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Just a note to inform those who email me today 30 Sept 2006 Saturday. I am afraid I am unable to access my edumail account. Server seems to be down. Will try to do so on 1 Oct Sunday.

Source Based Questions Final Exams 2005 Answer Scheme

Please refer to the level descriptors to see what is expected of you in answering source based questions.


a) Read Source A. What does Source A say about the impact of the flooding in China? Explain your answer. (Inferring Skills)

Level 1 Describing the source or narrating from the source (1m)
Source A says that the flooding in China caused massive destruction and killed 536 people. The floods also destroyed houses, cut off communication network and destroyed factories. Many people were also evacuated.

Level 2 Attempts to draw conclusions with reference to source (2m-3m)
According to Source A, the flooding in China caused massive destruction in terms of human lives and businesses. The flooding claimed 536 lives and this would probably result in the breakdown of the family unit.
In addition, the flooding also destroyed factories which are the prospering “export industries”. This would probably caused the country to lose business and money and affects the country’s economy.
(2m for ONE point and 3m for TWO points)

Level 3 Drawing conclusions with reference to source clearly explained (3m-4m)
According to Source A, flooding in China resulted in loss of human lives. In addition, due to the floods, millions were evacuated and probably relocated to other cities. This loss of human lives suggests social implications as families were broken and some might have lost their parents. The relocation of these victims to temporary shelters also meant social problems like overcrowding, lack of proper sanitation and looting.
Moreover, the floods also destroyed factories which are the country’s booming export industries. Basic infrastructure features like roads and communications were also disrupted. This suggests that the impact of the floods is also felt in the economic aspects. The country’s economy would probably suffer as businesses were affected and since communications were cut off, businesses would come to a stand still.
(3m for ONE point and 4m for TWO points)



b) Study Source B. How useful is Source B to one studying the internal threats faced by India? Explain. (Analysis and Contextual Knowledge)

Level 1 Describing the source or lifting from source (1m)
Source B states that the internal threat faced by India is earthquake. There was food scarcity and lack of drinking water.

Level 2 One sided or Two sided answer unexplained (2m)
Source B is useful to one studying internal threats faced by India as it shows earthquake and droughts
OR
Source B is not useful as it did not show other types of internal threats.

Level 3 One sided answer explained (3m)
Two sided answer with attempts to explain (3m)
Source B is useful to one studying the internal threats faced by India. From the source, it can be seen that India was affected by an earthquake that caused massive destruction in terms of human lives and public amenities like roads, schools and hospitals. This posed as a danger to India as the destruction meant that the way of life in India is affected.
In addition, the source is also useful as it mentioned that India also faced other threats like drought and in turn caused famine which caused “water scarcity”. Hence, the source not only provides useful information regarding the dangers but also the effects the dangers had on the country.
OR
Source B is not useful to one studying the internal threats faced by India. From the source, it only mentioned one earthquake that struck Gujerat in January 2001. It did not provide enough information about the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in India. Hence, without this information, it is not clear about the actual impact this natural disaster had on India.
In addition, though the source did briefly mentioned that drought had occurred, it did not provide specific details about the event. The source is also lacking as it did not mentioned other internal threats like rebellions or civil wars. Most importantly, it did not mention other natural disasters like flooding and cyclones which are very frequent in the Bay of Bengal.

Level 4 Two sided answer explained (4m-5m)
Both of Level 3 answers.

(4m for ONE point for both sides and 5m for TWO points for both sides)


c) Compare Sources B and C. How similar are they in showing the consequences of earthquakes in India? Explain in detail. (Compare and contrast)

Level 1 Show only similarities or differences without explanations (1m)

Sources B and C are similar as they both show that the earthquakes caused mass destruction to India. Other consequences are that many people died and buildings destroyed.
Or
Sources B and C are different as Source B focuses more on the devastation of the infrastructure of Gujerat while Source C shows the destruction on coastal villages in Sri Lanka.

