History (Sec 1 notes)

History Questions (and how to answer them) Sec 1 edition SQ (Structured Questions) : ATQ questions are direct and can be copied straight from the source. They must all be written in prose (complete paragraph(s) and full sentences.) They would be phrased like this: Explain why. Strategies to be used: ATQ, P, E ATQ: Answer the Question (use the starting words of the question) P: Point(s) E: Elaboration (and Explanation if needed) E.g: Part a) Describe how Temasek was competitive as a trading center during the 14th Century, {4m for G3, 5m for G2} Answer: Temasek was competitive as a trading centre in the 14th Century (ATQ) due to its geographical location lying off the southern tip of the Malay Pennisula.It was along the waterway known as the Straits of Melaka, and ships sailing from China to India and beyond would have to pass through the Straits of Melaka, as it was also the quickest route to their destination. Doing that would also reduce the amount and cost of supplies they needed, as well as the risk of pirate attacks and accidents. The other routes through the islands further east would take a longer time to complete. Inferential Questions: Inferential Questions are a mix of copying and thinking. One could copy down the evidence, but when it comes to one’s own point, explanation, elaboration and link, we are not allowed to copy. Doing so would only make YOURSELF lose marks as a penalty. They must all be written in prose (complete paragraph(s) and full sentences.) They would be phrased like this: Describe how/why/the reactions… Sometimes, the questions would be pictorial. In these cases, when describing the picture/graph/map/diagram, you do not need to put quotation marks like most other questions for evidence. Strategies to be used: ATQ, PEEL. ATQ: Answer the question (use the starting words of the question) P: Point(s) E: Explanation (and elaboration if needed). You cannot copy ANYTHING from the passage. E: Evidence: It must prove your point and showcase it in a positive POV. L: Link: Your evidence and explanation must both somehow be linked to your point, otherwise everything is useless and pointless, with no base to build your argument. E.g: Describe the contributions of William Farquhar to the development of Singapore between 1819 to 1826. Answer: William Farquhar was appointed by Raffles to be the first Resident of Singapore and to carry out his instructions. One of Farquhar’s major contributions was that he strengthened

Singapore’s defence. This was to prepare for any possible invasions by the Dutch, who claimed that Singapore belonged to them. For example, he set up defence positions at the Singapore River and Government Hill. He also deployed 100 sepoys to guard these positions. Another contribution of Farquhar’s was that he promoted trade and encouraged people to settle down in Singapore. He did this by stationing a British Official on St. John’s Island to inform passing ships about the new settlement and its free port status. This attracted traders and settlers from places like Melaka. It helped to increase trade volume within Singapore and increase Singapore’s status as a trading centre within the region. The coming of traders from Melaka also helped to provide food supplies to cater to the needs of the now growing population. Another contribution of his was that he raised funds for the smooth running of the new settlement in Singapore. He did this by selling licenses for the sale of opium and liquor. With these funds, he was able to set up a police force to maintain law and order in Singapore. Part 2: How History Questions are marked. When History questions are marked, it’s very simple. There’s answer levels (that are out of 3) and the marks, which I think everyone knows. Answer levels go like this: L1 - Has a point, answers the question, but no elaboration or evidence to prove it. L2 - Has a point and elaboration, but no strong evidence to prove it. L3 - Has a point, good elaboration, strong evidence to prove it and has a link to the point.