The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesising, and/or evaluating information gathered

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the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesising, and/or evaluating information gathered from or generated by observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

Critical Thinking

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Bk burning after exams and its justifications Ashley Madison website to be banned and its

justifications Vegetarian ad on dog and calf

Examples from daily life

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An introduction to the AQ

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‘A’ level AQ qns and Requirements An Approach to an AQ -Analysis of keywords-Possible Stands and Introduction-Selection of Relevant Arguments-Explanation-Evaluation-Evidence -Link-Conclusion

Overview of lecture

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Examples of AQ qnsSingle Passage

In this article, Michael Gordon writes about some of the roles and functions music plays in modern life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with his views? Illustrate your answer by referring to the ways in which you and your society regard music. (2012)

In this article, O’Sullivan describes some current issues around the subject of food. How applicable do you find her observations to yourself and your own society? (2010)

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Double Passage With which of the two authors are you most in

sympathy? Explain the reasons for your choice. How relevant are the views raised by both authors to Singapore society? (2003)

A thinks that an understanding of history is essential, whereas B thinks that history has no value. How important is an understanding of history for you and your society, and how far has your views been challenged or confirmed by these two passages. (2008)

Examples of AQ qns

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1. Requirements (R)* Addresses all parts of the question Provides a balanced treatment by

examining ideas/issues from different viewpoints

2. Explanation (Ex) Explains and elaborates on the ideas that

are selected from the passage & own arguments

Assessment Requirements

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3. Evaluation (Ev) Provides very convincing judgments/

conclusions about the ideas Supports with personal

insights/examples

4. Coherence (C) Good paragraphing/organisation Arguments make sense and flow well Appropriate Linking Devices used

Assessment Requirements

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Many produced vigorous, articulate and well structured responses.

Many produced lively and well-structured responses, with an attention-grabbing introduction.

Strong answers featured a variety of discourse markers to delineate and connect paragraphs, and a succinct conclusion.

Weaker scripts, on the other hand, failed to include one or more of these.

Examiners’ Comments

BAND 1

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1. REQUIREMENTS: Systematic reference to the requirements of the question, with evidence of a balanced treatment.

2. EXPLANATION: shows a good or very good understanding of the terms and issues raised by the passage.

3. EVALUATION: makes very convincing evaluation by making judgements, and by developing arguments to logical conclusion; includes elaboration and support through personal insight and experience, with apt illustration.

4. COHERENCE: very clear shape and paragraph organisation; cogent argument.

BAND 3

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1. REQUIREMENTS: an incomplete and/or unbalanced treatment of the requirements.

2. EXPLANATION: shows very limited degree of understanding and a higher incidence of misinterpretation.

3. EVALUATION: tends to be a mere summary or restatement of the text with a few simple and undeveloped judgements, with very thin illustration.

4. COHERENCE: paragraphing and organisation are haphazard; arguments inconsistent or illogical.

Rubrics

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Introduction with stand

1st relevant arg Brief Explanation Evaluation +/ Application

2nd relevant arg Brief Explanation Evaluation +/ Application

3rd relevant arg Brief Explanation Evaluation +/ Application Conclusion

Structure of your AQ

1 para

1 para

1 para

1 para

1 para

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Overview of lecture

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The passage examines our preoccupation with busyness and suggests the need to indulge in idleness to maintain an ideal life.

To what extent do you agree with the writer’s views? Support your answer with observations and examples drawn from your society.

Read the passage and consider this question

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To what extent do you agree with the writer’s views? Support your answer with observations and examples drawn from your society.R1 :Stand indicating where you would slant towards in introductionR2 :Select arguments from writer[at least 3 but depends on qn]R3 :Your reasons for largely agreeing or largely disagreeing with the selected arguments based on what you know of your societyR4 :Your supporting examples/evidence

1. Analyse key words

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To what extent do you agree or disagree with his views? While his views are largely valid, some are not sound. While his views are largely valid, some are without

adequate justifications/ basis. Most of his arguments seem plausible/ convincing on the

surface but upon deeper analysis, they reveal some flaws. Many of his views on …are rather optimistic and need to

be carefully examined. I largely disagree with his views as they are very optimistic

and some views lack proper justifications especially when applied to my society, Singapore.

Possible Stands

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Many candidates are now providing an introductory paragraph featuring a succinct overview of the passage and sketching out the issues which will be addressed in the main body of the answer.

Introduction - Examiner’s Comment

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Briefly discuss the main ideas of writer/sBalanced stand indicating extent of

agreement with specific ideas [optional]Reasons: Salient Similarities/ Differences

between context and your society, resulting in different outcomes

Reiteration of Stand

Writing the Introduction

In this passage, Tim Kreider illustrates how the preoccupation with work has become more and more prevalent in today’s society. He suggests that there should be a balance between work and idleness to maintain an ideal life. His views might hold true in an American society, but not necessarily in Singapore, where competition has driven this small country with minimal physical resources to work tirelessly to rise to be a strong economic power in her region. As such, Kreider is applicable only to a certain extent in such a globally competitive nation like Singapore.

