HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)

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SOURCE-BASED CASE STUDY RESOURCE PACKAGE

SURPRISED sbq

Name: ………………………………………………………[ ]

Class: ………………………………………………………

Date: ……………………………………………………….

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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION TITLE PAGE

A Recognising and Analysing the Surprise SBQ 3

B SURPRISE SBQ (INVOLVING 1 SOURCE) 4

What would make you SURPRISED or NOT SURPRISED by a
source?
C Worked Example 1 5
(SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)

D Time Management 7
(SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)

E SURPRISE SBQ (INVOLVING 2 SOURCES) 8

After reading the (first) source mentioned, what would make you
SURPRISED or NOT SURPRISED by the (second) source?

F Worked Example 2 9
(SURPRISE SBQ involving two sources)

G Practice 1 12
(SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)

H Practice 2 14
(SURPRISE SBQ involving two sources)

I (For Teachers Only) Suggested LORMs 17

Practice 1 (SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)
Adapted from Boon Lay SS MYE 2017

J (For Teachers Only) Suggested LORMs 19

Practice 2 (SURPRISE SBQ involving two source)
Adapted from Bendemeer SS MYE 2017

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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

A. Recognising and Analysing the Surprise SBQ

Study the examples below and fill in the blanks in the box:

a. Note that the word ‘surprised’ is found in all the questions

b. Two of the surprise-type questions have specific Question Focus (QF). Which ones?

……….. and …………. Label the QFs in these two questions.

c. The rest have no Question Focus (QF). Which ones? ………………………………………

d. Three of them involve reading two sources. Which ones? ………, …………. and …………

1. Study Source C.
Are you surprised by this source? Explain your answer. [7]

2. Study Source D.
Are you surprised by what the Minister says about Singapore’s transportation system?
Explain your answer. [7]

3. Study Source E.
To what extent are you surprised by this source? Explain your answer. [7]

4. Study Source F.
How far are you surprised by the comment made by the reporter? Explain your answer. [7]

5. Study Sources E and F.

Having read Source E, are you surprised by Source F? Explain your answer. [6]

6. Study Sources C and D.

After reading Source C, are you surprised by what Source D says about Medishield
Life? Explain your answer. [7]

7. Study Sources D and E.

Does Source D make you surprised by Source E? Explain your answer. [7]

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

B. What would make you SURPRISED or NOT SURPRISED

by a source?

THREE KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK TO CHECK SURPRISE

By juxtaposing content with logic / expectations, another source, OR purpose, you can
decide whether you are surprised or not surprised by the source

1. Content + Logic or Expectation

Does what the source say/suggest agree with logic or my expectation?
[Low Level]

2. Content + What another source says (CR)

Does what the source say/suggest agree with what another source says?
[High Level]

3. Content + Critical analysis of the provenance –

(Purpose of Author or Context of Source)
Does what the source say/suggest makes sense when you consider the author’s
purpose or the context of the source?
[Highest Level if available]

I am NOT SURPRISED by the

I am SURPRISED by the source when its source when its
 Content X Logic / Expectation  Content = Logic / Expectation
 Content X Another Source when I CR  Content = Another Source when I CR
 Content X Purpose (Rare)  Content = Purpose

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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

C Worked Example 1 (SURPRISE SBQ INVOLVING ONE SOURCE)

(d) Study Source E.

How surprised are you by this source? [7]

Issue: How has the presence of MNCs affected the growth of SMEs in Singapore?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Singapore’s economy has been ranked as one of the most open in the world. The business
companies in Singapore can be categorized into three groups; the Government-Linked Companies
(GLCs), the MNCs and the local private sector companies which include SMEs. Since 1963, the
Singapore government had focused on not only attracting MNCs, but also growing our local private
sector companies especially SMEs, to spearhead the government’s industrialization initiative.

SOURCE B: An extract of a speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Singapore
Manufacturers’ Federation 80th Anniversary Dinner, 8 October 2012.
We will continue to attract MNCs to Singapore because they will help us to upgrade and access
new markets. And of course we need to continue to welcome foreigners, while encouraging
employers to train and to build the local talent pool. The Government will also help SMEs to adapt
to the new landscape because small SMEs are important to our economy – you employ many
locals and support MNCs’ production chains. I acknowledge the challenges that you face –
difficulties finding enough local workers, lacking capital and scale. But we have schemes to help
you to adapt and stay competitive, such as training for workers. We can work together to
overcome constraints of size.

SOURCE D: A comment made by an entrepreneur in a local newspaper in May 2011.

It’s hard for us to compete against MNCs in business. As small companies, we certainly can’t
afford to pay the employees the kind of fat paychecks they’d received at big companies and
relationships built over the years don’t seem to generate the same kind of loyalty.

Furthermore, with every employee who leaves the company, our competitiveness goes a notch
lower. It’s a vicious cycle.

We contribute actively to Singapore’s economy. We employ more than half of Singapore’s

workforce. Are we not important to Singapore’s economy?

SOURCE E: A view on SMEs expressed by a Singaporean SME owner, published in a

local newspaper, 21 October 2014.
Singapore today attracts investment from more than 7,000 MNCs. As a result of market forces,
the cream of Singapore’s workforce are attracted to MNCs. Unless significant incentives are
offered, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for any SME to compete with them for talent. As a
result, they are unable to create an environment that will attract better workers.
SMEs have been a major contributor to the country’s economy. Today, our SMEs are struggling
to compete on an uneven playing field dominated by large corporations such as MNCs. This will
force them to close down, leading to a decrease in income generated for the country.
What is needed is an “Economic Development Board equivalent” for SMEs, to make bold moves
in strategic markets to help our SMEs succeed – moves that were effective in winning over the
MNCs.

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MODEL ANSWER (SURPRISE SBQ ONE SOURCE)
(d) Study Source E.
How surprised are you by this source?
1. Content + Logic or
Expectation
Does what the source
say/suggest agree with
logic or my expectation?
For high ability student,
this step can be
skipped. Go straight to
Step 2 & 3. See
Framework C on pg. 7.
2. Content + What
another source
says (CR)
Does what the source
say/suggest agree with
what another source
says?
3. Content + Critical
Analysis of
provenance –
(Purpose or
Context)
Does what the source
say makes sense when
you consider the
author’s purpose or
context?
HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)
[7]
I am not surprised that the source mentions that talented Singaporeans would
choose to work in MNCs rather than SMEs. It is stated in Source E that “unless
significant incentives are offered, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for any SME to
compete with them for talent.” This means that between the two, MNCs offer more
incentives, such as higher pay, to their employees than SMEs. Thus, for the same
amount of work done, it is logical that Singaporeans would choose a company that
would reward them with more incentives.
I am surprised that the writer still wants to continue welcoming MNCs to Singapore
despite the problems that this may bring to SMEs. It is stated in Source E that it is
necessary “to make bold moves in strategic markets to help our SMEs succeed –
moves that were effective in winning over the MNCs.” This means that he thinks that
the way to help SMEs is not to reduce the influx of MNCs, but to level up SMEs’ ability
to compete in our economy. As an SME owner, I would have expected him to want
to reduce the amount of economic competition in Singapore, so that his business can
improve as soon as possible. The call for an EDB equivalent for SMEs would require
more effort on the SMEs’ part, such as going through skills upgrading or infrastructure
upgrading, before they can level up and compete with MNCs.
I am surprised that Source E talks about the need for help for SMEs – he says an
“Economic Development Board equivalent” for SMEs, to make bold moves in strategic
markets to help our SMEs succeed – moves that were effective in winning over the
MNCs”. He is clearly asking for government help for SMEs to better compete with
MNCs. This surprises me because when I cross-refer to Source B, the PM
mentions about government schemes that have already been put in place to
help SMEs stay competitive –“I acknowledge challenges that you face – difficulties
finding enough local workers, lacking capital and scale. But we have schemes to help
you to adapt to stay competitive, such as training for workers. You can work together
to overcome constraints of size.” This suggests that the government has already
introduced measures to help SMEs; thus it is surprising that the writer of
Source E still asks for government help when it is already given.
I am not surprised that Source E mentions how SMEs loses out to MNCs in terms
of attracting talent. This is not surprising because Source D describes the same
problem when it says, “It’s hard enough to compete against MNCs in business. As
small companies, we certainly can’t afford to pay the employees the kind of fat pay
checks they’d received at big companies”. Since Source D confirms what Source
E says, I am not surprised.
I am not surprised by Source E when I consider the purpose of the Singaporean
SME owner who wrote it. As a local SME owner, he would be in support of SMEs and
would try to position SMEs in a way that would demand (suggest) for more help from
the government in order for SMEs to become more competitive in the economy. Thus,
although the government has already given some help to SMEs, he would want more
help so as to give companies like his a greater edge over MNCs. Therefore, it is not
surprising that in the source he emphasises the problems SMEs face – ‘SMEs are
struggling to compete on an uneven playing field dominated by large corporations such
as MNCs’ and how SMEs can be helped – ‘What is needed is an “Economic
Development Board equivalent” for SMEs, to make bold moves in strategic markets to
help our SMEs succeed.”
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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

D. TIME MANAGEMENT [SURPRISE SBQ INVOLVING 1 SOURCE]

 Given the time constraints during a test and examination, It will not be possible for
you to write all the five paragraphs shown in the model answer!!
 You have about 15-16 minutes for a SURPRISE SBQ in the examination.
 Use the following frameworks to still enable you to score a high-level mark:
 FRAMEWORK A:
o P1: SURPRISED BASED ON LOGIC /EXPECTATION
o P2: NOT SURPRISED BASED ON CR
o P3: Depending on availability, NOT SURPRISED BASED ON CRITICAL
ANALYSIS ON PROVENANCE.
[If PURPOSE OR CONTEXT is not available, do a 2nd CR on the opposite side to
stretch your marks to the top of that level.
 FRAMEWORK B:
o P1: NOT SURPRISED BASED ON LOGIC / EXPECTATION
o P2: SURPRISED BASED ON CR
o P3: Depending on availability, NOT SURPRISED BASED ON CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF PROVENANCE.
[If PURPOSE OR CONTEXT is not available, do a 2nd CR on the other side to
stretch your marks to the top of that level.
 FRAMEWORK C: [FOR HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS]
o P1: SURPRISED BASED ON CR
o P2: Depending on availability, NOT SURPRISED BASED ON CRITICAL
ANALYSIS OF PROVENANCE.

Which framework you use depends on what is available in the source and in other sources,
and also on your ability.

Based on Framework C, the following 2 paragraphs will score the highest level mark.
I am surprised that Source E talks about the need for help for SMEs – he says an “Economic
Development Board equivalent” for SMEs, to make bold moves in strategic markets to help our
SMEs succeed – moves that were effective in winning over the MNCs”. He is clearly asking for
government help for SMEs to better compete with MNCs. This surprises me because when I
cross-refer to Source B, the PM mentions about government schemes that have already
been put in place to help SMEs stay competitive –“I acknowledge challenges that you face –
difficulties finding enough local workers, lacking capital and scale. But we have schemes to help
you to adapt to stay competitive, such as training for workers. You can work together to overcome
constraints of size.” This suggests that the government has already introduced measures to
help SMEs; thus it is surprising that the writer of Source E still asks for government help
when it is already given.

I am not surprised by Source E when I consider the purpose of the Singaporean SME owner who
wrote it. As a local SME owner, he would be in support of SMEs and would try to position SMEs in
a way that would demand (suggest) for more help from the government in order for SMEs to
become more competitive in the economy. Thus, although the government has already given some
help to SMEs, he would want more help so as to give companies like his a greater edge over MNCs.
Therefore, it is not surprising that in the source he emphasises the problems SMEs face – ‘SMEs
are struggling to compete on an uneven playing field dominated by large corporations such as
MNCs’ and how SMEs can be helped – ‘What is needed is an “Economic Development Board
equivalent” for SMEs, to make bold moves in strategic markets to help our SMEs succeed.”

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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

E. SURPRISE SBQ (INVOLVING 2 SOURCES)

For example:
Study Sources E and F.
Having read Source E, are you surprised by Source F? Explain your answer. [6]

THREE KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK TO CHECK SURPRISE

(INVOLVING 2 SOURCES)
1. Surprised or Not Surprised based on Disagreement or
Agreement of content of the two sources.
Does the second source agree with what the first source says/shows?
CANNOT SKIP THIS STEP!
2. Critical analysis of provenance of both Sources
(Purpose of both Authors or Context of both Sources to
explain why the two sources disagree)
Can the difference in what the two sources say/show be explained by their
different purpose or context?

3. Surprised / Not Surprised based on Cross-Reference to another

source (Usually to support high-level typicality)
Does another source help to explain why the two sources in the question
differ? (May not be available)

I am SURPRISED by Source F..…

I am NOT SURPRISED by Source F if…
1. ..,,,,if it is different from / disagrees with
1. ..it is similar to / agrees with Source E.
Source E
2. …if something in the provenance explains why
2. …if something in the provenance suggests
there is a difference in the 2 sources (e.g.
that the two sources ought to agree but they
Purpose or Context)
do not
3. …if Source F is supported by a third source
3. …if Source F also is also contradicted by /
outside the question thus allowing me to use
differs with a third source outside the
typicality to explain the difference.
question

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

F Worked Example 2
(SURPRISE SBQ INVOLVING TWO SOURCES)

(d) Study Sources E and F.

Having read Source E, are you surprised by Source F? Explain your answer. [7]

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

MODEL ANSWER (SURPRISE SBQ INVOLVING TWO SOURCES)

(d) Study Sources E and F.

Having read Source E, are you surprised by Source F? Explain your answer. [7]

1. Surprised or Not I am SURPRISED by Source F because Source F is generally very positive

Surprised based
about being a foreigner working in Singapore. He says he has more friends
on Disagreement
OR Agreement
from Singapore than from his own country and he seems to have integrated into
of content of the Singapore society as seen when he says “foreigners like me have made
two sources. Singapore our home and are contributing actively to the country. On the other
hand, Source E suggests that people in Singapore hate foreign workers and
want “Singapore for Singaporeans” and so it is surprising that the writer of
Source F claims to have made friends with many Singaporeans.

