Compre Answers for MCT 2009
2009 TJC JC2 March Common Test Paper 2 (Answer Scheme)
1. From paragraph 1
How do many “problems of ageing” (line 7) come about? Answer in your own words as far as possible. (2m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• stem from or are exacerbated by prejudice and discrimination against the aged by society (l 7-8)
• assimilate society’s devalued appraisals of their own social group, and so lower their self-esteem (l 9-12) • They arise / originate / develop from / result from / are caused by or are made worse by / aggravated by biased and unfair treatment of the elderly. (1m)
• The elderly adopt society’s negative perceptions of them and thus feel less worthy, (1m)
2a. From paragraph 2
In your own words, explain why the Greeks and the Middle Easterners view ageing differently. (3m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• The ancient Greek tradition stresses the fortune of youth and the great misfortune of the old. Within this ideology, it is better to die than to suffer the indignities of old age (l13-15)
• On the other hand, the Middle Eastern view of ageing is more positive; it is principally through ageing that status and prestige are to be accomplished. (l 16)
• Old age is a blessing; those who die young are wicked. (l 18) • The Greeks look upon youth in a very positive holding to the view that it is better to die as a young person than live to grow old and bear the humiliation associated with old age. (1m)
• The Middle Easterners, however, view ageing favourably as it accords respect. (1m)
• They also believe that it is a privilege to grow to an old age as those who die early are seen to be evil. (1m)
2b. How do these attitudes find a parallel in the industrial and agricultural societies of today?
(3m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• Inferred (ll. 19-25)
• within industrialised societies, production is paramount and the most productive people have traditionally been thought of as the young generation. (l 21)
• Agricultural societies seem to place more emphasis on worldly experience as a resource for coping. • Industrialised societies share a common thread with the Greek tradition while agricultural societies share the Middle-Eastern point of view. (1m)
• Like the Greeks, industralised societies view young people as being better able to contribute to the economy.
• Agricultural societies, on the other hand, believe that age brings about wisdom and experience. (1m)
3. From paragraph 3
Identify the 2 attitudes towards ageing. Answer in your own words as far as possible. (2m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• relative to ratings of other age categories, ratings for old age tend to be more negative;
• most people have mixed feelings about various aspects of old age, and tend to rate old age positively on some dimensions and negatively on others • People tend to value/esteem the old less as a group than they would other groups. (1m)
• They are ambivalent/ unsure/.have conflicting feelings towards old age. (1m)
4. From paragraph 5
Why are the words “elderly” (line 57) and “young” (line 58) in inverted commas? (1m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• Inferred • They are in inverted commas because the writer wants to point out that these labels are arbitrary/ subjective OR he questions whether these labels are accurate / or whether they are based on prejudices/ preconceived ideas. (1m)
5. From paragraph 6
How does the “vicious cycle” concerning occupations dealing with old people arise? (3m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• the poor image of the old inevitably rubs off on those who are working in this field (l 70)
• in that jobs with low prestige tend to attract unambitious or less-skilled workers. (l 72)
• there is a vicious cycle (l 72) • This happens when the unfavourable perception of old age is transferred onto those working in jobs dealing with the elderly (1m)
• As a result, the people attracted to this work are not those who are highly-skilled or enthusiastic (1m)
• which in turn contributes to the negative image of the aged. (1m)
6. Explain the meaning of the words as they are used in the passage. Write your answer in
a word or short phrase (5 m)
Word 1 mark ½ mark 0 marks
Assimilate
(l 9) • absorb
• incorporate ideas, forces
manifested (l.42) (verb) • revealed
• displayed
• showed
• expressed
• exhibited • reflected
• demonstrated
• shown
• portrayed • clearly seen
• easily noticed
• appeared
• perpetuated
document (l.66) (verb) • record and report in detail • write about
• note
• illustrate • a piece of paper or booklet providing information
• justify
• analyse
Critical (l 69)
(adj)
• crucial
• decisive
• of great impt
• crisis-forming
Inevitably (l.70) (adv) • unavoidably
• without fail
• invariably • certainly
• surely
• undoubtedly
• obviously • always
• finally
• eventually
• sooner or later
7 What evidence does the writer give of ageist attitudes and practices as discussed in the
passage? Use material from paragraphs 4 to 6 only. Write about 150 words, using your
own words as far as possible. (8m)
Lifted Phrases Rephrased Answers
• Younger individuals would be less willing to interact with an elderly individual even if that elderly person was similar in all respects to the younger individual other than age. (l 43)
• Drivers labelled “elderly” were asked to supply information to do with their physical, mental and sensory adequacies (l 57)
• Students to infer.
