2024 EJC JC2 GP Prelim Examiner’s Report

Suggested Answer Scheme

1. Why does the author describe herself as a ‘stranger in modern life’ (line 1)? [2]

From the passage Suggested Answer

If anything makes me feel like a What makes her a stranger (resolution)

stranger in modern life, it is a
resolution I made after turning thirty: I (a) While most people today would
will travel only when exceptional travel freely/often/all the time, she is
circumstances arise. different…

Why is this resolution ‘strange’

(b) …as she solely travels when

necessary / as she is averse to
constant travel.

1m each for (a) and (b)

2. Explain the author’s use of the word ‘enough’ in line 9. [1]

From the passage Suggested Answer

Indeed, travelling to places remote Benefit (Outcome)

enough (like a rainforest in Belize or the
exotic Amazon) would affect one (a) According to the author, to
powerfully. Looking up at trees that experience the significant/strong
seem to reach straight through the psychological benefits of travel,
clouds to the heavens would not only
make one feel the transcendent Location (Context)
majesty of nature but also one's own
insignificance in a universe vast in (b1) we need to be sufficiently
space and time. removed from our typical lives/ from
urban society.

OR

(b2) we need to go to natural places of

extreme seclusion/isolation.

Both (a) and (b) needed for 1m

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 For (a), must be about psychological
benefits – ‘transcendent majesty’ (inferred)
For (b), degree of seclusion needs to be
present to be awarded the point

3. Using paragraph 3, identify three reasons why learning from books is more beneficial
than travelling. [3]
From the passage Suggested Answer

However, travelling no longer Efficient (inferred) (Quantity+Speed) OR (Ease +

seems like a very efficient Speed)
method of education as one can
learn far more through regular (a) Books enable us to acquire a lot more
trips to the library. For example, knowledge in a shorter amount of time as
a single audiobook, The Meaning compared to travelling, which requires a
of Life, can offer a philosophy great amount of time.
course that enables one to learn
about texts as diverse as The Diversity of knowledge
Bhagavad-Gita, and the
Meditations of Marcus Aurelius; (b) A single book can provide the reader with a
about spiritual leaders like the variety of knowledge that cannot be
Dalai Lama and the Native obtained from a single location when
American medicine man Lame travelling.
Deer; and about belief systems
like Confucianism, and Jainism.
No single destination can offer Familiarity/Comfort
this (at the comfort of our living
room, no less). (c) Books allow us to learn in a
familiar/relaxing environment, while
travelling requires going to foreign places
which could be stressful.

1m for each point

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4. In paragraph 4, how does the author support her assertion that the ‘modern obsession
with travelling is ludicrous’? [3]

From the passage Suggested Answer

In a month, in just the United States (a) The author provided examples of massive
alone, companies cancelled disruptions caused by corporations and
49,000 flights and delayed 30,000,
affecting 30 million travellers…

…who racked up $2.5 billion in (b) the significant financial and mental costs
related expenses — presumably incurred by travellers as a result
for hotel rooms, cabs and
emergency phone sessions with
counsellors in order to maintain Note: Both types of costs are needed for
their basic sanity. completeness of answer

There is nothing calming about (c) Travellers also subject themselves to a

travelling. Travellers place stressful situation when they are trying to have
themselves in a dystopian a relaxing time.
metropolis that is the airport: the
sprawl, noise pollution, automobile
traffic, stop-and-frisk policies, and Note: Contrast of intent vs reality needs to be
infuriating bureaucratic nonsense. highlighted - the idea of ‘place themselves in’ has
to be present.

5. Why has the author written ‘along with consumerism and workaholism’ in brackets
(line 35)? [2]
From the passage Suggested Answer

The rage of travelling (along Function

with consumerism and
workaholism) serves as a (a1) The author uses brackets to provide additional
distraction that muffles the features of the modern world that are similar to
inner voices asking travelling.
important yet challenging
OR
questions: Who am I? Why
do I feel so lonely? Am I
(a2) The author indicates that these are additional
living an authentic life that is diversions / activities to the rage for travelling.
in keeping with my values?
Context (inferred)

(b1) Like travelling, we engage in consumerism and

workaholism to escape/ignore the perennial issues
of life.

OR

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 (b2) In doing so, the author highlights how much
people in the modern world are trying to
escape/avoid the perennial issues of life

1m each for (a) and (b)

No marks awarded if the function (a) is missing or
wrong
Any pairing of points would be accepted. No credit given
for lifting ‘important yet challenging’.

