Dear Students,
Work hard for your History EXAM on Monday. Remember, effort goes a long way. Read my notes. Read your textbook. Pester your friends who are good in History. Ask them to teach you. Study together. Use any method that works. Study!!!
For my dear students who are celebrating Hari Raya, sacrifice. STUDY. I am not going for Jalan Hari Raya because I have to mark papers, prepare stuff for students. If I have my fun, I will not be able to finish my work. REALLY.
Hari Raya comes every year. Exams that decide your future only ONCE. REALLY.
And so....I wish everyone the best of luck. Last Push! You people can do it!!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
(FOR 2N2 ONLY) Some Questions and their Answers.
Below are some sample questions and their answers. Practise!!!
Short answer Questions
1. Name the first Yang di Pertuan Negara of Singapore (1m)
2. What animals is the Singapore state crest flanked by (surrounded/placed by the sides)? (1m)
3. Who led the’ Merdeka Mission to negotiate with the British for the independence of Malaya? (1m)
4. What was Singapore renamed during the Japanese Occupation and what does it mean? (2m)
5. What is the name of the government that took over the running of Singapore in the post (after) World War Two years ? (1m)
6. What was the mass screening by the Japanese to wipe out anti-Japanese elements known as? (1m)
7. When was the People’s Action Party (PAP) formed? (1m)
8. In the Maria Hertogh case, why was her Muslim marriage announced as null (not valid/not counted as lawful)? (1m)
9. What does ASEAN stand for? When was it formed? (2m)
10. Why did the ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ campaign make UMNO leaders unhappy? (2m)
11. Why was Brunei excluded from the Federation of Malaya? (1m)
12. What does JTC stand for? (1m)
13. Who was Dr Albert Winsemius? (1m)
14. Which countries signed the Five Power Defence Agreement with Singapore? (1m)
15. When was the National Service Amendment Bill passed (means made into law)? (1m)
16. Name two strategies the PAP government did to respond to challenges after independence (2m)
17. Which year did the Hock Lee bus riots occur? (1m)
18. Which 2 secondary schools were particularly against National Service? (2m)
19. What is the name of the organisation that Singaporeans feared during the Japanese Occupation? (1m)
20. Which were the two famous British battleships guarding Singapore and Malaya? (2m)
Structured Questions:
1. Describe how living conditions were like in Singapore after World War 2 ended. (4m)
2. Why was there a change in the political attitudes (how people feel towards the government) of the people of Singapore after the British return in 1945? (6m)
3. What were the strengths of the PAP that enabled it to win the 1959 election? (5m)
4. What lessons can we learn from the Maria Hertogh Riots? Explain. (5m)
5. Why was Singapore known as the impregnable fortress? (6m)
Some notes:
- When you are asked to DESCRIBE, it means to TELL.
- When a question starts with WHY or HOW DO YOU THINK or WHAT CAN WE LEARN….You must give the FACTORS and the REASONS /EXPLANATIONS!
Answers for the Short Answer and Structured Questions!!!
1. Yusof Bin Ishak
2. The lion and the tiger.
3. Tunku Abdul Rahman
4. Syonan –To. It means ‘Light of the South.’
5. The British Military Administration.
6. Sook Ching.
7. 21st November 1954.
8. She was under-aged under the Dutch law and the consent of her natural father was not asked.
9. It stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 8th August 1967.
10. It questioned the special rights of the Malays. It seemed that PAP was not acting according to UMNO’s wishes.
11. The Sultan of Brunei and the Malayan government did not agree on the economic reforms.
12. Jurong Town Corporation.
13. He was a Dutch economist who was invited to advise Singapore on its economic development.
14. Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.
15. 14th March 1967.
16. Attract Multinational Corporations to invest in S’pore. Setting better standards in Housing.
17. 1955
18. Chung Cheng High and Chinese High.
19. The Kempeitai.
20. The HMS Repulse and The HMS Prince of Wales.
Structured Qns:
1. There was a shortage of water and electricity and telephone services were disrupted. This was due to the Japanese destruction of public facilities and a lack of public funds to build new ones during the war. On top of this, there was a severe shortage of food and many people were unemployed as industries such a manufacturing and export stopped functioning during the war.
2. The British were blamed and many saw that they had failed to defend Singapore. This was seen in the failure of their defence strategies such as their inability to stop Japanese advancement from Malaya. On top of this, external events such as India’s independence gave inspiration to Singaporeans to demand self government too.
The British were for post war problems such as high unemployment, lack of food, water and electricity. In addition, Communism was gaining a foothold in the minds of the Chinese educated and the trade unions. Workers started a series of strikes to demand for better pay and working conditions.
3. The PAP was the most impressive and united. Other parties appeared to have disagreements and the PAP were the only ones who were well organised.
It had a lot of support from the trade unions and Chinese schools. This was crucial as they got a lot of votes from this section of society.
On top of all these, the PAP had a detailed plan for Singaporeans. This plan had clear objectives and ways to improve healthcare, housing and education. In addition, the PAP presented themselves as honest and incorrupt.
