2008 Hot Questions for Social Studies

Source-Based Question - Can be set on most chapters. So don't take the short cut...popular questions in the past were based on Conflict or Diplomacy and Deterrence.

Structured Essay Questin - With the revised syllabus this year, they could well be Peace and Security: Regional and International Conflict (as well as how conflict is managed) and Globalization. If you are thinking of just spotting on Governance, think twice. Governance can also be related to Growth of City States - Venice and Singapore. There is also a chance for Social Bonding to be set for SEQ.

The important thing is to focus on the questions asked and respond accordingly. Stay relevant, show connections and draw parallels. For source-based questions, always support your inferences and never forget to cross-refer to other sources and give your reasons for doing so.

For similarity or difference, don't forget to comment on simlarity or difference in tone. For utility and reliabililty questions, always look at issues from both perspectives - e.g. why useful and why not useful OR why reliable and why unreliable or biased.

Good luck!