to 2010
d. none of the above

Version 3
On average, the labour force in Singapore grew faster during the period ______ compared to the period ______.
a. 2010 to 2015, 2005 to 2010
b. 2000 to 2005, 1980 to 1990
c. 2010 to 2015, 2000 to 2005
d. none of the above

26
Question 4

Version 1
The proportion of the workforce employed in the services sector
a. increased between 2001 and 2014.
b. decreased slightly between 2001 and 2014.
c. increased between 2004 and 2007.
d. none of the above.

Version 2
The proportion of the workforce employed in the manufacturing sector
a. increased between 2001 and 2014.
b. decreased between 2001 and 2014.
c. increased between 2007 and 2014.
d. none of the above.

Version 3
The proportion of the workforce employed in the construction sector
a. increased substantially between 2001 and 2014.
b. decreased substantially between 2001 and 2014.
c. increased between 2005 and 2014.
d. none of the above.

27
Question 5

Version 1
Between 1983 and 1990, workers in their _____ accounted for the largest proportion of the workforce.
a. teens
b. 20s
c. 30s
d. none of the above

Version 2
From 1990 to 1993 (inclusive), workers in their _____ accounted for the largest proportion of the workforce.
a. 20s
b. 30s
c. 40s
d. none of the above

Version 3
In 1994, workers in their _____ accounted for the largest proportion of the workforce.
a. 20s
b. 30s
c. 50s
d. none of the above

28
Recommended Questions for Week 6 Assessment Quiz

Theme 1: Life Cycle Problem

1. The life cycle model suggests that

a. Consumption must be supported by income earned over the lifetime.
b. Children should be supported by parents while growing up, and in turn children should support parents when parents retire.
c. Working age adults should be taxed to pay for the needs of the elderly.
d. The retirement system should be revised every generation to account for each generation's different life cycle.

2. Singapore's CPF is a funded retirement system. That means

a. Each worker saves money while they are he/ she is working, to pay for his/ her own retirement.
b. Taxes must be raised to fund the retirement system.
c. The retirement system invests funds to accumulate capital required for retirement.
d. The Government sets aside money in a fund to ensure that workers are supported during their retirement.

3. An aging population
a. Has less impact on a funded retirement system, but will have greater impact on a pay-as-you-go retirement system because the larger elderly
population will need to be supported by a smaller working population.
b. Has less impact on a pay-as-you-go retirement system, but will have greater impact on a funded retirement system because the larger elderly
population will need to share the same pool of retirement funds.
c. Has similar impact for both types of retirement systems, because the financial burden of retirement is affected only by the size of the elderly
population and not by whether the retirement system is funded or pay-as-you-go.
d. Has no impact on either type of retirement system, because the life cycle model implies that consumption is automatically balanced within the life
cycle of every individual.

29
4. In a pay-as-you-go retirement system
a. Taxes from today's workers are used to pay for today's retirees.
b. Workers pay gradually into a fund for their own future retirement.
c. Workers must pre-pay for their own retirement through paying insurance premiums.
d. The rate of return on investments determines the amount of money available for retirement.

30
Theme 2: Retirement Adequacy

1. The CPF's "Retirement Sum" is

a. The amount of money projected to be necessary to provide retirees with a basic standard of living.
b. The amount of money that the CPF guarantees every retiree shall be entitled to upon reaching retirement age.
c. The minimum amount of money that must be maintained in the CPF account during retirement; retirees may only withdraw money in excess of the
Retirement Sum.
d. The amount of money that is projected to be necessary to provide retirees with their pre-retirement standard of living.

2. Compared to CPF, a pay-as-you-go pension system

a. Provides superior returns when aggregate economic growth is high, but is more vulnerable to an aging population.
b. Provides superior returns when investment growth is high, but is more vulnerable to an aging population.
c. Provides superior returns when aggregate economic growth is high, and is less vulnerable to an aging population.
d. Provides superior returns when investment growth is high, and is less vulnerable to an aging population.

3. Over the last 40 years, the rate of return on CPF funds has
a. Generally substantially exceeded inflation, but has not grown as fast as the overall economy.
b. Failed to exceed inflation and the rate of overall economic growth.
c. Substantially exceeded both inflation and the rate of overall economic growth.
d. Been managed in order to meet macroeconomic policy targets and maintain full employment.

4. In Singapore's CPF system, retirement adequacy fundamentally depends on

a. The CPF contribution rate, combined with the rate of growth of the contributed funds.
b. The Government's policy towards providing retirement benefits.
c. Whether individuals take responsibility to provide for their own retirement by making private investments such as savings in the bank and insurance
policies.
d. Whether families and working age children are able to support their elderly parents.

