What you should be doing in your AQ answer
Requirements (R)
Answer the question.
Take a stand.
Give examples from your context (Singapore etc.)
Relate evidence to your stand.
Explanation (Ex)
Show that you understand the writers’ perspectives and arguments.
Elaborate fully on your stand.
Elaborate fully on how the examples prove your point.
Evaluation (Ev)
Show that you understand how the writers’ views converge / diverge.
Identify strengths and weaknesses in writers’ theses.
Distinguish which view is more relevant to your context.
Explain why this view is more applicable.
Explain why the other view is not applicable / not as applicable.
Coherence (C)
Give a focus statement that delivers your stand, an outline of your discussion / evidence.
Show clear organization of answer into paragraphs.
Sense of an introduction, body and conclusion.
How to evaluate
Show dis/agreement
1. Although writer’s surname is correct to say that… (an idea you agree with), I believe that…
2. Despite the fact that… (an idea you agree with), I would argue that…
3. My view is aligned to that of writer’s surname, in that I too believe in..
4. I concur with writer’s surname, as I feel that…
Show dis/agreement with examples
1. Unlike the examples brought up by the writer, evidence in the Singaporean context suggests otherwise. For instance, consider how… (one or two strong examples)
2. Similar to evidence from the passage, (example from your context)
How to structure your answer (single passage)
Intro
Answer the question. Explain the author’s viewpoint briefly. A focus statement that expresses your view, both in general and in your own context.General Paragraph*
Compare your view with the author’s. Evaluate the author’s argument. Elaborate. Provide evidence from your context and link it to your original point.Conclusion that restates your focus statement
Reiterate your stand. Sum up your points. Make future projections: will your argument still stand in the future; are things likely to change in your context?
Download a template for a single-passage AQ answer.
How to structure your answer (contrasting passages)
Intro
Answer the question. Explain the authors’ viewpoint briefly. A focus statement that expresses your view, both in general and in your own context. Who do you agree with more?General Paragraph*
Align your view to one author’s or show that it contrasts the other author’s view. Elaborate on why you agree/disagree by evaluating the arguments given. Give evidence from your context and link it to your point.Conclusion that restates your focus statement
Who do you agree with more? Summarise your stand in relation to both writers’ theses.
*You should make at least 3 points (i.e. ‘general paragraphs’) in your AQ answer.
