Wednesday, April 30, 2008

IM TERRIBLY SORRY FOR THE LATE POST !
I GOTTA USE THE COM ONLY NOW .
2007 Revision Paper (Answer scheme)

Section D: Source-based Questions (30 marks)
For Qn. 21-22, write your answers clearly and in FULL sentences.

Note to markers – pls accept any other plausible answers.

21(a) - there was trading activity at the harbour

- as there were many boats and ships

- there were many traders who used Singapore’s harbour

(accept any other reasonable answers) [Max marks =3]



21(b) Temasek was great and famous place

- known by many foreigners/ had many foreign visitors

- there were some Chinese visitors who settled here

- Traders were afraid to come because of the pirates

- there were pirates trying to steal from the Chinese junks [Max marks = 4]



21(c) The historian did not consider Temasek important because

- it had not natural resources to attract traders

- it was only a small outpost (operations station) of an empire

- more important was the seapower of the empire [Max marks =3]



21 (d) Both writers of sources C and D did not feel that Temasek/Singapore was a very

important port.

- should quote 4 examples (2 from each source to show similarities)

- Source C states that it had “no natural resources to attract traders” and that it was “at

- most a small outpost”

- Source D stated that Temasek was most “likely not a very important port” and it was

never a centre of Malay power”/ “ a pawn/something of least value”
[ Max marks = 5]




22(a) Rickshaw puller’s - life was difficult/stressful/not easy

- smoking opium

- wearing simple clothing/ no shoes

- difficult to find passengers – had to wait a long time for passengers

- couldn’t afford to have his own rickshaw – had to be hired/rented

[Max marks = 3]


22(b) - make a fortune / job opportunities

- to make money

- could afford to buy food – fish/meat

- could live a comfortable life [Max marks = 3]


22(c) - Answers the Question - 1 mark (if candidate states Source C proofs/does not proof

that life of a rickshaw puller was difficult)

- Elaborates/Explains/Quotes egs- from Source C and other sources
[Max marks =5]


Eg: Source C describes how the life of one rickshaw puller, Lu Tian Lee was very difficult.

However, Source C is only an account from one rickshaw puller and thus is not enough to

provide proof that their lives were difficult

- Source B for example states that another returning villager said that “Singapore was a

good place to make money if one worked hard” and that “he could afford fish and meat”

and “he could live a comfortable life there”


22(d) Answers the question – Sources C and D are very different/not very different
(1 m)

because - 3 marks – for elaboration/explaining/quotes from both sources
[Max marks = 4]




Section E: Structured Questions (45 marks)
Write your answers CLEARLY & in FULL sentences on the Writing Paper provided.

Choose any THREE sets of questions to answer


23. Who was the Founder of Singapore?

(a) What were the factors that led to the British looking for a third port in the East? [4]

- To break Dutch monopoly
- Penang and Bencoolen were unsuitable
- Importance of trade - China
- (1st mark for main point, 2nd mark for elaboration)

(b) Why was Singapore chosen by the British as a new trading settlement? [6]

o Occupied a central position on the main trading route between India and China
o Central position on Straits of Melaka
o Not occupied or controlled directly by Dutch
o Had an excellent harbour – deep, sheltered, natural advantages
o Supply of drinking water


(c) How did Raffles manage to set up a trading settlement in Singapore? [5]

- Raffles recognised Tengku Hussein as Sultan of Johor
- Raffles, Tengku Hussein and the Temenggong signed a formal treaty on 6 February 1819
- State 3 terms of treaty:
- British were given permission to start a trading settlement
- In return, Sultan Husein was given $5,000 annually
- Temenggong was given $3,000 annually




(15 marks)

24. How did External Events before World War II affect Singapore?

(a) What were the effects of World War 1 on Singapore? [4]

- Rush for food
- Prices soared because of shortages of food
- Government controls on imports and exports – to bring prices down
- Danger to Singapore’s trade – threat of German warship – attacked British trading ships – trade fell
- Sepoy Mutiny – people in Singapore were worried – helped British realize it could not be careless about Singapore’s defence
- Made people realize threats can come from inside and outside the country

(b) Why was there a need for the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869? [6]


- Need for raw materials
- And new markets to sell their goods
- Led to need for shorter trade route between Europe and East
- Previously, traders had to sail around the southern tip of Africa which was too dangerous
- Previously, sailing around Africa - it look too long -120 days
- Shorten time taken – would lead to more profits/ improve communication

(c) How did the Great Depression affect the life in Singapore? [5]

- Decrease in trade and business as Singapore depended on overseas trade
- Companies had to cut expenses – retrenched workers- led to unemployment
- Businessmen who depended on overseas trade – lost their wealth or became bankrupt- Hardship
- Restriction on immigration
- Unemployed difficult to find jobs – jobs were limited
- Many immigrants returned home
- Law in 1930 – Arrangements for unemployed to return to their homeland


(15 marks)

25. How did World War II Affect Singapore?

(a) What were the actions taken by the British to defend Singapore against external attack? [4]

- “Main fleet to Singapore” strategy
- Installation of 15-inch guns facing the sea
- Building of military airfields
- Building of underground bunkers
- Building of a naval base (Sembawang)
- Training of soldiers in guerilla warfare

(b) Why were the Japanese able to defeat the British in Malaya and Singapore during the Second World War? [6]

- Priority – of Japanese was to conquer countries in Southeast Asia for raw materials
- Equipment – had tanks, used bicycles to move
- Troops – Well trained, committed and loyal
- Air and Sea Power – Had modern fleet of battleships, supported by modern fighter planes
- Leadership – Effective and skilful


(c) How did the Japanese Occupation affect the lives of the people in Singapore?[ 5]

- Singapore was renamed as “Syonan-to”
- British and other Europeans were taken as prisoners-of-war
- Most lived in fear of the Kempetai and its harsh punishment
- Operation Sook Ching attempted to wipe out Chiense opposition to the Japanese
- There were serious shortages of food and poor health conditions


(15 marks)

26. How did the local people respond to British rule after World War II?

(a) What were the ways used by the Malayan Communist Party (MCP)
to win the support of the workers? [5]


- They stirred up people’s feeling against the British
- Through trade unions
- By blaming the British for all the post-war problems
- Encouraged the workers to join Communist-controlled trade unions
- To fight for better working conditions and higher pay

(b) Why were the local people in Singapore unhappy with the British
Rule after the war? [6]


-Unhappy because faced hardships/problems but British efforts to solve them were not enough + state 5 problems:
o Were jobless
o Living in poverty
o Faced shortages – food, water, electricity and housing
o People lived in slum conditions
o poor sanitation
o lack of health services

(c) How did the British government respond to the strikes and riots
between 1947 to 1954? [4]

- Passed laws
- to control trade union
- From 1947, all unions had to register with the government
- Checked on the membership
- Checked that the money was not used for Communist-led activities
- Prepared Singapore for limited self-government
- Held election (1948)– elected local members for legislative council



(15 marks)



*** End of paper ***
GOOD LUCK PEOPLE :D
for the upcoming MATHS & HIST. PAPER !
& im terribly sorry okaye . :[

WITHLOVES,

[: GLENDA.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

"Epealogue" (Epilogue means: short addition after the story)

With a huge sigh of relief, I completed the "Tale of the Two Peas". I wonder what kind of thoughts did you have as you read this story but I really wrote it with many of you running through my mind. I'm sure some of you would find some phrases strangely familiar like, "deep thinking mode", "happy for two weeks" and "couldn't sleep for nights". Expect to pick up some notes from me in the near future. These notes will be the individual messages I have for you with regards to this little story. You all have some questions about "purpose" at this point of life, my hope is that you will continue to ask questions like these and as you find answers to these questions your life will slowly but certainly become fruitful.

FT

The Tale of Two Peas: Season Finale

As the boy looked down, he noticed some fruits has grown along the stem.

Joseph took a deep breath and his leaves turned greener. He went into some sort of deep thinking mode and rattled on...

"The purpose of a pea is to grow into a pea plant and produce more peas. Our self-preservation instinct is not an end in itself but to achieve the goal of bearing fruit. In the end, it was the scorching sun and thunderstorms that fed me and caused me to grow. In return, I produced juicy green leaves to feed the caterpillars. If you look at all these in its fullness, life becomes interesting."

The boy wondered if Joseph was talking to himself or talking to him. Anyway that was not so important. He bid farewell to the pea plant and went home.

He opened his drawer and found Raymond. Raymond looked grouchy and restless.
"Life sucks! I say that again, LIFE SUCKS!!! It's so boring here. There is no entertainment, no leisure, no pleasure and I am forced to look at four walls."

