Lecture 10: P1 Skills –

Essay Question Types

Term 2 Week 1

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Lecture Objectives:
1. Why is it useful to identify question types?
2. What are the different question types?
3. How do you identify the various question types?
4. How do the question types affect the way I think about and
write my essay?

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1. Why must I learn this?
• How do you decide which essay question to do?
1. Feelings
2. Mood
3. Length of the question
4. Topic
5. Question Type

• The difficulty of any essay question is not only determined by

its topic or subject matter. It is largely determined by its
question type.
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Which question would you choose?
A. Should social media be regulated?
B. To what extent should social media be regulated?
C. ‘Social media should never be regulated.’ Discuss.
D. Discuss the view that it is better to regulate social media companies
instead of its users.
E. Considering the power that corporations have, should social media
companies be regulated?
F. Considering the power that corporations have, should regulation be
imposed on social media companies instead of its users?

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Which question would you choose now?
A. Should social media be regulated? [Basic]
B. To what extent should social media be regulated? [Extent]
C. ‘Social media should never be regulated.’ Discuss. [Absolute]
D. Discuss the view that it is better to regulate social media companies
instead of its users. [Comparison]
E. Considering the power that corporations have, should social media
companies be regulated? [Conditional]
F. Considering the power that corporations have, should regulation be
imposed on social media companies instead of its users? [Hybrid]

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2. What are the different question types?
1. Basic
2. Extent
3. Comparison
4. Absolute
5. Conditional/Assumption
6. Hybrid (a combination of some or all of the above)

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Basic Question Type
• The basic question type usually does not contain any absolute terms,
assumptions or comparative words.

• However, more often than not, the challenge for such a question
would be in understanding and defining the keywords found in the
question. These keywords determine the focus of every topic
sentence presented in each body paragraph.

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Basic Question Type
• Is regulation of the press desirable? (‘A’ Level 2017)
oDefinition of ‘desirable’: worth having and wanted by
most people
oDo you think regulation of the press is worth having and wanted by
most people? Why?

• Can space research be justified nowadays? (‘A’ Level 2011)

oDefinition of ‘justified’: having a good and valid reason
for doing or pursuing something
oAre there good and valid reasons for space research today?

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Basic Question Type
• Is regulation of the press desirable? (‘A’ Level 2017)
oDefinition of ‘desirable’: worth having and wanted by
most people
oDo you think regulation of the press is worth having and wanted by
most people? Why?

• Can space research be justified nowadays? (‘A’ Level 2011)

oDefinition of ‘justified’: having a good and valid reason
for doing or pursuing something
oAre there good and valid reasons for space research today?

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Extent Question Type
• The extent question type requires you to evaluate the applicability of
the claim found in the question, within a continuum.

Agree, for the most part Disagree, for the most part

Agree Disagree

• Do not be quick to take on an extreme stand

• You have to understand the claim found in the question and consider
the various circumstances and conditions in which the claim is
applicable or not applicable.

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Extent Question Type
• To what extent can the regulation of scientific or technological
developments be justified? (‘A’ Level 2014)
Justified, as long as it
does not restrict
innovation

Justified Not justified

• Are there good reasons to regulate scientific or technological

developments?
• Are there circumstances or conditions in which such regulation would
be harmful? What are these circumstances or conditions?

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Extent Question Type
• To what extent can the regulation of scientific or technological
developments be justified? (‘A’ Level 2014)
Not justified, unless such
developments are pursued
with the sole intention of
harming others

Justified Not justified

• Can regulation hamper the very purpose of scientific or technological

developments? Would this negate any valid reason for regulation?
• Are there circumstances or conditions in which regulation is necessary?

