Process:

1. Process: Involves: • Understanding of issues • Identification of relevant issues • An analysis of these issues and perspectives • Adding value, comments.

2. Overview Test of Knowledge, Logic and Ideas. Ask: What you know? Why so? So what else? Hence I say…

3. Check List: • Intro Paragraph: Brief--- state your stand • Body Paragraph: at least 2/3 of the following: • Start with stand…get straight to the point. • Explain one argument from passage with specific highlights of reasoning using substantiations…a few lines. • Evaluation: give own argument (FOR) with evidence and examples to substantiate/justify your stand. • As above but against the argument from passage • Conclusion: reiterate your stand, linking back to question

4. Conclusion Over arching reasons for choosing one side over the other. OR: How is this relevant to your country? How does your country exercise this option? How does your experience support this side?

5. Tips • Time Budgeting: about 20 mins Effective Explanation: (EX) • Often most effectively done with quotations (combined with summary of stand). Must be precise – use key phrases containing key points • Usually Best ans evaluate only TWO arguments, but in detail. Give more if really required. Aim for quality not quantity. • Passage’s basic stand usually does not count as an EX pt. Even in comparison try to name SPECIFIC arguments. Strike balance and keep focus (so you can argue for or against) and keep it broad (easier to find egs) • Do not choose argument you agree with but have no Eg or EV.

6. Effective Examples (Eg) • Specifics! Without them, you only score 5/8 • If you know specifics beyond passage, use them to give impression of breadth and depth… 3 is good e.g. Elizabeth 1, Wu Zhe Tian and Margaret Thatcher proved that women are no fools in politics. Under their leadership, England, China and the UK all enjoyed their golden ages. • Link every eg back to point you want to make.

7. Effective Evaluation (Ev) • Positive Ev only counts if it’s arguments or examples, not just “I agree”. Ensure they are your own, not lifted from passage. • Negative Ev based on an Ex pt from other passage is ok but your own better: • Is passage ‘s argument valid in long run? What are the short-run consequences? • Is it feasible/practical? Or is it an ideal we should strive for? • Does it truly apply to everyone? Does it leave out minority group, such as religion, ethnicity, gender, age group, level of education, rural/urban population or socio-economic class? • DO NOT CONTRADICT YOURSELF!

8. How not to Contradict? • Justify /explain why opponent’s argument is wrong, with egs. (…shorted-sighted to argue that admitting less-qualified minority students into universities is an unmitigated evil. In the long run…need all ethnicities…for social stability.) • Admit there are some valid arguments in opposition but these are limited or minimal. E.g. “Human cloning… still unsafe and inhumane today, but in principle…ethically defensible.” adapted and modified byAdrian Chan,2007/ rosie smith/EL dept/RI 2009 from RJC 2003/04, LCK n CSN; J Leong, E-Ching.

9. 1 Analyse Two Points in Detail • Easiest kind… most focused 2 Choose between Two Sides: • Most common. Each side need not correspond to one passage. • Adaptation of checklist: be careful with Ex pts. Don’t give too narrowly focused Ex, which will not help you decide between sides. Yet don’t be too vague, it’s harder to evaluate. • Focus on deepest and most central arguments, assumptions and attitudes. • Don’t sit on the fence!

10. 3 Relevant to your Society • The basic checklist usually works here. Just adapt for (2) above where relevant, and remember that halfway line is relevant vs irrelevant. • Danger: what does ‘relevant to your society’ mean? i.e. whether problems identified are also seen in Singapore, but can also ask if it would help Singaporeans to be more aware of these ideas. If you are not Singaporean, you may use your own country’s situation. adapted and modified by Adrian Chan,2007/ rosie smith/EL dept/RI 2009 from RJC 2003/04, LCK n CSN; J Leong, E-Ching.

11. Question elaboration and samples of question wording: • A discussion of what should be the case/ what is the ideal response: How, in your view, should your country deal with the demands of gay couples for the right to marry?(RJC JC2 CT2 2004). Should marriage be a legal contract between individuals or non-binding relationship based on love and trust? (RJC JC2 CT2 2003)

12. A discussion of the extent to which the issues presented in both passages are relevant to your own country: Identify three issues raised in the passages and discuss to what extent these issues are relevant to your own country. (RJC Promo 2003).

13. A critical evaluation of both arguments/ perspectives: E.G. 1: Melanie Philips in Passage 1 believes that gambling is a vice, whereas Guy Calvert in Passage 2 argues for one’s right to gamble. Which view of gambling do you subscribe to? Explain the reasons for your choice. How relevant to Singapore society are the views raised by both authors? In your answer, refer to some of the points made by the authors, and cite some of your own experiences to support your views. (TJC Prelims 2005)

14. E.G .2: The Dalai Lama advocates even-handedness in our approach toward others while Wilson recommends that honesty to the self is key in our relationship with others. Referring to the views of both writers and based on your own knowledge and experience, which view, put into practice, do you feel would better raise the level of moral standards in your society? (NJC Prelims 2003)

15. A discussion of the relevance of the arguments in the passages, coupled with your evaluation of possible solutions: E.G. 1:The writers of both passages provide a disturbing glimpse of a society in which career opportunities and attitudes about work are undergoing profound changes. They have identified some of the work attitudes that have prevented workers from adapting well to the current economic changes. Select any two of these attitudes and show how they are true of your country. Base on your selection, suggest what can be done to help these workers adapt to the changing economic situation. (YJC Prelims 2003).

16. E.G. 2: What strategies and solutions would you offer to G8 leaders to help solve the problem of poverty in Africa? In your answer, you should develop or comment upon points made in the two passages and also draw upon your own experiences of living in a post colonial nation- state. (RJC Prelims 2005)

17. To Summarise: A good SRQ answer: • Straightaway identifies issue to be discussed. • Explains issues clearly and accurately • Takes a clear stand on issue • Applies the discussion to the student’s own society (if required to do so) • Illustrates the points raised with a good range of convincing egs (Not relying on purely anecdotal) • Provides the writer’s own ideas (original insights)

18. Provides an in-depth analysis of the issue, carefully avoiding making fallacious and/or superficial statements. • Presents the points one at a time and clearly indicates when the transition to the next point is taking place. • Presents student’s opinion in an objective manner • Shows broad consideration of the issue.