Example of an Intro

Main Idea

Balanced Stand

Reasons

Restate Stand

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Overview of lecture

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How to select arguments?VERY IMPORTANT Points can usually be found from the summary Select the arguments that answer the question One argument per paragraph!

Do not select specific examples!

Selection and reference to writer’s argumentsAccording to (writer’s surname) in Passage A/B…Or The writer (surname) argues in lines x to x that …

Possible Arguments Tick + ReasonsThe writer describes how there is a trend of people rushing around and lamenting about their busyness. [Para. 1]

XIt is just a description without an argument; more as a lead in to introduce topic

Busyness is self-imposed / by choice due to ambition and anxiety (lines 7-9)

√There is a claim and reasons indicated by ‘due to’; a major argument supporting idleness; applicable to Singapore as this is a major trend

if your job was not performed by a cat or a boa constrictor in a Richard Scarry book I am not sure I believe it is necessary. (lines 33-34)

X??? Difficult to understand /culture specific?

Even children busy due to parental pressure (lines 19-20)

√There is a claim and reasons indicated by ‘due to’; applicable to Singapore as this major trend

to grant an income to all without demanding for work (lines 54-55)

X not the writer’s argument although he did imply agreement by projecting into the future & recognising its possible viability later in that paragraph

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How to Explain? Read other parts of the passage/answers to the short

questions for a complete understanding of the issue Clearly & fully convey the author’s argument E.g. “By this, the writer means/implies/suggests

that…” Explain briefly what this argument is about Include the author’s attitude (if detectable)

Not a mere quote!

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Overview of lecture

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How do I evaluate?

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Socratic Questioning

Questions for clarification

• What does the concept, e.g. idleness, mean?• What else does the writer include in the

definitions?• What examples did he give? What are the

non-examples that he or I can think up?

Questions that probe assumptions• What could we assume instead?• How can you verify or disprove that

assumption?

Questions that probe reasons and evidence

• What do you think has caused this to happen?

• What would be an example?

Questions about Viewpoints and Perspectives

• What would be an alternative?• What is another way to look at it?• Would you explain why it is necessary or

beneficial, and who benefits?• Why is it the best?• What are the strengths and weaknesses?• What is a counterargument for this idea?

Questions that probe implications and consequences

• What generalisations can you make?• What are the consequences of that

assumption?• What is the author implying?• How does...affect...?• How does...tie in with what we learned

before?

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Busyness is self-imposed due to aspirations‘It’s almost always people whose lamented busyness is purely self-imposed…because of their own ambition or drive’ (lines 7-10).ExplanationAccording to the writer in lines 7-9, people choose to be busy due to their aspiration to do well in life.

1ST Selected Argument and explanation

Busyness is self-imposed due to ambition How does being busy help people in my society to fulfil

their ambitions? Are there examples from my society to prove the

above? Why do people in my society choose to be busy?/Is it really because of ambition? What are the PESC [political/economic/social/cultural]

conditions that are similar to the passage’s context or that differ?

Is there evidence to prove that there are other reasons than ambition to account for our busyness?

Questions to aid Evaluation

According to the writer in lines 7-9, people choose to be busy due to their aspiration to do well in life. I largely agree with Kreider in this respect because ambition is linked to success and economic survival. Most people would pile on the amount of work and hours put in so that they can gain more rewards and promotion at work. This is also applicable to my society. In Singapore’s success-driven and competitive society, where people continually ratchet up expectations for occupational and professional success, we worship the mantra of “work hard, play hard.” Very often, work is self-imposed and we willingly do more to stand out from the crowd (or maybe even to keep ourselves from falling behind). Moreover, the meritocratic system in Singapore has instilled in us a belief that a person has to work hard to earn his reward. Someone who is idle and not working is thus seen as not contributing to an organisation. This prevalent mindset encourages people to impose busyness on themselves in order to appear useful to their bosses. A report from the Boston Consulting Group in 2012 found that more than one in every six Singapore households have disposable private wealth of over US$1 million. This is the Singapore version of the American dream which drives most Singaporeans to work hard. Therefore, as with the people in the writer’s society, Singaporeans are themselves responsible for their hectic life.

Agree [Explanation + Evaluation + evidence + link]

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EX: What is the writer saying or arguing about?According to the writer in lines 7-9, people choose to be busy due to their aspiration to do well in life.

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Stand +EvaluationI largely agree with Kreider in this respect because ambition is linked to success and economic survival. Most people would pile on the amount of work and hours put in so that they can gain more rewards and promotion at work. This is also applicable to my society. In Singapore’s success-driven and competitive society, where people continually ratchet up expectations for occupational and professional success, we worship the mantra of “work hard, play hard.” Very often, work is self-imposed and we willingly do more to stand out from the crowd (or maybe even to keep ourselves from falling behind).

What is my opinion?

EV: Reasons

How?

EV: Why? Economic & Soc.

EV: How?

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EvaluationMoreover, the meritocratic system in Singapore has instilled in us a belief that a person has to work hard to earn his reward. Someone who is idle and not working is thus seen as not contributing to an organisation. This prevalent mindset encourages people to impose busyness on themselves in order to appear useful to their bosses.