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Absolute Question Type
• The absolute question type usually puts forth extreme views.
• For such a question type, we need to show an understanding of why
these extreme positions exist and who presents these opinions.
• You are encouraged to moderate your approach and not be quick to
agree with the one-sided view proffered in the question.
• Look out for words such as ‘never’, ‘no’, and ‘always’ (though not
limited to these) to correctly identify absolute question types

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Absolute Question Type
• Look out for words such as ‘never’, ‘no’, and ‘always’ (though not
limited to these) to correctly identify absolute question types

• ‘No cause is ever worth dying for.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)

• ‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on their
children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)

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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)

Thinking routine:
a. Why would some people support such an extreme
viewpoint?
b. Are there circumstances or conditions which make
the extreme viewpoint invalid?
c. What is your position on this?

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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)

Thinking routine:
a. Why would some people support such an extreme
viewpoint?
• Individuals should be free to determine their own
lives.
• Parents tend to abuse their children when they try to
impose their own values and beliefs on their children.

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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)

Thinking routine:
b. Are there circumstances or conditions which make the
extreme viewpoint invalid?
• Freedom must only be granted when the child is
ready to live with the consequences of such a
freedom. Parents must still guide the child.
• There is no justification for abuse. However,
parents have the right to discipline their child as
parents will always be held accountable first for
their children’s misdemeanours.
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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)
Thinking routine:
b. Are there circumstances or conditions which make the
extreme viewpoint invalid?
• Freedom must only be granted when the child is
ready to live with the consequences of such a
freedom. Parents must still guide the child.
• There is no justification for abuse. However,
parents have the right to discipline their child as
parents will always be held accountable first for
their children’s misdemeanours.
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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)
Thinking routine:
c. What is your position on this?
• Parents, as the primary role models for their
children, have the right to impose their own values
and beliefs on their children as long as it does not
impede their children’s freedom to choose when
they are of age.

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‘Parents have no right to impose their own values and beliefs on
their children.’ Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2015)
Thinking routine:
c. What is your position on this?
• Considering the reality that parents will always be
held accountable for their children’s actions, they
have the right to impose their own values and beliefs
on their children as long as it is not done in an
abusive manner.

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Comparison Question Type
• The comparison question type consists of at least two variables.
• We are required to compare and evaluate the given variables against
the common factor of comparison that is often found in the
question.
• Failure to address the given variables in the entire essay would mean
that we have hijacked the question and hence, not fulfilling the
question requirement.
• Look out for words such as ‘more…than’, ‘more important than’ to
correctly identify comparison question types.

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Comparison Question Type
Identify the given variables and the common factor of comparison in
the examples below.

• ‘Longer life expectancy creates more problems than benefits.’

Discuss. (‘A’ Level 2016)
• Is pressure a motivating force or a cause for unhappiness?
(‘A’ Level 2018)

Failure to address the given variables in the entire essay would mean
that we have hijacked the question and hence, not fulfilling the
question requirement.
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Comparison Question Type
How do you address both variables in your topic sentences?
‘Longer life expectancy creates more problems than benefits.’ Discuss.
(‘A’ Level 2016)

1. Longer life expectancy creates more benefits than problems when

advanced infrastructure is in place to ensure that basic needs are
well taken care of.
2. Longer life expectancy creates more benefits than problems when
appropriate government policies are in place to promote active
ageing.

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Comparison Question Type
• However, for some comparison questions (which are more
challenging), the variables for comparison are not explicitly stated in
the question. Instead, they are masked through the use of modifiers
such as ‘the main cause’ or ‘key criterion of’ (though not limited to
these).
• For such questions, the assumption is that there are many other
variables that can be considered. However, for reasons that must be
explained, the given variable is said to be the most significant.
• To do well, you need to ensure that you address the given variable
throughout the essay. Failure to do so would mean that you have not
fulfilled the question requirement; rendering your essay irrelevant.

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Comparison Question Type
The given variable has been underlined.

‘The key criterion for good government is how well the economy is
managed.’ Is this a fair assessment? (‘A’ Level 2012)
‘Deprivation is the main cause of crime.’ Discuss. (YIJC 2019 JC2 TA1)

If you agree with the claim in the question, you have to explain why the
given variable is so significant that it is the key criterion/ main cause.

