A documented example earns marks when you describe what was done, say where the information comes from and state the result in neutral words. Judging words such as “selfish” or “heroic” weaken it.
This lesson is part of the federalism cluster. For the wider skill, see answering historical questions.
What is the describe, source, result pattern?
Write three short sentences.
- Describe: what action was taken, by which level.
- Source: where the example is recorded, such as your textbook.
- Result: what followed, in neutral words.
Keep adjectives about people out of all three sentences.
Worked example with a documented case
The case is real: Singapore in Malaysia. The Malaysia Agreement was signed on 9 July 1963, and Malaysia was proclaimed on 16 September 1963, joining the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore 1. Singapore separated on 9 August 1965, a step presented as the best way to protect racial unity and economic stability 2.
Weak, judging version: “The stubborn leaders destroyed the federation by forcing Singapore out.”
Neutral version: “Singapore joined Malaysia on 16 September 1963 under the Malaysia Agreement. It separated on 9 August 1965, a step presented as the best way to protect racial unity and economic stability, as recorded in your textbook. Malaysia continued without Singapore.”
The neutral version keeps the facts, names the source type and records the result without blaming any party.
The mistake that costs marks
The slip is to use loaded words: “careless”, “selfish”, “brave”. They turn a description into an opinion that the evidence does not support.
The repair is to replace each loaded word with the action that led you to choose it.
| Loaded wording | Neutral wording |
|---|---|
| The selfish leaders walked away from Malaysia. | Singapore separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. |
| The brave founders created Malaysia. | The Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore joined to form Malaysia on 16 September 1963. |
Check yourself
Rewrite neutrally: “The stubborn leaders broke up Malaysia in 1965.”
Answer
A neutral rewrite: “Singapore separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965, a step presented as the best way to protect racial unity and economic stability.” 2
The words “stubborn” and “broke up” are removed, and the facts remain. Confirm the details in your textbook before using them.
What to study next
Test the four federalism skills in the federalism practice set. Plan neutral answers with the Sejarah evidence-to-explanation planner.
For a teacher to mark your wording for neutrality, see online one-to-one Sejarah tuition.