• information-seeking can be seen to be ageist across the adult life-span, with ageist attributions made of people as young as fifty-four. (l 62)
• institutionalised ageism is not difficult to document, from the workplace that forces retirement at age sixty-five (l 65)
• rather than according to level of competence, (l 65)
• the media (that) either underrepresent the elderly or portray them as dependent and weak. (l 67)
• the caring professions . . . the image of the old inevitably rubs off on those who are working in this field. Work with old people is not a prestigious occupation (l 70)
• Our society also places the elderly into age-segregated ghettos (l 70)
• which separate the mainstream of daily activity from those who live in retirement communities or nursing homes built on the fringe of town.
(l 74)
• Ageism also shows up as a propensity to blame the elderly victim or to blame biology or the ravages of time for the states and conditions of old age (l 77)
• rather than focus on the social forces that make old age a difficult, even dreaded stage of life (l 77)
A1
B1
B2
C1
D1
D2
E1
F1
F2
G1
G2
H1
H2
• Young people are reluctant to communicate with the elderly even when age is the only difference between them (1m)
• In a traffic accident, the motorist would be questioned over the conditions of his health (1m)
• revealing that the elderly are perceived to be physically less able. (1m)
• In data-collection / statistical surveys, even relatively younger individuals are considered as aged. (1m)
• Discriminatory practices are evident in the workplace where there is mandatory retirement at age sixty-five (1m)
• even if the person is capable of working further. (1m)
• The depiction of elderly persons in the mass media is also often lacking and negative. (1m)
• Careers that deal with care for the aged are viewed with low esteem (1/2m), hence drawing in primarily the less able. (1/2m)
• The elderly are also made to live apart from the rest of society (1m)
• where they are kept away from the hub of social activities. (1m)
• Members of society also tend to blame an old person or his physical degeneration for problems he faces (1m)
• rather than acknowledge that society itself makes it hard for the elderly to function. (1m)
Award a max of 8m only
8. The author states that "attitudes towards the ageing process and towards elderly individuals
are relatively negative". (l. 28-30)
How accurately does this reflect the attitudes of people in your society? (R1)
In your answer, develop some of the points raised by the writer (R2) and support your argument with examples from your own observations and experiences (R3). (8m)
The "attitudes towards the ageing process and towards elderly individuals are relatively negative”: we could examine attitudes of the young, society at large and the elderly themselves towards (a) the ageing process and (b) elderly individuals
Attitude of the young towards the ageing process
• something to be delayed as much as possible.
Evidence: the young buying insurance policies against illness, dependence; obsession with vitality and looking young;
ageist attitudes; condescending attitude, speaking disparagingly or sympathetically
about the ageing process, much like a dreaded death sentence or a stage in life to be avoided or grudgingly accepted
Attitude of the young towards elderly individuals
• elderly people generally seen as lacking in vigor, independence, utility, a handicap, loss of vital cognitive and physical abilities, a loss of social value and status, and a social and economic burden to society and their families
• some see the elderly as pitiful and deserving of protection by society
Attitude of the general public towards the ageing process
• generally negative but viewed with sympathy for unfortunate souls who have to grow old and decrepit;
• but also a more enlightened view of the ageing process in “growing old gracefully”, something not to be dreaded but accepted with equanimity; positive attitude towards ageing process as a time free from financial and familial obligations (for the fortunate few who have no money worries), a time to reconnect with self and rediscover old hobbies and friends, a time well-deserved for relaxation and discovering new interests, self-realisation and ‘indulgence’, a time to even begin doing what one has always wanted to do.
