2. Application Skills Skills For Answering Application Question http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

3. 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 time- consuming 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! http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

4. 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 author’s points. You must make the transition from summary skills to application skills Differences between AQ and Summary http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

5. Application Skills Types of Question About 7 types of AQ (Can be a combination) 1.1. Critique Issues and Formulate Arguments 2.2. Generate New Ideas and Alternatives 3.3. Compare and contrast 4.4. Solve Problem 5.5. Predict Consequences/ Possibilities 6.6. Draw own conclusions and make decisions 7.7. Anticipate Responses Exercise to Identify Question Type http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

6. Application Assessment How is the AQ graded? Good news … you won’t 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!) http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

7. 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) http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

8. 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 http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

9. 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? http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

10. 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 author’s assumptions  Challenge the author’s stand. Be critical!  - Write your personal responses. Be independent! Think!– How are my marginal annotations relevant to the question? http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

11. 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 …”! http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

12. 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 http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

13. 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. http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

14. 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? http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

15. 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 http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

16. 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? http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

17. 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 http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

18. 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 writer’s 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. http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project

19. 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? http://education.helixated.com An Open Source Education Project