SBQ Skills - Reliability Testing

Social Studies and History
Secondary 3 Express
SBQ Skill 3: Reliability Testing

Reliability

1.     Reliability is about how much we can trust or not trust a piece of information.

2.     When we can trust the information less, we say that the source is less reliable while if we can trust a source’s information a great deal we say that the source is more reliable.

We often hear of claims from

E.g.         Can you believe what Source A says about...issue…?

                How far do you believe...issue…?

Can you trust what Source B says about...issue…?

Does the source prove...issue…?

Does the source accurately portray...issue…?

How far would you be concerned over …issue…?

Are you surprised by...issue…?

Ways to answer reliability question: 

Step One:              Answer the question first (according to issue*)

Always answer the question first:

For example: Are you surprised by...issue…?
Answer question first: I am not surprised by……..

For example: Can you trust what Source B says about….the issue…?
Answer question first: Yes, I can trust what source B says because………

Step Two:              Use any of these techniques to answer the question, if possible. Inference about this source according to issue with evidence

Technique 1
Inference of content à Thus reliable or not reliable.
Question: How far is source A reliable in letting us know that the Singapore healthcare system is working well? Explain your answer.
Answer:  Source A is reliable in telling us that the Singapore healthcare system is working well because the system appears to be helping patients pay for their healthcare.  Source A states that, “With Subsidies, Medisave and Medishield, most of my hospital bills were covered!” This means that the healthcare system has methods of financial support for patients to help them afford healthcare.

Technique 2
Cross Referencing with Evidence from another source à  Thus reliable or not reliable.

Question: How far is source A reliable in letting us know that the Singapore healthcare system is working well? Explain your answer. 
Answer:  Source A is unreliable in telling us that the Singapore healthcare system is working well Source A is refuted by Source B. Source A states that the healthcare system appears to be helping patients pay for their healthcare.  Source A says that, “With Subsidies, Medisave and Medishield, most of my hospital bills were covered!” This means that the healthcare system has methods of financial support for patients to help them afford healthcare. However, Source A is refuted by Source B. Source B states that the healthcare cost is rising and people are facing difficulties in paying for their medical bills. Source B says, “My savings have been wiped out by my treatment for my illness.” This means that healthcare cost must be very high such that one’s savings is entirely used up. Since both Source A is refuted by Source B on whether the Singapore healthcare system is working well, Source A is less reliable.

Note: Cross referencing is like must be linked to the issue in the question = Whether the Singapore healthcare system is working well.

Technique 4
Hidden motive à If we can prove that the creator of the Source stands to benefit from influencing the audience with the message à we can prove that the source is unreliable.

The acronym to remember is [CAMO-BHW]  à C= Creator; A = Audience; M = Message; B = Benefit; H = How; W = Why.
Examine content in relation to provenance and who is the audience

Example:

Technique 5 : Tone.
A source is biased and therefore unreliable if through the words and phrases used or in the depiction of the pictorial source e.g. in exaggerations or through symbolism and how the characters act, react and interact with one another.

Tone: Examples: Critical, Celebratory, Happy, Warm, Approving, Informal, Righteous, Just, Official/ Formal, Sympathetic, Threatening/ Hostile, Tense, Cold/ Unfeeling, Angry/ Harsh, Vindictive, Authoritative, Arrogant, Disapproving, Derogatory, Sarcastic

E.g. Source C is not reliable as the source is being extremely sarcastic, extreme and critical about the Singapore healthcare system’s quality. The phrases in Source C states that, “ it is better to die in Singapore than be sick.” indicates his view that the healthcare system is too costly for people to afford treatment and so it is better to die than be sick. However, the exaggeration and extremist viewpoint of considering death being a more sensible option is very extreme and hence is not balanced enough to be considered neutral and thus we can say that the source is less reliable.

