Source-Based Case Study Question (Comparison)

Humanities Combined Social Studies

2272, 2273(3E); 2175, 2176 (3NA)

Comparison is a thinking skill which helps you to:

Helps you to make sense of different perspectives
Determine common or conflicting ideas
Draw links between sources/subjects/ideas.
Analyse pros and cons of each perspective.

This skills is required for future skills development such as

Checking for reliability through cross referencing
Similar = Reliable
Different = Not Reliable (contradicting)

In Source-Based Case Studies (SBCS), comparison mean identifying and explaining similarities
and differences between the sources you read.

Possible Criteria for Writing Comparison Answers

Comparison-type questions require you to compare sources for:
Content
Spot the differences in the information given in each source and compare them by cross-
referencing each other.

Provenance (where it is from)

By looking at the author of the source, the time at which it was written or the type of
occupation the writer is, you may be able to determine some differences there.

Tone of the Source

By analyzing the feeling of mood in particular words or phrases in sources, you can identify
the writer s attitudes towards a topic or subject.
It can be positive, negative or neutral. Moreover, it can also be formal or informal,
condescending or admiring, mournful or inspirational, sarcastic / irony or boring, etc.
You may then cross-reference the two sources to identify differences and similarities.

Purpose
Why did the writer write this source in the first? Individually, they might differ or be similar,
hence you can use this aspect to help craft your answer as well.

Perspective / Opinion
Supportive or Unsupportive, Positive or Negative
You would need to explain each view in relation to the issue as presented.
By looking at their perspective/view or opinion, you can then spot differences or similarities
between the two sources you are comparing.

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Types of Comparison Questions and Question Stems
General Comparison-Type Questions
Some of general-comparison type may take these forms as shown below. It is important to take note
of what is required from the question. At times, you are required to just pay attention to similarities
or differences; at times both similarities and differences are required:

Question Stems Question Requirements

How similar/different are sources A and B? Need to compare both similarity and differences
To what extent are Sources A and B similar?
In what ways are Sources A and B similar? Need to compare similarity only
What are the similarities between Source A
and B?
How are Sources A and B similar?
In what ways are Sources A and B different? Need to compare differences only
What are the differences between Source A
and B?
How are Sources A and B differ?

Specific Comparison-Type Questions

Specific comparison-type questions require you to compare of different viewpoints or perspectives
to an issue being investigated. They are more specific in terms of what you are comparing.

Question Stems Question Requirements

How similar/different are Sources A and B as
evidence of terrorism?
To what extent are Sources A and B different
in terms of their views on whether government
should introduce new laws to prevent fake
news ?
How far do the sources agree about whether
Singapore has been successful in integrating
new citizens intro Singaporean society?
Need to compare both similarity and difference
in terms of their views on terrorism.
Need to compare similarity and difference on
whether governments should introduce new
laws to prevent fake news.
Need to compare similarity and difference
about whether Singapore has been successful
in integrating new citizens.

Method

A Criteria/Category has to be determined.

e.g. Based on content / provenance / purpose / tone / view or stance (support vs not
support)

Evidence from both sources

To support the Criteria/Category identified.

Explanation
Explain how each source differs from each other based on the evidence quoted
Explain how the sources are similar based on the evidence quoted

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Tips for Comparison of Content
1. Using the issue of the SBCS as a criteria for comparison.
2. Find synonyms (similar words) or antonyms (opposite words eg bad and good)
3. Find ideas that are similar or complete opposites

Tip #1
Has the practice of meritocracy in Singapore s education system been What is a
successful? possible criteria
of comparison
BACKGROUND INFORMATION when we look at
Read this carefully. It may help you to answer some of the questions. the main issue?

The Singapore government practices meritocracy as one of its key principles Sources A and B
of governance. Meritocracy refers to a system that distributes equal are different in
opportunities to enable future success. People are rewarded based on merit saying whether
and talent rather than factors such as their race, religion or socio-economic the practice of
background. This will ensure, in theory, that all Singaporeans have equal meritocracy in
opportunities to succeed. For example, in the Singapore education system, Singapore s
students are admitted to secondary school based on how well they have done education
for their Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE), and not based on their system has
race, religion or socio-economic background. However, there are critics been
arguing that Singapore s education system is not truly meritocratic. For successful.
instance, in practice, students from richer backgrounds often have more
advantages due to their parents being able to afford extra enrichment and
tuition lessons. These have brought about criticisms against the practice of
meritocracy in Singapore s education system.

Tip #2 or #3 (Similar or Different Words / Phrases)

Similar Idea

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Difference
Source B and C are different in terms of telling / suggesting (common criteria). Source B suggests
that (Inference of Source B). This is supported by (Evidence of Source B). This suggests that
(Explanation of Source B). Whereas Source C suggest that (Inference of Source C). This is
supported by (Evidence of Source C). This suggests that (Explanation of Source C).

Note: For differences, you need to explain how each source is different from the other.

Similarity
Source B and C are similar in terms of telling us that (common criteria and inference). This is
supported in Source B (Evidence of Source B). This is also supported in Source C (Evidence of
Source C). Both sources suggest that there (Explanation of Source B and Source C).

Note: Remember to write 2 paragraph every time you answer comparison questions.

Criteria for Sources B and C (Content)

Sources B and C are similar in telling us that there is an increase inequality in Singapore.
Sources B and C are different in suggesting who should help those who are poor.

How different are Sources B and C? Explain your answer.

Source B and C are different in suggesting who should help those who are poor. (Criteria). Source
B suggests that the wealthy people in Singapore should be the ones that help the poor.
(Inference of Source B). This is supported by, Wealthier individuals should step up to help the
poor students minimise this divide. (Evidence of Source B). This suggests that the rich can do
something to lose the increasing inequality since they are the ones who have more resources.
(Explanation of Source B). Whereas Source C suggest that the government should be the one that
helps the poor. (Inference of Source C). This is supported by, The government should ensure
more help is given to the students who are less privileged to ensure that everyone races for the
finishing line, the start points become more equal. (Evidence of Source C). This suggests that the
government should give more support to the students who are from lower income so that they have
equal opportunities to achieve. (Explanation of Source C).

Sources B and C are similar in terms of telling us that there is an increase in inequality in Singapore.
(common criteria and inference of both sources). This is supported in Source B, Hence
although equal opportunities to succeed are presented to everyone regardless of his or her
background, many feel that the rising inequality gap between the wealthy and poor in Singapore had
led to unequal education outcomes. This is also supported in Source C, But one must account for
the widening gaps of inequality that meritocracy creates in our education system. (Evidence from
Source B and C). Both sources suggest that there are gaps of inequality in Singapore which has
affected the students educational achievements. (Explanation of Source B and Source C).