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.