Evidence: the elderly spend on themselves to reward hard work, travel, begin a second
career, stay active (sport, games, dance, music, etc.), work towards self-independence in financial matters, diet, exercise, health matters; geriatric medicine and industries sprout;
govt attend to needs of the elderly through financial policies and social programmes
Attitude of the general public towards elderly individuals
• seen as a growing market (“silver dollar”) with considerable purchasing power; politically seen as an important sector of the electorate for the govt who’s needs cannot be ignored;
• some see the elderly as deserving of the protection and care from society since they have spent their whole lives contributing to society; others see the elderly as a social and economic burden
Attitude of the elderly towards the ageing process
• a process that is to be dreaded and delayed as much as possible.
Evidence:beauty treatments (botox and face lifts) to stave off the undesirable effect of
ageing
advertisements which claim to delay the disfiguring process of ageing. Some elderly
people do accept the ageing process as being a natural part of life and accept inconveniences with quiet resignation. Some look forward to old age as a time where they can really begin to do what they want to do in life without fulfilling obligations to others.
Attitude of the elderly towards other elderly individuals
• some dread to see a mirror-image of themselves as old in other elderly people and view themselves as useless to society and a burden to their families
• see themselves as failures in terms of their loss of income and self-esteem; depressed by ill-health and financial problems; others see themselves as entering a phase liberated by freedom from responsibility and a chance to be “young again”
Some thoughts and evaluation
natural to be apprehensive about old age and its accompanying issues/problems
fair to say that nobody really looks forward to growing old
but with better education, healthcare facilities, quality of life, Singaporeans are more positive towards the ageing process
The "first ever" survey of baby boomers in Singapore finds that baby boomers want to remain active in their "golden years." According to the Ministry of Community Development and Sports, more than 70% of boomers (those aged 43 to 60) were in the workforce or looking for work, almost half wished to or expected to have to work as long as they could, and, among those who specified an age at which to retire from work, about 30% expected to do so at age 65 or older, beyond the current retirement age of 62.
Source: Ministry of Community Development and Sports Press Release (January 9, 2009)
still fairly respectful towards the elderly within the family, respect for the elderly still forms part of the values of the various races/communities in Singapore
from an economic perspective, elderly employees still face discrimination
just as the authors point out “within industrialised societies, production is paramount and the most productive people have traditionally been thought of as the young generation” (l. 21–23)
in times of an economic downturn, elderly workers are more likely to be laid off than younger workers
employers also tend to be less reluctant to employ older workers
however, in recent years, there has been a change for the better
government-initiated schemes to help elderly workers, increasing number of employers more willing to employ older workers
with an increasingly ageing population, there is an greater need to employ older workers
Older workers can now look forward to more opportunities in the workforce, thanks to a S$30 million fund allocated by the Tripartite Committee on Employability of Older Workers (Tricom). Under the new ADVANTAGE scheme (PDF), companies can receive an incentive package of up to S$300,000 to redesign jobs and hire older workers. About 200 companies have been identified to help spearhead the drive to change mindsets about hiring older workers.
With respect to continued work, 36% of baby boomers desired to work part time. In addition, the top three conditions that these baby boomers look for in post-retirement work were flexible work, similar income, and fewer hours of work. For university-educated baby boomers, a stimulating workplace and the chance to guide or mentor younger workers were more important attributes than income continuity and work hours.
Source: Ministry of Community Development and Sports Press Release (January 9, 2009)
require employers to offer re-employment to workers at 62 for another three years until 65, though not necessarily in the same job or at the same pay
Setters: D Chung, F Tan, E Ho, S Noordin
MCT 2009 Application Question – Sample Band 1 answers
The author states that "attitudes towards the ageing process and towards elderly individuals are relatively negative". (lines 29-30)
How accurately does this reflect the attitudes of people in your society?
