Sample Answer for Source-based Question

1) Study Source A. How useful is Source A in showing the contributions of the early immigrants in Singapore? Explain your answer. (5m)

Source A is useful in showing the contributions of the early immigrants. From the source, coolies provided labour services in loading and unloading coal. (evidence) This suggests that the coolies played a very important role in early Singapore as they helped to ensure that trade could be conducted efficiently.

In addition, from the source, the Chinese coolies were seen to be loading/ unloading coal onto a steamship. This suggests that the coolies were probably working for rich businessmen who owned the steamship. (conclusion) This meant that the Chinese coolies played a very important role in helping trade to grow as their labour was vital to the businessmen.

However, Source A has its limitations. According to the source, only Chinese coolies were shown loading and unloading coal. (evidence). The source failed to provide other information regarding the other races like the Malays, Indians and Europeans. These races also contributed to the growth of Singapore as an early settlement as they provided basic necessities like food and other specialized skills like administration of the country. These services were crucial to the society where a way of life was developed and the country could then prosper.

In addition, Source A only shows the Chinese providing labour. It did not show the other occupations of the Chinese. (evidence) For example, the Chinese also acted as middlemen who helped transacted between the Europeans and the Straits merchants. This contribution helped more people trade and as a result leading to the growth of Singapore as a trading centre.