31
Theme 3: Wages and Income Transfers

1. The basic economic causes of income inequality in Singapore are

a. The productivity and demand for some jobs is high compared to the supply of workers with the right skills, whereas for other jobs, productivity is low
and supply outstrips demand.
b. Singapore's emphasis on meritocracy means that those with high ability obtain high paying positions, while those with lower abilities obtain
correspondingly lower paying positions.
c. Singapore's relatively open foreign labour policies have resulted in substantial competition for jobs by potentially cheaper foreign workers, lowering
wages for local workers.
d. Singapore is a small open economy, and is a price-taker on world markets, so there is substantial economic pressure to keep wages low so that
Singapore companies are globally competitive.

2. The most important trade-off with a minimum wage policy is that

a. A minimum wage set high enough to be effective at increasing wages risks reducing demand for labour at that price, increasing unemployment.
b. Workers stand to gain at the expense of employers, which introduces a potential cause of social instability.
c. Prices will rise for products that rely on low-cost labour, affecting consumers and the broader economy.
d. None of the above: A well designed minimum wage policy should be able to improve worker incomes without unduly affecting employment, consumer
prices, or employers.

3. A negative income tax, such as the Workfare Income Supplement, refers to

a. Policies which give low-income earners Government transfers based on the extent to which their income falls below a certain level.
b. Policies to give all workers tax credits and reliefs, so that for some workers, they get Government transfers from the tax system rather than having to
pay income taxes.
c. Policies to reduce corporate income taxes, to incentivise employers to increase wages paid to workers.
d. Policies to reduce the rate of tax that lower income earners pay, so that their tax burden is lower than that of high income earners.

32
4. How the Workfare Income Supplement's benefits are paid out as a function of earned income is important because
a. Benefits should not be withdrawn too quickly as incomes rise, otherwise, workers may not have incentives to go for skills upgrading and to find better
jobs.
b. There are limited resources, so we need to ensure that only the most needy receive Workfare Income Supplement benefits.
c. If the system for paying out Workfare Income Supplement benefits is too complex, then the lower income workers who are the main beneficiaries
may be discouraged from applying for benefits.
d. A system that is too generous in terms of benefits will discourage the unemployed from finding work.

33
Theme 4: Comparative Taxes

1. The deadweight costs of taxation refer to

a. the fact that taxes cost more than the amount raised, because imposing taxes discourages investment and work.
b. the costs of maintaining the tax collection infrastructure, in the form of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
c. the costs associated with hiring accountancy firms and tax consultants to advise companies and individuals on how to comply with the tax system.
d. the costs associated with tax evasion and tax fraud, which reduce the amount of taxes collectable, imposing a burden on taxpayers who comply with
their tax obligations.

2. Singapore's GST is a consumption tax that

a. raises revenue from taxing the supply of goods and services consumed in Singapore.
b. raises revenue from taxing the supply of goods and services which are consumed by individual end-users, but exempts goods and services consumed
by corporations.
c. raises revenue by taxing the supply of goods and services which are imported into Singapore for domestic consumption, but exempts purely
domestically produced goods and services.
d. raises revenue by taxing the supply of goods and services from domestic sources, but exempts purely imported goods and services.

3. Consumption taxes tend to

a. be regressive, meaning that those with lower incomes pay a greater share of their incomes through the consumption tax.
b. be progressive, meaning that those with higher incomes tend to pay a greater share of their incomes through the consumption tax.
c. be neutral with respect to personal income, meaning that everyone pays the same share of income in consumption taxes, regardless of income.
d. discourage saving and investment, because the money saved or invested will eventually be used for future consumption needs when the rate of
consumption tax could well be substantially higher than the present rate.

34
4. Singapore's GST Vouchers are a policy measure designed to
a. efficiently address the regressive aspects of a consumption tax by transferring more money to lower-income residents, so that their effective tax
burden is reduced.
b. provide a means of additional financial support and welfare for low-income Singaporeans.
c. address the rising costs of living in Singapore by giving overburdened middle-class households financial assistance.
d. give all Singaporeans a stake in the current GST tax system, so that Singaporeans are more likely to pay their taxes rather than avoid paying taxes.

35
Recommended Questions for Week 7 Assessment Quiz

Part 1: What is Security and Defining Singapore’s Security

1. According to Arnold Wolfers, security can be defined as ____________.

a. the absence of fear of acquired values
b. the presence of threats to a nation’s values
c. the absence of perceived threats to a nation’s values
d. the presence of perceived enemies to a nation

2. Acquired values of a nation are ____________.

a. absolute and fixed
b. universal among all nations
c. common among major ethnic groups within a nation
d. products of socialisation and education over time

3. Geography offers an advantage for Singapore because ____________.

a. Singapore is located at the intersection of trade routes between two oceans
b. Singapore has very small land mass
c. Singapore possesses limited natural resources
d. Singapore is prone to natural disasters

4. Which statement best describes Singapore’s population?

a. There are four ethnic groups in Singapore – Chinese, Indian, Malay and Others.
b. Singaporeans belonging to a certain ethnic group possess traits that are homogeneous within each group.
c. The majority of Singaporeans are immigrants.
d. A Singaporean identity is a representation of different cultures living in Singapore.

