Questions at a glance:

Suggested Questions1) How does the author illustrate that ‘every one of us is born unique’ (lines 1-2)? [1]

Text Suggested AnswerOur individual DNA and our unique fingerprints serve to identify us among all other beings.

By showing us that:1) our DNA, different genetic makeup is different/different genes2) Our finger prints/ thumb prints are different

2) Which aspect of the author’s argument is reinforced by the word ‘labelled’ in line 32? Use your own words as far as possible.[1]

Text Suggested AnswerOur identity, like his, is shaped by other people’s perception of us as a result of changes happening in the larger societal arena. Who we are is not based on anything we have done, but on how everybody around us understands us. So, we do not choose our social identities entirely. Mr Aziz may succumb to societal perception and choose not to answer for himself and his beliefs or renounce his religion or change his name. Alternatively, he can fight against the identity that he has been labelled with and become more devout. One does have the ability to decide.

2 possible answers: Our identity is shaped by other people’s

perception of us [as a result of changes happening in the larger societal arena]. [1]

OR Our identity is not based on our actions but on

other people’s perception of us/ how people view us. [1]

3) What do you understand by ‘the first out of the gates’ (line 42)? [2]Text Suggested answer

International food chains and fashion houses sprang up in a vast array of diverse countries in a hurry to take advantage of this new phenomenon. They were the first out of the gates ...

He means that the

international food chains and fashion houses

were the quickest

to establish their presence in many countries [to spread their influence to other countries].

4) Explain, in your own words as far as possible, why the author thinks people have ‘misgivings’ (line 52) about migrants. [2]

Text Suggested AnswerNot only do they lament that jobs are being taken from locals as migrants are prepared to work for less, they also see customs and values as being under threat as these ‘foreigners’ change the texture of society with their own customs and beliefs. While migrants are eager to accept the benefits of their new homes, they may be perceived as far less willing to

Migrants1) compete for employment

2) undermine original local culture

3) reluctant to do their part in their (adoptive) society

accept the responsibilities of being a member of their new society.

5) What does the author want us to understand by ‘That is just how it is’ (line 62)? [1]Text Suggested Answer

On the other hand, defenders of migration claim that society’s culture will be enriched if individuals are allowed and encouraged to live their own lifestyle integrating their ways into their new society – for the benefit of both – instead of being restrained by existing, inflexible traditions. Politicians also assert that migrants bring new skills and enhance economic development – that is just how it is. Thus, the global citizen identity must exist in harmony with the local identity.

Politicians would not allow for disagreement / no negotiation is allowed.

6) Why is the word ‘superior’ (line 67) in inverted commas? [1]Text Suggested Answer

Some people define themselves individually or collectively based on certain criteria and deem themselves as superior to those who do not identify themselves by the same criteria. Worldwide, these ethnic and sectarian divisions assert their ‘superior’ identity and afflict many countries through terrorism and violence.

These ethnic and sectarian divisions perceive themselves to be better [than others]

7) What does the author mean by ‘demonisation of another’ (line 69) and how does it lead to ‘perversion of identity’ (line 72)? [3].

Text Suggested AnswerA strong and exclusive sense of belonging to one group can in many cases lead to the demonisation of another. The examples of this in modern history abound: we are not Rwandans we are Hutus, hence, we hate the Tutsis; we are not Yugoslavs, we are Serbs, therefore, we hate Muslims. Ethnic cleansing, football riots, cyber-bullying are all manifestations of this type of perversion of identity.

Make others out to be evil [1]

Reinforces a sense of belonging to the in-group [1]

and justifies looking down on [1]

8) What does the author mean by ‘nativist fears have bubbled to the surface’ (line 79) and what is the reason for this? Use your own words as far as possible. [2]

Text Suggested AnswerAcross the Atlantic, in the United States, in the light of massive contemporary immigration, nativist fears have bubbled to the surface. America that began first as a land of immigrants is now fearful of immigrants.

Locals/original citizens in the country are slowly expressing apprehensions/anxieties about immigrants coming to their country. [1]

Reason: there is a large number of people coming to their country [1]

9) Explain the irony in ‘America, that began first as a land of immigrants, is now fearful of immigrants’ (lines 75-76). [1]

Text Suggested AnswerAmerica that began first as a land of We expect America which was built on

immigrants is now fearful of immigrants. immigration to be accepting of migrants, instead they are rejecting/frightened of migrants. [1]

10) Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the passage. You may write your answers in one word or a short phrase.