4. Riots had a significant impact on the society of Singapore. Public and private property were destroyed and people did not feel safe anymore. One lesson learnt was violence did not solve problems but made them worse. With the riots, businesses were affected and the economy suffered.
The riots also showed that religious and racial issues had to be dealt with carefully and that racial harmony is important in Singapore. The riots were an expression of anti –British feelings as the Courts favoured the Dutch. There is thus a need to establish fair laws and just people to preside in the courts in order to prevent public anger.
5. Why was Singapore known as the impregnable fortress?
The term impregnable fortress means strong and invincible defence of Singapore. It was known to be the impregnable fortress for the following reasons.
Firstly, 15 inch guns were installed facing the sea. These guns seemed to be more than enough in defending Singapore from any form of attach from the sea. On top of this, Singapore was defended by a large hinterland, Malaya from the back. Enemies would take a long time to go through Malaya and the British thought that the Japanese would find it hard to go through the thick and dense jungles.
Secondly, the island was defended by the two warships, the HMS Repulse and the HMS Prince of Wales. It was seen that there was a lot of firepower and advanced ships and guns to defend the island.
Thirdly, Singapore was also protected by troops from India and Australia. There was a military presence in Tengah and Sembawang and underground bunkers were built in Fort Canning, Labrador and Sembawang. Singapore seemed to be well prepared if war happened.
In conclusion, these are the reasons why Singapore was known as the impregnable fortress.
Short answer Questions
1. Name the first Yang di Pertuan Negara of Singapore (1m)
2. What animals is the Singapore state crest flanked by (surrounded/placed by the sides)? (1m)
3. Who led the’ Merdeka Mission to negotiate with the British for the independence of Malaya? (1m)
4. What was Singapore renamed during the Japanese Occupation and what does it mean? (2m)
5. What is the name of the government that took over the running of Singapore in the post (after) World War Two years ? (1m)
6. What was the mass screening by the Japanese to wipe out anti-Japanese elements known as? (1m)
7. When was the People’s Action Party (PAP) formed? (1m)
8. In the Maria Hertogh case, why was her Muslim marriage announced as null (not valid/not counted as lawful)? (1m)
9. What does ASEAN stand for? When was it formed? (2m)
10. Why did the ‘Malaysian Malaysia’ campaign make UMNO leaders unhappy? (2m)
11. Why was Brunei excluded from the Federation of Malaya? (1m)
12. What does JTC stand for? (1m)
13. Who was Dr Albert Winsemius? (1m)
14. Which countries signed the Five Power Defence Agreement with Singapore? (1m)
15. When was the National Service Amendment Bill passed (means made into law)? (1m)
16. Name two strategies the PAP government did to respond to challenges after independence (2m)
17. Which year did the Hock Lee bus riots occur? (1m)
18. Which 2 secondary schools were particularly against National Service? (2m)
19. What is the name of the organisation that Singaporeans feared during the Japanese Occupation? (1m)
20. Which were the two famous British battleships guarding Singapore and Malaya? (2m)
Structured Questions:
1. Describe how living conditions were like in Singapore after World War 2 ended. (4m)
2. Why was there a change in the political attitudes (how people feel towards the government) of the people of Singapore after the British return in 1945? (6m)
3. What were the strengths of the PAP that enabled it to win the 1959 election? (5m)
4. What lessons can we learn from the Maria Hertogh Riots? Explain. (5m)
5. Why was Singapore known as the impregnable fortress? (6m)
Some notes:
- When you are asked to DESCRIBE, it means to TELL.
- When a question starts with WHY or HOW DO YOU THINK or WHAT CAN WE LEARN….You must give the FACTORS and the REASONS /EXPLANATIONS!
Answers for the Short Answer and Structured Questions!!!
1. Yusof Bin Ishak
2. The lion and the tiger.
3. Tunku Abdul Rahman
4. Syonan –To. It means ‘Light of the South.’
5. The British Military Administration.
6. Sook Ching.
7. 21st November 1954.
8. She was under-aged under the Dutch law and the consent of her natural father was not asked.
9. It stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 8th August 1967.
10. It questioned the special rights of the Malays. It seemed that PAP was not acting according to UMNO’s wishes.
11. The Sultan of Brunei and the Malayan government did not agree on the economic reforms.
12. Jurong Town Corporation.
13. He was a Dutch economist who was invited to advise Singapore on its economic development.
14. Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.
15. 14th March 1967.
16. Attract Multinational Corporations to invest in S’pore. Setting better standards in Housing.
17. 1955
18. Chung Cheng High and Chinese High.
19. The Kempeitai.
20. The HMS Repulse and The HMS Prince of Wales.
Structured Qns:
1. There was a shortage of water and electricity and telephone services were disrupted. This was due to the Japanese destruction of public facilities and a lack of public funds to build new ones during the war. On top of this, there was a severe shortage of food and many people were unemployed as industries such a manufacturing and export stopped functioning during the war.
2. The British were blamed and many saw that they had failed to defend Singapore. This was seen in the failure of their defence strategies such as their inability to stop Japanese advancement from Malaya. On top of this, external events such as India’s independence gave inspiration to Singaporeans to demand self government too.