Writing frames to guide you:          

Accepting content at face-value ( Inference) Up to 3 marks	Source A is reliability in telling us about[Adjust this statement accordingly to answer the question asked]….[Issue – taken from question]….as Source A states that………[Inference on source A]…..I say so because source A says that….[Evidence from source A]…..This means that……..[Explanation of evidence from source A] Hence, Source A is useful in telling us about/proves that…...[Issue – taken from question]
Cross-referencing Up to 5 marks	Cross reference support Source A is more reliable……[Adjust this statement accordingly to answer the question asked] as Source A is supported by Source B. Source A states that………[Inference on source A]…..I say so because source A says that….[Evidence from source A]…..This means that……..[Explanation of evidence from source A] Similarly, Source B states that ………[Inference on source B]…..I say so because source B says that….[Evidence from source B]…..This means that……..[Explanation of evidence from source B] Hence, Source B supports Source A and so source A is more reliable. Cross-reference refute Source A is less reliable as Source A is refuted by Source C. Source A states that………[Inference on source A]…..I say so because source A says that….[Evidence from source A]…..This means that……..[Explanation of evidence from source A] However, Source C states that ……… [Inference on source C]…..I say so because source C says that…. [Evidence from source C]…..This means that…….. [Explanation of evidence from source C] Hence, Source A is refuted by Source C and hence source A is less reliable.
Questioning biasness/hidden of source Up to 6 or 7 marks	Source A is less reliable in helping us understand [Adjust this statement accordingly to answer the question asked]………….[Issue – taken from question] as the source is biased and has a hidden motive. The cartoonist/writer is……[ who?] and he wants to influence [audience?] to believe that……[Message]……..so that the [audience-who?] will……[ Outcome = behaviour/action of the audience after seeing the source message]…..When the audience believes what has been said/drawn…..the writer/cartoonist will……[benefit or gain to the creator of the source if the audience acts in the way as stated in the outcome]….because….[explanation of how and why the creator will benefit from influencing his audience to act in that way/outcome]. Hence, this is why I say that the source has a motive and purpose/is biased and hence it is less reliable in helping us understand….[Issue-taken from question].

SBQ Understanding hybrid & complex SBQ

a) Inference Q1. How far do you think Mr Huang supports the building of the dam? Explain your answer.
Are you surprised by what you have read in the source? Explain your answer.

b) Reliability
Q1. Study sources C and D.
Is one of these sources more believable than the other as evidence about the effects of the dam? Explain your answer.

Q2. Study Source A. Does this source prove that having foreign talent is a good idea? Explain your answer.

Q3. Study Source A. How far can you believe the claims made in this source? Explain your answer.

Q4. Study Source A. Are you surprised by what this source says about the reaction of the Sri Lankan government to the disaster? Explain your answer.

Q5. Study Sources D and E
Does Source E prove that what the UN claimed in Source D was true? Explain your answer.

c) Comparison and reliability
Q1. Study Sources B and C. How far does Source B show that Source C is wrong? Explain your answer.

Q2. Source E and F differ in their opinion. Does this make one of them more right than the other? Explain your answer.

d) Usefulness
Q1. How useful is this source as evidence about the naval clash? Explain your answer.

Q2. Study Sources C & D. Which of these 2 sources are more useful in helping you understand the situation in Pakistan? Explain your answer.

CHIJ SJC Paper 2008 - ASEAN

Time yourself and do the paper. I will post the answers in 2 days' at the end of tomorrow.

 

Section A

Source – based Case Study

Question 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.

You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1          (a)       Study Source A.

                        What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey?

                        Explain your answer by referring to details of the cartoon.                            [6]

(b)        Study Source B.

Why do you think Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made this speech?

Explain your answer.                                                                                             [6]

(c)          Study Source C.

How useful is this source as evidence that ASEAN has played a part in

Myanmar’s willingness to work towards resolving its internal problems?     [6]

(d)       Study Source D.

                        Does this source prove that ASEAN is ineffective as a regional

organisation? Explain your answer.                                                                    [7]

                       

Is the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

effective in handling challenges?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on 8 August 1967, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the five founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Forty years have passed since the establishment of ASEAN, a period that saw a positive development of interactions among its members.

