4,6

Out of the 4 subjects, I studied the hardest for Maths and least for Physics. In fact, I haven't touched Physics for 3 weeks except for tuition the week before! Sigh, so it is the most worrying one of all.

But anyway, History was good I guess. Managed to avoid doing any of the Theme 2 questions. Maths, on the other hand, was crazy. I think the Maths department is sick of hearing people compare how easy RJ Prelim papers are with regards to other JCs, and thus, they have decided to buck the trend by producing one that is considerably harder than before. Oh well.

Since I'm slacking before my Physics marathon later, let me just jot down some thoughts about the History questions.

2. To what extent was colonial rule responsible for strengthening Southeast Asian nationalist movements in the years 1918-1941?"

Responsible Colonial suppression; colonial concession; how they strengthened nationalist movements.
Not responsible Nationalist movements, role of good leaders
Synthesis Nationalist movements subordiante to colonial rule; movements are often shaped/responses to actions undertaken by colonial masters.

3. 'With reference to the period up to independence, World War Two proved to be the mortal blow to Western imperialism in Southeast Asia.' Discuss.

Not sure if my approach is correct, quite a tricky question as it ties up Pre-WWII, Japanese Occupation and Decolonization all together.

Definition Mortal blow = turning point? Significant change to the previous state of affairs.
Yes, mortal blow. Past: grudging acceptance of Western imperialism; Present: resolve against foreign imperialism due to socio-eco grievances under JO | Past: policing colonial army; Present: defensive armies trained for war; post-war: repel attempts to recolonize.
No, not mortal blow. Shift from direct to indirect/subtle influence or neo-colonialism. "Independence without decolonization".
Synthesis Image vs reality: image of disintegration of Western imperialism vs reality of Western presence, albeit in less noticeable form.

6. Why were some tensions between Southeast Asian state since 1945 more difficult to resolve than others?

1. Nature of tensions Security/sovereignty vs territorial/ethnic
2. Presence of institutionalized mechanisms Role of ASEAN; post-ASEAN; limitations
3. Consequences of tensions Multilateralism vs bilaterialism; major powers involvement
Synthesis Interaction of nature of tensions and presence of institutionalized mechanism, with considerations for consequences.

Many people claimed that the paper was easy, but they forgot that every other person they talk to will most probably be doing the same combination of questions (2,3,6) because that is the easiest to study for.

Looks like it's going to be the battle between whose essay is the most organized as well as whose essay can produce the most intriguing insights. And in all seriousness, I think the colour of pen you use and your handwriting (whether it's neat or not) will probably affect your scores as well.

Hmm alright, guess it's time to start on Physics soon! And to everyone else who is still reeling from the Maths paper...

WHOOSH! Cheer up soon (: