Here are some final tips:
Practice Practice Practice
There are lots of MCQs, SBQs and SEQs in your workbook to practice on - Practice and keep your skills current, do some practice to tune your brain to the skills that you need to exercise during the exam!
Make Notes
For content, you should not just plug in the I-Pod and lie down to read your textbook, NOTHING will go in! Sit down and summarise the key content into notes. Then 2 days before the exam, try to re-summarise all the notes that you have taken into a mind map or if that doesn't work for you, then try to summarise all your notes into one sheet of foolscap paper according to chapter and topic. Then the day before try to summarise everything into half a sheet of paper (3/4 of a page is fine too)!
Read the Questions Carefully
On the day itself, READ the questions VERY carefully! Some questions might be a bit tricky but if you calm down and re-read the quesionts, you might be able to understand it better. Similarly, don't jump in excitement when you see a familiar word and write everything you know about the topic. Re-read the question and re-confirm what you need to do!
Plan and manage your time
There is nothing worse than knowing everything but not having the time to put it down on paper. Plan your strategies before the paper, know exactly how much time you should spend on each section of the paper and work within the framework of the time.
You have 90 minutes to do everything. So this means you must prioritise, the MCQs are worth 10 marks, the SBQs are worth 20 marks and SEQs are worth 30 marks. Don't get bogged down with the MCQs, if you are still stuck at the MCQs after 10 minutes, drop it and move on and come back to it later!
To one and all, good luck on Tuesday!
Best Wishes,
Mr Leo, Mr Thiru and Mr Tan
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sec 1 History Exam - Last Minute Tips
hi all,
By this stage, you should have already have completed your content revision. Whilst content is very important, skills give you the framework to help answer your questions.
So here are the skills that you need to know.
Source Based Questions
Inference - 'What question'
Remember, you need to make 2 supported inferences in 2 paragraphs to get the full marks for this question. You need to bear in mind that an inference is something that is not in the text, it is what the text tells you implicitly about the topic.
In order to support your inference, you need to give evidence from the source. For a picture source, you need to be able to describe the relevant elements within the picture so as to support your inference. For textual sources, you need to quote from the source or paraphrase from the source. You need to tell the examiner that you have used the source by signposting, so always preface the evidence part of your answer with, 'Source B tells me' or 'From Source B I can see that'.
Do not worry too much about picture sources. Ask yourself some questions - Does something standout in the picture? What are the most significant details in the picture? Who are the people in the picture and what are they doing?
After you identify these details, ask yourself, what do the details tell me about the case study that I am looking at?
Inference - Purpose, the 'why' question
You need 2 inferences of purpose with support in 2 paragraphs.
Remember, the objective of the purpose question is to find out the ultimate objective of the author. Hence, you need to identify the Authors Intended impact on the Audience (AIA) and list this out in your answer.
You also need to use strong words in order to demonstrate the intended impact, e.g. He wanted to convince the readers or He wanted to criticise the rule of Qin Shihuang. Avoid using simple words like tell or show as these do not demonstrate any impact at all.
Comparison
In your comparison answer, you need 4 paragraphs. One paragraph on similarity in content, one paragraph on difference in content, one paragraph on similarity/difference in tone and one paragraph on similarity/difference in purpose.
Remember, you need to have a point of comparison between the two sources. The point of comparison shows that you understand the differences/similiarities and can classify them accord to a broad heading that captures what this difference is about. You then need to support the answer with relevant evidence from the source.
For example:
Sources B and C differ in their view of the effectiveness of caste system. Source B states.... whilst Source C states....
Tone refers to the manner in which a source is written. Sometimes sources can sound the same, at others, sources can sound very different. When you look out for tone, look for things such as exaggerations and emotive words which will give you clues about how a source is written.
The two sources are different in terms of tone. Source A is written in a harsh and critical manner when it states that "Qin Shihuang ruled without any regard for his people", whereas Source B is written in an adulatory manner as it sates "Qin Shihuang makes clear the Way for the people".
We've already come across purpose in the 'why' question. So you would know what purpose is all about. Sources can have similar and different purposes. So you can compare sources based on their purpose as well.
The two sources are different in terms of purpose. Source A was written with the purpose of criticising Qin Shihuang whereas Source B was written in order to convice people to support Qin Shihuang. This can be supported by Source A which states "...." and Source B which states "..."
Finally, for SBQs - remember, read the questions and the sources carefully before you start attempting the questions. The sources could look difficult at first reading, however, you need to remember your fundamentals - your SKILLS, apply your skills accordingly and you will be fine.