Level 2 Show both similarities and differences without explanations (2m)

All of Level 1 answers

Level 3 Show only similarities or differences with explanations (3-4m)
Two sided answer with attempts to show both similarities and differences

Sources B and C are similar in showing the consequences of earthquakes in India. Source B shows that the earthquake in Gujerat killed many people and destroyed communications network, roads and other public amenities like schools and hospitals. This is also seen in Source C where the Indian Ocean earthquake destroyed the industrial infrastructure which suggests that public amenities like roads and communications were destroyed.
In addition both sources also clearly show that earthquakes also caused the people to suffer from a severe shortage or lack of water supply. Moreover, Source B shows that families, livelihoods and social networks were destroyed. This suggests that the consequences of the earthquakes were far reaching as many people would be left homeless and thus more social problems would surface. Similarly, Source C shows with the destruction of the coastal villages, many lives were lost and thus suggests that families were broken and many would be left homeless.
(3m for ONE point and 4m for TWO points)
OR
Sources B and C are different in showing the consequences of earthquakes in India. While Source B is more detailed in describing the destruction of public amenities like power and water supply, road and telecommunication networks, schools, hospitals and buildings, Source C did not mention specifically the kind of public amenities being destroyed but summed it up with the destruction of industrial infrastructure.
In addition, Source B states that the consequences of the earthquake in Gujerat brought in long-term help in reconstruction, Source B did not provide any information regarding relief efforts. While Source B shows how the relief efforts brought about reconstruction of public houses and as a result of the earthquake, “higher standard” of houses were built, Source C did not provide details of reconstruction. Instead, Source C dealt with more severe consequences like the “contamination of farm fields by “salt water from the ocean”. Source C also states the severe consequences of the earthquake on the shipping along the Straits of Malacca and how sea routes might need to be re-charted.
(3m for ONE point and 4m for TWO points or more)

Level 4 Show BOTH similarities and differences with explanations (5-6m)

Both of LEVEL 3 answers.

(5m for 1 point for each similarity and difference and 6m for 2 points for each similarities and differences)

TIPS FOR ANSWERING SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (STRUCTURED QUESTIONS)

1) Short Answer Questions consist of a few sub-questions that focus on ONE particular topic.

2) The title of the topic is usually given before the questions. This provides the reader information regarding what the answer should be.

3) Marks are given for each sub-question. When answering these questions, note the number of marks that have been allocated.

4) Generally, a sub-question which carries more marks requires a more detailed answer.

5) You should also note the instruction words in the questions. For example, instruction words like 'state', 'list', 'name' basically require you to simply provide the answer without providing any form of elaboration.

6) Words like 'explain' or 'give reasons to account for' require you to give the meaning of a word or reasons why the event happened.

7) This is different from 'describe' which only requires you to give a descriptive account of the facts. In answering these questions, you must do exactly as the instructions words tell you to.

8) Below is an example of what elaborate means.

Elaborating on an idea means to add details, explanations, examples, illustrations, opinions and other relevant information. For example you might say 'Qin Shi Huang is a good emperor'. This is a factual statement. If you are asked to elaborate on this, you could say 'Qin Shi Huang is a good emperor BECAUSE he unified the whole of China. He did so by changing the system of government and brought about systematic changes to his empire.

You have thus provided information and examples to elaborate on your original statement.

9) Below is an example of what explain means.

Explain means to give reasons to account for the course of the event. Basically you are answering the question "WHY". For example, the question might be 'Give reasons to account for the popularity of Oc-eo as a trading port'. This question requires you to give the give the factors that contribute to the popularity of Oc-eo.

Your answer might be: Oc-eo was popular as a trading port because of its ideal location. It is situated halfway between two trading countries namely China and India. Traders from these countries found Oc-eo to be an ideal stopover for rest and replenishment.

Your answer thus explains the reasons why it is popular with traders as Oc-eo is situated in an ideal location.

ASEAN

Please follow the link and read about the objectives of the formation of ASEAN.

http://www.aseansec.org/64.htm

Answer Scheme for History Test 2 Term 3 on 14 August 2006

Answer Scheme

1a) Read Source A. What can you infer from the source about the misleading name of the Silk Road? Explain your answer. (4m)

Level 1 Lift information from the source (1m)

Source A states that the Silk Road in ancient times served as important means of business relations and cultural exchanges between East and West.

