A good comparison goes point by point. For each point, say what was the same or different, then give the reason for the difference.
This lesson is part of the federation developments in 1948 cluster. It uses the features from identifying important institutional features.
What is the same, different, reason method?
Choose two or three comparison points. For each, write three short parts.
- Same or different: state how the two arrangements compare on this point.
- Evidence: name the feature in each.
- Reason: say why the difference existed.
Worked example: Malayan Union and Federation of Malaya
| Point | Malayan Union (1946) | Federation of Malaya (1948) |
|---|---|---|
| Position of the Rulers | Powers reduced | Positions restored |
| Citizenship | Easy citizenship proposed | Stricter requirements |
| Overall control | British administration | British High Commissioner, with the Rulers’ agreement |
These points come from the sources on the two arrangements 1 2.
Written answer: “The two arrangements differ in the position of the Rulers. Under the Malayan Union of 1946 their powers were reduced, but the Federation of Malaya of 1948 restored their positions. The reason is that Malays, led by UMNO, objected strongly to the Union. Both arrangements kept British oversight, so the change was a shift in balance, not the end of British control.”
The answer states the difference, gives the evidence from both columns, explains why and ends with what stayed the same.
The mistake that costs marks
The slip is two summaries: “The Malayan Union reduced the Rulers’ powers. The federation restored their positions.” It describes both, but never says how they differ or why.
The repair is to join them in each sentence with “whereas” or “but”, and add a reason.
| Two summaries | Point by point |
|---|---|
| The Union reduced the Rulers’ powers. The federation restored their positions. | The Union reduced the Rulers’ powers, but the federation restored their positions, because Malays led by UMNO had objected to the Union. |
Check yourself
Using the table, write one comparison sentence on citizenship, with a reason.
Answer
“The Malayan Union proposed easy citizenship, but the Federation of Malaya set stricter requirements, because Malays had objected that easy citizenship weakened their position.”
The sentence states both arrangements, the difference and the reason. Confirm the exact citizenship terms in your textbook.
What to study next
Go on to using dates only where they clarify a sequence. Plan your comparison with the Sejarah evidence-to-explanation planner.
For a teacher to practise comparison answers with you, see online one-to-one Sejarah tuition.