OR: I am NOT SURPRISED by what Source F says, even after looking at Source E.
The writer of Source F says that the government has been trying to reassure people
about employing foreigners. This shows that there has been some opposition and
this is also seen in Source E when Singaporeans demonstrated against foreign
manpower and wanted “Singapore for Singaporeans”

2. Critical analysis When I check the provenance of the two sources, I am NOT SURPRISED
of provenance of
that the two sources are different about Singaporean’s attitude towards foreign
both Sources
workers. Source F was written in 2009, four years before Source E and the
(Purpose or
Context of both
writer was looking back over 11 years in Singapore. Thus, Source F is likely to
Sources to be more positive in what it says about Singaporeans’ attitude towards foreign
explain why the talent. This is because there were fewer foreigners working in Singapore at that
two sources time and people were friendlier with them because of this. However, Source E
disagree) is from 2013 and by this time, more foreign workers had arrived in Singapore,
causing Singaporeans to feel threatened in terms of job competition and living
space and they feel that it is no longer their country. Thus, by 2013, the foreign
worker policy had grown so unpopular that there was a demonstration against it.
It is thus not surprising that the two sources are so different in what they
show about Singaporeans’ attitude towards foreign manpower.

3. Surprised / Not When I cross-refer to Source D, it helps me understand why there is a

Surprised based discrepancy (difference) about Singaporeans’ attitude towards foreign workers
on Cross-
in the two sources. In Source D, the Minister of Manpower mentioned that
Reference to
Singaporeans recognise and value the contributions of foreign workers and that
another source
(Usually to
3,000 Singaporeans have sent messages to show their gratitude. This
support high-level supports what is suggested by Source F as many Singaporeans are likely to
typicality, if be friendly to foreign workers like what the writer of Source F implies. The
available) Minister in Source D also mentions that there has been criticism and
negativity among some Singaporeans towards foreign workers. This supports
what is shown in Source E (the demonstration). Therefore, Source E
cannot be taken to represent the feelings of the whole of Singapore,
because there are those who support the foreign talent policy. Only a
minority attend such demonstrations and, although they get a lot of
publicity, this does not mean that everyone else feels the same way.
Thus, I am NOT SURPRISED by Source F after reading Source E
because what Source E shows does not represent how all Singaporeans
feel about foreign workers.

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 HUMANITIES DEPT (SOCIAL STUDIES)
SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

G Practice 1
(SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)
Adapted from Boon Lay SS MYE 2017

(b) Study Source D.

Are you surprised by the claims made in Source D? Explain your answer. [6]

Are Singaporeans supportive of the Retirement and Re-employment Act?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Read this information carefully. It may help you answer some of the questions.

As Singapore’s population continues to dwindle, the government is increasingly concerned about

the nation’s shrinking workforce. A smaller workforce can have repercussions on national
productivity which can in turn make Singapore less attractive to foreign investors.

Hence, the government has amended the Retirement and Re-employment Act where employers will
be legally obliged to offer re-employment to eligible Singaporean workers up to the age of 67, and
that would be two years higher than the current age ceiling. In support of this amendment, the
WorkPro scheme was enhanced by the Ministry of Manpower in 1 July 2016. This scheme
encourages employers to create age-friendly workplaces so as to assist the re-hiring of retired
workers. When the amendment was made, some Singaporeans felt that this amendment was a right
move as the elderly population is an asset to the workforce because of their work knowledge and
experience. Others felt that the employment of these older workers not only increases their overall
production costs as their rich experience calls for a higher pay, but also slows down productivity due
to poor health.
Study the following sources to assess whether Singaporeans are supportive of the Retirement and
Re-employment Act.
Source A: An advertisement published on the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive
Employment Practices (TAFEP*) official website on 18th March 2017.

*TAFEP: An organization that promotes the adoption of fair and responsible employment practices among employers,
employees and the general public

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

Source B: An excerpt of a speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Reinventing
Retirement Asia conference on 8 January 2009.
Employers prefer to hire younger workers who cost them less under a seniority-based wage system,
making it harder for older workers to find and keep jobs. Employers need to appreciate that older
workers, with their years of experience, wisdom and loyalty, can be a valuable resource at the
workplace. Companies can modify job specifications and operations or redesign work for their older
employees. The Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has created the ADVANTAGE! grant scheme
to help fund such changes. For example, the National University Hospital had tapped on this grant to
install an automated trolley system in its pharmaceutical department. Previously, trolleys of medicine
had to be pushed manually, a physically demanding task for older storekeepers. With the automated
system, medicine can be transported in bulk, saving both time and manpower. Despite increased
workload, the job has become less strenuous, and productivity has gone up.

Source C: An excerpt from an article about retirement age in Singapore published on

Bloomberg, an American news website, 7 January 2015.

The push to hire older workers is seen as an attempt to address the labour shortfall. Wai Ho Leong, a
Singapore-based senior economist at Barclays Plc, mentioned the need to “employ all facets of labor of
our very small workforce. Society is better off when older people are active. Singapore offsets part of the
costs of hiring elderly workers and companies can tap government funds to redesign jobs and human
resource systems for them. Older employees are especially useful for lower-skilled positions that
otherwise might not be filled.”
Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Dr Amy Khor, also mentioned during the parliament in September
that re-employment does not seem bleak. She said that “given the tight labor market situation, you
actually would find many employers coming forward to say they’re willing to hire older workers.”

Source D: An extract from an online news article posted on Today Online on 15 April 2016.

