O Level Social Studies Formats

Answering Formats/Techniques How this looks (Only SBQ follows notes format): Type of question Framework Acronym (Extra details) Level description (in certain cases) E xpanded Definition A cronym Definition Format for [ACRONYM] For a specific question type if applicable: Format/Example sentence starters… [Corresponding letter in acronym] Source-Based IEE I nference: What can you infer from the source? E xample What evidence from the source supports your inference? E laboration Explain how the evidence supports your inference Format for IEE: I can infer that … [I]. Source A states that “...” [E]. This shows that… [E]. CEE (For CEE, take note that there is always a FOR and an AGAINST stand to the issue.) Comparison question Levels: L1: Comparing provenance/source type L3: Comparing content with full CEE L4: Comparing both similarities and differences (when appropriate) L5: Comparing content [L4 criteria met] with MAMO of the two sources*

Answering Formats/Techniques C omparison (Common Criteria) What are the similarities and/or differences in the 2 sources? ● Write both similarities and differences if the question states ○ “How similar are the 2 sources?” ○ “How different are the 2 sources?” ■ Word ‘similar’ or ‘different’ comes in the middle of the question statement ● Write ONLY similarities OR differences if the question states ○ “How are the two sources similar?” ○ “How are the two sources different” ■ Word ‘similar’ or ‘different’ comes at the end of the question statement E xample What is the evidence in the source that supports your common criteria? E laboration Explain how the evidence supports your common criteria Format for CEE: For similarity: Both Source A and Source B are similar in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. Similarly, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. For difference: Source A and Source B are different in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. However, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. For both similarity and difference: Both Source A and Source B are similar in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. Similarly, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. Source A and Source B are different in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. However, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. *MAMO M otive What is the source trying to say/do? ● Positive (FOR stands) ○ Convince ○ Persuade

Answering Formats/Techniques ● Negative (AGAINST stands) ○ Criticise A udience Who is the source targeted to? ● Singaporeans ● Singapore government ● Other countries/people outside of Singapore ● Students ● Parents ● Teachers/Principals M essage What is the source content? ● Usually rephrasing the issue O utcome In response to the source, what is the author/publisher trying to get the audience to do? Format for MAMO For similarity: The purpose of both sources is to [M] the [A] that [M]. Hence the sources are in the hope that [O] For difference: The purpose of Source A is to [M] the [A] that [M]. This is in the hope that [O]. However, The purpose of Source B is to [M] the [A] that [M]. This is in the hope that [O]. Hence, the two sources are different in saying [CC] Full L5 Format (CQ) How far does Source B differ from Source A? Both Source A and Source B are similar in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. Similarly, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. Source A and Source B are different in saying … [CC]. Source A states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. However, Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. The purpose of both sources is to [Motive] the [Audience] that [Message]. This is in the hope that [Outcome]. Source A states that “...” [E]. Similarly, Source B states that “...” [E]. Hence, the two sources are similar in [CC] The purpose of Source A is to [M] the [A] that [M]. This is in the hope that [O]. Source A states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. However, The purpose of Source B is to [M] the [A] that [M].

Answering Formats/Techniques This is in the hope that [O]. Source B states that “...” [E]. This shows that … [E]. Hence, the two sources are different in saying [CC]. (No specific format for SRQ notes) Structured Response Questions for question 6 L1/1: describing topic but not answering question L2/2: identifying factors/proposing solutions L3/5-6: describe + explain one factor/ solution and its effectiveness L3/6-7: describe + explain two factors/ solutions and their effectiveness for question 7 L1/1-2: describing topic but not answering the question L2/3-4: describing the examples L3/5-6: explaining one example L3/6-7: explaining two examples L4/8: balanced weighing P oint E xample E xplanation L ink Question 7: Qn type: Is x more important than y? (question may include other details like ‘In Singapore’, ‘For the government’, etc.) x and y are factors branching from a main topic, z. (will not be from 2 different topics) eg. Is maintaining law and order more important than ensuring the economic and social well-being of citizens? EXPLAIN YOUR EXAMPLE!! ➔ really really extremely important ➔ Will get you your 7-8/8 Most important is your explanation and LINK back to the qn. A lot of people spend so much time giving such detailed examples but lack links and those cost the marks. A simple way is to ensure the examiner is NOT able to ask “HOW? Or WHY? Or SO?” in the lines that u write for the explanation and link.