Level 2 Uses information from source and make attempts to explain from evidence (2-3m)

From Source A, the Silk Road served as important means of business relations and cultural exchanges between East and West. This suggests that the Silk Road is not just for trading in silk and hence name is misleading.
In addition, Source A says that many other precious commodities were carried along the Silk Road. This implies that Silk is not the only commodity as suggested by its name and hence it is misleading.
(2m for 1 point and 3m for 2 points)

Level 3 Makes inferences using evidence from source and provides logical explanations with reference to the key topic of the questions (3-4m)

From Source A, the Silk Road is a widespread network of caravan ways between China and the West. This suggests that the Silk Road is made up of many routes which are used by the many caravans travelling between China and the West. This meant that the name of ‘road’ is misleading as the Silk Road is not made up of just a single route.
In addition, Source A shows that the Silk Road serves as important means of business relations and cultural exchanges between East and West. It also shows that many other precious commodities were carried along the Silk Road. These implies that the Silk Road promoted the spread of influence between east and west and encouraged trading of a wide variety of goods. This meant that the name of ‘Silk’ is misleading as the Silk Road is not just for the trading of Silk.
(3m for 1 point and 4m for 2 points)

1b) Study Source B. How useful is the source in showing the purpose of the Silk Road? Explain your answer. (5m)

Level 1 One sided answer. Useful or Not useful without explanations. (1m)

Source B is useful in showing the purpose of the Silk Road as Zhang Qian was sent to seek allies with the northern tribes against the Xiongnus.
Or
Source B is not useful in showing the purpose of the Silk Road as it did not mention that it is used for the trading of other goods.

Level 2 One sided answer. Useful or Not useful with explanations. (2-3 m)
Level 2 Two Sided answers with NO explanations. (2m)

Source B is useful in showing the purpose of the Silk Road. From Source B, the Silk Road originated from a desire for military and political purpose instead of for trade. This implies that the Silk Road was used for establishing allies and strengthening a country military might. Source B is thus useful in showing that the Silk Road is used for political purposes.
In addition Source B also shows that silk inaugurated the trade along the Silk Road. This suggests that silk was being traded along this road and hence led to more trade of other commodities. Hence Source B is useful in showing that the Silk Road was used for the purpose of trade.
(2m for 1 point and 3m for 2 points)
OR
On the other hand, Source B is not useful in showing the other purposes or uses of the Silk Road. While Source B mentioned that the Silk Road was used for political and military purposes, it is lacking in information regarding the spread of influence and culture like religion along the Silk Road. For example, Buddhism found its way from India to China via the Silk Road and this is not mentioned in Source B.
In addition, Source B also failed to highlight that the Silk Road is also used for the purpose of trading in other precious commodity. While it did mentioned that silk inaugurated the trade along the Silk Road, it did not show that the Silk Road serves as important caravan routes for the trade in other goods like spices, wine, horses etc.

Level 3 Two sided answer showing both strengths and limitations with good explanations. (4-5m)

Both answers of Level 2.(4m for 1 point each of useful and not useful and 5m for 2 points each)

1c) Compare Sources A and C. How similar are they in showing that the Silk Road plays a contributing role in ushering in the Golden Age of China? Explain your answer. (6m)

Level 1 Shows only similarities OR differences unexplained (1m)

Sources A and B are similar as they both show that foreign influence could be transmitted to China thus resulting in Golden Age.
OR
Sources A and B are different as Source A shows that the Silk Road served as important means of cultural exchanges while Source B merely shows different cities.

Level 2 Shows both sides unexplained (2m)

Both of level 1 answer.

Level 3 Shows only similarities OR differences explained (3-4m)

Sources A and B are similar in showing that the Silk Road helped to usher in the Golden Age of China. Source A shows that the Silk Road served as important means of business relations and cultural exchanges between China and the west. This implies that foreign influence were easily transmitted to China and thus contribute to the creativity of the Chinese and ushered in the Golden Age. Similarly, Source C shows that China is connected to many different cities and towns of Central Asia and hence implies that foreign influences could easily be spread to China. This resulted in a flourishing of new ideas and thus contributed to the Golden Age.
In addition, Source A shows that many precious commodities were carried along the Silk Road. This implies that China was able to benefit from this wide variety of goods being traded and hence brought great wealth to the empire. This contributed to the prosperity that is a Golden Age. This can also be seen in Source C where China is connected to the west by the Silk Road. This suggests that China was able to enjoy the wide variety of goods from both the west and central Asia and hence enjoyed the wealth and prosperity leading to its Golden Age.
(3m for 1 point and 4m for 2 points)

