history is fun

What is SEQ? It is 'structured essay question'. SEQ can either be short or long essay question. The following is an example of SEQ:

1. Our Vulnerability [15m]

a. Why did Japan attack Southeast Asia? [4m]

b. How did the Japanese inculcate a sense of loyalty to Japan among the local people during the occupation? [4m]

c. The fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. [7m]

Now we shall introduce to you the steps to answer such questions:

Steps:

1. Read the essay question carefully.
2. What are the key words in the question? (This gets students to think about what they need answer.)
3. What are the key issues in the essay title? (This gets the students to focus on the content of the essay as well as historical issues.)
4. What is your opinion on the matter? (Do not start writing until you know what you want to say?)
5. Opening points to be made in each paragraph (This is very difficult but crucial. This should provide the skeleton of the essay and show the students how the entire essay is constructed. It helps in the planning!)

Remember this:

Point > Explanation, Example > Link back to the essay

PEEL

Each paragraph should always consist of a point, which is elaborated by explanation and examples. Then the point has to be linked back to the question. VERY IMPORTANT!

Note:
1. Always answer the question right from the beginning by stating your point of view!!! E.g. I agree that the fall of Singapore was due to the lack of preparation of the British…
2. Always write in small paragraphs.
3. Keep one point to one paragraph.
4. Each paragraph must be elaborated with examples and explanation.
5. Always link back to the question either at the beginning or end of each paragraph!!!
6. If time permits, always write a well-thought conclusion at the end of the essay. If time is limited, at least answer to the question one more time so that you will not go out of point.
7. Always time yourself.
8. Look at the mark allocation and answer the question accordingly. For a 4 mark question, 2 points with relevant explanation and examples would be sufficient. For people who want to play safe, 3 points. Remember 4 marks doesn’t mean 4 points without explanation nor examples.
9. Always present the two sides of an argument. You may agree with the statement but you must also write about counter arguments. Always two sides [given factor and additional factors]!!!
10. As far as possible you should never contradict yourself by saying you agree and then disagree later in your essay (when it comes to a 7 mark question). Instead, in your introduction, after you have stated your stand (or point of view), you should stick with the same stand in the conclusion too. This is only logical and prevents you from contradicting yourself. Learn to defend your argument!!!
11. Use conjuction to link your essay so that there is a good flow. e.g. firstly, secondly, thirdly, in addition, moreover, furthermore, nevertheless, but, however, in contrast, on the contrary, despite, etc.

Examples:

1. How did the Japanese inculcate a sense of loyalty among the local people during the occupation? [4m]

Firstly the Japanese used extensive propaganda and secondly they introduced a climate of fear.

Point-Extensive propaganda

Explanation
The Japanese used extensive propaganda for gaining the support and loyalty of the local people. The local people were told that the Japanese are fighting for the independence of the local Asiatic population and that the Japanese are focused on driving the white man away from Asia. Furthermore the Japanese also made use of false truths and exaggerations so as to project the Japanese as true saviors of the Asian people.

Link
Thus the Japanese were able to cultivate the loyalty of the local people.

Point-Climate of fear

Explanation
Secondly the Japanese also inculcated a climate of fear in the local population. Anyone who was suspected of being anti-Japanese was arrested, tortured and imprisoned eventually leading to death. Most often people were rounded up and were executed for the flimsiest of suspicion.

Link
Due to this the locals dared not go against the Japanese and most of them were forced to remain loyal to them.

2. The fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese. How far do you agree? Explain your answer. [7m]

L1 UNSUPPORTED AGREEMENT/DISAGREEMENT WITH THE HYPOTHESIS [1-2]
L2 AGREES OR DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT or WRONG [3-4]
L3 AGREES AND DISAGREES WITH THE HYPOTHESIS AND SHOWS WHY THE HYPOTHESIS WAS RIGHT AND WRONG [5-6]
L4 L3 PLUS A GOOD CONCLUSION [7]

[An L4 answer]
I disagree that the fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese .

[Agrees]
The Japanese achieved a brilliant victory in all aspects. Not only had they managed to defeat the British, but they had also destroyed the two famous battleships of the British thereby asserting their superiority. Besides that most of the Europeans were so terrified that they ran away for their lives. The British who all along had been invincible in battle had been dealt a devastating blow by the Japanese in such a quick time and with minimum casualty on the Japanese sides. Thus it is indeed a qualified success on the part of the Japanese.

[Disagrees]
However, it should also be born in mind that the Japanese were successful only from a military perspective. While the victory over Singapore was won, yet it was another matter in capturing the hearts and minds of the people. The Japanese were feared and hated by the local people so much and they were secretly despised. Furthermore the Japanese also mismanaged the economy and there was a shortage of essential commodities like food, clothing, medicine and other stuff. Furthermore there was uncontrolled inflation and the people’s lives were more miserable than during the British. Thus it would be incorrect to say that the fall of Singapore was a complete success for the Japanese.

[Conclusion]
In conclusion, it would be incorrect to assume that the fall of Singapore was a total success for the Japanese. While it was indeed true that from a military perspective it was a success yet it was severe failure from all other aspects. In terms of the economy, in terms of freedom, and in terms of happiness the Japanese occupation was far from success. The fact that even today the Japanese occupation is remembered as the days of darkness stands as testimony to the fact that the Japanese Occupation of Singapore was not a success.

* See, the conclusion still must agree with the introduction. It is very contradicting and confusing to say that you agree and then disagree later just because we have taught you to provide both sides of the argument.

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