Sample Answer SBQ Question (d)

hi all,

This is a sample answer for SBQ question (d) for the mock exam.

Sources C and D are different in their perspective of the achievements of the Khmer people. Source C specifically focuses on Angkor Wat when it states “commence with the temple of the Angkor”. On the other hand, Source D discusses the beauty of Angkor Wat as part of Cambodia when it states “Cambodia as a land rich and noble.”

Sources C and D are similar as both sources discuss the architectural achievements of the Khmer people. Source C states “the most beautiful and best preserved” indicating the author’s feelings about the beauty of Angkor Wat. Source D states “the gold tower and even higher than it is a copper tower from where the view is truly impressive” demonstrating the author’s feelings about the various structures in the city.

Sources C and D are similar in terms of purpose as the authors of both sources seek to convince their readers about the remarkable achievements of the Khmer people. This can be supported from Source C which states “by enchantment, he seems to be transported from barbarism to cvilisation” indicating that the author sought to convince the readers about the achievements of the Khmer people.

Sources C and D differ in terms of tone. Source C is written in a tone of amazement, this is evident from the many emotive and exaggerated words used in the source such as “finding an oasis in the sandy desert”. Source D on the other hand is written in an incredulous tone. This is evident from the source which states “was erected one night by Lu Pan” showing that the authors clearly did not believe Angkor Wat was built by men.

Please note that each paragraph has a point of comparison and lists down evidence from the source in order to justify the point.

Hope this helps.

Best Wishes,
Your History Teachers

Mock Exam Paper and Answers

hi all,

The mock exam paper and the answers can be downloaded at this link.

Thank you.

SA2 Changes in Chapters Covered

hi all,

The chapters to be covered in SA2 has changed.

Please note that the following chapters will be covered.

Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 10.

Please note that the WHOLE of chapter 7 will be covered as opposed to just China and India as indicated earlier.

For 1D, 1E and 1G, we will go through the South East Asia part of the chapter in class. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Regards,
Mr Tan

Ancient Wonders from Southeast Asia - Angkor Wat

One of the ancient wonders of the world, Angkor Wat. It's worth a visit.

Enjoy.

Ancient Indian Inventions

When the West were living in the Stone Age, the Indians had already invented plastic surgery.

Enjoy.

See ya.

Chp 7 Ancient Chinese Inventions

This is rather interesting. Watch all the inventions if you have the time.

See ya.

The Life of the Buddha

Here is another documentary on the life of Buddha.

Enjoy too.

Life of Prophet Muhammad

Hi all, a documentary on the Prophet.

Enjoy.

More Practice for SEQs - Past Year Questions

Hi all,

Do attempt these questions before referring to the answers provided.

SEQ 2006

1. Birth of Civilisation 15m

a. Why was being close to water sources important for the rise of civilizations? 4m

b. How did the maritime kingdom of Funan rise from a village to a city? 4m

c. Do you agree that the only common feature of the early civilizations in ancient India, China and Southeast Asia was that they all had their own system of government? 7m



Answers:

1a. Being close to water was important to the rise of civilizations because it could provide additional source of food from the river such as fish. This was essential to the survival of a civilization and hence it was important to be close to water.

In addition, being close to water also meant that farming would be possible because water from the river could be used for irrigation and made land easier to plough. Therefore, being close to river was important so that civilization could take place and farming could provide sufficient food for its people.

1b. Firstly, the maritime kingdom of Funan was a convenient rest stop for traders from India and other parts of Asia to get to. Oc-eo, which was the main city of Funan, was located near the Isthmus of Kra and this allowed traders from India to sail to the western side of the Isthmus of Kra and had their goods carried overland to ship on the eastern side. With the increase of trade, this also meant that Funan could slowly rise from a village to a city.

Secondly, Funan was a rich rice-producing area. There was enough rice for the local people and the foreign traders. Hence, the availability of food attracted many traders to come to trade in Funan and this explained its rise from a village to a city.

1c. I disagree. Besides having their own system of government, India, China and Southeast Asia also had another common feature such as different occupations.

In the Indus Valley civilization, archaeologists had confirmed that the people of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had their own system of government. This was because the city itself was well organized, there was a drainage system and the presence of other public buildings such as granary and citadel indicated that a government had been responsible for such features. In the Shang civilization, ancient records indicated that it was ruled by kings who lived in the capital. In the capital, there were houses, temples and even palaces. Similarly, in Southeast Asia, early maritime cities were ruled by kings. These kings regarded religion as very important and would religious buildings out of stone. The Angkor Wat was one example. Therefore, it was right that that one of the common features of the early civilizations in ancient India, China and Southeast Asia was that they all had their own system of government.

However, these civilisations also had one more features of civilisation in common and that was different occupations. As all the three civilisations had developed into cities in their own ways, many different occupations were created to ensure the survival of these cities. For instance, all three civilisations would traders and merchants to trade, priests to carry out religious ceremonies and farmers to provide food for the masses. Based on this, it is inaccurate to say that the only common feature of the early civilizations in ancient India, China and Southeast Asia was that they all had their own system of government.

In conclusion, I disagree that these three civilisations only had one thing in common that was government. In fact, not only they had different occupations, these civilisations also their own system of writing which was common in all three civilisations.

Answering SEQs

hi all,

In view of the forthcoming mock exam, this section will introduce you to answering SEQs. Now most of you have already been introduced to the PEEL structure during and for the purpose of answering SBQs. You would need to use this structure for the SEQs, which stands for structured essay questions.

I've adapted a post from the sec 2 history blog by Mr Donald Leo in order to give you a better idea of what to expect.