Madam Tan Bee Keok, 48, said the issue of a worker’s age still remains the biggest challenge in them
getting re-hired. “Employers tend to look at our age first and just reject, or we don’t hear anything from
them,” she said. A lack of flexibility in jobs is another barrier, she lamented, pointing out that she was
given little leeway to take time off or leave early to care for her aged mother who has heart problems.
Addressing the anxieties of these job seekers, human resource executive Richard Wong from
construction firm Sam Woh said at the job fair: “It’s not how long you’ve not worked, but more of your
attitude. As long as you’re willing to learn, we will train you.”

Source E: An extract from a letter by a Singaporean, published in the Straits Times Forum
Page on 23 October 2015.

There are also compelling reasons why many employers are reluctant to hire them. Many senior
employees find it difficult to function at optimal levels because their skills and abilities have not kept
pace with the way business is done today. They have not kept up with new work processes,
technology and social networking, and may not interact well with younger colleagues. Many older
employees are generally less flexible and more difficult to train in new vocations; this is especially true
for jobs requiring technical skills. Older workers also have less energy, are slower and are more likely
to have health problems than their younger colleagues. Hiring retirees or older workers may be an
honourable notion, but many employers worry that they may not contribute to increased productivity or
to cost savings.

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SBCS RESOURCE PACKAGE (SURPRISED / ONE SOURCE)

H Practice 2
(SURPRISE SBQ involving two sources)
Adapted from Bendemeer SS MYE 2017

(c) Study Sources C and D.

Having read Source C are you surprised by Source D? Explain your
answer.
[8]

Is globalisation a threat or an opportunity?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Read this carefully. It may help you to answer the questions.

Globalisation is a process through which ideas and activities of people in different parts of the world
become interconnected. Advancement in technology, developments in transportation and the
growth of multi-national corporation are the key driving forces of globalisation. Globalisation has
effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems, on economic development and
prosperity, and on human physical well-being in societies around the world.

Globalisation is deeply controversial. Proponents of globalisation argue that it allows poor countries
and their citizens to develop economically and raise their standards of living, while opponents of
globalisation claim that the creation of international free market has benefited multinational
corporations in the Western world at the expense of local enterprises, local cultures, and common
people.

Study the following sources to find out whether globalisation is a threat or an opportunity.

Source A: A cartoonist’s view of globalisation published in a business journal in America.

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Source B: An extract from an article in The Straits Times, published on May 24, 2014.

Singapore calls itself the Lion City, but it would be more accurate to call it the Canary City—the canary in
globalisation’s gold mine. Arguably no other place on earth has so engineered itself to prosper from
globalisation—and succeeded at it. The small island nation of 5 million people boasts the world’s second-
busiest seaport, a far higher per-capita income than its former British overlord, and a raft of number-one
rankings on lists ranging from least-corrupt to most-business-friendly countries. So long as globalisation
continues apace, the place thrives.

Until recently, Singapore was among the most welcoming places to outsiders. But with fertility rates
dropping, the country opened the floodgates to immigrants to ensure continued growth—turning
immigration into a lightning rod. One triggering event for a national debate on the subject was a modest
riot late last year in the city’s Little India Quarter.

Source C: An interview from a Singaporean working in the financial sector taken from the blog “The
Online Citizen”, July 2007.

Globalisation has reared its ugly head in Singapore for the past few years and many locals increasingly
find themselves being replaced by cheaper workers from abroad. I realised many cheaper and faster
foreigners were sitting side by side with us for hands-on training conducted by soon-to-be-jobless local
Singaporeans. I do not think that anyone here in Singapore has benefitted from such an open-door
globalisation system. I agree that we should not be closed up and that globalisation is necessary to
increase competition and growth but our government should not overlook the needs of local
Singaporeans.

Source D: An excerpt from a speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong given at National Trades
Union Congress (NTUC)* National Delegates' Conference 2015.

We all benefit from globalisation. It has made our fortunes – fortunes of countries, fortunes of our
economies etc. The world changes faster; conditions are much less predictable. No matter where you
are, which country you may belong to, you are competing with workers from around the world.

We cannot resist globalisation and technology, because if we try to do that, our economy will stagnate,
our workers will become uncompetitive, and Singapore will be left behind.

Moving forward, the government implemented policies to help Singaporeans. For example, the policy of
Progressive Wage Model to upgrade the skills and wages of low-income workers like security guards and
cleaners, MediShield Life, to give every citizen lifelong medical insurance protection for hospitalisation
bills and SkillsFuture to provide every Singaporean with opportunities to develop to their full potential,
regardless of starting point in life, throughout their careers.

* The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national confederation of trade unions as well as a
network of professional associations and partners across all sectors in Singapore.

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Source E: A cartoon about globalisation published on an environmental news website.

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I (For Teachers Only) Suggested LORMs

Practice 1 (SURPRISE SBQ involving one source)
Adapted from Boon Lay SS MYE 2017

(c) Study Source D.

Are you surprised by the claims made in Source D? Explain your answer. [6]

Level of Marks
Level Descriptor and Rubrics
Response Allocation

No mention of surprise, use of Source D

L1 Eg. Source D mentions that there are still Singaporeans who have 1m
difficulties in finding jobs.