The British were for post war problems such as high unemployment, lack of food, water and electricity. In addition, Communism was gaining a foothold in the minds of the Chinese educated and the trade unions. Workers started a series of strikes to demand for better pay and working conditions.
3. The PAP was the most impressive and united. Other parties appeared to have disagreements and the PAP were the only ones who were well organised.
It had a lot of support from the trade unions and Chinese schools. This was crucial as they got a lot of votes from this section of society.
On top of all these, the PAP had a detailed plan for Singaporeans. This plan had clear objectives and ways to improve healthcare, housing and education. In addition, the PAP presented themselves as honest and incorrupt.
4. Riots had a significant impact on the society of Singapore. Public and private property were destroyed and people did not feel safe anymore. One lesson learnt was violence did not solve problems but made them worse. With the riots, businesses were affected and the economy suffered.
The riots also showed that religious and racial issues had to be dealt with carefully and that racial harmony is important in Singapore. The riots were an expression of anti –British feelings as the Courts favoured the Dutch. There is thus a need to establish fair laws and just people to preside in the courts in order to prevent public anger.
5. Why was Singapore known as the impregnable fortress?
The term impregnable fortress means strong and invincible defence of Singapore. It was known to be the impregnable fortress for the following reasons.
Firstly, 15 inch guns were installed facing the sea. These guns seemed to be more than enough in defending Singapore from any form of attach from the sea. On top of this, Singapore was defended by a large hinterland, Malaya from the back. Enemies would take a long time to go through Malaya and the British thought that the Japanese would find it hard to go through the thick and dense jungles.
Secondly, the island was defended by the two warships, the HMS Repulse and the HMS Prince of Wales. It was seen that there was a lot of firepower and advanced ships and guns to defend the island.
Thirdly, Singapore was also protected by troops from India and Australia. There was a military presence in Tengah and Sembawang and underground bunkers were built in Fort Canning, Labrador and Sembawang. Singapore seemed to be well prepared if war happened.
In conclusion, these are the reasons why Singapore was known as the impregnable fortress.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Piece of News for 2N2
Dear students of 2N2,
There are 2 pieces of news. One Good. One NOT so GOOD.
THE Good news.
---There will be NO history CA test for you guys this coming week. Woohoooo!!!!
THE NOT so GOOD news.
---As with every subject, Final EXAMS are definitely a MUST. History SA (Final EXAM) is on the 6th of October 2008. Yes, it is true!
Study Chapters 6,7,8,9,10.
What am I going to do?
1. Revision
2. Extra Classes (IF you want to come)
3. Online revision
So....people...LET us work towards the FINAL GOAL. We will work hard together to get a good GRADE for everyone. On top of this, let us not forget to make lessons FUN and LIVELY whenever it is POSSIBLE.
There are 2 pieces of news. One Good. One NOT so GOOD.
THE Good news.
---There will be NO history CA test for you guys this coming week. Woohoooo!!!!
THE NOT so GOOD news.
---As with every subject, Final EXAMS are definitely a MUST. History SA (Final EXAM) is on the 6th of October 2008. Yes, it is true!
Study Chapters 6,7,8,9,10.
What am I going to do?
1. Revision
2. Extra Classes (IF you want to come)
3. Online revision
So....people...LET us work towards the FINAL GOAL. We will work hard together to get a good GRADE for everyone. On top of this, let us not forget to make lessons FUN and LIVELY whenever it is POSSIBLE.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
More on the History Test....
Dear Students,
The test paper that you will be having is NOT a killer. It is NOT difficult. Only the source based questions will be tough. If you have studied for the test, it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET FULL MARKS for the first 2 sections before the Source based questions.
For those who are in ACTIVE studying mode now....keep up the good effort. For those who are NOT....you better stop your slacking and hit the textbooks!
Good luck everyone.
Here is some stuff for everyone to enjoy.....Probably you might want to throw rotten eggs at him...
The test paper that you will be having is NOT a killer. It is NOT difficult. Only the source based questions will be tough. If you have studied for the test, it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO GET FULL MARKS for the first 2 sections before the Source based questions.
For those who are in ACTIVE studying mode now....keep up the good effort. For those who are NOT....you better stop your slacking and hit the textbooks!
Good luck everyone.
Here is some stuff for everyone to enjoy.....Probably you might want to throw rotten eggs at him...
Friday, September 5, 2008
History Class Test Dates
Dear SEC 1 Students,
Your history class test will be conducted on the first 2 days you come back from school. For 1E1 and 1E4, it will be on monday, 8/9/08. For 1E3, it will be 9/9/08. The test falls on your double periods.
Students, I know that having a test when you come back right after the holidays isn't very pleasant. However, you have been told to study for it a long long time ago and THERE IS NO EXCUSE.
Those who have submitted your NPPA to me, good for you. Your NPPA may help to increase your final test scores. Those who have not, too bad. I'm just going to take your scores from the test ONLY.
Please help to spread the news amongst everyone. Happy studying and Good Luck!
Your history class test will be conducted on the first 2 days you come back from school. For 1E1 and 1E4, it will be on monday, 8/9/08. For 1E3, it will be 9/9/08. The test falls on your double periods.
Students, I know that having a test when you come back right after the holidays isn't very pleasant. However, you have been told to study for it a long long time ago and THERE IS NO EXCUSE.
Those who have submitted your NPPA to me, good for you. Your NPPA may help to increase your final test scores. Those who have not, too bad. I'm just going to take your scores from the test ONLY.
Please help to spread the news amongst everyone. Happy studying and Good Luck!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
How to Memorise and Use History Facts Effectively!!!
Probably, it is true that many people dislike History as a subject because they are made to memorise facts, dates and the names of people and what they did etc etc etc.....
Yes....it actually sucks when you have to remember things. Especially dates!
I know it. I was once a student like you. But, unlike many people, I had almost NO trouble with facts, names and dates. You might wonder....why?
Well, there are 2 main reasons. First, I love history. I still do. Second, I found my style of memorising things since I was really really young...like in primary school. It is this style of memorising that I applied to my study of history that made me the TOP student in History.
Now....I am imparting these techniques to you.
You better open your eyes and suck in all the information posted here. YOU WILL BENEFIT FOR YOUR TESTS, EXAMS AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
There are 6 main types of styles for memorising anything.
1. Audio style (memorises by sound)
2. Visual style (memorises by seeing)
3. Kinetic style (memorises by movement/actions)
4. Audio & Visual style (memorises by seeing and hearing things)
5. Audio and Kinetic style (memorises by hearing and remembering movements/actions)
6. Kinetic and Visual style (memorises by remembering movement/actions and also by seeing)
Students,
Take time to find out which style you belong to. Experiment. Once you have found out which is YOUR STYLE, try to follow my suggestions. Good luck!!!
1. Audio style
- People in this group will remember facts better by others telling them using their voice.
- People in this group have a habit of playing back in their head what they heard from the TEACHER or their FRIENDS.
Suggested way to study History for people with this style:
--- Read to yourself the fact, date or the name of the person in the history textbook.
--- Read at least 5 times to yourself when studying. During the test, your own voice will playback like a sound recorder to you in your head.
2. Visual style
- People in this group will remember facts better by seeing things, pictures or seeing certain words. Everything seems like a MOVIE to them.
- Students with this style will remember better when the teacher writes clearly or uses pictures to tell the facts.
Suggested way to study History for people with this style:
--- draw pictures associated with the facts. eg: Kautilya is the PM during the time when Chandragupta ruled. Draw his face and write his name.
--- keep writing a fact in a bigger size 5 times over and over again on a piece of paper. Eg: SINGAPORE BECAME INDEPENDENT ON 9TH AUGUST 1965. (WRITE THIS IN A BIG FONT ON A PIECE OF PAPER)
3. Kinetic style (movement and action)
- People who belong in this group tend to remember actions better than anything else.
- Students in this group will remember the dramatic actions of Mr. Mak when he is trying to tell students about something REAL that happened in the past (a fact).
Eg: The First Emperor of China was a cruel and harsh man. (Mr. Mak starts to look evil, takes an imaginary sword as if he is cutting off an enemy's head)
Due to the action I did, the student might remember this fact (that the First Emperor is cruel and harsh).
Suggested way to study History for those with this style:
--- While reading the textbook, perform actions when you see a fact. Eg: Pg 156, Sec 1 History Textbook, Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE.
--- after seeing this FACT, do an action that RELATES to it. Pretend you are the volcano that erupted in 1006 CE. Do this at least 3 times.
4. Audio & Visual style (memorises by seeing and hearing things)
- People in this group remember facts by seeing and hearing.
- Both the seeing and the hearing must be present for them to remember well.
- Whatever they saw and heard will playback in their heads like a movie during an exam or test.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- Read to yourself the fact, date or the name of the person in the history textbook. AT THE SAME TIME, WRITE OR DRAW in a bigger font the fact you read.
--- Do the two actions at the SAME TIME. REPEAT at least 5 times.
--- You will find it easier to remember.
5. Audio and Kinetic style (memorises by hearing and remembering movements/actions)
- The people in this group behave like Jackie Chan.
- They hear the facts from the teacher or their friends and perform the action at the SAME TIME to remember IT better.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- You perform the ACTION related to the FACT and SOUND must be added to it everytime you perform to yourself.
--- Eg: Pg 156, Sec 1 History Textbook. Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. You pretend to be a volcano that erupts and tell yourself in your own words that Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. Do this at least 5 times. The image and the sound will stay in your head.
Kinetic and Visual style (memorises by remembering movement/actions and also by seeing)
- Those who are in this group will find it easier to remember facts by seeing and then performing an action related to the fact.
- Eg: Mr. Mak says that Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. He then pretends to be a volcano that erupts. He makes a movement that shows GUSHING LAVA from the volcano.
- The student will then see this. He/She may imitate what I DID and remember the FACT from there.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- For example: Pg 157 of Secondary 1 textbook says: Sultan Mahmud did not allow the Portuguese to trade in Melaka when they arrived in 1509 CE.