6 Summarise what the author has to say about the value of modern-day travel.
Write your summary in no more than 120 words [8]

Main idea From the passage Suggested paraphrasing

a. People travel to take a Most people today want to Travel benefits people who
break from the travel as a respite from the need to take a break from
boredom of daily life. monotony of daily life. (line 1) the mundane routine of
everyday life / their usual
routine.

Note: do not accept answers

without the context. To
obtain Point A, answers
need to show understanding
that this respite is from the
monotony of life to
differentiate from Point C.

b. Travel offers On the contrary, travelling has It offers immeasurable /

inestimable countless rewards … (line 4) numerous / inestimable
rewards. benefits.

BOD: many
c. Travel helps to uplift For most people, travelling It allows us to feel
the mood of people helps them feel refreshed as rejuvenated as we escape/
due to the busyness of they are removed from the take a pause from the
daily life. hustle and bustle of everyday busyness of daily routines.
life. (lines 6-7)
Note: do not accept answers
without the context. To
obtain Point C, answers
need to show understanding
this refreshing is from being
away from the busyness of
life to differentiate from Point
A.

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d. Travel helps people to It also improves physical It helps us to be healthier
become healthier. well-being. Travel means through the exercise we get
(physical health) being physically active when travelling.
because one is walking,
hiking, paddle boarding, or Note: The context of physical
swimming so that in itself activities must be there. Do
lowers blood pressure and not accept the point if
builds stamina. (lines 7-9) students just say travel
makes them healthier.
e. Travel helps people to Besides, travel can also help Travel increases our
be more positive in to detoxify negative optimism/ purge
thinking thoughts… (line 10) unpleasant thoughts…

Note: ‘negativity’ here refers

to thoughts about oneself

Note: Points E & F are

considered direct and
indirect benefits of travel.
f. Travel helps people …which consequently helps to …which then helps to
become more boost productivity. (line 10) increase our efficiency.
productive.
g. Travel helps people Another important benefit of Travelling helps us to
have a deeper respect travel is how it facilitates develop respect for cultural
for other cultures. appreciation of cultural differences.
diversity. (line 11)
h. Travel helps us to be Learning about other cultures In coming to know more
receptive to new ideas. during our travels encourages about other cultures, we
us to be more open-minded grow more accepting and
as we come to respect other understanding of how
ways of being. (line 12-13) others live their lives.

Note: Accept any

paraphrasing of 'open-
mindedness'
i. Travel removes It also helps dispel negative Travelling removes
discrimination of others stereotypes and personal discriminatory thoughts of
especially if we biases against different others especially if we have
received help from groups of people, especially experienced help from
people who do not when we experience the people unknown to us during
know us. kindness extended to us (by troubles.
strangers, no less) in times of
need. (lines 13-15) Note: ‘negativity’ here refers
to thoughts towards others.
Do not accept answers
without the context of
receiving help from
strangers.
j. Travel provides us with Travelling also allows us to (Inferred)
authentic knowledge learn beyond the walls of a

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 that cannot be learned classroom. While there is Travel is beneficial as it
from the classroom. value in formal education, we provides us with authentic
can learn so much more about knowledge.
history, geography, sociology,
economics, and language
through firsthand experience.
Books can convey information
and theories, but travel brings
to life what we read in books.
(lines 16-19)
k. Travel can deeply Lastly, one of the most Travel develops our
impact the significant advantages of travel character/ personality /
development of a is its profound impact on values immensely
person’s character. personal growth. (lines 20-21)

l. Travel helps us learn to … learning to deal with these When we encounter

handle unforeseen travel misadventures makes unforeseen circumstances
circumstances in an them more confident about during travels, it allows us to
assured manner. handling stressful situations in be more assured of
unfamiliar environments. (lines ourselves in managing
23-24) challenging circumstances.

m. Through such Travel misadventures Such incidents help us be

circumstances, we therefore increase our mental psychologically tougher…
learn to be tougher… resilience… (line 24-25)
n. Travel misadventures … inspiring us to grow wiser. and shrewder.
help us to be more (line 25)
astute
o. Travel helps us find a … and can be life changing in (Inferred)
different path in life. so many incredible ways.
(lines 4-5) Travelling also allows us to
alter our lives/ forge a
OR different path in life.

