1. This paper contains SEVEN (7) questions and comprises THREE (3) pages.
Check that your paper is complete.
2. There are THREE SECTIONS (A, B and C) in this question paper.
3. Answer FOUR (4) questions; choose at least ONE (1) from EACH SECTION.
4. Each question is worth 25 marks. Try to spend roughly the same amount
of time for each question – we recommend that this should be 45 minutes.
1. Provide short, encyclopaedic entries to all the terms below which have been introduced in the module. Your entries should
Answer at least ONE (1) question from this section. Note that some of the words in the passages are given glosses in footnotes at the bottom of the page.
Question 2. Examine the following passage adapted from a short
story from Don Bosco’s Freak Style (Singapore, 1996). The narrator
here describes the rivalry between two girls belonging to two different
street gangs. The italicised words at the end represent Swee Lian’s thoughts.
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
Swee
Lian’s hatred ran much, much deeper than mere teenage rivalry. She felt
Stephanie had stolen her lover from her. This was in Secondary Four, the
guy was Stephanie’s classmate. He took the same bus home as Swee Lian,
and they went on two dates before Stephanie got jealous and did the dirty
potong-jalan. The incident had left Swee Lian with a broken heart, totally
bitter and disillusioned about love.
In a sudden clarity of vision, Swee Lian knew there was a score to be settled, and she wanted to settle it that very night. After all, all seven girls of her gang were present at her table, but Stephanie only had two other girls and that half-guy with her. Huh, Swee Lian thought with satisfaction, that blady bitch is outnumbered tonight. She will get what’s coming to her. Better watch out, I will give her a tight slap. |
(c) What different effects are conveyed by your version, as compared to the original version?
Question 3. The boxed passage below touches upon the problem of ecological and economic interdependence. The role of technology is described as that of a double agent. On the one hand, it helps to exploit natural resources more intensively, and thereby causes environmental problems. On the other hand, it solves some of these problems by helping create alternative sources.
Read the passage and answer the questions (a) and (b)
set down below it. (The lines of the passage are numbered for convenience
of discussion)
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International trade is not a problem in itself. It can often stimulate greater productivity and consequent saving in the use of resources and improved technology which prevents waste and pollution. This positive effect on the environment can be enhanced with the aid of an enforceable system of internationally accepted environmental quality targets. At the same time, liberal trade policies should encourage efficient production through countries specialising in those activities in which they have a comparative cost advantage. Looked at this way, international trade may be seen as a means of helping developing countries not only to achieve economic growth, but also to realise environmental aims. |
Answer at least ONE (1) question from this section.
Question 4. ‘Flexibility is the
order of the day in response to language. We only struggle with Nigerian
English, Canadian English, North American English, South American English,
if we insist that they’re doing it wrong. If we relax and say, "My goodness,
that’s an interesting phrase", we can go with the flow …’ (Lisa Jardine
in a radio programme).
What is your attitude towards variation in the English language? Is variation a ‘problem’ that needs to be solved? What are some of the reasons speakers of English throughout the world do not want to sound alike?
Question 5. Language contact is a very important theme in the development of the English language. Pick out any one instance of language contact (eg with Old Norse, French or Latin) and discuss the impact on the language.
Question 6. English has been accused of being a ‘killer language’ because of its potential threat to global diversity. Discuss with examples how New Varieties of English (eg Singaporean English) that have emerged in ex-colonial countries can counteract the negative effects of English in its role as a language of mega-communication?
Question 7. Argue for or against the view that standard languages are ‘weapons of social class’, the preserve of the élite, with particular reference to the development of Standard English. Cite social, historical and other factors in support of your position.