Dear all,
Here are some final tips:
By this stage, you should have sat for your mock and at least have completed part of it, so you know what is required of you in a history exam. This is what you need to do to finalise your preparations.
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 questions, 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.
Your history teachers would have shared some strategies with you on how to proceed, but the basic principle is that 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, remember, work hard and remember what you have learnt in class, good luck for SA1 2009!
Best Wishes,
Your History Teachers
Monday, April 27, 2009
Feedback SEQ Exercise
hi all,
Many thanks to those who took part in the SEQ revision exercise. I've already e-mailed feedback to those of you who need it, so, if you haven't received anything, it's a sign that you're on the right track.
Keep up the good work!
Many thanks to those who took part in the SEQ revision exercise. I've already e-mailed feedback to those of you who need it, so, if you haven't received anything, it's a sign that you're on the right track.
Keep up the good work!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
SEQ Skills Revision
hi all,
In view of the exams, this section will re-cap 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 reign 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 philosophy 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 officials 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 cruelty cannot 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 required. You can also out some examples to help in your revision in the exercise below.
In view of the exams, this section will re-cap 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 reign 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 philosophy 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 officials 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 cruelty cannot 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 required. You can also out some examples to help in your revision in the exercise below.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Comparison Questions
hi all,
Here's a post to re-cap comparison questions. For students from 1C and 1G, please attempt the question at the end of this post using the embedded form. Thanks.
The comparison question can come in a number of different forms:
1) How different are Source A and Source B?
2) How similar are Source A and Source B?
This is what you need in order to answer the question:
L3/3-4 - One similarity AND One Difference in source content
Remember, you need to have a point of comparison between the two sources. When you compare anything from cars to footballers, you always compare them on the basis of a number of items, e.g:
In terms of the clubs that the footballers play for:
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are different in terms of the clubs they play for. Wayne Rooney plays for Manchester United, whilst Michael Owen plays for Newcastle United.
In terms of the position:
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are similar in terms of their onfield positions. Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are both forwards.
When you apply this to a SBQ, a point of comparison looks something like this:
The two sources are similar in as they both highlight the achievements of the Malacca Sultanate. [Point of Comparison] Source A states that "The Malacca Sultanate was a period of cultural and religious achievement" and Source B states that "The Malacca Sultanate was the largest empire in maritime Southeast Asia". [Evidence] Thus both sources clearly demonstrate the considerable achievements of the Malacca Sultanate.
Find one similarity and one difference and write them down in separate paragraphs.
L4/5 - Similarity/Difference in Tone
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".
L5/6 - Similarity/Difference in Purpose
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 criticizing 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 "..."
So now you have an idea about comparison questions, to get the top marks, you need 4 paragraphs in total, one on similarity in terms of content, one on difference in terms of content, one similarity/difference in terms of tone and one similarity/difference in terms of purpose.
Here are the sources from CA2. Try to answer this question:
How similar are Source A and Source B in what they say about the rule of the Qin Dynasty?
Source A: A historian’s account of the actions of the first rulers of the Han Dynasty which had overthrown the Qin Dynasty.
As commoners under the Qin Dynasty, the rulers of the Han Dynasty knew the suffering that its harsh rule had brought to the people. They were quick, therefore, to abolish its more offensive laws and institutions, while leaving intact the rest of its elaborate machinery of government.
Source B: An extract of an account written by Sima Qian, a court historian of the Han Dynasty, after the collapse of the Qin Dynasty.
The First Emperor was greedy and short-sighted, confident in his own wisdom, never trusted his meritorious officials, nor got to know his people. He cast aside the kingly way and relied on private procedures outlawing books and writings, making the laws and penalties much harsher, putting deceit and force foremost and humanity and righteousness last, leading the whole world in violence and cruelty.”
Here's a post to re-cap comparison questions. For students from 1C and 1G, please attempt the question at the end of this post using the embedded form. Thanks.
The comparison question can come in a number of different forms:
1) How different are Source A and Source B?
2) How similar are Source A and Source B?
This is what you need in order to answer the question:
L3/3-4 - One similarity AND One Difference in source content
Remember, you need to have a point of comparison between the two sources. When you compare anything from cars to footballers, you always compare them on the basis of a number of items, e.g:
In terms of the clubs that the footballers play for:
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are different in terms of the clubs they play for. Wayne Rooney plays for Manchester United, whilst Michael Owen plays for Newcastle United.