36
5. Singapore demonstrates its sovereignty by ____________.
a. conducting its foreign and domestic policies only according to international norms
b. conducting its foreign and domestic policies independent of external influence from other nations
c. conducting trade and commerce with foreign partners
d. becoming a member of the United Nations

6. Which statement about Singapore’s economic well-being is the most accurate?

a. Singapore’s economic well-being guarantees its security.
b. Foreign investors are attracted to Singapore because of its political stability and security.
c. Singapore’s defence force contributes most significantly to its economic well-being by providing defence-related jobs.
d. Singapore’s economic well-being is a core national interest mainly because it pays for military equipment.

7. Social cohesion is important to Singapore because ____________.

a. of its history of riots
b. other countries are in perennial state of conflict because of racial tensions
c. the United States seeks to emulate Singapore’s social cohesion
d. cohesion among diverse groups is fragile in Singapore and can be easily exploited

8. Singapore’s self-image in security terms has been represented by ____________.

a. a dolphin
b. a lion
c. a snake
d. a bee

37
Part 2: Regional Dynamics and Singapore’s Security

1. Which statement about the Cold War is untrue?

a. A political competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to dominate the world after the Second World War.
b. A contest between communism and capitalism for decolonised states after the decline of European colonial powers.
c. A military conflict that occurred between proxies of the major powers because of the fear of escalation to a nuclear war.
d. A war between superpowers where the toughest battle was fought during winter in Europe.

2. The Cold War affected Singapore’s road to independence because ____________.

a. Singapore’s Chinese-majority population was perceived by Britain to be susceptible to influence from the People’s Republic of China
b. Indonesia was worried that Singapore would become a communist state, and therefore, launched Konfrontasi against Singapore
c. China and Vietnam jointly conducted a domino campaign against Southeast Asia and threatened Singapore’s security
d. Brunei did not become part of the Federation of Malaysia

3. The British military withdrawal from Singapore ____________.

a. led to the defeat of the United States in the Vietnam War
b. was an important motivation for Singapore to build its own defence force
c. created an economic crisis in Singapore because British bases accounted for a significant portion of Singapore’s GDP
d. led to the National Service (Amendment) Act in 1967

4. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1967 ____________.
a. by Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei
b. because of American influence
c. to maintain peace and stability among member states and provide a common voice for small Southeast Asian countries
d. to counter military threats from the Soviet Union, Vietnam and China

38
5. Which statement about the Vietnam-Cambodia Conflict (1978-1991) is the most accurate?
a. Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia violated the principle of non-interference, which was important for the survival of small states.
b. Singapore was badly affected by the conflict because of loss of trade with Vietnam.
c. ASEAN was slow and ineffective in resolving the Vietnam-Cambodia conflict.
d. China deployed its military into Vietnam in January 1979 to support the Vietnamese attack on Cambodia.

6. Which statement best describes the concept of Domino Theory during the Cold War?
a. Domino Theory is used during the Cold War to mean the spread of ideas from one country to contiguous countries surrounding it.
b. Domino Theory is used during the Cold War to describe the fall of a state as a consequence of an internal collapse such as happened to the USSR.
c. Domino Theory is used during the Cold War to forecast the likelihood of one state to fall as a result of an attack by a contiguous foreign power.
d. Domino Theory is used during the Cold War to predict the likelihood of states falling in succession as a result of a dominant force applied from the
core to the periphery.

7. The New World Order was coined in 1991 by US President George H. W. Bush ____________.
a. to declare the end of the Second World War
b. to usher in a new era of global politics where democracy provides the best system of government
c. to describe an order where the rule of law governs international affairs
d. to declare victory over the Soviet Union

8. How did China take advantage of the stability after the Cold War?
a. China began to build alliances with former Soviet allies.
b. China and India cooperated to form an economic bloc with Russia and Brazil called BRIC.
c. China enhanced economic cooperation with capitalist economies.
d. China embarked on an arms race to catch up with the US.

39
Recommended Questions for Week 8 Assessment Quiz

Part 3: Rise of unconventional threats

1. Non-traditional or unconventional security threats are defined most accurately as ____________.

a. threats to a nation’s security which involves methods that do not involve a military attack
b. threats to a nation and its people that do not come from another state
c. threats to a nation and its people that do not come from another state and do not involve a military attack
d. threats towards the population of a nation launched by its own government

2. Transnational terrorism is a threat to Singapore because ____________.

a. attacks on civilian targets in Singapore put lives at risk and erode the sense of security among the population
b. the United States compels Singapore to send troops to the Middle East
c. radicalised individuals from Singapore will join these groups to attack western targets
d. Southeast Asia is particularly attractive as a target for terrorist attacks

3. Which statement about natural disasters best describes them as an unconventional security threat?
a. Natural disasters enhance cooperation among countries affected by them.
b. Although relatively safe from natural disasters, Singapore will be affected if regional countries become unsafe and unstable after a natural disaster.
c. Natural disasters are considered unconventional threats because they require a military response.
d. The ability of a government to prevent natural disasters reflects the competence of the state.

