Common Keywords in Essay Questions and their Associated Strategies (1) [ASR]

Common Keywords in Essay Questions and their Associated Strategies 1. ‘Sufficient’/’Effective’/’Adequate’/’Enough’ Assess the view that attempts to control climate change can never be truly effective. (2017) ''Any adaptation of a novel for film, television or the theatre is never as effective as the original.' Discuss. (2016) How effectively is public health promoted and managed in your society? (2015) How effective are international efforts to ease the problem of global hunger? (2010) ‘Technology is the most effective solution to environmental problems today.’ How far do you agree? (ASRJC 2019) Is democracy the most effective form of government today? (DHS 2019) How effective is social media as a tool in bringing about change in society? (RVHS (2019) Assess the view that attempts to reduce inequality in your society can never be effective. (CJC 2019) Not enough is done for the vulnerable today. Is this true of your society? (NYJC 2019) To what extent are the needs of the vulnerable given sufficient attention in your society? (YIJC 2020) Common Mistakes: - Students argue that a measure/policy is sufficient/effective because it brings about benefits. - Students often describe the measure/policy taken, without first describing the problem, and evaluating how the steps are effective in rectifying the problem. How to show that a policy/measure is ‘sufficient’ or ‘effective’? Think about the following: - Does it address urgent needs? - Does it address the root cause of problems? - Is it sustainable/long-lasting? - Does it cover a wide scope of issues/resolve problems for many different stakeholders? Example: How effectively has your society managed inequality? Singapore has managed inequality effectively through the use of laws that mandate equal legal status for all Singaporeans. (Topic Sentence) The fact that Singapore has a large Chinese population (approximately 75%) gives rise to the worry of unequal power and treatment, where the majority captures the power and wealth in the state, making the minorities lower class citizens, as in the case of Myanmar. (Explain problem) This problem has been effectively managed by the government, which establishes a secular state guaranteeing the equal treatment and status of all regardless of one’s race, religion or place of birth, while also ensuring that minority voices are heard in parliament. These laws are particularly effective as they are backed up by coercive force, compelling citizens to follow them without exceptions. With the strict enforcement of such, the government effectively mitigates the worry of unequal power and treatment between races. (Explain how problem is effectively resolved). For example [insert Singaporean constitution, laws and GRC system here]. By guaranteeing the equal status of races, and that minority voices are always heeded, the government effectively mitigates the worry that unequal power relations would develop between races.

2. ‘Real