Signpost : ‘Moreover’ EV: Why? Social

EV: How?

EV: How?

Result= busyness

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Evidence A report from the Boston Consulting Group in 2012, found that more than one in every six Singapore households have disposable private wealth of over US$1 million. This is the Singapore version of the American dream which drives most Singaporeans to work hard.

Statistics

EV: Point of evidence EV: Why busy?

Economic/Materialism

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L: LinkTherefore, as with the people in the writer’s society, Singaporeans are themselves responsible for their hectic life.

Signpost: ‘therefore’ Link back to topic sentence

Responsible = self-imposed busyness

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However, though many in my society choose to be busy to fulfil their ambitions, others may not be busy out of choice. The author fails to consider the demands of surviving in my society today. Given the greater competition for jobs from foreign talents and workers, people’s financial situations require them to maintain multiple jobs and work long hours. Employees are easily replaceable if they are unwilling to meet their bosses’ requests and expectations. Also, the rising cost of living and the nation’s limited safety net force people to meet their financial needs without significant state-support. This is seen in the cost of living in Singapore which has increased dramatically. From 2001 to 2012, Singapore skyrocketed from the 97th to the 9th most expensive city in the world. Hence although people in our society are busy, sometimes it is not by choice but by circumstance.

Balance: Limitations

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EVHowever, though many in my society choose to be busy to fulfil their ambitions, others may not be busy out of choice. The author fails to consider the demands of surviving in my society today. Given the greater competition for jobs from foreign talents and workers, people’s financial situations require them to maintain multiple jobs and work long hours. Employees are easily replaceable if they are unwilling to meet their bosses’ requests and expectations. Also, the rising cost of living and the nation’s limited safety net force people to meet their financial needs without significant state-support.

Signpost : However EV: Balance ‘Many’ with

‘others’/ What is my opinion? EV: Why? Economic/global

trends

EV: How?

EV: Why? Economic & Social

EV: How?

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EvidenceThe cost of living in Singapore has increased dramatically. From 2001 to 2012, Singapore skyrocketed from the 97th to the 9th most expensive city in the world.

Statistic to support point

about cost of living

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L: Link

Hence although people in our society are busy, sometimes it is not by choice but by circumstance.

Links back to topic sentence

Not self-imposed for the others who are not so lucky

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1. SELECTED ARGUMENT FROM WRITER IN OWN WORDS

2. EXPLANATION 3. EVALUATION4. EVIDENCE 5. LINK BACK TO YOUR ARG. & STAND

SUMMARY OF Framework

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Many references were made to various key factors that shaped or determined the fast-paced lifestyles of Singaporeans, citing among these; the absence of natural resources, a meritocratic system that supported competition for tangible rewards, a welfare-less state and rise of materialistic tendencies as reflected in the Singapore dream associated with the 5Cs - cash, credit cards, cars, condominiums, and country club memberships. Such an analysis of aspects of Singaporean society is exactly what the application question requires.

Examiners’ Comments – gd answers

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Fairly trivial and limited examples were drawn from society by referring to only the lives of students, instead of examining other groups in society.

Example: Yes, Singapore society is also very hectic. Students

like me are so busy that we do not even have time to eat or to sleep. I attend school from 7.30am till 6.30pm and still have to participate in CCA. By the time I reach home, it is already 11pm….

Examiners’ Comments- weak answers

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Overview of lecture

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A number of candidates presented a simplistic or one-lined conclusion. The attempt to adopt such an abrupt way of ending missed out on portraying an overall picture about the implications of their stand on their society or the world.

Examiner’s Comment on Conclusion

All in all, a balance must be struck between diligence and idleness. An excessive amount of either will yield harmful results to individuals and the society as a whole. Hence, we have to evaluate thoroughly the pros and cons of each to arrive at a sensible decision. OrIn conclusion, not all the views of the author apply to Singapore as Singapore is different from America in many aspects. His views are relevant somewhere else, but not here in Singapore. Singaporeans can thus learn from his views, but should not blindly adopt them as we are a nation that aims to be perpetually competitive in the global community. Indeed we have no choice but to be so.

Conclusion of AQ

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Select arguments that you have something to elaborate on. Rephrase the arguments in your own words and signal where they are taken

from. Pose questions to the claims/ reasons used by the author to stimulate ideas

and to assess the writer’s arguments. Justify and explain your opinions. Give qualified rather than extreme statements. Think about the strengths and weaknesses of the claims made by

the writer to present a fair assessment. Point out the limitations where possible to show some areas for alternative

consideration. Use specific examples and show how they support your point. Do not refer

to examples that are specific to certain individuals and cannot be generalised.

If you are asked to talk about your personal experience, do so without becoming trivial and make it refreshingly convincing.

Checklist

Check that you have explicitly referred to your country for arguments and examples.

Make sure you have included PESC factors in your answer.

How does my society normally react to such situations, ideas and suggestions?

What else in my society can validate/challenge the writer’s argument?

Checklist

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I think therefore I am

Documents

The intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesising, and/or evaluating information gathered