ASEAN made big strides in its 40^th year with its leaders signing its Constitution and made agreements on an economic blueprint to liberalise trade in the region. But the whole meeting could well be remembered for the Myanmar issue, as the old ASEAN rule prevailed – a member country cannot interfere with the affairs of another member country. ASEAN remained silent to the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Myanmar by the military government.

Study the following sources to find out the realities of ASEAN at forty years and if it is effective in dealing with the thorny issues it faces.

Source A: A political cartoon entitled “Skeleton in ASEAN Closet” by Paresh

                   Nath from National Herald, India, 23 November 2007.

*The New Charter aimed to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance, protection of human rights and non-aggression and to reject unconstitutional regime change.

Source B: Speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the13th ASEAN Summit held in

                  Singapore, November 2007.

At 40, ASEAN can look back with pride at the peace and stability that it has brought. We have come a long way since the Bangkok Declaration in 1967. To make ASEAN strong and relevant, we must accelerate and deepen regional integration. The ASEAN Charter is a crucial step in this process. The Charter will change the way we approach and think about ASEAN. It will make ASEAN into a more effective and cohesive organisation. The signing of the Charter today is just the beginning of a longer, continuing journey that all ASEAN members must take. ASEAN must gradually adapt to a culture of compliance and implementation. Only then can we forge ahead as a grouping. We gather here today with high hopes and aspirations. The road ahead will not be easy. But I am confident that every member shares the vision for a new ASEAN, and the commitment to make this vision a reality.

Source C: Adapted from The Washington Post, by Nick Wadhams.

UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari had rare access to senior leaders during his trip to Myanmar and was the first senior UN official to meet with detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. He said that it was a sign of a changed attitude from the military junta. “I would say that there appears to be willingness to turn a new page in the country’s relations with the international community,” Gambari said. He also acknowledged that pressure from ASEAN had helped to change the government’s stance. “Doors have been opened that were closed before and we’ll try to widen those doors and get the UN team to follow up. We have to build on what we have and continue to press for more results as failure is not an option.”

Source D: Comments by Stanley A Weiss about ASEAN and its way of handling Myanmar

                  from Asia Times Online Ltd.

ASEAN blew its chance to act on Myanmar for its human rights violation as the ASEAN Charter did not specifically touch on action against a non-compliant member. ASEAN leaders put up a brave facade to show unity and cohesion by declaring its support for Myanmar’s road to national reconciliation. ASEAN is at best a toothless talk shop where diplomats are reduced literally to song and dance routines; at worst, an apologist for oppressive regimes because its beloved “ASEAN Way” puts dialogue, consensus and non-interference above decision making, compliance and adherence to human rights. The idealistic charter, like ASEAN itself, is made a mockery by the inclusion of the military junta of Myanmar at the ASEAN Summit.

Source E: Adapted from newspaper article by Reuters, 20 November, 2007.

A Myanmar dissent, Khin Ohmar was disappointed with ASEAN’s reluctance to pressure the military junta over its crackdown on pro-democracy protests. “It’s a historical moment for them to sign the Charter, which is supposed to be the charter for the protection and promotion of human rights and now ASEAN let the Myanmar regime take over the agenda.” Khin Ohmar thinks that it’s a bad step by ASEAN and ASEAN is backtracking. “Myanmar has been a major shame for ASEAN,” Khin Ohmar said. “The social, economic and security aspects that it’s looking to resolve and promote in the region, will not happen if they don’t resolve Myanmar’s situation.” In short, Myanmar had held the other nine members of ASEAN hostage due to ASEAN’s decision not to take a stronger stance on Myanmar.

Section B

Structured - essay Questions

Answer one question.

2          Understanding Governance

(a)  To what extent is good governance in Singapore due to good leadership? Explain your answer.                                                                                                 [12]

(b)  Here are three approaches to prepare for an ageing population:

individual responsibility

family care

government support

           

                  Which of these is the most effective approach? Explain your answer.            [13]

3          Conflict and Harmony In Multi-Ethnic Societies

(a)  To what extent is the conflict in Northern Ireland due to divided loyalty?