What is SEQ? It is 'structured essay question'. SEQ can either be short or long essay question. The following is an example of SEQ:

1. Government and Society [15m]

a. How did Parameswara establish the foundation for Malacca to become a great trading port? [4m]

b. What was the impact of cultural adaptation on Southeast Asian civilisations? [4m]

c. Do you agree that Qin Shihuang's reign was bad for the people of China? [7m]

Now we shall introduce to you the steps to answer such questions:

Steps:

1. Read the essay question carefully.
2. What are the key words in the question? (This gets students to think about what they need answer.)
3. What are the key issues in the essay title? (This gets the students to focus on the content of the essay as well as historical issues.)
4. What is your opinion on the matter? (Do not start writing until you know what you want to say?)
5. Opening points to be made in each paragraph (This is very difficult but crucial. This should provide the skeleton of the essay and show the students how the entire essay is constructed. It helps in the planning!)

Remember this:

Point > Explanation, Example > Link back to the essay

PEEL

Each paragraph should always consist of a point, which is elaborated by explanation and examples. Then the point has to be linked back to the question. VERY IMPORTANT!

Note:
1. Always answer the question right from the beginning by stating your point of view!!! E.g. I agree Qin Shihuang's rule was bad for China....
2. Always write in small paragraphs.
3. Keep one point to one paragraph.
4. Each paragraph must be elaborated with examples and explanation.
5. Always link back to the question either at the beginning or end of each paragraph!!!
6. If time permits, always write a well-thought conclusion at the end of the essay. If time is limited, at least answer to the question one more time so that you will not go out of point.
7. Always time yourself.
8. Look at the mark allocation and answer the question accordingly. For a 4 mark question, 2 points with relevant explanation and examples would be sufficient. For people who want to play safe, 3 points. Remember 4 marks doesn’t mean 4 points without explanation nor examples.
9. Always present the two sides of an argument. You may agree with the statement but you must also write about counter arguments. Always two sides [given factor and additional factors]!!!
10. As far as possible you should never contradict yourself by saying you agree and then disagree later in your essay (when it comes to a 7 mark question). Instead, in your introduction, after you have stated your stand (or point of view), you should stick with the same stand in the conclusion too. This is only logical and prevents you from contradicting yourself. Learn to defend your argument!!!
11. Use conjuction to link your essay so that there is a good flow. e.g. firstly, secondly, thirdly, in addition, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, but, however, in contrast, on the contrary, despite, etc.

Examples:

1. How did Parameswara establish the foundation for Malacca to become a great trading port? [4m] ?

Point
Firstly Parameswara was able to recognise the potential for Malacca to become a great trading port.

Explanation and Example
Parameswara noticed Malacca had a safe harbour and was located along the Straits of Malacca which was part of the India-China trade route. As such, its location made it an ideal centre for the distribution and collection of goods brought from other parts of Southeast Asia and other countries.

Link
Thus Parameswara and his followers decided to settle in Malacca and recognised the potential for Malacca to become a great trading port.

Point
Secondly, Parameswara was able to take steps to make Malacca an attractive port for traders.

Explanation and Example
Parameswara formed a friendship with China in order to protect Malacca from its enemies and thus made Malacca a safe port. In addition, he also appointed syahbandars to look after the needs of the foreign traders who stopped in Malacca. Later, he married a Muslim princess from Pasai in Northern Sumatra and coverted to Islam, this attracted many Indian-Mulsim and Arab traders to setup their trading headquarters in Malacca.

Link
Thus by taking these steps, Parameswara was able to lay the foundations for Malacca to become a great trading port.

2. Do you agree that Qin Shihuang's reign was bad for the people of China?

L1 UNSUPPORTED AGREEMENT/DISAGREEMENT WITH THE HYPOTHESIS [1-2]
L2 AGREES OR DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT or WRONG [3-4]
L3 AGREES AND DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT AND WRONG [5-6]
L4 L3 PLUS A GOOD CONCLUSION [7]

[An L4 answer]
I agree that Qin Shihuang's reign was bad for the people of China.

[Agrees]
Qin Shihuang's regin was bad for China as the reign was infamous for its cruelty. There were many strict laws which were used against the people of China. For example, those who broke the law were executed along with their families. In addition, Qin Shihuang also executed many scholars and burnt books that went against the state philosphy of legalism. Thus by these acts, he brought tremendous cruelty, hardship and destruction upon the people of China.
[Disagrees]
On the other hand, Qin Shihuang was able to unify China by bringing China under the control of a single central rule by eradicating the power of the feudal Shi and removing their powers. He was able to put in place a civilian and military governor in each province who took charge of all matters. These officals were watched over by an inspector, and all officials reported to him directly. In addition, Qin Shihuang was alboe to introduce laws and uniformed weights, script and measures to China and created a sense of unity in China. Thus Qin Shihuang's rule had a lasting impact on China as these changes were used in subsequent dynasties.

[Conclusion]
In conclusion, whilst Qin Shihuang's reign did have a lasting impact on the people of China, the inherent nature of its crueltycannot be denied as the Qin Dynasty was brought to an end by a revolt by the people and its eventual replacement. Thus, the rule of the Qin Dynasty was bad for the people of China.

* See, the conclusion still must agree with the introduction. It is very contradicting and confusing to say that you agree and then disagree later just because we have taught you to provide both sides of the argument.

Please do take some time to look through this and do approach your history teachers for clarifications if requried.

Lesson Slides - Chapter 7

hi all,

Here are the slides from Chapter 7.

Scientific And Artistic

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.