KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Secondary One --- How to study History?

Sec 1 pupils will have their first exposure to History when they enrol in 2010.It is practically a new subject for our young ones
( http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/syllabu ... y-2006.pdf )

I am starting this thread to gather inputs from experienced Ah ge and ah jie so as to make the transition a more pleasant one.

1)How to answer history essay/structured questions effectively? Do we answer in essay or point form? How much facts are to be put in? Please help to illustrate with actual examination questions.

2)Any relevant websites to download useful resources and past years papers?

Best wishes

History exam questions are different from those from our times. Questions can be categorised as two main types, SEQ (Structured Essay Questions) and SBQ (Source-based Questions.).

SEQs are basically essay questions based on the textbook facts.

In SBQs, one or two paragraphs of information or a picture / drawing (related to the topics they study in the textbook) is given as a background. Then based on the information, the students can be asked to infer, analyse, compare, why, how, etc. This is the section that is challenging to most students as it is something new to them.

Hope this helps u to have some idea about History in sec school

Hi

For those who are new to History, you may wish to take a look at these books.

Companion Guide to The Living Past (NEW!)
http://resource.marshallcavendish.com/m ... e&id=48902

Another book is Developing Skills for History (Sec One) from Longmans by Farah Ashley Burns

Best wishes

Wow....in my class, 11 out of 36 pupils failed history... :l!

And as for me? I almost failed. 7 marks to failure!

History is tough stuff. I guess I have to get used to it!

Aya wrote:Wow....in my class, 11 out of 36 pupils failed history... :l!

And as for me? I almost failed. 7 marks to failure!

History is tough stuff. I guess I have to get used to it!

Hi Aya, no worries, its like that for the beginning. Once you master the technique, you can even score A at the EOY exam.

During my time in the 80's, just have to memorize and regurgitate, so easy in that sense. First time when i looked at my boy's sec1 history, i was lost for words. So for source based questions, answers should have the following:
Point
Inference
Evidence

Am I on the right track?

carebear wrote:During my time in the 80's, just have to memorize and regurgitate, so easy in that sense. First time when i looked at my boy's sec1 history, i was lost for words. So for source based questions, answers should have the following:
Point
Inference
Evidence

Am I on the right track?

From my memory its Points inferred from sources + evidence. An extra inference might be needed to conclude your points if the question is broad (like the last or last 2 questions with more marks).

Aya wrote:Wow....in my class, 11 out of 36 pupils failed history... :l!

And as for me? I almost failed. 7 marks to failure!

History is tough stuff. I guess I have to get used to it!

Be prepared for another culture shock if u take econs in jc in future.

First, you must identify what sort of Source-Based Questions (SBQ). Generally, at Sec 1, they will learn the following:

1) Comprehend
2) Inference
3) Compare and Contrast

Later skills taught will include Utility, Reliability & Proof. But usually these may be taught in Sec 2. These skills are important to master because they form the foundation of the compulsory subject: Social Studies at O levels

For skills 1 & 2, its very simple. The questions usually ask for interpretations of the source. What is the message behind the source? What is the purpose of the source?

Answer format should be Inference, Details from Source, Explanation (IDE)
eg. The source is trying to say that the British Empire is falling apart. (Inference). From the source, I can see... student quotes from the source (Details). Because it the source shows... crumbling and rotting... therefore... (Explanation)

Its really simple once u master the skills.

Are there assessment/past year question books on lower Sec 1 history?