SEQ for Venice - These are broader ; more challenging questions to try out

As stated in the notes to you, the questions on Venice , since Venice is a case study of how nations face and overcome challenges in the theme "Facing challenges and change". Hence, from the material in Venice, you could be expected to answer more general questions on why states rise and fall.

For instance,

“A nation’s success is dependent on its ability to innovate.” How far would you agree? Explain.

“The cause of a nation’s decline is because of foreign threats.” How far would you agree? Explain.

OR essays that link what we learn about Venice ( and indeed throughout the course ) to Singapore and how we face challenges and change. For instance:

“In order to prevent Singapore’s decline, we should ensure that Singapore continues to have quality leadership.” How far would you agree? Explain.

“The best way for Singapore to continue to prosper is through promoting National unity.” How far would you agree? Explain.

“The most important way for Singapore to continue to prosper is through having free trade.” How far would you agree? Explain.

How do you prepare for such questions? The answer is you need to know your facts about Venice and indeed in the whole course.

For instance, for the reasons why Venice rose, you should look at the key factors that contributed:

1. Development of Trade and Trade Expansion

2. Innovative practices e.g. Double entry book keeping; Giro banking

3. Strength in certain Industries

4. The manner in which the Venetian government is organised AND reformed that
a) Prevented corruption and lesser resource wastage [Checks and Balances; Prevention of the concentration of power]
b) Led to better decision making [Specialisation of duties; making the government more inclusive]

5. Good Leadership