Explain your answer.                                                                                              [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of the Sinhalese-Tamil conflict:

foreign intervention

fall in the number of tourists

Sri Lanka Tamils driven out of their homeland

                  Which of these is the most detrimental to Sri Lanka? Explain your answer.    [13]

4          Managing International Relations

(a)  To what extent was the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait due to dispute over territory? Explain your answer.                                                                            [12]

(b)  Here are three consequences of terrorism:

economic impact

social impact

political impact

                

 Which of these is most detrimental to Singapore? Explain your answer.        [13]

  

Answers to Sep Holiday Homework - SBQ on population policy

Take note of the structure of the answers NOT just the answer itself.

Q1a. Study Source A
What is the cartoon trying to tell us? Explain your answer.

Ans:
Look for 2 inferences in the format of IEE x 2. A few students gave a purpos level answer using MAO. This is not needed and you get marks only if you got the message within AMO correct.

Model answer
The cartoon is trying to tell us the Singaporean couples are afraid to have children. I say so so because I see in the cartoon, a couple unsure of whether they shoudl tick the 6th C = children and they look very worried. I know they are worried and fearful of ticking the 6th C because one of them is chewing on a pencil and this shows he is nervous. Both of them also have terrified looks on their faces as they look at the 6th C = children. This means that Singaporeans are fearful of taking the decision to have children.

The cartoon is also telling us that Singaporeans are interested in materialistic things. I say so because the 5Cs are all ticked and these items are all materialistic items such as Cash, Car and Condo. This means that Singaoporean have ticked these items indicating their interest in acquiring them. Hence, this cartoon is telling us that Singaporeans arer materialistic and keen in acquiring things which give them status in society.


Q1b. Study Source B
Why do you think the writer mafde this statement?
Note: This answer requires a purpose level structure. Follow the one below which is the same as the on ein your SBQ notes.

Model Answer
The writer made this statement to convince the Singapore government that the government's efforts to increase the population using monetary incentive is not going to motivate the Singaporeans to have children so that when the Singapore government understand this, the government will make changes to the government policies/improve the government policies to have more effective policies for population growth. I say so because....

Q1c. Study Source B and C.
How different are the 2 sources?
Model Answer [ comparison at content level for Similarity AND difference]

BOC: Source B and C differ in what they say about… whether having children is a boon or a bane/a negative or a positive experience for parents. …[ Basis of comparison- BOC]

Source B states that…having children are a burden and a negative experience [Inference from Source B]….I say so because in Source B it says that…’ Our hands are full running our own Web design company and looking after 2 babies. When I gave birth to my 2^nd child, I was online with a client.”…. [Evidence from Source B] This means that the writer feels rather burdened with 2 children as she had to work and care for the children simultaneously. Overall, the tone is rather negative and unhappy.[Explanation from Source B] On the other hand, Source C states that having children is a joyous event and raising them are an out of this world experience/positive experience… [Inference from Source C]….I say so because in Source C it says that “But we chose to look at it positively…..The pleasures of seeing them grow up - you can't put a price to that.”… [Evidence from Source C]…..This means that even though it is not easy bringing up children, there is a definite joy in doing so which is incomparable to anything else…..[Explanation from Source C]

Hence, source B and C differ in the view on… whether having children is a boon or a bane/a negative or a positive experience for parents. Basis of comparison]

Similarity

BOC: Both Sources B and C are sharing whether it is an easy task to bring up children and both sources agree that there is a considerable amount of sacrifice required to do so……[ Basis of comparison ]

Source B states that parents have to work very hard in order to give their children a good life [Inference from Source B]….I say so because in Source B it says that……” both parents work to support a lifestyle that includes a car, holidays, and enrichment classes for children.” ….[Evidence from Source B] This means that…it is not easy bringing up children and a degree of hard work and sacrifice is needed from parents.[Explanation from Source B]

Similarly, Source C states that…parents have to scrimp and save and face a lack of money when bringing up children… [Inference from source C] I say so because Source C states that…”“Bringing up five children is not without financial headaches and I need to watch every cent”..[Evidence from source C]This means that there is some financial strain on parents when they are bringing up children and a measure of sacrifice and suffering is experienced and it is not an easy task…[Explanation from source C] Hence source B and C are similar in the view on…whether it is easy to bring up children…[ Basis of comparison]

Answers for LMS homework - NEA SBQ question on Compare and Contrast

The skill of Compare and Contrast - We use it everyday!

