gp - types of aq

Application SkillsSkills For Answering Application Question

http://education.helixated.comAn Open Source Education Project

Introduction

What is the Application Question? (AQ)Usually the last comprehension questionAbout 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!


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


Application Skills

Types of Question About 7 types of AQ (Can be a combination)1. 1. Critique Issues and Formulate Arguments2. 2. Generate New Ideas and Alternatives3. 3. Compare and contrast4. 4. Solve Problem5. 5. Predict Consequences/ Possibilities6. 6. Draw own conclusions and make decisions7. 7. Anticipate Responses

Exercise to Identify Question Type


Application Assessment

How is the AQ graded?Good news … you won’t get zero if you write something

sensible!

The examiner uses the REEC CriteriaR = RequirementE = Explanation (Ex)E = Evaluation (Ev)C = Coherence ABC Bands (Depends on mark range)Refer to Marking the Application Question

Handout (Read it very carefully!)


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)


Application Skills

The GREAT StrategyEffective and useful; simple to recall during the

examsAdopt 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


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?


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?


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 …”!


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


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.


Practice 1 (Short Application Essay)

Critical Thinking Skills Refer to handout 4 & Practise marking up

three short texts.Analyse ArgumentsIdentify and Evaluate AssumptionsClarify and Interpret IdeasJudge Acceptability and Credibility of ClaimsEvaluate ArgumentsWritten Work: Should the SAT be abolished?


Practice 2 (Full Application Essay)

Topic: Discipline – Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child? The Hard Vs Soft Approach

Task 1Read both passages carefully once through and

highlight the main points. Annotate your texts.Passage A – The Hard Approach: New French

Law that tolerates no nonsensePassage B – The Soft Approach: Britain Told to

Ban Use of Force to Discipline Kids


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?


Practice 3 (Comprehension 1)

Apply the The GREAT StrategyComprehension on EducationApplication Question: Requirements1. 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


Practice 4 (Comprehension 2)

Apply the The GREAT StrategyComprehension on Animal RightsApplication Question: RequirementsQuestion 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.


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?


gp - types of aq

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