--- Pretend to be the Sultan. Do the action of refusing the Portuguese their right to trade. Say to yourself that in the year 1509...."I, Mahmud Shah, Sultan of Melaka, hereby in the year 1509 say to you the Portuguese that you are not allowed to trade here!!!!" Do the hand gestures (actions) and the angry face!!!!
--- This act should be repeated 3 times. The image and action will replay in your head during the test or exam.
Yes....it actually sucks when you have to remember things. Especially dates!
I know it. I was once a student like you. But, unlike many people, I had almost NO trouble with facts, names and dates. You might wonder....why?
Well, there are 2 main reasons. First, I love history. I still do. Second, I found my style of memorising things since I was really really young...like in primary school. It is this style of memorising that I applied to my study of history that made me the TOP student in History.
Now....I am imparting these techniques to you.
You better open your eyes and suck in all the information posted here. YOU WILL BENEFIT FOR YOUR TESTS, EXAMS AND FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
There are 6 main types of styles for memorising anything.
1. Audio style (memorises by sound)
2. Visual style (memorises by seeing)
3. Kinetic style (memorises by movement/actions)
4. Audio & Visual style (memorises by seeing and hearing things)
5. Audio and Kinetic style (memorises by hearing and remembering movements/actions)
6. Kinetic and Visual style (memorises by remembering movement/actions and also by seeing)
Students,
Take time to find out which style you belong to. Experiment. Once you have found out which is YOUR STYLE, try to follow my suggestions. Good luck!!!
1. Audio style
- People in this group will remember facts better by others telling them using their voice.
- People in this group have a habit of playing back in their head what they heard from the TEACHER or their FRIENDS.
Suggested way to study History for people with this style:
--- Read to yourself the fact, date or the name of the person in the history textbook.
--- Read at least 5 times to yourself when studying. During the test, your own voice will playback like a sound recorder to you in your head.
2. Visual style
- People in this group will remember facts better by seeing things, pictures or seeing certain words. Everything seems like a MOVIE to them.
- Students with this style will remember better when the teacher writes clearly or uses pictures to tell the facts.
Suggested way to study History for people with this style:
--- draw pictures associated with the facts. eg: Kautilya is the PM during the time when Chandragupta ruled. Draw his face and write his name.
--- keep writing a fact in a bigger size 5 times over and over again on a piece of paper. Eg: SINGAPORE BECAME INDEPENDENT ON 9TH AUGUST 1965. (WRITE THIS IN A BIG FONT ON A PIECE OF PAPER)
3. Kinetic style (movement and action)
- People who belong in this group tend to remember actions better than anything else.
- Students in this group will remember the dramatic actions of Mr. Mak when he is trying to tell students about something REAL that happened in the past (a fact).
Eg: The First Emperor of China was a cruel and harsh man. (Mr. Mak starts to look evil, takes an imaginary sword as if he is cutting off an enemy's head)
Due to the action I did, the student might remember this fact (that the First Emperor is cruel and harsh).
Suggested way to study History for those with this style:
--- While reading the textbook, perform actions when you see a fact. Eg: Pg 156, Sec 1 History Textbook, Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE.
--- after seeing this FACT, do an action that RELATES to it. Pretend you are the volcano that erupted in 1006 CE. Do this at least 3 times.
4. Audio & Visual style (memorises by seeing and hearing things)
- People in this group remember facts by seeing and hearing.
- Both the seeing and the hearing must be present for them to remember well.
- Whatever they saw and heard will playback in their heads like a movie during an exam or test.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- Read to yourself the fact, date or the name of the person in the history textbook. AT THE SAME TIME, WRITE OR DRAW in a bigger font the fact you read.
--- Do the two actions at the SAME TIME. REPEAT at least 5 times.
--- You will find it easier to remember.
5. Audio and Kinetic style (memorises by hearing and remembering movements/actions)
- The people in this group behave like Jackie Chan.
- They hear the facts from the teacher or their friends and perform the action at the SAME TIME to remember IT better.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- You perform the ACTION related to the FACT and SOUND must be added to it everytime you perform to yourself.
--- Eg: Pg 156, Sec 1 History Textbook. Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. You pretend to be a volcano that erupts and tell yourself in your own words that Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. Do this at least 5 times. The image and the sound will stay in your head.
Kinetic and Visual style (memorises by remembering movement/actions and also by seeing)
- Those who are in this group will find it easier to remember facts by seeing and then performing an action related to the fact.
- Eg: Mr. Mak says that Mount Merapi erupted in 1006 CE. He then pretends to be a volcano that erupts. He makes a movement that shows GUSHING LAVA from the volcano.
- The student will then see this. He/She may imitate what I DID and remember the FACT from there.
Suggestions on how to study for those with such a style:
--- For example: Pg 157 of Secondary 1 textbook says: Sultan Mahmud did not allow the Portuguese to trade in Melaka when they arrived in 1509 CE.
--- Pretend to be the Sultan. Do the action of refusing the Portuguese their right to trade. Say to yourself that in the year 1509...."I, Mahmud Shah, Sultan of Melaka, hereby in the year 1509 say to you the Portuguese that you are not allowed to trade here!!!!" Do the hand gestures (actions) and the angry face!!!!