Issue: Is the government doing enough to revent the spreead of dengue fever in Singapore?

Source A: An article in Today Online on how the NEA can improve on its handing of the dengue problems in Singapore.

Public officials should also work on finding long-term solutions in tackling such mosquito-borne diseases. The National Environment Agency (NEA) should co-ordinate its efforts with other government bodies such as the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Have the NEA and BCA ever held a joint comprehensive review of the design and construction features of high-rise and low-rise buildings that contribute to mosquito breeding? The NEA identified roof gutters to be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. Yet many older bus stops still have roof gutters. Why don't the NEA and LTA seal off these gutters? Surely this would have been a quick and inexpensive solution? The roof gutters of houses are often difficult to reach and few home owners bother to clean them. Could the relevant agencies introduce new laws that ban the use of gutters in houses?Perhaps the NEA should also consider introducing legislation to cover these areas as well: Rooftop water tanks, lift wells, basement water-sumps, as well as drains and basement car parks.

Source B: Extract of a newspaper report on how the NEA is dealing with the spread of dengue in Singapore.

"On the train there are 2 million commuters every day so the train is a very good medium for us to spread the dengue prevention message." Sadi Dalson Chung of the Environment Health Department of the NEA. On the ground, NEA has also increased its serach and destroy efforts to reduce the Aedes Mosquito population...it carried out more than 170,000 inspections of the premises for breeding grounds, including parks and vacant lands. It is also working with the town councils, to flush out breeding grounds on roof tops and pump rooms.

Question
Study sources A and B.
To what extent is Source A similar to Source B? Explain your answer.

Steps
Step 1.Identify the issue. Immediately know that there must be opposing views or similar views regarding the issue.

Step 2. Find the basis of comparison(BOC) for similarity.
"Both sources are sharing about Singapore's efforts in battling Dengue Fever."
OR
"Both sources are sharing about where the Aedes Mosquitos are breeding."

Step 3. Determine the structure of answer to be:
BOC for similarity
Inference from source A
Evidence from source A
Explanation of evidence from Source A
Connector [ Similarly/Likewise]
Inference from source B
Evidence from source B
Explanation of evidence from Source B

BOC for difference
Inference from source A
Evidence from source A
Explanation of evidence from Source A
Connector [ On the other hand/However]
Inference from source B
Evidence from source B
Explanation of evidence from Source B

Step 4. Next determine if there is a chance for difference or similarity in purpose.

Answer for difference in purpose is based on the structure: AMO vs AMO

BOC for purpose
Determine Audience of Source A , Message of Source A and the Outcome on how the Audience will react to the Message.
Connector[ However]
Determine Audience of Source B , Message of Source B and the Outcome on how the Audience will react to the Message.

Model answer
The answer has 2 parts - 1 paragraph for similarity and 1 paragraph for difference since the question is "How similar..."

Paragraph 1 [ Similarity - BOC + IEE vs IEE ]
Source A and B are similar only to a small extent.
Both Source A and B are talking about where the NEA has identified to be the Aedes mosquito breeding areas. Source A states that the NEA has identified the breeding grounds of the Aedes Mosquito on the roof gutters of homes. I say so because Souurce A says, "The NEA identified roof gutters to be a major breeding ground for mosquitoes." This means that the NEA is aware of the source of mosquito breeding. Similarly, In source B, it says that the NEA has "carried out more than 170,000 inspection of the premises for breeding grounds, including parks and vacant lands.", This means that the NEA is sure where the mosquitos are breeding and so they have carried out checks on these areas. Hence, Source A and B are similar to some extent.