In your answer, develop some of the points raised by the writer and support your argument with examples from your own observations and experiences.
Sonica CG 32/08
In this passage, the author argues that prejudice exists and discrimination is exercised against the elderly in society. Within the context of Singapore, I am inclined towards the argument as it does, to a large extent, accurately reflect the attitudes of Singaporeans.
The author postulates that institutionalized ageism is present in the workplace and validates his argument by raising the example of how “the workplace forces retirement at age sixty-five”. This exactly mirrors the situation in the civil service sector of Singapore where the maximum age to work is capped at 65. Moreover, the government continues to stress the importance of a young and productive working force hence, explaining the import of young foreign talent. All these confirm the prejudice of how the competency and productivity of a person decline with age and keeping the aged working would be economically inefficient. While individual civil servants have appealed to raise their retirement age, few of these come through and many a time, the successful are those who hold top managerial and decision-making positions. Such inflexibility on the side of the government exemplifies the stand the author takes.
In addition, the author raises the idea of “age-segregated ghettos” which is experienced in Singapore. The popularity of retirement communities and nursing homes has escalated. This has in fact reached the point that the idea of building retirement villages in Johor to cater to rising demand has been raised. The receptivity towards placing the responsibility of nursing elderly parents on professionals is unsettling and emphasizes the intolerance felt towards the old. This intolerance is to a point whereby isolation of the elderly in a separate country is viewed as viable. The excuse given that Singapore is land scarce and hence the need for retirement houses in Malaysia shows how land space takes precedence over the elderly. Such negative attitudes towards the elderly and absence of consideration towards them prove my stand.
Thirdly, the author sheds light on the issue of how “age discrimination occurs when human beings are avoided or excluded from everyday activities”. This contempt towards the old is witnessed in Singapore whereby the children of the elderly are reluctant to even live close to their elderly parents. The government had to offer a housing loan subsidy to encourage the inclusion of the elderly in families. The superficiality of the policy speaks of the lack of the want to live close to the old and emphasizes the reaping of monetary incentive. Such ageist attitudes are in line with the writer’s arguments.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of ageism does occur in Singapore and lack of emphasis on the old is present
[Comment: Any proof of evidence to the contrary?].
Li Nong CG 08/08
The writer’s statement accurately reflects the attitude of people in my country, China, to a large extent.
In paragraph 4, the writer mentioned that the elderly “are avoided or excluded from everyday activities because they are the “wrong age” (line 50-51)” (R2). This very accurately reflects the attitude of people in my country, China. When people become old and retire, they are not encouraged to travel for long distances (R3), which is a daily activity that a normal person will do in order to go to work. In many cities, the buses have high steps at the entrance and exits, making it inconvenient for the elderly to board buses. In this way, the elderly are forced to stay at home or travel to places within their walking distance. The lack of elderly-friendly structures in public transport has actually excluded people from their normal daily activities of traveling because of their immobility brought by ageing. This indeed reflects that the society is not positive towards ageing individuals as little is done for them to improve their lives. Therefore, the author’s statement accurately reflects the attitude of Chinese people towards ageing.
In paragraph 4, the writer mentioned that “there is a fear of one’s own ageing” (line 52). This reflects the attitudes of people in China accurately to a large extent (R2). Even though China is progressing rapidly in its economy, the main engine of growth is the pool ofrural workers at the manufacturing factories (R3). Since they are migrants from the rural area, they can only return to their villages when they are old and unable to work at the demanding factories. However, without knowledge of farming, they will lose their source of revenue when they return to the villages, causing them to fear ageing and this eventual return. In this way, the writer’s statement accurately reflects the negative attitudes of people, especially the rural workers, towards ageing.
However, as the central government begins to notice these workers and starts with social security payment schemes, more of these workers can secure their retirement under such schemes. With further implementation of government policies, less people fear about ageing due to financial reasons. Therefore the statement reflects the attitude only to a large extent.
Comments:
I like how you look at how organizations as well as way of life make it difficult for old people to thrive in Chinese society.