4. The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis affected regional security most significantly when ____________.
a. it greatly reduced the value of exports from Asian economies
b. it created high unemployment in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia
c. it caused racial tensions to escalate in Thailand and Cambodia
d. it led to regime changes in Asia that disrupted the political stability of the affected countries and the region

40
5. How do pandemics such as the Severely Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) affect Singapore’s national interest directly?
a. They affect Singapore’s sovereignty and independence.
b. They affect Singapore’s economic well-being and social cohesion.
c. They affect Singapore’s territorial integrity.
d. They affect Singapore’s religious harmony.

6. Which factor has the greatest impact on Singapore’s water security?

a. Bilateral relations with Malaysia and Indonesia
b. Price of water in Singapore
c. Drought in Malaysia
d. Rising population in Malaysia

7. Cybersecurity has become a critical security consideration for Singapore because ____________.
a. hackers are able to access government websites to extort money
b. Singapore lacks critical safety features to deal with cyber-crimes
c. Singapore is highly networked and relies heavily on information and communications technology for everyday tasks
d. terrorists are able to recruit using the internet

8. Information warfare is best described as ____________.

a. the use of propaganda instead of military action to occupy another state’s territory
b. the competition between news outlets for viewership when reporting on wars and conflicts
c. the method used by terrorist networks to gather information on governments and security agencies
d. the use of information and misinformation to achieve a political outcome, sometimes involving military action

41
Part 4: Managing Threats and Future Risks

1. Which statement best describes how conscription enhances Singapore’s security?

a. Conscription demonstrates the political will of the Singapore government to defend Singapore.
b. Conscription provides the manpower necessary to form a defence force and fosters national unity among male Singaporean citizens and permanent
residents.
c. Conscription brings male Singaporean citizens and permanent residents from diverse backgrounds together to enhance social cohesion.
d. Conscription provides temporary employment for male school-leavers so that unemployment in Singapore can be managed.

2. Military technology plays a part in Singapore’s deterrence by ____________.

a. enhancing the effectiveness of a well-trained but small Singapore Armed Forces
b. replacing the need for a well-trained Singapore Armed Forces
c. equipping the Singapore Armed Forces with the ability to hack into the weapons system of potential aggressors
d. providing critical tools for warfighting that prevent war from occurring in the first place

3. Which statement best describes Singapore’s foreign policy?

a. Singapore’s foreign policy is non-aligned and keeps Singapore aloof from regional and global disputes.
b. Singapore’s diplomacy primarily focuses on economic pragmatism that allows it to trade with any country.
c. Singapore adopts a foreign policy with a regional focus and considers the larger international community to be of secondary importance.
d. Singapore’s foreign policy combines economic, political and security cooperation in order to ensure that other countries will have a vested interest
in Singapore’s well-being.

4. ASEAN is important to Singapore because ____________.

a. ASEAN members can collectively defend each other in the case of conflict
b. it serves as a platform that enhances the economic growth and stability of Southeast Asia where Singapore can thrive
c. the world’s Superpowers would not trade with Singapore unless it is part of ASEAN
d. Singapore can tap into the vast amount of human resources from other ASEAN countries under the ASEAN Economic Community

42
5. Which statement about the SAF’s involvement in defence diplomacy is untrue?
a. The SAF contributes to defence diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral exercises with other militaries.
b. The SAF participates in search and rescue missions as part of defence diplomacy.
c. The SAF does not consider defence diplomacy as part of its mission.
d. The SAF assists in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under its core mission of diplomacy.

6. Total Defence helps manage Singapore’s security by ____________.

a. giving all citizens the opportunity to safeguard Singapore through military and economic defence
b. providing a holistic doctrine that covers five key pillars for defending Singapore
c. allowing the population to relieve the government from the burden of safeguarding Singapore
d. facilitating regular exercises that involve government agencies and the general public so that Singaporeans can be prepared for a terrorist attack

7. The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) is established with the aim of ____________.
a. formalising a whole-of-government approach to managing new security threats to Singapore through building resilience among the population
b. combining efforts in different ministries to enhance Total Defence
c. implementing comprehensive surveillance around Singapore to prevent terrorist attacks
d. countering cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare

8. Social media can be a threat to Singapore’s security because ____________.

a. it can be used as a platform to promote economic activities that develop Singapore’s economy
b. it can be used to divide the society and erode Singapore’s social resilience
c. it can be used by the SAF to improve the image of the military in Singapore
d. it can be used by the Civil Defence Force to disseminate information during a crisis or disaster

43
Recommended Questions for Week 9 Assessment Quiz

Topic 1 – Early Migration into Singapore

1. In the segment “Early Migration into Singapore”, what activities were Thian Hock Keng temple and its affiliated organisations involved in in the 1800s
and early 1900s?
a. Education, Place of Worship, Social Support for New Migrants
b. Education, Food Centre, Place of Worship
c. Place of Worship, Political Centre, Social Support for New Migrants
d. Social Support for New Migrants, Education, Cultural Outreach

