How to Answer Purpose SBQ: O-Level Social Studies 2025 Guide

Key Takeaways: Mastering the Purpose Question

• The Formula: Purpose = Action Word + Audience + Outcome.

• The Goal: You must explain why the author created the source, not just what it says.

• Critical Step: Always link the "Expected Reaction" (what the author wants the audience to do) to the "Context" (what was happening at the time).

The 3-Step Purpose Framework

To score full marks on the Purpose SBQ in your 2025 O-Level Social Studies paper, avoid vague answers. Use this structured approach extracted from our latest exam guide.

Step 1: Identify the "Who" and "Why"

Before writing, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Who is the Author? (e.g., The Japanese Government, a local resident, a critic).

2. Who is the Audience? (e.g., The locals in Singapore, the international community).

3. What is the Context? (e.g., The 1942 occupation of Singapore, food shortages, the Japanese surrender).

Step 2: Choose the Right Action Word

Your answer must start with a strong verb. Avoid weak words like "show" or "tell." Use these precise action words¹:

Action Word	Definition	Example Use
Convince	Persuade the audience to adopt a specific viewpoint.	"To convince locals to cooperate..."
Criticize	Highlight flaws or wrongdoings.	"To criticize the Allies for their actions..."
Reassure	Calm the audience's fears.	"To reassure locals they would be treated fairly..."
Warn	Alert about potential dangers.	"To warn locals not to resist..."
Encourage	Motivate the audience to act/feel a certain way.	"To encourage locals to support Japanese rule..."

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How to Answer Purpose SBQ: O-Level Social Studies 2025 Guide

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Key Takeaways: Mastering the Purpose Question

• The Formula: Purpose = Action Word + Audience + Outcome.

• The Goal: You must explain why the author created the source, not just what it says.

• Critical Step: Always link the "Expected Reaction" (what the author wants the audience to do) to the "Context" (what was happening at the time).

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The 3-Step Purpose Framework

To score full marks on the Purpose SBQ in your 2025 O-Level Social Studies paper, avoid vague answers. Use this structured approach extracted from our latest exam guide.

Step 1: Identify the "Who" and "Why"

Before writing, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Who is the Author? (e.g., The Japanese Government, a local resident, a critic).

2. Who is the Audience? (e.g., The locals in Singapore, the international community).

3. What is the Context? (e.g., The 1942 occupation of Singapore, food shortages, the Japanese surrender).

Step 2: Choose the Right Action Word

Your answer must start with a strong verb. Avoid weak words like "show" or "tell." Use these precise action words¹:

Action Word	Definition	Example Use
Convince	Persuade the audience to adopt a specific viewpoint.	"To convince locals to cooperate..."
Criticize	Highlight flaws or wrongdoings.	"To criticize the Allies for their actions..."
Reassure	Calm the audience's fears.	"To reassure locals they would be treated fairly..."
Warn	Alert about potential dangers.	"To warn locals not to resist..."
Encourage	Motivate the audience to act/feel a certain way.	"To encourage locals to support Japanese rule..."

Step 3: Construct Your Answer (The "Model Method")

A complete answer links the Message to the Outcome.

The Template:

"The [Author] published this source to [Action Word] the [Audience] that [Inference/Main Message]. This is evident in the source which shows [Evidence]. This suggests [Explanation]. By portraying this, the author hopes that the audience will [Expected Reaction/Outcome]. This was done because [Context]."

Sample Model Answer:

• Inference: The Japanese published this poster to convince locals in Singapore that the Japanese were kind rulers².

  Evidence: The source shows a Japanese soldier carrying children who were waving flags and smiling³.

  Outcome: By portraying a positive image, the Japanese hoped that locals would view them favorably and stop resisting their rule⁴.

  Context: This was published in 1942 when the locals opposed Japanese rule; hence, propaganda was used to win over their support⁵.

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