Not surprised, reasoning with the use of Source D

L2 Award 3m for well supported answers. 2-3m
E.g. I am not surprised by the claims of Source D as Source D claims
that there are Singaporeans having difficulties searching for a job.
This can be seen from “Employers tend to look at our age first and just
reject, or we don’t hear anything from them.” This suggests that some
Singaporeans have difficulties looking for a job when they become
older.

Surprised based on the contradiction in Source D

L3 Award 4m for well supported answers with evidence. 3 - 4m
E.g. I am surprised by the claims of Source D as Source D claims that
older Singaporeans are having difficulties searching for a job.
However, Source D also claims that companies are willing to hire
older employees so long as they are willing to work so older
Singaporeans should not be unable to find a job. Hence, I am
surprised as the claims in Source D contradicts each other.
Surprised or/and Not surprised, supported with cross reference
L4 Award 5m for one perspective 5 - 6m
Award 6m for two perspectives
Surprised
E.g. I am surprised by the claims of Source D as it is contradicted by
Source C. Source D claims that older Singaporeans are having
difficulties getting a job. This can be seen from “Employers tend to
look at our age first and just reject, or we don’t hear anything from
them.” This suggests that some Singaporeans have difficulties getting
a job when they become older. This is contradicted by Source C which
claims that older Singaporeans can find a job easily as employers are
willing to hire them. This can be seen from “you actually would find

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many employers coming forward to say they’re willing to hire older

workers.” This suggests that the companies are willing to hire older
workers and it may not be as difficult for them to get a job. Hence, I
am surprised by the claims of Source D.
Not surprised
E.g. I am not surprised by the claims of Source D because it is
supported by Source E. Source D claims that older Singaporeans are
having difficulties getting a job. This can be seen from “Employers
tend to look at our age first and just reject, or we don’t hear anything
from them.” This suggests that some Singaporeans have difficulties
getting a job when they become older. Similarly, Source E also
mentions that older Singaporeans are having difficulties getting
employed. This can be seen from “many employers worry that they
may not contribute to increased productivity or to cost savings.” This
suggests that the employers are unwilling to hire older workers and
hence, it will make it increasingly difficult for older workers to seek
employment.
Not surprised based on critical analysis of provenance
L5 Award higher mark for better developed answer 5 - 6m
Eg. I am not surprised with Source D that there are different claims of
whether older Singaporeans are having difficulties searching for a job.
As Source D is an extract from an online news article, it is expected
for the article to present alternative viewpoints and feature some
exceptional cases so as to highlight the flaws of the system.
Furthermore, age discrimination is prevalent in Singapore’s workforce
where there are indeed employers who are unwilling to hire older
workers. Therefore, I am not surprised that such claims were made as
the article aims to convince the government that the re-employment
act is not entirely effective as age discrimination still takes place so
that the government can relook at its policy and make changes to it.

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J (For Teachers Only) Suggested LORMs

Practice 2 (SURPRISE SBQ involving two source)
Adapted from Bendemeer SS MYE 2017
..
(c) Study Source C and D. Having read Source C are you surprised by Source D? Explain your
answer. [8]

L1 Answer based on provenance OR no match 1

Address one source but not the other
Addresses both sources but without addressing the element of surprise
e.g. I am surprised by Source D.
L2 Similarity OR difference in content 2-4
Award 2m without supporting evidence/explanation
Award 3m with supporting evidence/explanation
Award 4m for failed cross-reference
L3 Similarity AND difference in content 5

e.g. Having read Source C, I am surprised by Source D as Source C tells me that

globalisation is a threat to Singaporeans, while Source D tells me that the globalisation is not
a threat for Singaporeans. The evidence from Source C is “Globalisation has reared its ugly
head in Singapore for the past few years and many locals increasingly find themselves being
replaced by cheaper workers from abroad.” This suggests that globalisation is a threat to
Singaporeans as foreigners competes with Singaporeans for job opportunities. However the
evidence from Source D is “the government implemented policies to help Singaporeans”.
This suggests that globalisation is not a threat to Singaporeans as the Singapore government
has put in place policies to ensure that Singaporeans are able to cope with the challenges
comes along with globalisation. Since Source D is different from Source C, thus, having read
Source C, I am surprised by Source D.

e.g. Having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D as they are both similar in terms
of globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore. The evidence from Source C is
“globalisation is necessary to increase competition and growth” This suggests that
globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore as it allows Singapore to grow and remain
competitive. Similarly, the evidence from Source D is "We all benefit from globalisation. It has
made our fortunes – fortunes of countries, fortunes of our economies etc”. This suggests that
globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore as it improves Singapore’s economy. Since
Sources C and D are similar in terms of globalisation having a positive impact on Singapore,
thus, having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D.