2. Select three facts on Thian Hock Keng temple that were covered in the segment “Early Migration into Singapore”.
a. The temple was built in 1842 by the Hokkien Huay Kuan
b. The temple was initially located in the west of Singapore, near Tuas
c. The temple won an honourable mention in the 2001 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards
d. Chinese migrants came to the temple primarily to have a meal
e. Emperor Yong Sheng bequeathed a scroll to the temple in 1907
f. One of Singapore’s earliest girls’ schools was located in the temple in 1915

3. For how many years did the scroll that was presented to Thian Hock Keng by Emperor Guang Xu, hang outside the temple before it was donated to a
museum?
a. 85 years
b. 77 years
c. 91 years
d. 100 years

44
Topic 2 – Theories of Migration

1. How is migration defined in the segment “Theories of Migration”?

a. The movement of capital from one territory to another
b. The movement of individuals from one place to another
c. The movement of individuals from one territory to another
d. The movement of capital from one place to another

2. What are the two categories of migrants that Zygmunt Bauman argued for?
a. Vagabonds and Tourists
b. Settlers and Movers
c. Sojourners and Settlers
d. Vagabonds and Sojourners

3. Select the different models of migration covered in the segment “Theories of Migration”.
a. Classical, Global, Push-Pull, Illegal
b. Classical, Colonial, Guest-Worker, Illegal
c. Classical, Guest-Worker, Tourist, Vagabond
d. Classical, Colonial, Global, Guest-Worker

45
Topic 3 – On the Sikh Diaspora in Singapore

1. In the segment “On the Sikh Diaspora in Singapore”, what do most people think was the main contribution of Sikhs in the 1800s?
a. Security Personnel
b. Administrative Staff
c. Labourers
d. Traders

2. In the segment “About the Sikh Diaspora in Singapore”, in what occupations have Sikhs mostly contributed historically to Singapore in the 1800s and
early 1900s?
a. Labour, Security, Money-Lending and Trading
b. Security, Politics, Trading and Entertainment
c. Security, Entertainment, Money-Lending
d. Politics, Trading, Money-Lending

3. What was the major contribution of Bhai Maharaj Singh in Singapore?

a. Set up the first Sikh cultural centre in Singapore
b. United the Sikhs in Singapore as a spiritual example
c. An entertainment celebrity in his day and age
d. An established political figure supported by the British

46
Topic 4 – Migration, Race and Ethnicity

1. In the segment “Migration, Race and Ethnicity”, three models of how migrants fit into society were described. What are they?
a. Classic Assimilation, Racial/Ethnic Disadvantage, Segmented Assimilation
b. Classic Assimilation, Racial/Ethnic Advantage, Segmented Assimilation
c. Classic Disadvantage, Racial/Ethnic Assimilation, Segmented Advantage
d. Classic Assimilation, Racial/Ethnic Assimilation, Segmented Assimilation

2. Which of the following ethnic communities of Singapore best exemplifies Milton Gordon’s Structural Assimilation model?
a. Peranakan
b. Chinese
c. Malay
d. Indian

3. In the segment “Migration, Race and Ethnicity”, various models of how migrants fit into society were covered. Which of these best explains why some
migrants fit better into a host society than others?
a. Classic Assimilation Model
b. Racial or Ethnic Disadvantage Model
c. Structural Assimilation Model
d. Segmented Assimilation Model

47
Topic 5 – Online Media and Migrants

1. In the segment “Online Media and Migrants”, how was race defined previously, and how is it better understood now?
a. Initially race was seen as biological, now it is understood as a social construct
b. Initially race was seen as biological, now it is understood as hierarchical biology
c. Initially race was seen as social, now it is understood as biological construct
d. The concept of race has not changed over time

2. If race is not a biological concept, then how should we view it?

a. Race is socially constructed and ever-changing
b. Race is not socially constructed, but ever-changing
c. Race is socially constructed but does not change
d. Race is neither socially constructed, nor does it change

3. In the segment “Online Media and Migrants”, how does social media contribute to racial marginalisation (tick all that apply)?
a. The formulation of false stories meant to draw web traffic and thus revenue
b. The manipulation of readers’ emotions
c. The tendency to jump to quick and unfounded conclusions about an individual’s race or ethnicity

48
Recommended Questions for Week 10 Assessment Quiz

1. The Singapore Land Transport Masterplan 2013 spelt out the targets to be achieved by 2030. Which of the following best describes the targets set?
I. 85% of public transport journeys (less than 20km) will be completed within 60 minutes
II. 80% of households will live within a 10-minute walk from a train station
III. 75% of all journeys in peak hours will be undertaken on public transport
IV. 65% of all footpaths will be converted to dual use for both pedestrians and cyclists
V. Completion of an island-wide cycling path network of over 700km

a. (I), (II), (III) & (V)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (II) & (III) only
e. (IV) & (V) only