OR

Sources A and C are also different in showing that the Silk Road contributes to the Golden Age of China. Source A states that the Silk Road served as important business relations and cultural exchanges between East and West which made possible exchange of influences leading to a Golden Age for China. However, Source C merely shows different cities and towns with no indications of any spread of influence that might contribute to the Golden Age.
In addition, Source A is more detailed and specific in showing the different kind of goods that China get to enjoy and hence leading to wealth and prosperity that is a Golden Age. However Source C is only a map which is vague in details and merely shows the routes and location of cities with no mention of any kind of goods nor wealth to the country.


Level 3 Shows both similarities and differences with attempts to explain (3-4m)

Level 4 Shows both similarities and differences with good understanding of the cause and features of Golden Age (5-6m)

Both of Level 3 answers. 5m for 1 point for both sides and 6m for 2 points for both sides

Supplementary Reading for Chapter 5

INTRODUCTION

In modern times, we establish contact even without travelling very far. This is done either via phone, internet, fax or email. Moreover, the existence of planes makes travelling around the world easier. Hence contacts are easily established between people of different countries.

However, in the past, it was only through actual contact that people could carry out any form of interaction. This meant that people had to travel for months, even years just to get to their intended destination. Very often, they travelled through harsh terrains on foot.

Questions:

1) Is modern contact more deceptive as there is a tendency for less face to face interaction?

2) Contact in the past was a tedious process. Does it necessarily mean it was less exciting?

SECTION 1

Reasons for Contact (similar to reasons for venturing overseas)

Peaceful Contact

1) Curiosity - Ancient people ventured overseas to explore new places as they were curious. They wanted to find out more about these foreign lands as information were readily available through the traders or travellers. This new information prompted them to venture overseas to discover the places for themselves.

2) Trade - As a result of their curiosity, people who ventured overseas returned home with rare and exotic products which were not available in their own countries. This in turn resulted in more people going overseas in order to trade. Trading ties also helped the people to make money.

3) Religion - Traders who returned to their countries after trading usually brought with them information about the foreign lands. This prompted kings and rulers to send missionaries to these foreign lands in order to spread their faith. This would foster ties between the countries which would benefit trade.

In addition, rulers and kings would also be interested to find out about the faith and culture of the foreign lands. Hence, they would send out pilgrims to these foreign countries to learn their faith and bring back religious scriptures. Adapting foreign culture showed that the kings and rulers were opened to new ideas which bears testimony to an advanced civilisation.

4) Political ties - Readily available information brought back by traders, pilgrims, missionaries enabled the rulers and kings to establish ties with neighbouring countries. Very often, political ties were forged in order to avert war or to get protection against a hostile country. For example, Zhang Qian was sent by Han Wu Ti to establish ties with the Yuezhi tribe against the Xiongnus. This was due to the constant aggression of the Xiongnus against China.

Hostile Contact

A very good example would be the unification of China by Qin Shihuang. China was a divided country during the Warring States Period. When the Zhou Dynasty began to weaken around 500BC, a few independent states began to war among themselves over territory and influence (power). This period was extremely chaotic and it did not end until it was unified under the Qin Dynasty.

Qin Shihuang was extremely harsh and autocratic but he was a brilliant political theorists and reformer. Following the basic principles of Legalism, he believed that human beings were naturally selfish and they thus need strong laws to strictly control them. These laws were effective only if punishments were severe and certain, so the Qin Dynasty was often described as repressive.

Please read the following link http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHEMPIRE/CHIN.HTM

Please read the text for:

1) Advantages and disadvantages of INTERACTION Pg 122-124

2) Advantages and disadvantages of DIRECT TRADE Pg 125-126

3) Advantages and disadvantages of INDIRECT TRADE Pg 126-127

4) Advantages and disadvantages of POLITICAL CONTACTS Pg 129-130

Exercises for Structured Questions will be given during revision when term starts. If you have any questions pertaining to Chapter 5, do email me. However, do be patient regarding replies as MOE is doing some revamp to Edumail.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays.