HOW TO TACKLE SBQ -SOCIAL STUDIES-

By Mr Rahim

What Not To Do

Ensure that you do not tackle from behind.

Do not tackle using two legs. Do not tackle with your eyes closed. Do not hesitate when you tackle. Do not tackle halfway

JUST KIDDING LAH! Now, let’s get serious…

What To Do First

Flip the pages to the Sources. Look at the Question Issue which can

be found just above the Background Information.

The Question Issue serves as the “Compass”, giving direction and focus for you.

All the sources will be answering the Question Issue

Read through ALL sources and identify if it is positive or negative, supporting or against, the question issue.

What to do Second

Once you have identified every single source, flip back to the questions.

All cartoons used as a Source is meant to be negative, or against, or to criticize.

You will now need to identify which technique of answering to employ for the different questions.

Techniques

Different types of questions will require different type of techniques.

Techniques of answering a question depends on the identity of the question itself.

Learn to identify the questions and recognise the relevant techniques to apply.

“WHAT”

This is the identity of the most basic type of SBQ question.Eg, What can you tell from this source?

You will be required to answer in this format; Inference Support with evidence Explain Link

“WHY”

This is known as the “purpose” question.Eg, Why do you think this source was published?

You will be required to answer in this format; Audience (who is/are the source meant for?) Action (what is expected or hoped for the

audience to do or react in what way?) Impact (how will the audience’s actions

impact the question issue?)

“Similar / Different”

This is known as the “comparison” question.Eg, How similar are Sources A & B?

How different are Sources A & B? There are 4 things which you can

compare.1. Content2. Purpose3. Tone4. Provenance

“Similar / Different”

Generally, Content is the easiest to compare.

However, be careful not to commit this common error. Sources A & B are similar/different in terms of its

content. You will not get marks for such statements

because you are not specific enough. Good Eg, Sources A & B are similar because

they both mention that the policy of foreign talent is not beneficial to Singapore.

“Similar / Different”

Your answer should be in this format.

Paragraph 1Statement.Evidence. (Give 2)Explain.Link back to Question Issue.

“Similar / Different”

After talking about the Content, mention one more point. Choose between Purpose, Provenance and Tone.

Avoid “Tone” because it is the most difficult.

Do the same format.

“Similar / Different”

Paragraph 2Statement.Evidence. (Give 1 or 2)Explain.Link back to Question Issue.

Reliability

This is the one where you must do cross-refer and check for bias.

The keywords to identify are “believe”, “trust”, “prove”.

Eg, Can you believe what is said about the policy? Does the source prove that the policy is good? Can you trust what is mentioned about the

policy in this source?

ReliabilityAnswer in this format.

Paragraph 1Answer the question directly. Eg,

Source A proves that the policy of foreign talent is beneficial towards Singapore.

Then, quote 2 evidences from the Source. Eg,From the source, it says “….blah blah blah…” and “…blah blah blah bwuek…”.

Next, explain. Eg,This means that ……… explain clearly.

Lastly, link back to the question issue.Therefore, Source A proves that Singapore has benefited from the policy of using Foreign Talent to build its economy.

ReliabilityParagraph 2This is when you start to cross-refer.As a rule of thumb, it is always wiser to cross-refer 2 sources. 1 supporting and 1 against.

Make your cross-refer statement in the first line. Eg, However, when I cross-refer to Source B, I find that the policy of foreign talent does not benefit Singapore.Then, quote 2 evidences from the Source. Eg,

From the source, it says “….blah blah blah…” and “…blah blah blah bwuek…”.Next, explain. Eg,

This means that ……… explain clearly.Lastly, link back to the question issue.

Therefore, Source B proves that Singapore has not benefited from the policy of using Foreign Talent to build its economy.

ReliabilityParagraph 3This is when you cross-refer to another source.If the 1st cross-refer was against, your 2nd cross-refer should be supporting.

Make your cross-refer statement in the first line. Eg, When I cross-refer to Source C, I also find that the policy of foreign talent has benefited Singapore.Then, quote 2 evidences from the Source. Eg,

From the source, it says “….blah blah blah…” and “…blah blah blah bwuek…”.Next, explain. Eg,

This means that ……… explain clearly.Lastly, link back to the question issue.

Therefore, Source C proves that Singapore economy has benefited from the policy of using Foreign Talent.

ReliabilityParagraph 4This is the paragraph when you check for bias. You can only check the given source in the question.

The biggest clue whether or not a source is bias can be found in the provenance. For example, An Australian commenting about the policy of using Foreign Talent in Singapore. Naturally, the source will be biased.

Reliability

Make your bias statement in the first line. Eg, Source A is a comment made by an Australian about the policy of using Foreign Talent in Singapore.

Then, explain how it is bias. Eg,The Australian is a foreign talent in Singapore and he has given a good remark about the policy and how Singapore has benefited from the policy.

Lastly, link back to the question issue.Naturally, he would speak up and support the policy because he himself is a foreign talent. Therefore, this source is bias and it does not prove that Singapore’s Foreign Talent policy has benefited Singapore.

Sometimes people tell you, TRY your best. I say to you, DO your best!