49
2. One of the goals of the Singapore Land Transport Masterplan is to help bring about a more liveable and inclusive community. Which of the following best
describes the initiatives planned?
I. To help the elderly, less mobile and those with infants by installing lifts at around 40 pedestrian overhead bridges that are near MRT/LRT stations,
bus interchanges, hospitals, homes for the aged and schools for special needs children.
II. To facilitate a more comfortable walk to the MRT station or bus stop by building more than 200 km of sheltered walkways.
III. To reduce noise pollution by installing sound barriers at MRT tracks near residential areas.
IV. Allow commuters to better plan their journey using apps such as MyTransport.SG.
V. To encourage commuters to show graciousness to one another by giving up their seats for those who need it more, by queuing and moving in
away from the entrance or exit.

a. (I), (II), (III) & (V)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I) & (V) only
e. (I), (II), (III), (IV) & (V)

3. In planning Singapore’s land transport system for the next 20 years, we need to address the following three key challenges.
I. Changing commuter expectations and norms
II. The falling Total Fertility Rate
III. Growing population and economy
IV. Tighter land constraints and more difficult trade-offs
V. The growing threat of terrorism

a. (I), (II) & (III)

b. (II), (III) & (IV)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III) & (IV)

50
4. The quality of a country’s transport system is assessed against several benchmarks. Which are these benchmarks?
I. The ability to address climate change and wider environmental challenges faced by the country
II. Its role as a catalyst to the economy and the country’s competitiveness
III. The contribution to the well-being of the country’s citizens and the quality of life
IV. The contribution to social justice
V. Its ability to eliminate traffic congestion in the city centre

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (IV) & (V)
e. (I), (II), (3) & (V)

5. The principal role of transport is to provide access between spatially separated locations for the business and household sectors, for both commodity
(freight) and person movements. What are the key economic benefits of transportation?
I. System Performance
II. Benefit-Cost & Cost Effectiveness
III. Social Justice
IV. Regional Economic Development
V. Liveability

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (I), (II), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

51
6. Transport has a vital social role to ensure that everyone—including the young, elderly, disabled and those in need—can access amenities and participate
in our society and economy. Which were the 4 areas that Singapore transport planners focused on to ensure the fulfilment of this role?
I. Ensuring greater accessibility – improving mobility for seniors and the less mobile
II. Fine tuning road usage charges
III. Facilitating cycling
IV. Promoting environmental sustainability
V. Engaging the community

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (IV) & (V)
e. (I), (II), (III) & (V)

7. What are some the issues and challenges faced in operating Singapore’s MRT network?
I. To be able to cope with peak hour demands (morning and evening rush hour)
II. To have adequate and competent staff to manage the demand and supply
III. To have sufficient number of operable trains running and at frequent intervals (less than two minutes headway)
IV. To adequately provide wireless broadband connectivity for commuters
V. To correctly deploy staff at critical locations to respond to any system failure

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

52
8. With the MRT operating at such high frequencies and long hours, the train, track and signalling systems would require periodic servicing and maintenance.
What are some of these servicing and maintenance programmes that have been deployed in Singapore?
I. Preventive Maintenance
II. Corrective Maintenance
III. Predictive Maintenance with Condition Monitoring Tools
IV. Periodic Equipment and Systems Overhaul
V. Mid-Life Refurbishment Programme

a. (I), (II), (IV) & (V)

b. (I), (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II) & (V)
e. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)

9. One of the major considerations in operating a public transport system is to ensure universal service. Which of the following best describes how universal
service was delivered in Singapore?
I. Enhancing system reliability to minimize service breakdowns
II. Barrier free access in all MRT and LRT stations for the less mobile
III. Audio tactile system at pedestrian road crossings for the visually impaired
IV. Wheelchair-friendly low-floor buses and taxis with ramps for the handicapped
V. Disabled persons scheme – waiver of ARF and COE for car owners who are disabled

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

53
10. In Singapore, the Public Transport Council sets the fare that public transport commuters have to pay. Which of the following are its other key functions?
I. Regulating ticket payment services for buses and trains;
II. Regulating penalty fees to deter fare evasion; and
III. Advising the Minister for Transport on public transport matters
IV. Regulating bus service quality and service standards
V. Determining the number of COEs to be released for each Open Bidding Exercise

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

11. How has the automation of fare collection help improve productivity in bus companies and the train operators?
I. Reducing the manpower required to man a bus from two to one
II. With a reduction in fare paid using coins and dollar notes, fewer manpower is deployed to counting and accounting for fare collection each day.
III. Fare automation helps Singapore move towards its vision of a cashless society
IV. Contactless smart fare cards make boarding and alighting more expedient
V. Contactless smart fare cards can collect data on travel patterns that can then be used to enhance route planning and scheduling of service
frequency

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (IV) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

54
12. With fare payment being made with electronic smartcards like the EZ-Link card, data can be extracted to derive travel preferences and patterns. How can
this help transport planners better plan public transport services?
I. By capturing the data in a warehouse (PLANET – Planning for Land Transport Network) for subsequent and real time analysis.
II. By fine-tuning road usage charges through Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to keep congestion in check.
III. When introducing direct bus routes, planners and decision makers now know the detailed characteristics of transit commuters along the busy
corridors. The route and stops chosen would then be well targeted at commuters who need direct services for the long-distance travel.
IV. Before-and-after analysis of a bus priority scheme allows bus network and traffic management planners to have a more objective assessment, thus
introducing improvement much faster.
V. By providing reliable data to facilitate modelling of bus routes to match demand, time and frequencies.

