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Skills For Answering Application Question

Application Skills

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Introduction
What is the Application Question? (AQ) Usually the last comprehension question About 7 12 marks (high weightage can be up to 1/3 the total marks) Most demanding in requirements, most timeconsuming and therefore the most challenging. Expected to employ higher order thinking skills (e.g. evaluation, synthesis, comparative analysis, problem solving, etc.) Must be able to present strong arguments! Take the AQ skills very seriously!

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Application Skills
Is it similar to the Summary Question? NO! You will surely fail the AQ (get 1 sympathy
mark) if you merely summarise the authors points.

You must make the transition from summary skills to application skills Differences between AQ and Summary

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Application Skills
Types of Question
About 7 types of AQ (Can be a combination)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. Critique Issues and Formulate Arguments 2. Generate New Ideas and Alternatives 3. Compare and contrast 4. Solve Problem 5. Predict Consequences/ Possibilities 6. Draw own conclusions and make decisions 7. Anticipate Responses

Exercise to Identify Question Type

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Application Assessment
How is the AQ graded? Good news you wont get zero if you write something
sensible!

The examiner uses the REEC Criteria R = Requirement E = Explanation (Ex) E = Evaluation (Ev) C = Coherence ABC Bands (Depends on mark range) Refer to Marking the Application Question Handout (Read it very carefully!)

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Application Assessment
Requirement Meet what the examiner expects of you; your
response must fit the given question. Text reference is mandatory! Reference to your own society (Singapore) must be made if the question specifies that!

Explanation (Ex) Must be able to explain terms and

concepts and develop own ideas to justify the evaluation. Must be able to present suitable elaboration and support.

Evaluation (Ev) Able to offer personal opinions which are

relevant and insightful; Able to make decisions, judgements, suggestions; able to develop ideas to a logical conclusion (dependent on the Question Type);

Coherence able to organise your ideas/ arguments well and

show logical connection from paragraph to paragraph (good paragraphing and use of conjunctions)

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Application Skills
The GREAT Strategy
Effective and useful; simple to recall during the exams Adopt a systematic approach to answering the AQ G Grasp the Question Type and Requirement R Refer to your marginal annotations of the passage E Extract the relevant ideas and express your personal stand with conviction A Arrange your points logically T Time yourself and work as fast as you can

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The GREAT Strategy

G Grasp the Question Type and Requirement Analyse the question carefully Circle/ underline/ highlight key words! What is the Question Type? What is the specific task(s) required by the QT? Do I understand the key task words and implications of the question? How many parts does the question have?

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The GREAT Strategy

R Refer to your marginal annotations of the passage As you read the passage: - Make notes. / Pick out main points. - Question the authors assumptions Challenge the authors stand. Be critical! - Write your personal responses. Be independent! Think! How are my marginal annotations relevant to the question?

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The GREAT Strategy

E Extract the relevant ideas and express your personal stand with conviction Have I thought through and written down all relevant points? Do I have a clear thesis statement? Have I put across my views strongly and persuasively? Signal your personal evaluation clearly with I think/ believe/ feel that !

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The GREAT Strategy

A Arrange your points logically Plan your AQ essay before you write! Do a rough outline. Refer to the handout: Checklist The AQ Framework

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The GREAT Strategy

T Time yourself and work as fast as you can Depending on your ability level, you should leave about 20 to 25 minutes for the AQ Advice: Though AQ is the last question, do not leave thinking about it to the last! You should read the Application Question from the start and let your subconscious mind work on it as you plough through the rest of the compre paper.

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Practice 1 (Short Application Essay)

Critical Thinking Skills
Refer to handout 4 & Practise marking up three short texts. Analyse Arguments Identify and Evaluate Assumptions Clarify and Interpret Ideas Judge Acceptability and Credibility of Claims Evaluate Arguments Written Work: Should the SAT be abolished?

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Practice 2 (Full Application Essay)

Topic: Discipline Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child? The Hard Vs Soft Approach Task 1 Read both passages carefully once through and highlight the main points. Annotate your texts. Passage A The Hard Approach: New French Law that tolerates no nonsense Passage B The Soft Approach: Britain Told to Ban Use of Force to Discipline Kids

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Practice 2
Analyse & Evaluate Decisions/Recommendations
1. What makes this decision necessary? 2. What is recommended & on what grounds? 3. What are the options/alternatives? Are they realistic or unusual? 4. What are the likely consequences of the various options? 5. How important/serious are these consequences for all those affected? 6. Compare all the alternatives: is the recommended course the best one?

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Practice 3 (Comprehension 1)
Apply the The GREAT Strategy Comprehension on Education Application Question: Requirements 1. Identify the shortcomings of education in both passages. 2. Assess the validity of their views. 3. Text Reference. Make a reference to your own educational experience (i.e. in your own society) Plan your AQ essay before you write! Do a rough outline. Refer to the handout: Checklist The AQ Framework

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Practice 4 (Comprehension 2)
Apply the The GREAT Strategy Comprehension on Animal Rights Application Question: Requirements Question Type (Compare & Contrast)
1. Decide which of the two writers arguments is more convincing. 2. Justify (Give sound reasons to support your decision.) 3. Link the authors points to your society (e.g. Singapore) - specify how your country can adopt a balanced approach to the issue.

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Compare & Contrast

If the question is on "compare & contrast", this is how you analyze & evaluate the passage: 1. How are they similar? 2. How are they different? 3. What similarities and differences seem significant? 4. Do you see any patterns in the significant similarities and differences? 5. What conclusion is suggested by the significant similarities and differences?