Chapters
If you are 17 years old this year and are enrolled in one of the Malaysian public schools or private schools that follow the Malaysian national syllabus, 2023 is an important year in your life. You will be sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination at the end of the school year.
SPM is the main national exam for students who study under the Malaysian National Curriculum. Students sit for this exam in the last year of their secondary school education when they are 17 years old, which is at the end of Form 5. This makes it one of the most important examinations in a student’s life as it determines their pathway to tertiary education.
One of the crucial points about this examination is that, in order to pass SPM and receive the certificate, students must pass these two subjects: Malay language and Sejarah (History).
However, most students are not big fans of Sejarah as many find it tedious to memorise historical facts and the whole subject matter to be dry and boring. This mindset makes it difficult and challenging for students to ace this subject.
If students keep an open mind and follow the right study tips and methods to learn, Sejarah can be an interesting subject and also most importantly, pass the subject in SPM. The history subject is a subject that requires candidates to diligently read and remember various historical facts learned at the secondary level.
Other than studying and revising, it is vital for students to familiarise themselves with the examination format and attempt many practice questions from sejarah reference papers in order to completely prepare for the exam. Do you know the SPM Sejarah format?
What is the SPM Sejarah Syllabus?
Before we go through the format, let's take a look at the syllabus that is covered this subject. Please keep in mind that students will be tested based on what they have learned in both form 4 and form 5.
The current syllabus is based on the Secondary School Standard Curriculum (Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah - KSSM) which was implemented in stages in 2017. The first cohort of students sat for SPM under this new syllabus in 2021.
KSSM Sejarah aims to provide an understanding of society, Malaysia and the world. This effort can foster and strengthen self-identity and the spirit of loyalty to the country and shape Malaysians who are not only knowledgeable but also aware of our history.
KSSM Sejarah also aims to create a spirit of unity, a sense of belonging, and national awareness and strengthen the feeling of love for the country.
Please refer to the chapters covered in each form below:
Chapters covered in Form 4:
Bab 1: Warisan Negara Bangsa
Bab 2: Kebangkitan Nasionalisme
Bab 3: Konflik Dunia dan Pendudukan Jepun Di Negara Kita
Bab 4: Era Peralihan Kuasa British Di Negara Kita
Bab 5: Persekutuan Tanah Melayu 1948
Bab 6: Ancaman Komunis dan Perisytiharan Darurat
Bab 7: Usaha Ke Arah Kemerdekaan
Bab 8: Pilihan Raya
Bab 9: Perlembagaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu 1957
Bab 10: Pemasyuran Kemerdekaan
Chapters covered in Form 5:
Bab 1: Kedaulatan Negara
Bab 2: Perlembagaan Persekutuan
Bab 3: Raja Berperlembagaan Dan Demokrasi Berparlimen
Bab 4: Sistem Persekutuan
Bab 5: Pembentukan Malaysia
Bab 6: Cabaran Selepas Pembentukan Malaysia
Bab 7: Membina Kesejahteraan Negara
Bab 8: Membina Kemakmuran Negara
Bab 9: Dasar Luar Malaysia
Bab 10: Kecemerlangan Malaysia Di Persada Dunia
With KSSM syllabus, students are taught to understand the characteristics of history so that they can build their critical and analytical thinking skills. These skills are cultivated and applied by students by being exposed to various elements of studying history such as understanding chronology, exploring evidence, making interpretations, and rationalisations.
SPM Sejarah Examination Format
Now that we have a clear picture of the syllabus, let’s take a look at the examination format. Previously, 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. The paper 3 questions in the old format have been incorporated into paper 2 in this new format to make it easier for students.
Please refer below for the detailed examination format of the SPM Sejarah for Paper 1 and Paper 2 based on KSSM:
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
- Students are required to answer all questions
- Questions are focused on testing students' memory, understanding, applying and analysing skills
- 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
- The answers for sub-question a and b is based on what you have learnt from the form 4 and form 5 textbooks
- The answer to sub question c requires students to give their opinions, views or suggestions
- Questions are focused on testing students' memory, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating skills
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
- The answers for sub-question a and b is based on what you have learnt from the form 4 and form 5 textbooks
- The answer to sub question c requires students to give their opinions, views or suggestions
- Questions are focused on testing students' memory, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating skills
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.
As a student, you might be more focused on passing the subject. Therefore, your concentration might be on the technical aspects such as the exam format, marking scheme, tips on how to study and where you can find the best resources to study for SPM Sejarah easily. Your sole focus is on passing the subject.
However, the Ministry of Education’s move to make this subject a must-pass subject in SPM is not to torture students but to ensure that students take this subject seriously. In the next section, let's look at why students should learn Sejarah.
Why is Sejarah an Important Subject for Students?
Learn from Past Events
Studying and getting to know our history helps the younger generation learn from past events. Historical events contain various lessons. For example, learning that Malaya was colonised and oppressed by the British and Japanese colonialists will make the younger generation realise that we lost our independence due to a lack of unity among ourselves which in turn caused us to fall into the deceitful trap from outside forces.
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
Studying history will instil unity between races, especially among the younger generation. The education system in Malaysia, while being suited for the multi-racial society in the country by having vernacular schools, public schools, private schools and religious schools, can also contribute towards segregation between the many races from a young age.
However, by studying history, the element of unity will be nurtured indirectly. For example, 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. If the people prioritise the value of unity, the peace and stability of the country will definitely be guaranteed.
Cultivating Patriotic Spirit
If we look at the situation today, society no longer appreciates the services 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 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 and they will always be grateful and appreciate the sacrifices of the previous warriors like Datuk Maharaja Lela, Mat Kilau and other leaders. May their names always be remembered by the younger generation.
Are you in form five this year? Do you find it difficult to cope with the Sejarah subject? Or do you need some help and guidance in order to pass this subject? Fret not! Superprof can help you find highly experienced tutors who have excellent qualifications to help students with their SPM Sejarah examinations.
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