Chapters
Learning history is important in order to cultivate patriotism among the younger generation in Malaysia. If we observe the current situation in Malaysia, the younger generation in our society no longer appreciates the contributions of our warriors and leaders who have worked hard to free our country from colonisation.
The young generation should remember the services and contributions of national figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun H.S Lee and Tun V. T. Sambanthan. These statesmen together with many others have struggled to find the best way to achieve independence and build our country so that we can enjoy prosperity and peace to live in today's society.
Furthermore, by studying history, the element of unity will be nurtured indirectly. If the people prioritize the value of unity, peace and stability of the country will definitely be guaranteed.
Many SPM candidates may think that they study History simply because they want to pass, not to mention that it is a compulsory subject to pass in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Learning our country’s history will help the younger generation appreciate the history of the nation's struggle and the meaning of independence itself.
This article will serve as a quick guide for students to ace the SPM Sejarah examination. We will give you an overview of all the important elements such as the exam format, marking scheme and even tips and resources for the SPM Sejarah subject. Before that, let’s look at some of the benefits of learning Sejarah.
Benefits of Learning Sejarah
Many students tend to focus on passing the Sejarah subject solely to obtain the SPM certificate. There are many other benefits that they can gain by learning history.
Learn from Past Events
By learning history or the Sejarah subject in school, the younger generation that will drive the future of the country can avoid making the same mistakes of the past and create more glorious successes. Without learning from the mistakes of the past, we may repeat the same mistakes that not only harm an individual but may also harm the family, society and country.
Instil Unity Between Races
The Sejarah syllabus reflects the struggles all races went through during the colonisation period and how independence was gained by a joint effort of all races coming together. This will teach the younger generation the importance of respecting all races in Malaysia in order to maintain our country’s peace and become prosperous.
Cultivating Patriotic Spirit
The young generation is reminded of the services and contributions of national figures such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun H.S Lee and Tun V. T. Sambanthan when they learn Sejarah. These statesmen have struggled to find a way so that we can enjoy prosperity and peace in our beloved country. Therefore, the spirit of patriotism can be nurtured in the souls of the younger generation.
SPM Sejarah Examination Format
Initially, there were three examination papers for the SPM Sejarah subject but it has been reduced to two papers as per the new format since 2021.
Please refer below for the examination format of the SPM Sejarah for Paper 1 and Paper 2 based:
Kertas 1 (Paper 1) - Multiple Choice
40 questions | 1 hour | 40 marks
- Each question is followed by four answer options: A, B, C and D
- For each question, choose only one answer
- Each question carries 1 mark
Kertas 2 (Paper 2) - Subjective
2 sections (Part A & Part B) | 2 hours 30 minutes | 100 marks
Part A: Structured Limited Response
4 questions | 40 marks
- Students are required to answer all questions
- Each question is usually further divided into 3 sub-questions : a, b and c
Part B: Open Response
3 out of 5 questions | 60 marks
- Students are required to choose and answer 3 out of 5 questions
- Each question carries 20 marks
- Each question is usually further divided into 3 sub-questions : a, b and c
If you would like to view the complete format for each SPM subject, you can download it from the Lembaga Peperiksaan’s (Examination Board) official website.
SPM Sejarah Reference Papers
Candidates who attempt many sejarah reference papers such as the actual SPM examination past year papers, trial examination papers from different states or even practice questions papers, will be better prepared, more confident, enthusiastic and be able to predict the shape or format of future questions.
Trial Examination Papers
Trial examination question papers differ according to the state, Sekolah Berasrama Penuh (SBP) or Fully Residential School and Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM).
Therefore there are many different trial examination papers that students can study and attempt in order to help them score well in SPM Sejarah. The trial examination is one of the last examinations students sit for before the actual SPM examination.
Actual Past Year SPM Examination Papers
Knowing the examples of previous year's questions is very useful for candidates. It gives an overview of how a question is asked, and the number, distribution and frequency of each topic.