Well explored ideas. Good work here! Answer could do with more balance.
Sng Ming Da CG 07/08
It is true that in every society, there will be a certain number of people with negative attitudes towards ageing and the elderly. However, this kind is attitude is relatively less common in my society. In Singapore, attitudes towards the ageing process and towards the elderly individuals are generally positive. Therefore, the statement is not accurate in reflecting the attitudes of people in my society (R1).
Singapore is facing an ageing population and the government recognizes this fact, putting in effort to help the elderly as well as educating the younger population to treat the elderly well in order to overcome the prejudice and discrimination against the elderly. In Singapore, public transport such as buses and trains have seats for the elderly and the people are encouraged to give these up for them (R3). This has allowed citizens to cultivate a respectful attitude towards the elderly. Facilities for the elderly are also common in Singapore, such as walk-ways with railings and lifts that reach every floor, to ensure the convenience and safety of the elderly (R3). Healthcare services as well as developments in the country have always considered the elderly to ensure that they are not made outcasts or treated unfairly by these developments (R3). Lastly, Singapore is an Asian society which values traditions and cultures which advocate values such as filial piety (R3). Hence, generation after generation are taught to treat the elderly well and accept the advice of the elderly due to their knowledge and experience, such as the Middle Easterners mentioned in the passage.
On the other hand, discrimination against the old-aged will still remain. As mentioned in line 66-69, “workplace that forces retirement at age sixty-five (R2) rather than according to level of competence, to the media that either under-present the elderly or portray them as dependant and weak (R2)”. Singapore has not forced a retirement age of sixty-five on the elderly, but it is true that some companies do prefer younger employees to older ones (R3). The older employees are then retrenched or forced to upgrade their skills. The media in Singapore does show the elderly as more prone to health problems. However, it does not excessively condemn the elderly to illness and diseases, without living a good life. It does show elderly people with healthy lifestyles and living well. This is also partially to encourage the older generation to lead a healthy and self-dependant lifestyle.
In conclusion, I think that in Singapore, both the government and the people have made a conscious effort in accepting the elderly in society as well as lend a helping hand. Although there may be some discrimination and stereotypes in places, these are relatively rare. Therefore the author’s statement does not accurately reflect the attitudes of people in Singapore’s society.
Comments:
A good analysis that provides a balanced perspective, but do also consider Singaporean’s attitudes towards the ageing process as asked by the question.
Divya Georgie CG 15/08
In Singapore, the attitudes towards the elderly are largely positive, though there are inevitably some who regard the elderly with caution (R1).
Singapore currently faces an aging population (R3) and as such the elderly indeed have much to offer as they have been through many hardships and can offer sound advice to the younger generation. This is in line with the writer’s point that the agricultural societies “place more emphasis on worldly experience as a resource for coping” (line 24). Though Singapore is an industrialized society, it acts contrary to the behavior stated of assuming the elderly are less productive than the young. In fact, the government urges the elderly to continue to upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the labour market (R3).
Although it is indeed true that in Singapore there exists ageist practices such as a mandatory retirement age (line 66) (R3), the retirement age is consistently being reviewed in line with the medical advances that have brought about a higher capacity for the elderly to remain in work. Furthermore, such policies cannot always be deemed ageist as often they are in the interest of the elderly to allow them to have a more relaxed retirement and take better care of their health to prevent the onset of diseases associated with old age.
In Singapore, retirement communities are also not segregated (line 75) and are well integrated into the community. They are built in close proximity to schools and students are often encouraged to interact and conduct activities like plays for the elderly (R3). For example, students in my college regularly visit the elderly in the Lions Home for the Elderly as part of the Community Involvement Programme.
In conclusion, in Singapore the elderly are largely integrated into society. This could be the result of our Asian culture which to date still holds high regard for the elderly. Though youths may harbour negative thoughts, constant efforts by the government seek to minimize such beliefs, even though some may argue that this will be an uphill task.
Comments:
An analytical, well-thought out answer. Do also consider the Singaporean attitude towards the aging process, rather than just the elderly.
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