--- This act should be repeated 3 times. The image and action will replay in your head during the test or exam.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A Simplified Approach to Answering the Much Feared Source Based Questions (SBQs)
Students,
Answering the much feared source based questions is pretty SIMPLE. Why? This is another take on the SBQs.
When it comes to inference (thinking and concluding with the facts) style questions, give me a fact and explain.
GIVE ME A FACT AND EXPLAIN.
When it is a 5 marks question, give me 2 facts and 2 explanations.
Fact And Explain...... F&E.
Let us look at an example below.
Source A: IMAGINE that it is a picture of Qin Shihuang treating and torturing the people harshly......
Source B:
Emperor Qin Shihuang was afraid of death. He consulted magicians for potions that would prolong his life. Believing that a magic plant that could prolong life existed at the bottom of the sea, he made hundreds of young children dive into the sea to search for this plant. Obviously, they drowned. He did not want to enter the next life alone. As such, he was buried with an 'army' of terracotta soldiers and horses.
[Source: Andrew Major, The Living Past, Times Media Private Limited: 2000]
Sample Questions:
1. Examine Source B. What does the source tell you about Qin Shihuang's character? (4 marks)
2. Compare Source A (imagined picture of harsh treatment) and B. How does the evidence in Source B confirm what is happening in Source A.
So how do you answer the above?????
Good Answers for Qns 1 and 2
1. Other than being afraid of death (This is the FACT), which showed that he was a coward, Qin Shihuang was a cruel and harsh man (This is the EXPLANATION). He made children die searching for what he wanted (This is the FACT) . He had no compassion or mercy. This also shows that he was a selfish person. (This is the EXPLANATION)
Qin Shihuang needed a large terracotta army to protect him (This is the FACT) in this death because he was afraid of being lonely. (This is the EXPLANATION)
The above answer guarantees you FULL marks.
As for Question 2. Think of it yourself! Hahahahaha.
Answering the much feared source based questions is pretty SIMPLE. Why? This is another take on the SBQs.
When it comes to inference (thinking and concluding with the facts) style questions, give me a fact and explain.
GIVE ME A FACT AND EXPLAIN.
When it is a 5 marks question, give me 2 facts and 2 explanations.
Fact And Explain...... F&E.
Let us look at an example below.
Source A: IMAGINE that it is a picture of Qin Shihuang treating and torturing the people harshly......
Source B:
Emperor Qin Shihuang was afraid of death. He consulted magicians for potions that would prolong his life. Believing that a magic plant that could prolong life existed at the bottom of the sea, he made hundreds of young children dive into the sea to search for this plant. Obviously, they drowned. He did not want to enter the next life alone. As such, he was buried with an 'army' of terracotta soldiers and horses.
[Source: Andrew Major, The Living Past, Times Media Private Limited: 2000]
Sample Questions:
1. Examine Source B. What does the source tell you about Qin Shihuang's character? (4 marks)
2. Compare Source A (imagined picture of harsh treatment) and B. How does the evidence in Source B confirm what is happening in Source A.
So how do you answer the above?????
Good Answers for Qns 1 and 2
1. Other than being afraid of death (This is the FACT), which showed that he was a coward, Qin Shihuang was a cruel and harsh man (This is the EXPLANATION). He made children die searching for what he wanted (This is the FACT) . He had no compassion or mercy. This also shows that he was a selfish person. (This is the EXPLANATION)
Qin Shihuang needed a large terracotta army to protect him (This is the FACT) in this death because he was afraid of being lonely. (This is the EXPLANATION)
The above answer guarantees you FULL marks.
As for Question 2. Think of it yourself! Hahahahaha.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Blogging will resume only on 2nd Sept 08
Hello People,
I hope that everyone is having a nice holiday. At the same time, I hope everyone have been doing their revision. Well, students need a break. Teachers too!!! Therefore, I will not be posting anything during the weekend as I am somewhere in the planet they call Earth, having a short holiday!!!
See y'all soon yah?
Mr. Mak
I hope that everyone is having a nice holiday. At the same time, I hope everyone have been doing their revision. Well, students need a break. Teachers too!!! Therefore, I will not be posting anything during the weekend as I am somewhere in the planet they call Earth, having a short holiday!!!
See y'all soon yah?
Mr. Mak
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Back in the Blogging Action
Hello students!
Mr. Mak has been busy with marking and with the 'O' Levels Oral Examinations recently. That is why I have not been able to update my blog. Worry not! I have some very IMPORTANT news for all my HISTORY students.
First, there will be updates on my blog to help you revise for your upcoming history test in Term 4 which is AFTER the September one week holidays. For those who do NOT have internet access at home, go to your friend's place. For those who have it, go online and read my blog. NO EXCUSES.
Second, your history NPPA is due soon. It is due on this THURSDAY 28 of AUGUST 2008. For those who do not know how to do it, here are the details.
