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.