Furthermore, students will be able to better understand the marking scheme for this subject which will serve as a guide on how to answer questions in order to score maximum marks for each question.
Practice Questions
If you have not finished studying all the chapters for both form four and form five yet and feel that you are not ready to attempt the actual past year SPM papers and the trial exam papers, you can attempt practice questions for each chapter as you study as well.
How is the SPM Sejarah Paper Graded?
In order to better understand the marking scheme of the Sejarah paper, it is best to look at the current grading system for all SPM subjects as shown below:
Score / Grade / Level
90 – 100 : A + : Cemerlang Tertinggi
80 – 89 : A : Cemerlang Tinggi
70 – 79 : A – : Cemerlang
65 – 69 : B + : Kepujian Tertinggi
60 – 64 : B : Kepujian Tinggi
55 – 59 : C + : Kepujian Atas
50 – 54 : C : Kepujian
45 – 49 : D : Lulus Atas
>40 – 44 : E : Lulus
0 – 39 : G : Gagal
TH : TH : Tidak Hadir
How to Score Well in SPM Sejarah?
There are many tips and methods to study for SPM Sejarah that can pave the way to scoring a better grade for this subject.
Use the Sejarah Textbook as Your Primary Reference
Students must use the form 4 and form 5 Sejarah textbooks as the main reference to study for SPM Sejarah. This is because the SPM questions are taken/processed/drafted from textbooks.
Sejarah textbooks are excellent examples of writing essays. While it is true that the writings and style of writing in the textbook are long, with the right studying method, learning history can be interesting and thorough.
Acronyms
One of the most effective and easy ways to remember facts is by using acronyms. What is an acronym? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an abbreviation consists of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word.
Making notes by incorporating acronyms makes it easier for students to remember and memorise historical facts.
Mind maps
Using mind maps is an effective learning method, especially for the Sejarah subject. Mind maps can attract interest and increase students' understanding of a concept, information, and facts.
Attempt practice questions
Students are encouraged to attempt actual SPM Sejarah past year questions because the questions that come out in the actual exam are often repeated, with a slightly different sentence structure and question presentation.
Attempting trial examination questions and additional Sejarah practice questions will help students familiarise themselves with the exam format and recall important facts if the similar question is asked during the SPM examination.
Study together with Friends
It is very important to find a committed group of friends to study the Sejarah subject together. By studying Sejarah in a group, you get the opportunity to share and exchange opinions with each other. You will also be able to understand the same topic from different angles.
Resources to Master the Sejarah Subject
KSSM Sejarah Textbook
The KSSM form 4 and form 5 Sejarah textbooks are the best resources available and should be used as the main reference to study for SPM Sejarah. Other reference books published by book companies may be used as a second reference if necessary.
YouTube
Among the many advantages of YouTube, one of the most beneficial ones for students is the availability of various educational channels. These videos have gained so much popularity that many teachers have made SPM Sejarah videos and uploaded them on YouTube to help students pass the Sejarah subject.
Notes
If you are struggling to make your own notes and unsure what points are important, there are many resources available on the internet that provide short notes. You can refer to them as a reference. Making your own notes will help you remember the subject matter better.
SPM Past Year Papers
Since SPM is the main national exam for students who study under the Malaysian National Curriculum which determines the future academic path of many Malaysian students, there are ample resources available which make it easy for students to find past year papers and practice questions online.
Private Tutor
Everyone has their own learning style. Some are visual learners while others may be auditory learners. If you have a private tutor who will design the lessons according to your learning style, you will be able to progress faster in mastering the Sejarah subject.
Whatever area needs improvement in the Sejarah subject for you to score A+ in the SPM examination, having a private tutor will help you achieve it.
If you are looking for a private tutor to help you tackle the Sejarah subject for the SPM examination, you have come to the right place. Superprof tutors who are highly qualified and experienced are waiting to assist you. Do not wait until the last minute to get help. Get in touch with a Superprof tutor today!
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