What this lesson teaches
I can explain what makes a neighbourhood sustainable for its economy, its people and its environment.
Syllabus K329, Topic 1.2, Key Question 1. What are sustainable urban neighbourhoods?
Make a guess
In 2012 a straight concrete canal in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was turned into a natural-looking river. What did the change bring?
- A nicer view, but no extra help against floods.
- More flood storage, wildlife habitat and space to relax.
- Faster drainage, but less room for wildlife or people.
Show the answer
More flood storage, wildlife habitat and space to relax.
The river holds more floodwater during storms, which reduces flooding downstream. It also supports wildlife and gives residents space for exercise, so one design served several needs.
A named place with a date or figure, linked to your point, turns a general answer into a developed one.
This lesson collects the 3 named examples from the lessons in this chapter, so you can revise them in one place. Each one is also a recall card below, so you can save the whole set and review it before an exam.
Ecosystem services: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park; Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Neighbourhood hazards: Orchard Road floods, 2010.
To use a case, name the place or organisation, give its date or a figure, then say what it shows about the question. One developed case earns more than a list of names.
- Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
- In 2012, a straight concrete canal was turned into a natural-looking river through the park. It now holds more floodwater, supports wildlife and gives people space to relax.
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
- Its mangroves protect the coast, store carbon and provide a habitat for migratory birds.
- Orchard Road floods, 2010
- Heavy rain flooded shops and basements at Liat Towers, showing how intense storms can overwhelm drains in a built-up area.
Step by step
Name it
The place, event or organisation.
Prove it
A date, number or specific fact.
Link it
Say what it shows about the question.
Worked example: From a name to a developed point
Weak: "There are real examples, such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park." Strong: "In 2012, a straight concrete canal was turned into a natural-looking river through the park. It now holds more floodwater, supports wildlife and gives people space to relax." The strong version gives the place and the evidence, so it can earn a development mark.
Watch out for this
Naming a famous example is enough to earn the mark.
Examiners credit a developed case: a place, a date or figure, and a clear link to the question.
Check your understanding
Which is the strongest way to use a named example in an answer?
- List several example names, with no details.
- Describe the example in general terms, without a place or figure.
- Give the place, a date or figure, and its link.
Show the answer
Give the place, a date or figure, and its link.
Yes. A located, evidenced and linked case is what earns development marks.