L4 L3 + evaluate reliability of Source C/D based on cross reference, explained 6-7

Award 7 marks for well-explained answer

e.g. Having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D as they are both similar in terms
of globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore. The evidence from Source C is
“globalisation is necessary to increase competition and growth” This suggests that
globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore as it allows Singapore to grow and remain
competitive. Similarly, the evidence from Source D is "We all benefit from globalisation. It has
made our fortunes – fortunes of countries, fortunes of our economies etc”. This suggests that
globalisation has a positive impact on Singapore as it improves Singapore’s economy. Since
Sources C and D are similar in terms of globalisation having a positive impact on Singapore,
thus, having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D.

Having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D as Source C is supported by Source

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B. The evidence from Source B is “Arguably no other place on earth has so engineered itself
to prosper from globalisation—and succeeded at it.” This suggests that globalisation has a
positive economic impact on Singapore as it has enabled Singapore’s economy to grow
rapidly. Since Source B supports Source C, hence, Source C is reliable and thus, having read
Source C, I am not surprised by Source D.

L5 L3 + evaluate reliability of Source C/D based on provenance and purpose, explained 7-8
Award 8 marks for evaluating reliability of both Sources C and D

Having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D as Source C as it is just a matter of

different points of view said at different times. Source C is from a political opposition party,
who are usually critical of government’s policy. In this case, the blog did what I have expected
it to do - critical of the “open-door globalisation system”. In addition, Source C was made in
July 2007. During that time, it could be true that the government may not have look after local
Singaporeans sufficiently. Similarly, Source D is a speech that the prime minister had made.
Source D was made in 2015. He also did what was expected of him and his government to
do. That is to roll out policies to help local Singaporeans. Since Sources C and D are views
from different political parties and years have passed when Source C and Source D was
made, thus, having read Source C, I am not surprised by Source D.

END OF LORMS

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STRATEGY FOR PARAGRAPH 1 (USING CONTENT AND LOGIC / EXPECTATION)

C (1) Find something in the QUESTION SOURCE that does not agree with LOGIC or YOUR
EXPECTATION.
 (a)I am surprised by Source X when it suggests ……..(INFERENCE)….
 (b) This is seen when it says / shows ……..(EVIDENCE)…..
 (c) This means / implies that …..(EXPLAIN WHAT THE EVIDENCE MEANS)……
 (d) This is surprising because/that …….(EXPLANATION OF WHY WHAT THE SOURCE SAYS / SHOWS IS SURPRISING)…..
OR
C (2) Find something in the QUESTION SOURCE that agrees with LOGIC or YOUR EXPECTATION.
 (a) I am not surprised by Source X when it suggests ……..(INFERENCE)….
 (b) This is seen when it says / shows ……..(EVIDENCE)…..
 (c) This means …..(EXPLAIN EVIDENCE)…..
 (d) This is not surprising that ………….. because I would expect that ….. (EXPLANATION OF WHY WHAT
THE SOURCE SAYS/SHOWS IS SURPRISING)…..

STRATEGY FOR PARAGRAPH 2 (USING CROSS-REFERENCE)

CR (1) Cross-refer to another source (CR SOURCE) that ‘contradicts’ the QUESTION SOURCE
 (a) I am surprised by Source X (QUESTION SOURCE) when it suggests that …..(INFERENCE)……
 (b) This is because it is contradicted by Source Y (CR SOURCE) which suggests ..…(CR INFERENCE)….
 (c) This is seen when Source Y says …..(CR EVIDENCE)…..
 (d)This means ……(CR EXPLANATION)……
 (e) Therefore, I am surprised by Source X because it is contradicted by Source Y (or it contradicts
what Source Y says).
OR CR (2) Cross-refer to another source (CR SOURCE) that agrees with/support the QUESTION SOURCE
 (a) I am not surprised by Source X (QUESTION SOURCE) when it suggests that …..(INFERENCE)…….
 (b) This is because Source Y (CR SOURCE) also suggests …(CR INFERENCE).. / the same thing.
 (c) This is seen when Source Y says …..(CR EVIDENCE)…..
 (d) This means ……(CR EXPLANATION)……
 (e) Therefore, I am not surprised by Source X because what it says agrees with Source Y.

STRATEGY FOR PARAGRAPH 3 (USING PURPOSE / CONTEXT)

P Study the Provenance together with the content of the QUESTION SOURCE to infer PURPOSE.
Explain why the INTENDED OUTCOME makes what the Question Source says NOT SURPRISING.

 (a) I am not surprised/I am surprised by Source X because it is written/said/drawn/published by

…(AUTHOR)… and he/she(etc) is trying to convince …(AUDIENCE)… that ……(MESSAGE)………….
 (b) With this message, the speaker/writer/etc hopes that …..(INTENDED OUTCOME)……….
 (c) This makes Source X not surprising / surprising because as …..(AUTHOR)….. it is logical / expected
that he/she would ……..(EXPLAIN WHY THE PURPOSE MAKES WHAT IS SAID NOT SURPRISING / SURPRISING) ……

 (d) (CONTEXT, IF AVAILABLE) In addition, Source X is also not surprising because at that time,
……………………………………(EXPLAIN CONTEXT USING OWN KNOWLEDGE OR BI)…………………………………………………………….
Thus, it is understandable why ………(EXPLAIN WHY THE CONTEXT MAKES THE SOURCE NOT SURPRISING /
SURPRISING)……..