The question we now need to

ask is not where we want to go Note: This contrasts with
next, but what do we hope to Point K where it is about
change about our lives, and personal growth, while Point
then travel to make that O is about making changes
happen. (lines 26-28) to our life’s journey.
15 points

Points 1–2 3–4 5 6-7 8 9 10 ≥11

Marks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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From all the passages
7. Passage 1 states that ‘simply by being in these pristine places, they would have played a
role in degrading them’ (lines 13–14).
Identify one specific idea from Passage 3 which can be used to support this statement. Justify
your answer. [2]

From Passage 3 Paraphrased idea Justification

Unfortunately, our quest for (a1) Our search for a (b) This supports the idea in
the perfect shot has begun picturesque photo spot is Passage 1 as it emphasises
to harm the very nature we enough to destroy the very how one can easily/
aim to appreciate. (lines 3-4) environment we admire. indirectly contribute to the
destruction of green spaces.
OR OR

This is because all travellers (a2) The mere act of sharing Note: accept ‘environment’ /
need to do is pin their our location with others is ‘locations’ / ‘nature spots’
location or geotag these enough to cause lasting
natural hotspots. It will invite destruction to the Note: Justification should
a horde of tourists that environment. explain why it does not take
trample on plants and disturb much for travellers to
wildlife, causing long-term unintentionally destroy the
damage to delicate environment.
ecosystems. (lines 14-17)

8. Passage 2 states that travel inspires us to ‘grow wiser’ (line 25).

Identify one specific idea from Passage 3 which can be used to undermine this statement.
Justify your answer. [2]

From Passage 3 Paraphrased idea Justification

Their pursuit of travel (a) The idea from (b1) This undermines the statement as
aesthetics has caused Passage 3 is that travel misadventures do not lead to
injuries, even fatalities. travellers wittingly personal development. Instead, it only
But travellers continue jeopardise their facilitates fulfilling a superficial
to engage in such safety just to fulfil desire/vapid goal/gaining vain glory.
preposterous risk- their ridiculous craving
taking. To them, it is a for adulation. OR
worthwhile endeavour
if it means garnering Note: Response must This undermines the statement as travel
admiration on social capture the idea of travel misadventures do not make us smarter.
media. (lines 10-12) misadventures / Instead, they make us more foolish.
sustaining injury while
travelling. Note: Justification should show the contrast
between deep vs. superficial impact (i.e., the
contrast between Passages 2 and 3 must be
shown to explain the level of ridiculousness)

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(b2) Getting hurt when travelling will not
make us wiser if we intentionally /
deliberately put ourselves in those
harmful situations.

Note: Justification should state the condition

that must exist for the causation in P2 to hold
true.

(b3) This undermines the statement as it

shows that not all people travel for the
right reasons. Some travel just to show
off rather than to learn.

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9. Application Question
The reading passages cover a range of views about modern-day travel.
How far do you agree that modern-day travel should be encouraged?
Support your answer with reference to:
● the ideas and opinions from at least one of the reading passages
● examples drawn from your own experience and that of your society.

(a) Requirements. Students should:

● Explain the extent to which individuals and their society can be encouraged to
travel today.
● Support their views with reasoned arguments.
● Show understanding of the ideas and attitudes in the passages.
● Explain the extent of their agreement with them.

(b) Explanation. Students should show understanding of some of the following issues:
● What could some of the reasons why modern-day travel should be encouraged for
Singaporeans or Singapore?
● Does modern-day travel matter to Singapore or Singaporeans?
● Are the concerns of modern-day travel applicable to Singapore or Singaporeans?
● What could be some mitigation strategies Singapore or Singaporeans can use to
minimise the concerns of modern-day travel?

Students may also link other relevant arguments such as:

● With all the technological tools at our disposal, is modern-day travel necessary?
● For conceptual understanding, students can discuss the similarities and/or
differences in how modern-day travel can impact Singaporeans compared to
societies [connections].

(c) Evaluation. Students should:

● Question/show reasons in the evaluating whether modern-day travel should be
encouraged.
● Give examples from their own and their society’s experience in support of their
view.
● Examples regarding encouraging modern-day travel can also be provided as a
comparison and evaluation of its potential benefits or harm to Singapore.
● Put forward original ideas why modern-day travel should be encouraged for
Singaporeans.

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Possible TRs Possible application to SG
However, I was instead Students can evaluate if Singapore is indeed so like other
disappointed by how familiar countries that they cannot find any difference with other
many cities were, with nations, thus negating the need to travel.
ubiquitous coffeehouse
chains like Starbucks, and Kelly argued that the obsession with modern-day travel is
the same collection of fast ludicrous. And one of the reasons she pointed out was that
fashion outlets. (Passage 1, when tourists visit other cities, they found these cities to be
similar with their home countries as they could find similar
lines 5-7)
shops and cultural behaviour. This is certainly applicable to
a cosmopolitan society like Singapore where we are heavily
EX: The author pointed out influenced by foreign cultures and practices due to our
that people travel to relatively open society. Our country’s interconnectedness
experience new with other parts of the world from trade and the heavy use of
surroundings. Yet, the modern telecommunication technologies mean that
reality is that many modern Singapore often has the same kind of shops that can be
cities are similar to each found in many different parts of the world. Furthermore, it is
other in culture and also true that Singaporeans in general exhibit the same
consumption patterns and consumption and behavioural patterns as many other
are not that different from modern cities because Singaporeans are aware of the latest
the travellers’ own global trends and consumption patterns. While it can be
countries. argued that cities have their unique cultures and history,
many Singaporeans who travel to these countries do not
necessarily seek them out as these locations may be found
in off-beaten locations. Even if there are opportunities to
experience these foreign cultures through cultural shows for
tourists, such shows are often watered down versions of
actual cultural practices, made suitable for tourists’
consumption. If there are no significant differences between
what Singaporeans can already experience here versus
what they can experience in other countries, perhaps Kelly
was right to suggest that the obsession to travel was indeed
ludicrous.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/tourism-
travel-package-tours-prices-natas-fair-2022-japan-2877066

However, travelling no Students can evaluate the impact of learning from books vs
longer seems like a very the learning from seeing the places for us when we travel,
efficient method of education given that technology today has progressed to the point that
as one can learn far more we can visit these places without having to leave home.
through regular trips to the
library. (Passage 1, lines 17- Kelly opined that travelling today is not a very efficient
19) method of learning about foreign places as she believed that
we learn about other places from books. And the impact and
significance of learning from books are comparable to
EX: The author believes that
physical travel. Singapore is fortunate enough that our
rather than travelling to learn government has the resources to invest heavily in education.
more about foreign places, it Hence, our students today do have the opportunity to learn
is easier and more more about other countries through our curriculum.
comfortable to learn from Furthermore, the easy access to the latest technologies like

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books. The knowledge Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) offered by
gleaned from books is just as commercial companies like Apple with their Vision Pro offer
impactful as seeing the Singaporeans unparalleled opportunities to visit other exotic
places for us in reality. locations virtually from the safety and comfort of our own
homes. While there is certainly appeal in visiting places
physically and seeing these places, the recent pandemic has
shown Singaporeans that we need not travel physically to
experience these places as many famous tourist locations in
Singapore like Botanic Gardens are offering virtual tour
experiences. The affordances that technology gives us and
our strong emphasis on education have allowed many
Singaporeans to enjoy the pleasures of travel and the
learning opportunities without the costs and hassle of actual
travel. Hence, Kelly’s opinion on the efficiency of travel to
learn more about the world does seem applicable to
Singapore.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bringing-singapore-
to-foreigners-through-virtual-tours-and-experiences-amid-
covid-19

https://beta.nparks.gov.sg/visit/activities/nature-walks-
tours/virtual-tours
For most people, travelling Students can evaluate the impact of travel in helping
helps them feel refreshed as Singaporeans to relax and rejuvenate and compare travel
they are removed from the versus other forms of relaxation that may be more accessible
hustle and bustle of and affordable.
everyday life. (Passage 2,
lines 6-7) Singhal suggested that travel can be a form of relaxation and
helps to rejuvenate most people physically and mentally.
There is some truth to this assertion as travel can be relaxing
EX: Singhal suggested that
as it takes us out of the busyness of life here. Singaporeans
travelling can help
in general work the longest hours compared to the region. It
rejuvenate people physically is not surprising that Singaporeans travel to escape the
and mentally as it allowed busyness of work and life. Indeed, since the end of the
people to take a break from pandemic, Singaporeans have taken to ‘revenge travelling’,
the rigours of daily lives. where Singaporeans are travelling more frequently and
spending more on travels to make up for the lost travelling
opportunities during the pandemic. However, the reality is
that even when travelling, Singaporeans are seldom
disconnected from work. Due to the heavy use of personal
mobile devices, Singaporeans are still connected to work
even if they are not physically in the offices. Hence, Singhal’s
belief that travelling is relaxing is perhaps ignoring the reality
that Singaporeans are seldom disconnected. Furthermore,
the pandemic has shown us that there are affordable and
healthier ways to rejuvenate and relax that do not require
spending money on travelling. Outdoor activities like hiking
and cycling, or even sedentary activities like baking and
handicraft have become more popular as Singaporeans
found ways to rejuvenate themselves at home without

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 having to travel. While it is certainly appealing to travel for
relaxation, unless Singaporeans can truly disconnect from
work, Singhal’s belief might not fully benefit Singaporeans.

https://sbr.com.sg/hr-education/in-focus/singapore-named-
most-overworked-country-in-apac

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/invest/young-and-
savvy-the-high-price-of-revenge-travel-longer-trips-costlier-
adventures

Another important benefit of Students can evaluate if travel truly helps Singaporeans to
travel is how it facilitates appreciate other cultures as travel takes Singaporeans out
appreciation of cultural of their familiar surroundings.
diversity. Learning about
other cultures during our Singhal believed that travel could help people to appreciate
travels encourages us to be other people’s cultures as it forces people into unfamiliar
more open-minded as we surroundings. The new experiences force people to be
receptive to new practices and beliefs. Travel could also help
come to respect other ways
people to be less discriminatory especially if they received
of being.
acts of kindness from strangers during their travels when
(Passage 2, lines 11-13) tourists encountered difficulties. Singhal’s belief, while not
wrong, is certainly optimistic. For the majority of
EX: Singhal believes that Singaporeans, travel is done via carefully orchestrated tours
travel helps people to learn where guides will bring them to the various major tourist
more about other cultures locations and shopping spots. This is partly due to the
and appreciate them. This affluence of Singaporeans who can pay for such tours. Their
happens because we are expectations are that these tours must be hassle-free and as
taken out of our familiar comfortable as possible. It is highly unlikely that
surroundings, and we are Singaporean travellers would have extended periods of time
forced to experience beliefs interacting with the locals to learn about their cultures. In
and practices that are fact, Singaporean tourists in general expect the locals in the
unknown. places they visit to be able to speak their language and
provide a high level of service for Singaporeans as they
would normally expect in Singapore. It is highly unlikely that
Singaporeans are willing to step out of their comfort zones,
as Singhal would want to believe. Hence, any positive
benefits of travel when it comes to appreciating other
cultures will be lost on Singaporeans.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-tourists-
have-higher-language-expectations-on-retail-hotel-staff-
than-regional

For many modern-day Students can evaluate if Singaporeans display irresponsible

travellers, traditional safety behaviours while travelling to garner social media attention.
measures are not enough…
But travellers continue to
engage in such The authors of Passage 3 believed that the desire to garner
more attention on social media caused tourists to engage in

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preposterous risk-taking. To dangerous behaviour to get the perfect photo. This is
them, it is a worthwhile certainly true in many countries today as many popular
endeavour if it means tourist spots around the world are considering fines to deter
garnering admiration on such behaviour. When it comes to Singapore, their view is
social media. (Passage 3, partly applicable to Singaporean tourists. By and large, most
lines 5-12) Singaporeans are law-abiding when overseas due to our
social and education systems that stress the importance of
following the law. Also, with the popularity of social media,
EX: The authors believe that
Singaporeans are mostly well-aware of the fact that their bad
the desire for recognition on
behaviour overseas can be immortalised on social media
social media has fuelled quickly which can lead to serious consequences for them
risky behaviour among when they return home. However, while many Singaporeans
tourists to garner likes. may not engage in risky behaviour for mere social media
popularity, the threat of social media infamy has not deterred
some. We saw this in recent examples where many tourists
including Singaporeans participating in a Tik Tok trend
mimicking the movements of an online game at Angkor Wat,
a sacred UNESCO heritage site. Such actions show
disrespect to local cultures and religion, and potentially
causing irreparable damage to a heritage site. Furthermore,
Singaporean tourists are often captured on social media
behaving badly in Johor Baru. These incidents do highlight
that some Singaporeans do behave irresponsibly overseas
despite the threat of being exposed on social media.
Thankfully, such Singaporeans remain the minority. As such,
the authors’ view of tourists’ risky behaviour may not fully
apply to Singapore.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/tiktok-tourists-
trample-on-angkor-wat-in-viral-temple-run-recreation

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/top-vacation-
spots-now-threatening-bad-tourists-fines-jail-time

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ugly-behaviour-
singaporeans-in-johor-malaysia-1875476

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