I’ve received a script on 2015 HCI Application Question. This is the version after some minor post-editing. I would score this 7/10 but have some concerns on length and clarity of stand. Overall, I still think that this is a good attempt. If you are able to produce AQ responses of similar quality at the A Level GP Exam, rest assured that you will be able to score well.

HCI 2015 Prelims Application Question

Q: Alice Walker severely criticises modern cities in general and argues that there is an urgent need to make them more “liveable”. Discuss the relevance of her observations and recommendations to your country in particular.

                  Walker’s criticisms are valid in showing some similarities to Singapore society as a concrete jungle in need to make it more vibrant. But due to Singapore’s forward-looking government which aims to build a more conducive and integrated country for its people, efforts have been put in place to preserve historical buildings and infrastructure.

                  In Paragraph 4 line 29, Walker laments that “Too many cities suffer from streets dedicated to moving multitudes of cars quickly”. Yes, I agree with Walker and assert that Singapore also suffers from too much vehicle traffic due to its extensive network of roads and high percentage of vehicle ownership. However, the situation of high vehicle ownership leading to too many motorists on the roads is kept under control by the government. In Singapore, the government has implemented the policy of having motorists bid for the Certificate of Entitlement. This policy only allows for a certain number of certificates to be available which places a quota on the total number of vehicles on the road to control traffic congestion. Although this policy is largely unpopular amongst car owners and buyers, it has been an effective solution to control road congestion. Additionally, the Electronic Road Pricing system also charges motorists who travel into the commonly congested areas such as the business districts during peak hours. The ERP system has also been effective in controlling traffic congestion because the charges on motorists would deter some from driving into these areas and can cause some drivers to change to alternative routes or change to take the public transport instead. Furthermore, Singapore has ensured efficient and well-organised public transport systems for the buses and trains such as introducing more bus services and increased train frequency. This ensures that travelling around Singapore would not be a hassle and is made convenient and economical. It is inevitable that traffic congestions are still prevalent in Singapore, but I am sure that Singaporeans can take comfort in knowing that the government and associated entities have solutions put in place to control traffic congestion. Hence, I would assert that Walker’s view on many urban areas suffering from traffic congestion would apply to Singapore’s context only to a limited extent.

                  Also in paragraph 4, Walker mentions that allowing too many cars on the roads in many cities have led to the elimination of “foot traffic and (excluded) the social intercourse vital for healthy street life” (line 30). Yes, I also agree with Walker that some governments have been so caught up with the relentless push for progress and speed that they neglect the health benefits of walking and the social interaction walking can provide. While traffic congestion plagues nearby cities like Bangkok and Jakarta, the traffic situation in Singapore is still largely under control. Foot traffic is healthy in Singapore because there are still areas in Singapore that encourage people to travel on foot. For instance, there are park connectors in Singapore which are readily available and accessible in almost all neighbourhoods. These park connectors provide Singaporeans the spaces for exercise and to those who want to jog or walk long distances. Not only are these park connectors safe for travelling on foot, they are also scenic and quiet, which provides the atmosphere for pedestrians to socialise and interact with one another. Apart from park connectors, there are also green spaces and amenities such as MacRitchie Reservoir and tree-top walks available which indicates that Singapore does not neglect those who want to walk. For Singaporeans who enjoy greater affluence, there is also the Gardens by the Bay which provides the scenic environment to surround Singaporeans with beautiful greenery. Hence, even though Singapore still experiences traffic congestion, there are amenities and spaces available which encourages pedestrians to walk and connect with one another.

                  Lastly, Walker recommends that the “conscientious conservation of heritage buildings” (paragraph 5 line 44) is vital in making cities more vibrant and liveable. Yes, I agree with Walker that the preservation of cultural sites is important for Singapore’s future progress in providing a more conducive place for its residents. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has dedicated conservation efforts to Singapore’s heritage. Boat Quay, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are several of the preserved areas that are filled with rich heritage and culture. It is important to conserve these heritage sites because they can stimulate visual interest and excitement as well as add variety to our urban environment. These buildings can also give us a sense of history and memory, which are imperative in cultivating a shared knowledge of the past and hence establishing a sense of identity and belonging amongst Singaporeans. URA’s conservation principles include the 3R’s: Maximum Retention, Sensitive Restoration and Careful Repair. By abiding to these principles, the URA can ensure that conservation is more than just the preservation of the external façade of buildings, but also involves the retention of the original ambience and spirit of these sites. Hence, I agree with Walker that conservation of heritage sites is important in making any city more vibrant and liveable.

                  In conclusion, I disagree with Walker that the relentless push for modernisation, speed and progress have so often led to compromising on healthy street life. Walker may have be too critical in her views that cities that are determined to achieve progress have ultimately suffered from the complete elimination of foot traffic. Yet in Singapore, this has not been the case as Singapore government has ensured that while working towards progress and modernisation, there are still the preservation of heritage sites and encouragement of foot traffic.

Please check on your stands for the points whether you disagree or agree with Walker’s arguments. I took the liberty to make some corrections to your stand based on my own assumptions. When writing the response to the AQ, it needs to be crystal clear which points you agree and which points you disagree. Try not to adopt a ‘mix-style’ which can be confusing and definitely not recommended for A Levels exam-setting. Another point to note is whether you would be able to write all of the above in 30min. Do consider trimming down certain portions to achieve conciseness.

Score: 7/10

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