1.  Inference question
 You will have to read and study a pictorial or written source then think of what you are able to
tell from the source.
 How to answer the question
 Write down two to three inferences (Separate the source into two to three sections that include
a subject each. This will help you draw inferences from each respective section.)
 Describe how you are able to draw the inference using evidence from your sections of evidence.
 Explain the relationship of the inference and the evidence in your own words
 Example one of supported inferences
 Farquhar had a difficult time administering and developing the settlement of Singapore.
 This is evident as the source tells us that “Farquhar had few means of raising revenue.”
 There were not enough funds allocated for developing Singapore. He had to rely on his own
initiatives to help Singapore grow into a bustling port.
 Raffles was Farquhar’s superior and Farquhar did not always abide by Raffles’ order.
 This is evident as the source says that “Farquhar defied Raffles’ instructions…”
 Raffles had left instructions on what to do in Singapore. Farquhar was working under Raffles
and had to carry out his orders. But subsequently, Farquhar had to defy Raffles’ orders
because of the difficulties involved.
 Example two of supported inferences
 Writing was used as a form of communication.
 This is evident as the source tells us that seals were created “with writing in inverse” to
“create a raise positive message”.
 This shows that writing was used to transmit thoughts between people, thus making it a
form of communication.
 Writing was used to provide information.
 This is evident as it shows us that most writings were found “mainly from the major streets,
craft workshop areas and near houses”.
 This indicates that writing was used to provide information like directions.

2.  Reliability question
 You will have to read and study a pictorial or written source then use your contextual
knowledge and other sources in the paper to see if the source is reliable.
 How to answer the question
 Answer the question if it is reliable or not reliable.
 Describe the source’s content and draw inferences using inference skills
 Cross-reference (with other sources or contextual knowledge) your two to three points of
agreement or disagreement.
 Other possible reasons why the source is reliable or unreliable. (e.g. purpose, bias, exaggeration)
 Conclude and reiterate your answer.
 Example of reliability questions
 The source clearly states that there was little credit in Farquhar’s claim of founding Singapore.
This can be cross-referenced to Source 2, which says that Farquhar never occupied a position in
which he could have planned and undertaken the foundation of Singapore.
 It was Raffles who ultimately secured Singapore for the British. This can be cross-referenced to
Source 1 which tells us that found an emporium in Singapore where in establishing freedom of
person as the right of the soil and freedom of the trade to the right of the port.
Source A : He found an emporium in Singapore where in establishing freedom of person
as the right of the soil and freedom of the trade to the right of the port. He secured for
the British flag the maritime superiority of the eastern seas. In promoting the welfare of
the people committed to his charge. He sought the good of his country and the glory of
god.
Source B : The plain fact was that Farquhar never occupied a position in which he could
have planned and undertaken the foundation of Singapore. He did not rise up to the
occasion because he had not the mind of a statesman. With an obstinacy characteristic
of elderly men of his type he tried to establish himself as the founder of Singapore after
the death of Raffles and appealed to the Court in England. However the court dismissed
his appeal.
Source C ; Farquhar’s bitterness against Raffles led him in his later years to claim that it
was he was not Raffles was responsible for the choice of Singapore as a British base. But
there was little credit in this claim. Certainly Farquhar had knowledge of the Johore
succession dispute and was invaluable in the initial negotiations. But Farquhar had
recommended the Canmon islands and not Singapore. It was Raffles who ultimately
secured Singapore for the British.

3.  Comparison question
 When you compare anything, you need to have a point of comparison. You must have a point of
comparison for similarities and differences. Thereafter, try to identify a similarity/difference
based on the tone and purpose of a source.
 How to answer the question (2 from Content + 1 from Tone OR Purpose)
 Content
 Identify one similarity and one difference.
 Support from sources.
 Sources A and B are similar/different in that they both agree that [insert common point of
comparison here]. Source A states that “insert quote from source”, whilst Source B states
that “insert quote from source”.]
 Tone
 Similarity/difference based on tone of source.
 Support from sources.
 Sources A and B are similar/different in terms tone. Source A is [insert tone], “insert
support”.
 Purpose
 Similarity/difference based on purpose of source.
 Support from sources.
 Sources A and B are similar/different in terms purpose. Source A is [insert purpose], “insert
support”.
 Example of comparison questions
 Both sources are similar in terms of the Chinese being the targets of Operation Clean-Up.
Source A states that 'the Chinese were hostile and their collaboration with the ene[my to take
up arms against the Japanese that angered the army. In Source B, many Chinese died as
'thousands were massacred during this notorious operation.'
 However, both sources do not agree on the approach taken by the Japanese. Source A shows us
that 'the Japanese army took Operation Clean-Up very seriously. During the early days of the
Japanese occupation, the Japanese army adopted a soft approach and had never dreamt of
having to resort to hard tactics so suddenly. However, Source B shows otherwise. It is stated in
Source B that 'thousands were massacred during this notorious operation' and that the
Japanese adopted random tactics such as "a knowledge of English at once classified them as
pro-British and dangerous.
 Source A is defensive in its tone as compared to Source B which is accusing in its tone. For
example Source A states "the number of deaths resulting in from Operation Clean-Up as
suggested by the Chinese is completely groundless", whilst Source B states that "Those who
failed to apologise at once to the young Kempeitai for not being able to write their names in
Chinese, or for having tattoo marks, were detained and later slaughtered."