The boy with his newly discovered wisdom replied,
"So would you like to be planted, life is more meaningful that way."
"No way, I love myself just the way I am, I don't need anyone to teach me how to lead my life."
"Then is there anything I can do to ease your boredom?"
"Well... maybe you can leave me near the window ledge. It is shady and the view is better. I can relax and look at the sky and the world pass me by."

And so Raymond was left at the window ledge. He was happy for two weeks.

On the third week, the school boy came back from school and came to the ledge. Raymond was no longer there....

The end.

Friday, April 25, 2008

HEY PEOPLE :D
its a weekend once again , [:
remember to study hard for the coming mid-year-exams.
{3
i guess the RICHARD & RAYMOND story is still not over ? :D
haaaaaa.
if there are no changed,
remember that our class's CIP PROJECT will be on the 13th JUNE. (:
have fun , and enjoy !
13 th JUNE ? .
XINGYOONG & GLENDA
would not be able to attend , booooo :(
anyway i guess many got problems with the maths thing.
rmbr to login to http://www.heymath.com/ to do your maths assignment :D
& your user & pass is your NRIC .
so, go MATHS ! ^^
OKAYE, GOOD LUCK PEEPS :D


WITH LOVES,
[: GLENDA.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

The Tale of Two Peas: Part 3

In a nutshell: Raymond and Richard were peas in a pod. Raymond managed to avoid being planted but Richard quietly accepted his fate. He died in an undignified manner shortly but somehow found a new life at the school fence. He even has a new name: Joseph

Part 3:

"Joseph? You must have gone through difficult times to become so strong and healthy." The boy was still amused at what he saw.

"Well it was especially in the beginning. The rain and morning dew made me shiver while the afternoon sun literally baked me like baked bean. Not to mention those terrible thunderstorms. But all these are nothing compared to the humiliation...."

"I'm sorry I abandoned you." The schoolboy was really sorry for what he had done.

"Oh, no no no! Don't get me wrong. I wasn't referring to you! I was referring to caterpillars that come and chew holes in my leaves. I used to be proud of my beautiful, perfect green leaves when I was younger and those caterpillars ruined them all. I was so sad I cried and couldn't sleep for nights. But now I have learned to put down my pride and allow the caterpillars to feed on my leaves. Look at the beautiful butterflies over there, you won't mind a few holes for the sake of such gorgeous creatures would you?"

The school boy sighed and said "Sun, rain, thunderstorms and caterpillars, don't you regret what has happened to you and wished that you were just a pea?"

"Sounds logical..." replied Joseph the plant "But wait, let me show you something...."

End of Part 3

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Tale of Two Peas: Part 2

Previously....

Raymond and Richard were two green peas, Raymond pleaded not to be planted so Richard was watered instead. However, things did not turn out well. Richard died two days later...

Part 2:

The school boy has other friends and he heard that their green peas have sprouted. When he came home and saw Richard turned black and no longer green, he too, gave up. Richard was thrown away with the dirty cotton wool and everything else out of the window. It landed at a grass patch near the school fence. What he didn't realise was Richard by now had grown a tiny root.

It was sunset...

... then it was sunrise... wait a minute...

actually it was after many sunrises and sunsets later, the school boy came back to the same spot out of a school boy's curiosity. He was greeted with a surprise: The dirty cotton wool and dead pea was no longer there! In place of it was a plant in full bloom, leaves, stem, flowers roots and fruits.

"Hi!" The plant spoke.
"Richard? I thought you were dead." The boy replied in guilt.
"Well, you are kind of right. Technically speaking, Richard is a green pea, he died to make way for me to grow. You can call me Joseph."

End of Part 2.

Monday, April 21, 2008



THINKING LEADS TO SUCCESS.

hey 2A :D

tomorrow's is the eng / chi paper 1 alrdy !

prepared enough alrdy .

i bet minority of you people are not studying.

i guess im part of the minority. !

haaaaaaaaa [:

please do study hard for exams okaye .

LETS WORK HARD TGT TO KEEP ON OUR REPUTATION OF
SEC 2A !