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

13. We need to safeguard the safety and integrity of Singapore’s transport network. What measures have been put in place?
I. Establishment of the Public Transport Security Command to protect Singapore’s public land transport system against crime
II. Regular security patrols at MRT stations, bus interchanges and depots and on trains by TransCom Police
III. Secured boundaries at MRT depots with welded wire mesh fencing
IV. Intrusion detection security systems and security checks at MRT stations
V. MRT staff trained to look out for suspicious people and objects.

a. (II), (IV) & (V)

b. (I), (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II) & (V)
e. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)

55
14. Transport is responsible for about 20 per cent of carbon emissions. Which of the following measures best describe Singapore’s land transport planners’
efforts in ensuring environmental sustainability?
I. Heritage Roads and Heritage Trees scheme. All road building and land transport projects have to take into account their environmental impact.
II. Promoting car-sharing and ride-sharing initiatives. Sharing could reduce the car population, at the same time maximising usefulness and
affordability for as many people as possible.
III. Encouraging the use of less pollutive fuels in automobiles. Rebates are offered to owners of electric and hybrid cars, including those running on
natural gas.
IV. Integrated Transport Hubs. Building more integrated public transport hubs where air-conditioned bus interchanges and MRT stations are co-
located with developments to improve connectivity.
V. Implementing a Walk2Ride programme that comprises sheltered walkway networks to improve the walking experience between MRT stations and
homes.

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

56
15. What role can MRT service providers play in enhancing social integration in Singapore?
I. By partnering with TransCom to keep MRT stations and trains safe through regular security patrols
II. By keeping commuting via MRT affordable and efficient
III. By making travelling on the MRT an enjoyable experience, even for the less mobile
IV. By making it convenient for people to meet through better transport connectivity
V. By providing Wi-Fi broadband connectivity at MRT stations and trains

a. (I), (II), (III) & (IV)

b. (II), (III), (IV) & (V)
c. (III), (IV) & (V)
d. (I), (II), (III) & (V)
e. (I), (III), (IV) & (V)

57
Recommended Questions for Week 11 Assessment Quiz

Question 1

Version 1
The original meaning of the word ‘utopia’ is ______.
a. a real city
b. an imperfect place
c. a good place
d. a lost city
e. a hidden place

Version 2
Which of the following is not the meaning of ‘utopia’?
a. A good place
b. No particular place
c. An ideal place
d. A hidden place
e. A perfect place

Version 3
Which of the following is not associated with the classical idea of ‘utopia’?
a. Thomas More
b. The Garden of Eden
c. Not particular place
d. A good place
e. Raphael Hythlodaeus

58
Question 2

Version 1
Which of the following has been used to describe Singapore?
a. Syonan-To
b. The Garden of Eden state
c. Temasek
d. All of the above
e. None of the above

Version 2
Which of the following has not been used to describe Singapore?
a. Nusantara
b. The Garden of Eden state
c. Syonan-To
d. Temasek
e. Little Red Dot

Version 3
Which of the following list has been used to describe Singapore?
a. Temasek, the Garden of Eden state, Utopia
b. Syonan-To, Little Red Dot, Temasek
c. Utopia, The Garden of Eden state, Syonan-To
d. The Garden of Eden state, Temasek, Nusantara
e. Utopia, Nusantara, Temasek

59
Question 3

Version 1
Why was SPRING Singapore established?
a. Raise awareness of Singaporean identity
b. Community engagement
c. Help local businesses flourish and prosper
d. Help Singaporeans look for jobs
e. Promote the arts in scene

Version 2
Which of the following is the role of SPRING Singapore?
a. Raise awareness of national identity, show promise of completion, promote sense of belonging
b. Promote sense of belonging, a performance, community engagement
c. Promote a sense of belonging, show promise of completion, a performance
d. Help local businesses flourish and prosper
e. Help Singaporeans look for jobs

Version 3
What are the pros and cons of relying too much on MNCs?
a. Create many jobs when they invest here; remove many jobs when they relocate
b. Bring in foreign direct investments; bring disruption to the society
c. Bring in new technology; disrupt existing business models
d. Bring in foreign talent; widen the income gap
e. Help local businesses prosper; compete with the SMEs

60
Question 4

Version 1
A benefit of a broad-based education is _____.
a. better prepare students for the ever changing job market
b. allow students to have a wider choice of courses in the universities
c. allow more students gain entry into the local universities
d. create a more vibrant Singapore
e. create a more liberal society

Version 2
An aim of the new liberal education is to _____.
a. make one think and apply the knowledge learnt
b. create a more liberal society
c. have more Singapore-produced graduates
d. bring in more foreign students
e. None of the above

