This document provides guidance on comparing and contrasting sources. It explains that comparison looks at similarities and differences between objects based on specific criteria. It notes some incorrect comparisons to avoid, such as comparing aspects that only apply to one source. Four common criteria for comparing sources are also outlined: provenance, content, tone, and purpose. The document concludes by presenting templates for writing paragraphs that compare and contrast sources, emphasizing the need to state the basis of comparison and provide evidence from the sources.

1. Kent Ridge Secondary School
Secondary 2 History
Source-Based Skills: Compare and Contrast
Name: _____________________ Class: ________ Date: _____________
What exactly is comparison?
- Looking at two or more objects and their features or characteristics,
and looking at their similarities and differences.
What is a criteria?
- A standard/a reference point by which something is
measured/compared.
Wrong comparisons
- False match: when the criteria applies only to one of the object
compared
o Example: Source A and B are different. Source A says that “the
Japanese used propaganda to control Singapore” but Source B
does not.
- No match: no basis of comparison at all.
o Example: Source A and B are different. Source A states that
“the Japanese used propaganda to control Singapore.” Source
B says that “the cause of the 1964 racial riots is because of
wrong perceptions of the Malay and Chinese race”.
4 criteria commonly used to compare sources
- Provenance
o Type of source (textual versus pictorial) (book versus article)
o Government versus non-government/issues
- Content (inferences)
- Tone
- Purpose
Question types and their requirements
Question types Required answers
BOTH similarities AND differences
How similar are sources A and B?
How different are sources A and B?
To what extent are sources A and B
similar?
To what extent are source A and B
different?
In what ways are Sources A and B Differences
different?
In what ways are Sources A and B Similarities
are similar?

2. Template to answer Compare and Contrast questions:
Paragraphs What to write Marking scheme
(LORMS)
Para 1: Sources A and B are similar. Both agree about L1 (state that
Similarities __________________. (Basis of comparison) sources are similar)
Source A states that “(evidence)”. Source B
states that “(evidence)”. L3 (given your basis
of comparison and
your evidences)
Para 2: Sources A and B are different. Both disagree L1 (state that
Differences about ______________________. (Basis of sources are similar)
comparison) Source A states that “(evidence)”.
However, Source B states that “(evidence)”. L3 (given your basis
of comparison and
your evidences)
Points to note:
- You HAVE to put your evidence. Your evidence MUST be related to the basis of
comparison.