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SAMPLE A: : Study Source E. How surprised are you by this source? [7]

PARAGRAPH 1 (USING CONTENT AND LOGIC)

C (1) (a) I am surprised by Source E when it suggests that the government has not done much to help SMEs
in the stiff competition that they face from MNCs. (b) This is seen when the source says, “Unless
significant incentives are offered, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for any SME to compete
with them for talent.” It also says, “What is needed is an Economic Development Board equivalent
for SMEs…to help our SMEs succeed.” (c) This implies that the government has not done anything
concrete to help SMEs who are losing out to MNCs because more workers are attracted to work for
MNCs who can offer them better pay and more attractive rewards. (b) The source also says, “SMEs
have been a major contributor to the country’s economy” and it also says that when SMEs close
down due to stiff competition from MNCs for talent, it will lead “to a decrease in income generated for
the country.” (d) Thus, it is surprising that the government has not done much to help SMEs
because I would expect that since SMEs are important for Singapore’s economy, the government would
have done more to help them so that the country’s economy will not be negatively affected.
OR C (2)
(a) I am not surprised by Source E when it suggests that SMEs lose out to MNCs in the competition for
talented workers in Singapore. (b) This is seen when the source says, “As a result of market forces,
the cream of Singapore’s workforce are attracted to MNCs.” (c) This means that in Singapore’s job
market, workers can get jobs not only in SMEs but also in MNCs. However, MNCs are richer and
control more resources and so they can offer higher pay, more attractive incentives and better job
prospects than SMEs. Thus, MNCs attract more job applicants and so they can choose the more
talented and skilled workers to work for them. (d) Thus, it is not surprising that SMEs are losing out
to MNCs in the competition for talented workers because it is logical that people are attracted to work for
companies that can pay them well and give them good job prospects. After all, most people work so that
they can better meet their needs, enjoy life and fulfil their potential.

PARAGRAPH 2 (USING CROSS-REFERENCE)

CR (1) (a) I am surprised by Source E when it suggests that the government has not done much to help
SMEs in the face of competition from MNCs. (b) This is because it is contradicted by Source B which
suggests that the government has done much to help SMEs stay competitive. (c) This is seen when
the PM in Source B says, “The Government will also help SMEs to adapt to the new landscape
because SMEs are important to our economy….. I acknowledge the challenges that you face –
difficulties finding enough local workers, lacking capital and scale. But we have schemes to
help you to adapt and stay competitive, such as training for workers. We can work together to
overcome constraints of size.” (d) The PM said these words in 2012, two years before Source E
and so I believe the measures he mentioned and more have been implemented. His words in Source
B suggests that the government is aware of the problems facing SMEs and are taking concrete steps
to help that SMEs do well despite the competition from MNCs. (e) Therefore, I am very surprised by
Source E because it contradicts what the PM says in Source B.
OR CR (2)
(a) I am not surprised by Source E when it suggests that SMEs lose out to MNCs in the competition
for talented workers in Singapore. (b) This is because it is supported by Source D which also
suggests the same thing. (c) This is seen when Source D says, “It’s hard for us to compete
against MNCs in business. As small companies, we certainly can’t afford to pay the employees
the kind of fat pay checks they’d received at big companies and relationships built over the

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years don’t seem to generate the same kind of loyalty.” (d) This means SMEs, because of their
lack of resources, are not able to attract workers and talents, and they are also not able to retain good
workers who would be tempted by the higher salary offered by MNCs. (e) Therefore, I am not
surprised by Source E because what it says agrees with Source D.

PARAGRAPH 3 (USING PURPOSE / CONTEXT)

P (a) I am not surprised by Source E because it is said by a Singaporean SME owner and be is trying to
convince the government that SMEs are not able to survive in the competition with so many MNCs in
Singapore, and when SMEs have to close down, Singapore’s economy will suffer. (b) With this

message, the speaker hopes that the government would implement more effective measures to help

SMEs compete with MNCs, especially in their competition for talent. (c) Thus, the purpose of the

speaker makes what he says in Source E not surprising because as a Singaporean SME owner, it is
natural that he would be in support of SMEs and would try to position SMEs in a way that would suggest
that they need more help from the government in order for SMEs like his company to have a greater edge
over MNCs. That is why he emphasises the problems SMEs face and gives the impression that the
government has not done much to help. By doing this he hopes he could spur the government to do more.

(CONTEXT, IF AVAILABLE) ↓

(d) In addition, Source E is also not surprising because at that time, the government’s policy of
attracting MNCs into Singapore had caused many local SME companies to face many problems when they
started to lose business and face problems of getting enough talented workers. Many SME owners are
worried and frustrated with the situation because due to their limited resources, there was little they could
do to solve the problem. Thus, it is understandable why the SME owner in Source E sounded negative and
gives the impression that the government has not done much.

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