1. You are given 3 issues to deal with.
2. Chose only 1.
3. Imagine a situation connected with the issue you have chosen.
4. Tell me.....HOW did it happen? When did it happen? What actually happened? Who were involved?
5. TELL ME....What are you going to do to SOLVE the problem???
DATES, Time and Characters in your story can be FAKE. But, you must be able to keep to the point. No need for nice and fancy artwork. I want only creativity and original work.
Some of you have requested for the video about the First Emperor of China. Here it is BELOW!!!!!
Part 1
Part 2
As for the rest....you can get it from YouTube. Type in The First Emperor: the man who made China. and you will get the rest!!!!
Enjoy.
Mr. Mak has been busy with marking and with the 'O' Levels Oral Examinations recently. That is why I have not been able to update my blog. Worry not! I have some very IMPORTANT news for all my HISTORY students.
First, there will be updates on my blog to help you revise for your upcoming history test in Term 4 which is AFTER the September one week holidays. For those who do NOT have internet access at home, go to your friend's place. For those who have it, go online and read my blog. NO EXCUSES.
Second, your history NPPA is due soon. It is due on this THURSDAY 28 of AUGUST 2008. For those who do not know how to do it, here are the details.
1. You are given 3 issues to deal with.
2. Chose only 1.
3. Imagine a situation connected with the issue you have chosen.
4. Tell me.....HOW did it happen? When did it happen? What actually happened? Who were involved?
5. TELL ME....What are you going to do to SOLVE the problem???
DATES, Time and Characters in your story can be FAKE. But, you must be able to keep to the point. No need for nice and fancy artwork. I want only creativity and original work.
Some of you have requested for the video about the First Emperor of China. Here it is BELOW!!!!!
Part 1
Part 2
As for the rest....you can get it from YouTube. Type in The First Emperor: the man who made China. and you will get the rest!!!!
Enjoy.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
History in Action: Inflation in Singapore
Inflation....hmm...
What's that?
Ok...imagine today a plate of Nasi Padang or Char Kway Teow costs $4.00. A week later, it costs you $4.50. Inflation is the INCREASE OF THE PRICES of all goods and services NOT only your food.
So yes....Singapore is facing an inflation problem now. Inflation will hit 7.5% this year.
BUT BUT BUT....WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS? Ok....inflation is not new in Singapore. We have a HISTORY of inflation.
During the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, the prices of goods rose. For eg: 0.6 kg of rice cost $75 in Dec 1945 and it was only $8.50 the PREVIOUS year!!!!! The Japanese even issued Banana notes which had no real value and it made things worse!
Japanese Occupation....
In the early 1970s, the oil crisis caused Singaporeans to panic. There was a stocking up of food supplies by merchants. Inflation rose to double digit figures.
We are facing a similiar situation compared to the 1970s because of high oil prices.
Obama Proposing some solutions or IS he protectionist? You decide.
However, this time around, we are ready to deal with it because of a strong and diversified economy and incorrupt government. Read MM Lee's comments and assurance on this matter in Channelnewsasia.com....
If IF IF....You cannot stand the rising prices...here are some places to go for cheap cheap good good food (makan)
Some things for everyone to think about....
1. What is the COMMON factor amongst the 3 situations?
2. What is the DIFFERENCE?
3. Do you think we can effectively tackle the problem of inflation NOW?
What's that?
Ok...imagine today a plate of Nasi Padang or Char Kway Teow costs $4.00. A week later, it costs you $4.50. Inflation is the INCREASE OF THE PRICES of all goods and services NOT only your food.
So yes....Singapore is facing an inflation problem now. Inflation will hit 7.5% this year.
BUT BUT BUT....WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS? Ok....inflation is not new in Singapore. We have a HISTORY of inflation.
During the Japanese Occupation in Singapore, the prices of goods rose. For eg: 0.6 kg of rice cost $75 in Dec 1945 and it was only $8.50 the PREVIOUS year!!!!! The Japanese even issued Banana notes which had no real value and it made things worse!
Japanese Occupation....
In the early 1970s, the oil crisis caused Singaporeans to panic. There was a stocking up of food supplies by merchants. Inflation rose to double digit figures.
We are facing a similiar situation compared to the 1970s because of high oil prices.
Obama Proposing some solutions or IS he protectionist? You decide.
However, this time around, we are ready to deal with it because of a strong and diversified economy and incorrupt government. Read MM Lee's comments and assurance on this matter in Channelnewsasia.com....
If IF IF....You cannot stand the rising prices...here are some places to go for cheap cheap good good food (makan)
Some things for everyone to think about....
1. What is the COMMON factor amongst the 3 situations?
2. What is the DIFFERENCE?
3. Do you think we can effectively tackle the problem of inflation NOW?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
More on Inferring for Source Based Questions!!!
Okay people....
Inferring is not a smart guess!!! I repeat...it is NOT a smart guess.
Let us go into something deeper here.
Why do people infer? Since when did this inferring thing start?
People infer for a very important reason.
That is to arrive at a most logical (makes most sense) conclusion (judgement).
And if you do wonder when this started. Well, since a long long time ago. It dates back to the days when men began to talk. The art of infering as we know of it today developed from famous Greek philosophers and thinkers such as Socrates and Plato.