If you disagree with the claim in the question, you have to explain why the
given variable is not sufficient to be the key criterion/ main cause. You can
bring in an alternative key criterion/ main cause but you have to explain
why this alternative is better than the given variable.
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Conditional/Assumption Questions
• The conditional/assumption question type contains a given condition
and/or assumption that is specific to the given subject matter.
• You are advised to accept the given condition and/or assumption to
be the truth and you should not craft topic sentences that challenge
it.
• This question type requires us to engage with the given condition
and/or assumption in each body paragraph in order for us to fulfil
the question requirement
• Look out for words such as ‘considering’ and ‘when’ (though not
limited to these)
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 Conditional/Assumption Questions
A. Engage with the given condition and/or assumption in each body
paragraph in order to fulfil the question requirement:

• Considering the money involved, should developing countries be

allowed to host major sporting events? (‘A’ Level 2016)

• Why should we be concerned with current affairs when most of them

will soon be forgotten? (‘A’ Level 2013)

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 Conditional/Assumption Questions
A. Engage with the given condition and/or assumption in each body paragraph
in order to fulfil the question requirement:
B. Answer the Basic Question:
• Considering the money involved, should developing countries be
allowed to host major sporting events? (‘A’ Level 2016)

• Why should we be concerned with current affairs when most of them

will soon be forgotten? (‘A’ Level 2013)

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 Conditional/Assumption Questions
Why should we be concerned with current affairs when most of
them will soon be forgotten? (‘A’ Level 2013)
A. Engage with the given condition and/or assumption in each body
paragraph in order to fulfil the question requirement:
• Condition/Assumption: Most current affairs will soon be forgotten.
• Regardless of the fact that they “will soon be forgotten”, will they still be relevant to
us?
B. Answer the Basic Question:
Present an argument of why we should/should not care about current affairs even though
they will soon be forgotten.
Given the interconnectedness of today’s world, current affairs that do not
appear relevant and will be easily forgotten can still have an impact on us. As
such, there is a need to keep abreast of what is happening in the world today.
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Hybrid Questions
• The hybrid question type happens to be one of the most challenging
question types out there. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly
common in the ‘A’ level examination.
• This question type is challenging as it is a combination of different
question types; all of which must be dealt with if you are to answer
the question fully and accurately.
• If you do choose to attempt such a question type within the 90-
minute time limit, you have to be very clear of the different
parts of the question and you have to ensure that the topic
sentences address all the components found in this question
type.

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Hybrid Questions
Which Question Types are these questions made up of?

• ‘People in the Arts, living or dead, receive far more recognition than
those in the Sciences, even though it is less deserved.’ Consider this
claim. (‘A’ Level 2012)

• When a government’s finances for social welfare are limited, should

they be directed towards the young or the old? (‘A’ Level 2015)

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Hybrid Questions
Which Question Types are these questions made up of?

• ‘People in the Arts, living or dead, receive far more recognition than
those in the Sciences, even though it is less deserved.’ Consider this
claim. (‘A’ Level 2012) [Comparison + Condition/Assumption]

• When a government’s finances for social welfare are limited, should

they be directed towards the young or the old? (‘A’ Level 2015)
[Condition/Assumption + Comparison]

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 Hybrid Questions
When a government’s finances for social welfare are limited, should they be
directed towards the young or the old? (‘A’ Level 2015)
[Condition/Assumption + Comparison]

You have to be very clear of the different parts of the question and you have to ensure
that the topic sentences address all the components found in this question type.

 Given the government’s limited financial resource, money

should be invested in the old instead of the young as this would
help to relieve the burden that an ageing population would
have on the younger generation.

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Question Types covered
1. Basic
2. Extent
3. Comparison
4. Absolute
5. Conditional/Assumption
6. Hybrid (a combination of some or all of the above)

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Lecture Objectives:
1. Why is it useful to identify question types?
2. What are the different question types?
3. How do you identify the various question types?
4. How do the question types affect the way I think about and
write my essay?

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