WITHLOVES,
[: GLENDA.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

PLAY THE MUSIC.
FIRSTLY,
i want to wish
VIVIAN & EBEN A GREAT HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY ! :D
secondly,
i want to wish
EVERYONE GOOD LUCK FOR THE COMING MYE ! [:
then i want to say ,
no matter how you did for common test , class tests,
FORGET ABOUT IT !
concentrate on the up-coming MID-YEAR ! :D
&
rmbr do well for hist , lit, dnt/home ec.
this subject are only for half a year !
so do well .
I BET ALL OF YOU CAN DO IT !
JIA YOU [:
WITH LOVES,
[: GLENDA.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Random Updates

Definition: "Random Updates" is used as a heading when I cannot find a better title. Either when I have too many things to say or simply... when no title seemed appropriate. Anyway, here goes Random Update number one...

Happy birthday to long lost twins, Vivian and Eben. The mark of identification? Both of you were born with a scar in the middle of your tummy. lol.... see, I know. Anyway, may the two of you continue your cheerful ways and be happy and fulfilled everyday.

All the best to your MT Orals, although by the time you read this it would probably be over. Still, I wish you eloquence of a lawyer and wisdom of a future Prime Minister.

Volleyball girls.... Should have tell me about the prize presentation today. Candy, how come I have a feeling that you don't read this blog? Could you say something? Anyway, I didn't know you were the captain. How does Captain Candy sounds like? Congratulations to: Candy, Sze Min and Janice. Third in South Zone Schools Volleyball.

I want to say something about the exams: Just concentrate on doing well. Tips for good results:
  • You need to want it badly in order to get it. Attitudes like: so long I pass/I am not the worst in class will not get you quality results.
  • People who celebrate poor results or admit defeat before the paper starts are not helping themselves because they don't cherish doing well.
  • Those who want good results badly are those who quietly study for it and truthfully work for every single mark in their exam. Even when these people fail, they tell themselves: that was my best shot.
  • Seriously, I don't like it when people celebrate "yay, I fail". It just sounds too fake. A poor act of covering ones disappointment.... I'm not impressed.

FT

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Speech Day 2008

Speech Day 2008: Celebration of Friendship

Thank God for friends, wouldn't you agree?

FT

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Yesterday... 12th April 2008

Yesterday was a big day. I have no pictures to show for now (but hey, the video's with me...). Really want to congratulate

  • Amanda Ang
  • Desylia
  • Jasmine
  • Guan Shin
  • Egan
  • Eben

For a gutsy hair-raising band display. If there were a higher award than distinction you would have won it as well... Self praise is no praise but the following was really what I heard among fellow videographers at the video alley...

"What was that last school for the marching band?"

"er... something 'you-ying' (like how the public mispronounce)"

"Not bad man...."

The above conversation I dedicate it to Yuying Concert Band, may nobody ever misname it as "brass band".

Wait a minute... do you know it was also a big day for our GB girls? Yea, our GB girls received their silver award too!

Congrats to:

  • Amanda Foo
  • Sheryl Foo
  • Chin Din
  • Chin Yi
  • Lijun

Finally! (I hope I have not left anyone out because this is as much as I was informed):

Congrats to Amir, you did us proud participating in NPDP 08... something I didn't get to even smell of in my 4 years in NPCC as a school boy.

And so.... that was 12th April 2008, officially that will be the last day of CCA before the stand down. Distinctions don't come easy, but it is possible with a willing heart and unwavering spirit. May you apply the same force in preparation of your mid-year exams. Those who find it hard to get motivated, strengthen yourself, grit your teeth, yell! Brace yourself, 加油! (jiayou) 振作! gambatei... just do it. Succeed or at least die trying... whatever it may be, you have my blessings all the way.

FT

Saturday, April 12, 2008

[When 2A unite we'll show our might
We show them how we people fight]


this sentence was by MrGan xD
i found it in the drafts xD
well , i didn't come to the class blog
for the past few weeks >< style="COLOR: rgb(153,153,255)">CHERYLENE :DD

Sunday, April 6, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! :D
to
JASMINE & IVAN .
our birthday girl & boy today ! (:
sorry SIHUI, i forgot to post yst !
but still
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SIHUI ! :D
OLD ALRDY ! [:
WITH LOVES,
[: GLENDA.

Friday, April 4, 2008

HEY 2A :D
its been lik 4 months alrdy omgsh !
mid-year is around the corner :[
work hard peepsssssssss ! c:
& lastly rmbr to wish .
SIHUI .
happy b'day tmr,
&
JASMINE . IVAN
happy b'day the day after ! :D
TAKE CARES :D
GLENDA Y