Introduction: The "Big Question"

Welcome to the final and most important part of your Source-Based Case Study (SBCS). This chapter focuses on the Evaluation Question (usually Question 1e). Think of this as the "boss fight" of your History paper! While earlier questions ask you to look at one or two sources, this question asks you to look at all of them to reach a final judgement.

By the end of this chapter, you will know how to weigh different pieces of evidence to decide "how far" a statement is true. Don't worry if it feels overwhelming—it's like being a judge in a courtroom, and we are going to learn how to handle the evidence step-by-step!

What is the Evaluation Question?

In your O-Level exam, the last sub-question in Section A will give you a statement and ask: "How far do these sources support the view that..." or "Using the sources in this case study, to what extent do you agree with the statement..."

Key Facts to Remember:

  • It is worth the most marks in Section A (usually 8 to 10 marks).
  • It tests Assessment Objective 3 (AO3): Your ability to draw conclusions based on evidence and arguments.
  • You must use multiple sources (ideally all 5 or 6 provided in the paper).
  • It is marked using LORMs (Levels of Response Mark Scheme), which means the better your explanation and balance, the higher your "Level."

The Courtroom Analogy

Imagine you are a judge. A lawyer says, "Hitler was only able to rise to power because of the Great Depression."

To reach a fair judgement, you can't just listen to one side. You must:

  1. Look at sources that say "Yes" (The Great Depression caused his rise).
  2. Look at sources that say "No" (Other things, like the weaknesses of the Weimar government or the appeal of the Nazi Party, caused his rise).
  3. Decide which side is stronger based on all the evidence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Answering

Step 1: Understand the Statement

Read the question carefully. Identify the Topic and the Claim.
Example Statement: "The British were welcomed by the local people in Malaya."
Topic: British rule in Malaya.
Claim: They were "welcomed."

Step 2: The "Yes/No" Sorting Table

Before you start typing into your digital answer booklet, quickly look through your sources and sort them. This prevents you from missing sources! You can do this mentally or on a small piece of scratch paper.

Quick Tip: Most source sets are designed to be balanced. Usually, some sources will support the statement, and others will challenge it.

Step 3: Writing the "Support" Paragraphs

Start with the sources that agree with the statement. Use the PEEL structure for each source:

  • Point: State clearly that Source A supports the view.
  • Evidence: Quote or paraphrase a specific part of the source.
  • Explanation: Explain how this evidence proves the statement.
  • Link: Tie it back to the question.

Step 4: Writing the "Challenge" Paragraphs

Now, look for sources that disagree or show a different side. Use phrases like "On the other hand..." or "However, Source B challenges this view because..."

Step 5: Reaching a Judgement (The Conclusion)

To get the highest marks, don't just say "some say yes, some say no." You need to provide a reasoned conclusion. Ask yourself:

  • Is one side more reliable than the other? (Cross-reference with what you know about the topic).
  • Does the "Challenge" side show that the "Support" side is only true for a short time or for a specific group of people?

Key Vocabulary for Your Answer

Using these "connector words" will make your response more professional and easier for the examiner to follow:

  • Support: "Source C corroborates the view that..." or "Source D affirms..."
  • Challenge: "Source E contradicts the statement by..." or "Source F offers an alternative perspective..."
  • Balance: "While Source A suggests X, Source B indicates Y, showing that the situation was complex."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't fall into these traps!

  1. The "Lumping" Error: Saying "Sources A, B, and C all agree." You must explain each source individually to show you understand its unique evidence.
  2. Ignoring the Source: Just writing what you know from your textbook without using the evidence provided in the paper. Remember, this is a source-based question!
  3. Being One-Sided: If you only talk about sources that agree with the statement, you cannot reach the higher mark levels. You must show the other side.
  4. Forgetting the "How Far" part: Make sure you actually answer whether the statement is mostly true, partially true, or mostly false at the end.

Quick Review: The Checklist

Before you submit your answer, check if you have:

  • [ ] Used at least two sources that Support the statement.
  • [ ] Used at least two sources that Challenge the statement.
  • [ ] Used Evidence (quotes) from each source.
  • [ ] Explained how the evidence links to the statement.
  • [ ] Included a Conclusion that answers "How far."

Key Takeaway

Reaching a judgement is not about finding a single "right" answer. It is about showing the examiner that you have looked at all the evidence, identified that different people have different views (like the British vs. local elites in Malaya, or the USA vs. the USSR during the Cold War), and can explain why those views exist.

Note: To learn more about how to check if a specific source is lying or biased, see the chapter on "Reliability, purpose, bias and utility of a source."