Version 3
An education that makes one think and apply knowledge learnt is a/an _____.
a. rigid education
b. new liberal education
c. examination oriented education
d. integrated education
e. through train education

61
Question 5

Version 1
When preserving Singapore’s heritage, one has to consider _____.
a. the key achievements of that period
b. the character of the area
c. age of the buildings
d. All of the above
e. None of the above

Version 2
Which of the following has a heritage trail?
1. Sengkang
2. Queenstown
3. Sister’s Island
4. Jurong Island
5. Bukit Panjang

62
Version 3
Which of the following help us remember our past?
i. Museums
ii. Libraries
iii. Heritage Trails
iv. Community Clubs

a. 1 and 2
b. 1 and 3
c. 1 and 4
d. 2 and 3
e. 3 and 4

63
Recommended Questions for Week 12 Assessment Quiz

Question 1

Version 1
What are the traditional 5Cs?
a. Cash, Car, Credit, Condominium, Country Club
b. Cash, Car, Credit, Compassion, Country Club
c. Cash, Car, Compassion, Creativity, Confidence
d. Cash, Compassion, Creativity, Collaboration, Confidence
e. Compassion, Creativity, Confidence, Collaboration, Contribution

Version 2
Which of the following is one of the traditional 5Cs?
a. Contribution
b. Creativity
c. Confidence
d. Cash
e. All of the above

Version 3
Which of the following is not one of the traditional 5Cs?
a. Car
b. Credit
c. Condominium
d. Cash
e. None of the above

64
Question 2

Version 1
Which of the following is indicated by the Channel NewsAsia survey on aspiration?
a. In 2015, more people were concerned about work-life balance over promotion.
b. In 2015, more people were concerned about promotion over work-life balance.
c. More will be concerned with pay rise over work-life balance five years from the survey.
d. More will be concerned with promotion over work-life balance 10 years from the survey.
e. Less will be concerned with promotion over work-life balance five years from the survey.

Version 2
Which of the following is indicated by the Channel NewsAsia survey on aspiration?
a. In 2015, less people were concerned about work-life balance than promotion.
b. In 2020, more people were concerned over work-life balance over promotion.
c. Less will be concerned with pay rise over promotion five years from the survey.
d. More will be concerned with promotion over pay rise 10 years from the survey.
e. Less will be concerned with promotion over work-life balance five years from the survey.

Version 3
Which of the following is not indicated by the Channel NewsAsia survey on aspiration?
a. In 2015, more people were concerned about work-life balance over promotion.
b. In 2025, more people were concerned about work-life balance over promotion.
c. Less will be concerned with pay rise over work-life balance five years from the survey.
d. More will be concerned with promotion over work-life balance 10 years from the survey.
e. Less will be concerned with promotion over work-life balance five years from the survey.

65
Question 3

Version 1
Which of the following does the CIMO multicultural model achieve?
a. It accounts for complexity within an ethnic group.
b. It naturalises ethnic categories.
c. It captures social and cultural diversity beyond ethnicity.
d. All of the above
e. None of the above

Version 2
Which of the following is a criticism of the CIMO multicultural model?
a. It accounts for complexity within an ethnic group.
b. It naturalises ethnic categories.
c. It captures social and cultural diversity beyond ethnicity.
d. It segregates the different races.
e. It promotes racial harmony.

Version 3
Which of the following policies helps bring people of different races together?
a. Transport policy
b. Economic policy
c. Finance policy
d. Immigration policy
e. Housing policy

66
Question 4

Version 1
In terms of nation-building, the fact that Singaporeans share common languages means _____.
a. they are able to communicate better
b. they are enabled to lead multicultural lives
c. they can get a sense of shared experience
d. they have received a good education
e. All of the above

Version 2
Which of the following is a self-help group?
a. CDAC
b. MENDAKI
c. SINDA
d. The Eurasian Association
e. All of the above

Version 3
CDAC, MANDAKI, SINDA, and The Eurasian Associations are self-help groups that are set up to _____.
a. give each community space to maintain its own cultures
b. give each community space to maintain its own religion
c. give each community space to maintain its own clan
d. give each community space to maintain its own celebrations
e. give each community space to maintain its own people

67
Question 5

Version 1
When did Mr Lee Kuan Yew make the voice recording of the Proclamation of Singapore?
a. 1959
b. 1963
c. 1965
d. 2012
e. 2015

Version 2
The Proclamation of Singapore dated on 9 Aug 1965 was to proclaim _____.
a. Singapore’s merger with Malaya
b. Singapore’s independence
c. Singapore being a part of the Straits Settlement
d. Singapore leaving the Straits Settlement
e. Singapore being part of the British colony

Version 3
In the Proclamation of Singapore, Singapore is a democratic nation founded upon principles _____.
a. of liberty and justice, ever seeking welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society
b. that regardless of race, language and religion, to build a democratic society and progress for the nation
c. based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for the nation
d. of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality
e. None of the above

68