In philosophy, arriving at a most logical conclusion about a certain event is called the art of logical deduction. This is a part of critical thinking in philosophy.
Eg:
A. Ah Ming rides a scooter to work
B. Ah Ming takes the MRT to work.
C. Ah Ming drives his father's car to work.
So?
What are the possible conclusions?
1. Ah Ming refers to 3 different people in a different spaces and times. They are not related.
2. Ah Ming uses all 3 modes of transport on different days.
3. Ah Ming may ride a scooter to work if he leaves early or drive his father's car. If there is a traffic jam, he takes the MRT ONLY.
4. Ah Ming's father does not allow him or lend him the car everyday, therefore, depending on the situation, he uses the scooter or takes the MRT.
So, which one is MOST TRUE (makes the most sense)???
Inferring is not a smart guess!!! I repeat...it is NOT a smart guess.
Let us go into something deeper here.
Why do people infer? Since when did this inferring thing start?
People infer for a very important reason.
That is to arrive at a most logical (makes most sense) conclusion (judgement).
And if you do wonder when this started. Well, since a long long time ago. It dates back to the days when men began to talk. The art of infering as we know of it today developed from famous Greek philosophers and thinkers such as Socrates and Plato.
In philosophy, arriving at a most logical conclusion about a certain event is called the art of logical deduction. This is a part of critical thinking in philosophy.
Eg:
A. Ah Ming rides a scooter to work
B. Ah Ming takes the MRT to work.
C. Ah Ming drives his father's car to work.
So?
What are the possible conclusions?
1. Ah Ming refers to 3 different people in a different spaces and times. They are not related.
2. Ah Ming uses all 3 modes of transport on different days.
3. Ah Ming may ride a scooter to work if he leaves early or drive his father's car. If there is a traffic jam, he takes the MRT ONLY.
4. Ah Ming's father does not allow him or lend him the car everyday, therefore, depending on the situation, he uses the scooter or takes the MRT.
So, which one is MOST TRUE (makes the most sense)???
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Singapore's History in Action
Dear Students especially my students from 2N2,
Below are some videos of how Singapore was like in the OLD days. YES....OLD days...You and I were not born yet. Our parents were young and innocent small boys and girls then...and our favourite friend, LKY was a young and dynamic person.
ENJOY!!!
LKY speaking....plus videos of people working and sweating at Boat Quay. You and I are lucky we don't have to do that nowadays...
Below are some videos of how Singapore was like in the OLD days. YES....OLD days...You and I were not born yet. Our parents were young and innocent small boys and girls then...and our favourite friend, LKY was a young and dynamic person.
ENJOY!!!
LKY speaking....plus videos of people working and sweating at Boat Quay. You and I are lucky we don't have to do that nowadays...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
My First Posting on this Blog
Hi everyone,
This is one of my first few tries at blogging. Ok...as you all know by now...Mr. Mak is quite a computer "idiot" meaning...computer knows me, I dunno the computer. Anyway, that is gonna change. I'm learning new stuff now and and and and and and.......so....SHOULD YOU!
This is a history blog meant for my history classes, 1E1, 1E3, 1E4 and 2N2.
This is an attempt to make YOUR history learning more fun, easier.
You can find different history resources here and it can help you understand better.
Boring??? NO NO NO...never. With me around....hahaha....that is going to become a word of the past!
And you...yes YOU...that fella over there....Please don't dig your NOSE! Thanks.
Ok now....we shall try to answer a very very very lame question. Why study history?
I'll tell you the boring answer first.
"The study of history helps us understand why things the way they are today. We have to learn from past successes and failures. On top of this, we learn to understand and respect each other using lessons of the past. Finally, the study of history, we develop our critical thinking skills."
BORING. 5 year old kid can repeat to me. You can repeat to me. You know what it means???
A better way of explaining.....USING AN EXAMPLE...
Johnny loves BMX bikes. Johnny is 14 this year. His friends has nice BMX bikes. He doesn't have one. Johnny is jealous. He decides to steal a BMX bike.
His first steal was a success. Brand new BMX bike. He kept stealing and sold the parts off to others and bike shops. One fine day, he was off to do the USUAL stealing.
Unknowingly, police had tracked him down and followed him because too many BMX bikes have been stolen recently. He was caught when he tried to steal again. Police told him he will be charged for stealing.
Simple story right? What do you see in this story?
1. Johnny was jealous of his friends. Why? He was not contented with what he had.
2. Johnny stole again and again. Why? He enjoyed the THRILL of stealing and getting away with IT.
3. Johnny does not have a bike. Why? He might be POOR...OR his parents are very STRICT and do not PAMPER him...or he is TOO EASILY INFLUENCED BY FRIENDS!
4. Crime does not PAY. Why? You GO TO JAIL LA and and...they torture you inside. Simple right?
NOW...the above example is HISTORY in ACTION!!!
From what Johnny did, we learnt LESSONS from the past. We learnt how to think DEEPER.
It is that SIMPLE....
Watch for my NEXT Entry....
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