In terms of the position:
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are similar in terms of their onfield positions. Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are both forwards.
When you apply this to a SBQ, a point of comparison looks something like this:
The two sources are similar in as they both highlight the achievements of the Malacca Sultanate. [Point of Comparison] Source A states that "The Malacca Sultanate was a period of cultural and religious achievement" and Source B states that "The Malacca Sultanate was the largest empire in maritime Southeast Asia". [Evidence] Thus both sources clearly demonstrate the considerable achievements of the Malacca Sultanate.
Find one similarity and one difference and write them down in separate paragraphs.
L4/5 - Similarity/Difference in Tone
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".
L5/6 - Similarity/Difference in Purpose
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 criticizing 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 "..."
So now you have an idea about comparison questions, to get the top marks, you need 4 paragraphs in total, one on similarity in terms of content, one on difference in terms of content, one similarity/difference in terms of tone and one similarity/difference in terms of purpose.
Here are the sources from CA2. Try to answer this question:
How similar are Source A and Source B in what they say about the rule of the Qin Dynasty?
Source A: A historian’s account of the actions of the first rulers of the Han Dynasty which had overthrown the Qin Dynasty.
As commoners under the Qin Dynasty, the rulers of the Han Dynasty knew the suffering that its harsh rule had brought to the people. They were quick, therefore, to abolish its more offensive laws and institutions, while leaving intact the rest of its elaborate machinery of government.
Source B: An extract of an account written by Sima Qian, a court historian of the Han Dynasty, after the collapse of the Qin Dynasty.
The First Emperor was greedy and short-sighted, confident in his own wisdom, never trusted his meritorious officials, nor got to know his people. He cast aside the kingly way and relied on private procedures outlawing books and writings, making the laws and penalties much harsher, putting deceit and force foremost and humanity and righteousness last, leading the whole world in violence and cruelty.”
Happy International Friendship Day!
Here's the video that we watched at morning assembly for all of you who want to watch it again.
Happy IFD to one and all.
Happy IFD to one and all.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Chapter 9 - Internal Threats
hi all,
The slides for Chapter 9, Internal Threat
The slides for Chapter 9, Internal Threat
Tapslides Lesson09
View more presentations from daryl_tanyl.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Source-Based Questions Clinic
Dear all,
For the 7 of you who have signed up for the SBQ clinic, since there are only 7 of you, could we meet on 21 Apr 2009 instead for the session?
We will meet at IT resource room 1 at 2.45pm.
Please e-mail me at daryl@vs.moe.edu.sg to confirm your attendance.
If anyone else is interested, please fill in the form in the earlier post, e-mail me or contact me at ext 265 at the staff room.
Thank you.
Regards,
Mr Daryl Tan
For the 7 of you who have signed up for the SBQ clinic, since there are only 7 of you, could we meet on 21 Apr 2009 instead for the session?
We will meet at IT resource room 1 at 2.45pm.
Please e-mail me at daryl@vs.moe.edu.sg to confirm your attendance.
If anyone else is interested, please fill in the form in the earlier post, e-mail me or contact me at ext 265 at the staff room.
Thank you.
Regards,
Mr Daryl Tan
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Decontextualised History Lecture Series: Caste System- From Past to the Present
Caste System: From Past to the Present
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Decontextualised History Lecture Series: Ancient Egypt- Land of the Pharaohs
For your reference for those who came for the lecture and for those who could not make it.
I will be placing the namelist of all those who have expressed interest in the next lecture (next Wed on the Caste System) on the notice board tomorrow. Please check the list and for those who
are still interested, there are still slots available.
A lot of you have been inquiring about the 2012 Lecture which is completely FULL ! Due to your avid response, I have decided to get the Auditorium instead, thus I can take up MORE students that usual ! You can sign up for this lecture during the later part of the term. (Those of you who have already signed up need not sign up again.)
Cheers,
Mr. Leslie Tay
I will be placing the namelist of all those who have expressed interest in the next lecture (next Wed on the Caste System) on the notice board tomorrow. Please check the list and for those who
are still interested, there are still slots available.
A lot of you have been inquiring about the 2012 Lecture which is completely FULL ! Due to your avid response, I have decided to get the Auditorium instead, thus I can take up MORE students that usual ! You can sign up for this lecture during the later part of the term. (Those of you who have already signed up need not sign up again.)
Cheers,
Mr. Leslie Tay
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