our study tribeby sobena
How Do You Answer “State” and “Describe” Questions?Bonus Chapter · Video 6 of 8

How Do You Answer “State” and “Describe” Questions?

How Do You Answer “State” and “Describe” Questions?

In Section B, each question usually has two parts: part (a) asks you to or , for about three marks, and part (b) asks you to or explain, for about seven. One word in the question changes how much you write: state means list short points, while describe means name each point, then back it up with details in its own paragraph. The worked example is how the British tackled law and order in 19th-century Singapore.

Section B: Two Parts

  • Part (a): state or identify. About 3 marks.
  • Part (b): describe or explain. About 7 marks.
  • One word in the question changes how much you write.

State = List

  • Short points: a short point for each. No long explanation.
  • Point marking: each correct point gets a mark.
  • Example: a small, weak police force; powerful secret societies; the abuse of coolies and women; piracy at sea.
  • Any three good points will do.

Describe = Point, Then Details

  1. Point: name the way or factor.
  2. Elaborate: give facts and examples.
  3. Give each point its own paragraph.

How Do You Answer “State” and “Describe” Questions?

Model Paragraph 1: The Chinese Protectorate
  1. PointOne way the British tackled law and order was by setting up the in 1877.
  2. EvidenceIt was led by William Pickering, who spoke several Chinese dialects. Coolie-agents and lodging houses had to register, and officers boarded every coolie ship from China. Its Po Leung Kuk rescued many young girls from being sold.
  3. ElaborationBecause Pickering could speak to the Chinese community directly, and the agents and ships were now checked, the government could see and stop the abuse of coolies and young girls instead of leaving them to the secret societies.
  4. LinkHence, the Chinese Protectorate helped the British protect migrants and restore law and order.
Model Paragraph 2: The Dangerous Societies Ordinance
  1. PointAnother way the British tackled law and order was by passing the in 1890.
  2. EvidenceDangerous secret societies became unlawful. The Governor could shut down any dangerous society and banish Chinese migrants back to China.
  3. ElaborationMaking the societies unlawful, with the threat of being sent back to China, took away their power to operate openly, which weakened a major cause of violence in Singapore.
  4. LinkThus, the Ordinance helped the British bring the secret societies under control.

How Describe Answers Are Marked

  1. Level 1 (1 mark): writes about the topic but doesn't answer the question.
  2. Level 2 (2–4 marks): names the ways, but doesn't describe them.
  3. Level 3 (5–7 marks): describes them with details. 5 for one, 6 for two, 7 for three.
  4. No number in the question? Aim for three, each described. Asked for two? Describe two really well.

In One Sentence

  • "State" means give short points, one mark each, while "describe" means name each point and back it up with facts and examples in its own paragraph.

Think About It

  1. "State three problems the British faced in keeping law and order." How long should your answer be, and why?
  2. Why does naming the Chinese Protectorate alone only reach Level 2 in a describe question?
  3. Pick one way the British restored law and order. What facts would you add to describe it?