This document outlines the structure and format for responding to different types of source-based questions. Section 1 addresses inference, purpose, comparison, and reliability questions regarding sources. Responses should include clear points supported by evidence from the sources. Section 2 describes question formats involving affecting factors and two-sided answers. Responses should directly answer the question, identify and explain relevant factors, and draw a conclusion supported by evidence. The document provides guidance for analyzing sources and structuring multi-part answers to demonstrate understanding.

1. SECTION 1 : SOURCE-BASED QUESTIONS
A : INFERENCE
1. Inference based on a person/group/object.
a. Point
b. Evidence and Explanation
2. Inference based on another person/group/object.
a. Point
b. Evidence and Explanation
B : PURPOSE
This is another inference question which follows the same format as Part A. State clearly the author, audience and use a
strong verb, like convince and criticise.
1. What is the purpose of the source upon your first reading of the source? What does the source show or tell?
Support these with appropriate evidence.
2. What is the embedded purpose within the source? What is the author trying to get the audience to do after they
read it? When was the source written? Who is the audience? Support these with appropriate evidence.
Outline of response:



Reason that is easy to see
o Evidence from text
Reason hidden in the text
o Evidence from text
Ultimate purpose of source based on one of the reasons you stated
C : COMPARISON
1. Similarity (as they both agree that…)
a. Evidence from both sources
2. Difference (on when/how/what/whom…)
a. Evidence from both sources
3. Similarity or Difference
a. Evidence from both sources
4. Comparison of tone or purpose
a. Evidence from Source A
b. Evidence from Source B
D : RELIABILITY
1. Answer the question whether it is reliable or not (if it is reliable it should agree with the other sources and vice versa)
2. Agreement or Disagreement with other source (i.e. cross reference)
a. Evidence from the source
b. What can be inferred from the source which agrees or disagrees.
3. Agreement or Disagreement with another source (if it agrees in the first part, it should also agree in the second)
a. Evidence from the source
b. What can be inferred from the source which agrees or disagrees.

2. Suggested outline of response:



Reliable or Unreliable based on content
o Cross reference
o Evidence
Reliable or Unreliable based on content
o Cross reference
o Evidence
Reliable or Unreliable based on purpose
o Cross reference
o Evidence
SECTION 2 : STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
A : AFFECTING-FACTORS QUESTION
1. Answer the question directly.
a. Explain the factor that has been provided.
2. Identify the other factor that affected the given outcome.
a. Explain the factor
3. Identify another factor that affected the given outcome.
a. Explain the factor
4. Conclusion
a. Identify the factor that is most important.
b. Explain clearly why this is so with external factors.
B : TWO-SIDED ANSWER
1. Agree with the question
a. Explain with adequate evidence and explanation of three to four sentences
2. Disagree with the question
a. Explain with adequate evidence and explanation of three to four sentences
3. Conclusion
a. State your stronger stand that was most important.
b. Explain clearly why this is so with external factors.