However, Source A and B differ in their opinion on whether the NEA has done enough to stop dengue Fever from spreading. Source A states that the NEA has not done enough whereas Source B states that the NEA is putting in a lot of effort. Source A says that, " Why don't the NEA and LTA seal off these gutters? Surely this would have been a quick and inexpensive solution? The roof gutters of houses are often difficult to reach and few home owners bother to clean them. Could the relevant agencies introduce new laws that ban the use of gutters in houses?" This means that the NEA is currently NOT working closely with other agencies to reduce the spread of the illness which is why Source A is asking for the NEA to take action to prevent mosquito breeding such as taking action to prevent breeding in roof gutters which apparently has not been done. On the other hand, Source B stateas that the NEA has done quite a lot to stop the illness from spreading. I say so because it is stated that the " NEA has also increased its serach and destroy efforts to reduce the Aedes Mosquito population...it carried out more than 170,000 inspections. This means that the NEA has out in more effort to ensure that the Aedes Mosquito is eradicated and wiped out so that Dengue fever is controlled via it many thousands of inspections. Hence, Source A is saying that the NEA is not doing enough to control the spread of Dengue but Source B is saying that the NEa has put in quite a bit of effort to curtial the disease.

SBQ - Understanding and answering challenging questions

There are many different ways of asking SBQ questions. We discussed the variation of some of these questions:

1. Study Sources A and C.
Sources A and B have different points of view. Does this make one source more believable than the other? Explain.

2. Study Sources A and B.
Does Source B's agreement with Source A's viewpoint mean that Source A is correct? Explain.

3. Are you surprised by what Source A says about...[Issue]......? Explain.

How would you answer the above questions?
We used the everyday example of a men's colonge to understand what the above questions expect us to do and what are the SBQ skills to be applied.

Issue: Does the use of Davidoff Adventure Cologne make users feel and behave in a more adventurous manner?

Background knowledge
Davidoff Adventure is a Cologne for men. The perfume's tagline is " The thrill of the unknown". According to the company, users of the perfume will experience the following after use, " ...the excitement of going to a distant place you’ve never seen before to grasp a taste for exoticism and feel a rush of emotion you've never felt. With Adventure, you will find your challenge, find your limits, and push beyond them, go your own way, wherever that might take you." Davidoff describes its product as "daring" and "inspired by the world's great wildernesses and raw, masculine emotion".Should we believe what Davidoff perfume company says about its product and the effects it will have on people who use it? Read on to find out.

Source A This is an advertisement by Davidoff men's cologne


Source B Nixon, who recently used Davidoff cologne
Yes, after I used the perfume I certainly felt different. I am now more adventerous, daring and manly.

Source C Vivien's opinion on Davidoff cologne
I do not think Davidoff cologne causes any personality change in anyone. My brother bought a bottle and has been using it. The perfume smells fine and he does smell better of late. Yesterday, he saw a cockroach that day and ran out of the kitchen screaming for me. I had to help him get rid of it and I don't use the perfume myself.

Source D Psychologist , Dr Aw Tia Jing Thomas' opinion on Davidoff
I did some studies with 100 men - getting them to use the perfume and then to ask them to record any changes in their behaviour after 30 days. Majority of the men did not report any change in their personality at all.

Source E Marcus, a Singaporean male
I expected to begin growing a beard quickly once I splashed Davidoff onto my face. I mean I want to look like Ewan McGregor. He's my idol and I have always dreamt of being as macho as him. No, I don't have a licence to ride a motorcycle yet but so what? Anyway, I didn't manage to look rugged. It's all quite disappointing - the bottle of Davidoff cost me almost $60!

How to approach the answering of Q1 to 3. [ Please note that these are NOT the full and complete answers and are merely pointing the direction of how you can answer these questions]
1. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Cross reference Source A with other sources that agree with it.
Cross reference source C with other sources that agree with it.
The source which has more sources supporting it is more believable.
Clearly more sources support Source C then Source A. Hence, we can say that Source C is more believable.

2. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Cross reference B with A to see if B supports A, If yes - Source A is more likely to be correct.
BUT cross reference other sources like Source C with A. Since Source C refutes Source A, then Source A is less correct. Compare also Source D with Source A. Since Source D refutes Source A, we can say that overall, more sources refute B. Hence, even if B supports A, we cannot say that Source A is correct.

3. Type of SBQ skill: Reliability testing
Use cross-referencing to state whether you are surprised or not. You would be more surprised if only a few sources support Source A. You would be less surprised if more sources supported Source A.

Homework 8: Holiday SBQ assignment in LMS

You will find this assignment in LMS as well.

Instead of the N Level paper, I decided to instead upload the Pei Hwa class test which I had set last year for the Sec 4 batch of pupils.
Here is the paper

Source-based Case Study

Study the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions.You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions, you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.

1a. Study Source A.
What is the cartoon trying to tell us? Explain your answer. [5]

1b. Study Source B
Why do you think the writer made this statement? [6]

1c. Study Sources B & C.
How different are these 2 sources? [7]

1d. Study Source D
How reliable is source D as evidence to show the success level of Singapore’s efforts to boost its population growth? [7]

Issue: Addressing Singapore’s declining birth rate.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

After 15 years of low population growth, Singapore has finally begun taking steps in the last decade or so to try and solve the problem. Yet many are still unsure whether these solutions would work. One of the steps introduced in April 2001 was the Baby Bonus Scheme. The Baby Bonus Scheme was enhanced in August 2004 and gives support to parents’ decision to have more children by helping to lighten the financial costs of raising children. However, many feel skeptical that such a move will help to increase the Singapore population. Some think that it is the mindset of couples that needs to be changed.

Source A

A cartoon drawn by Straits Times cartoonist MIEL published in the Straits Times in 2004.

Source B
The view of Ms May Tan, a Singaporean mother published on the 15th July 2008 in the Straits Times.

“No official sweetener can sway my husband and I to have more children. Our hands are full running our own Web design company and looking after 2 babies. When I gave birth to my 2nd child, I was online with a client. That was the year the Government handed out its baby bonus, tax reliefs and longer maternity leave. I do not agree that the baby bonus is the reason for parents to have more children. It’s the rat race culture here that is causing low fertility rate in Singapore. If we were living in New Zealand, it's likely that one of us would stay home with the kids, as people there are less focused on career. In Singapore, both parents work to support a lifestyle that includes a car, holidays, and enrichment classes for children.”

Source C
The view of Mrs Jill Tan, who has 5 children, published in The Straits Times 15th July 2008.

“Bringing up five children is not without financial headaches and I need to watch every cent. To save money, we downgraded from a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle to a smaller Nissan Sunny. The family had to forgo luxuries like long-distance travel in favour of short breaks in Malaysia. The older children have given up their music lessons and other costly enrichment classes. But we chose to look at it positively. Even if the children should be deprived of anything now, they can be compensated in adult life when they start working. The pleasures of seeing them grow up - you can't put a price to that.”

Source D
Dr Paul Cheung, Singapore’s chief family planning statistician, gives his views in a Straits Times article published in September 2008

“Childlessness by choice is a world-wide symptom of most developed countries. What we are doing may be too little and too late. The government's Baby Bonus will not make a decisive difference for better-educated parents. For those with two children, the subsidy works out to $2 per child per day over a six-year period - at the end of which, a parent's duty is by no means done yet. The government is ‘barking up the wrong tree’ by offering money. Only the lower socio-economic group will jump on the breeding band-wagon to get a few more dollars from the baby bonus.”

Homework 6: Complere LMS assignment for compare and contrast

Please complete your LMS assignment for compare and contrast by this week when we meet for lesson.

This is worth 20% of your final grade.

Homework 5: Marsiling Sec SBQ Compare and Contrast question

Please complete the SBQ question for Compare and Contrast for Marsiling Sec from your PINK workbook.

Pupils with valid reasons for Sat's absence please complete the Q1c from the Tanglin Sec Paper from your PINK workbook.