Strutured Essay Question: SEQs
SEQs take up 30 marks in your paper and are divided into 2 questions which are each divided into 3 sub questions. The first 2 sub questions are worth 4 marks each and the final sub question is worth 7 marks.
For the 4 mark questions, you need 2 fully elaborated points which contain point, evidence, explanation and link.
For the 7 mark question, you need to have 3-4 paragraphs which are as follows:
Para 1: Statement - Do you agree or disagree?
Para 2: Why do you agree/disagree?
Para 3: The other argument (If you agree, then what is the other side of the argument? or If you disagree, then what is the other side of the argument?)
Para 4: Conclusion - Balance the merits of each argument and state why you have chosen your particular argument.
Here are the steps to answer the SEQs:
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.
Continued in Next Post
By this stage, you should have already have completed your content revision. Whilst content is very important, skills give you the framework to help answer your questions.
So here are the skills that you need to know.
Source Based Questions
Inference - 'What question'
Remember, you need to make 2 supported inferences in 2 paragraphs to get the full marks for this question. You need to bear in mind that an inference is something that is not in the text, it is what the text tells you implicitly about the topic.
In order to support your inference, you need to give evidence from the source. For a picture source, you need to be able to describe the relevant elements within the picture so as to support your inference. For textual sources, you need to quote from the source or paraphrase from the source. You need to tell the examiner that you have used the source by signposting, so always preface the evidence part of your answer with, 'Source B tells me' or 'From Source B I can see that'.
Do not worry too much about picture sources. Ask yourself some questions - Does something standout in the picture? What are the most significant details in the picture? Who are the people in the picture and what are they doing?
After you identify these details, ask yourself, what do the details tell me about the case study that I am looking at?
Inference - Purpose, the 'why' question
You need 2 inferences of purpose with support in 2 paragraphs.
Remember, the objective of the purpose question is to find out the ultimate objective of the author. Hence, you need to identify the Authors Intended impact on the Audience (AIA) and list this out in your answer.
You also need to use strong words in order to demonstrate the intended impact, e.g. He wanted to convince the readers or He wanted to criticise the rule of Qin Shihuang. Avoid using simple words like tell or show as these do not demonstrate any impact at all.
Comparison
In your comparison answer, you need 4 paragraphs. One paragraph on similarity in content, one paragraph on difference in content, one paragraph on similarity/difference in tone and one paragraph on similarity/difference in purpose.
Remember, you need to have a point of comparison between the two sources. The point of comparison shows that you understand the differences/similiarities and can classify them accord to a broad heading that captures what this difference is about. You then need to support the answer with relevant evidence from the source.
For example:
Sources B and C differ in their view of the effectiveness of caste system. Source B states.... whilst Source C states....
Tone refers to the manner in which a source is written. Sometimes sources can sound the same, at others, sources can sound very different. When you look out for tone, look for things such as exaggerations and emotive words which will give you clues about how a source is written.
The two sources are different in terms of tone. Source A is written in a harsh and critical manner when it states that "Qin Shihuang ruled without any regard for his people", whereas Source B is written in an adulatory manner as it sates "Qin Shihuang makes clear the Way for the people".
We've already come across purpose in the 'why' question. So you would know what purpose is all about. Sources can have similar and different purposes. So you can compare sources based on their purpose as well.
The two sources are different in terms of purpose. Source A was written with the purpose of criticising Qin Shihuang whereas Source B was written in order to convice people to support Qin Shihuang. This can be supported by Source A which states "...." and Source B which states "..."
Finally, for SBQs - remember, read the questions and the sources carefully before you start attempting the questions. The sources could look difficult at first reading, however, you need to remember your fundamentals - your SKILLS, apply your skills accordingly and you will be fine.
Strutured Essay Question: SEQs
SEQs take up 30 marks in your paper and are divided into 2 questions which are each divided into 3 sub questions. The first 2 sub questions are worth 4 marks each and the final sub question is worth 7 marks.
For the 4 mark questions, you need 2 fully elaborated points which contain point, evidence, explanation and link.
For the 7 mark question, you need to have 3-4 paragraphs which are as follows:
Para 1: Statement - Do you agree or disagree?
Para 2: Why do you agree/disagree?
Para 3: The other argument (If you agree, then what is the other side of the argument? or If you disagree, then what is the other side of the argument?)
Para 4: Conclusion - Balance the merits of each argument and state why you have chosen your particular argument.
Here are the steps to answer the SEQs:
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.
Continued in Next Post
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