Chapter 4

North-South Line (A) is correct. It was Singapore's first MRT line, opening in 1987 and running from Yio Chu Kang to Marina Bay.

Why the others are wrong:
- East-West Line (D): Opened in 1987, the *same year*, but a few months *after* the North-South Line
- Circle Line (B): Opened much later in 2009
- Downtown Line (C): Opened even more recently in 2013

Why A is correct:
The Merlion statue is located at Marina Bay in Singapore—it's one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and sits right at the waterfront there.

Why the others are wrong:
- B (Sentosa): This is an island resort area in Singapore, but the Merlion isn't there.
- C (Clarke Quay): This is a historic riverside district with restaurants and shops, but not where the Merlion is.
- D (Gardens by the Bay): While this is another famous Singapore attraction near Marina Bay, the Merlion statue itself is at Marina Bay proper, not in the gardens.

A. Swissôtel The Stamford – CORRECT
At 226 meters tall, this is Singapore's tallest hotel. It held this title for decades and remains unbeaten in terms of pure height.

B. Marina Bay Sands – WRONG
While iconic and famous, it's actually shorter at 57 stories (about 200m). It's often mistaken as the tallest because it's so visually prominent.

C. Raffles Hotel – WRONG
This is a historic, luxury hotel, but it's much smaller—only a few stories tall.

D. The Fullerton – WRONG
Another well-known Singapore hotel, but it's a colonial-era building that's significantly shorter than the Swissôtel.

Correct Answer: Paya Lebar Airport
Paya Lebar was Singapore's main civilian airport before Changi opened in 1981. It served the country for decades but couldn't expand further due to urban development, so it was replaced by the larger Changi Airport.

Why the others are wrong:
- Kallang Airport – This was Singapore's first airport (1930s), replaced by Paya Lebar much earlier, not by Changi
- Tengah Air Base – A military air base, not a civilian airport that Changi replaced
- Seletar – Another military airbase that still operates today; it wasn't replaced by Changi

A. Fruit plantations ✓

In the 1800s, Orchard Road got its name from the many fruit orchards and plantations that covered the area—hence "orchard." Over time, the land was developed into the shopping district it is today.

Why the others are wrong:
- B. Electronics – Singapore's electronics industry came later; Orchard Road wasn't originally known for this.
- C. Rubber trees – While rubber was important to Singapore's economy, Orchard Road specifically had fruit plantations, not rubber.
- D. Shopping – Shopping came much later after the area was developed; it wasn't the original purpose.