Word 1 mark 0 markDefined (v) (line 8)aspects of identity that are defined by cultural classifications such as nationality, race, religion and gender, as well as society’s classifications like family, career, position or title.

Determined,Given meaningSet/ fixed DecidedSet parameters/ perimetersclassified

ExplainedShapedLimitedBound/ set boundaryConfined

Variously (line.16)‘We may variously be referred to as someone’s child, someone’s spouse, or someone’s parent.’

In different [many] waysSeveral / different ways of being addressedDifferently

Alwaysmany

Manifestations (line.72)Ethnic cleansing, football riots, cyber-bullying are all manifestations of this type of perversion of identity

Obvious signs/symptoms ofDemonstrationsHow something is expressed

Revelationsexpressionsresultsconsequences

Spectacular (line 73)In the last decade all over the world there has been a spectacular rise in concerns about the nature of national identity

Drastic, Rapid/ largeDramaticNoteworthy/remarkable

AmazingGrandastonishing

diabolical (line 84)It is at the forefront of some of the most inspiring achievements in world political history, whether it be the granting of women’s suffrage or the end of apartheid. But it has also taken centre stage in the most diabolical moments of global affairs such as the Holocaust.

EvilWickedCruelHideousHeinoussatanic

DarkDespicable[Very] bad

11) Using material from paragraphs 2 to 4 only, summarise what the author has to say about what shapes identity and what the challenges are in preserving one’s identity.

Write your summary in not more than 120 words, not counting the opening words which are printed below. Use your own words as far as possible. [8]

A person’s identity is shaped by ….

No From the text Key Words/Phrases Possible paraphrases

1.

From paragraph 2

expand our relationships

‘expand’ what shapes identity

by the widening of relationships/ increase in networking/ by relating to more people

2. new experiences. ‘experiences’ By New encounters

3. interacting with playmates ‘interacting’ By playing with others

4. during the school years ‘school years’ By our education/ school/

5. peer relations ‘Peer relations’ By Friends/ people we grow up with

6.Teachers, extended family and close friends also impact the formation of our sense of self.

Teachers, extended family close friends

People with significance/ exert influence over us

7.

extension of someone else’s identity. We may variously be referred to as someone’s child, someone’s spouse, or someone’s parent. Who we are can be relative to whom we are associated with. We may even introduce ourselves that way. “I’m the President’s daughter,” or “I’m the mother of the new American Idol,” or “I’m John’s wife”.

extension Our family/ relatives’ identity

8.

Material objects can also contribute to our identity – homes, cars, country clubs, bank accounts...

Materialobjects

By our possessions

9.From paragraph 3 shaped by other people’s perception of us

‘shaped’‘perception’

By how people view us

10.changes happening in the larger societal arena

larger societal arena

By society we live in/ by what is happening in our society

11.

not based on anything we have done

‘anything we have done’

Challenges to identity- Not within our

control/we have no say in it

12.

may succumb to societal perception

succumb Not able to assert own identity/ give in to stereotypes/ accept other’s views of us

13.

can fight against the identity ‘fight’ We have to assert our own identityTo Battle against stereotypes/negative perceptions

14.

From paragraph 4digitalised world ‘digitalised’ Technologically-advanced/

computerised world / interconnected world

foreign influence [0]

15.

there are growing threats to traditions

‘traditions’ Undermines/changing our way of life / how to keep our way of life

16.

and values that once were an assumed part of their identity

‘values’ Our belief systems/principles/ethics what we hold dear

17. momentum of globalisation…

‘momentum’ Identity changing too fast

18. radical, unwanted and dangerous change.

‘radical’ ‘unwanted’ ‘dangerous’

In a way that is very negative/ unwelcomed / extreme / perilous

Accept the paraphrase of particular

19. seemed inevitable ‘inevitable’ Unavoidable /has to happen

20. unstoppable ‘unstoppable’ Too powerful / cannot be fought against

21.attack on local identities by international corporations

‘attack’‘international corporations’

MNC creates new identity

22.their own dazzling images ‘dazzling’ Which is very attractive/ too

alluring that we give up our own identity.

Points Marks87654321

12) Application Question:The author describes some current issues around the subject of identity. How applicable do you find his observations to yourself and your own society?