General Paper (GP) Essay Questions Compilation for 2022 and Thematic Strategies

GP Essay Questions (2022) and Thematic Strategies

Looking for the 2021 A Levels Essay Questions? It’s over here!

Practicing prelim questions is an effective strategy to prevent us from stumbling over our actual A Level questions in the exam because it familiarises us with the relevant issues/debates under a specific Theme.

Below are questions from this year’s prelim papers, including the 17 schools*. I have organised them into Themes for our easy reference. I have also added my own insights for each Theme to provide important tips on what we have to take note of if we want to provide critical and quality responses for questions under that Theme. I separated ‘Standard’ questions from ‘Others’ that are more niche or unconventional. I also marked out questions that are more difficult because of various modifiers.

The major Themes to focus on are: Arts, Science & Tech, Politics, Media, Environment, Individual/Values, General. These themes have been selected based on their frequency in the A Levels. Themes not included here are those that are not common for A Levels (e.g. Education, Sports, Crime, Poverty, Family, Economics)

So below are nearly 200 questions that I have compiled for the year of 2022, all for your easy reference 🙂 If you need more questions, please check out the three-year compilation (2017, 2018, 2019) or  2020, 2021. I have also included some general questions for those of you who prefer to attempt general questions.

*17 schools: ACJC, ASRJC, CJC, DHS, EJC, HCI, JPJC, MI, NJC, NYJC, RI, RVHS, SAJC, TJC, TMJC, VJC, YIJC 

1. Arts/Heritage

Arts (Standard)

1. Evaluate the claim that the Arts are essential for a civilised society.
2. Assess the importance of traditional buildings in your society.
3. ‘The most popular films are those with the least value.’ Do you agree?
4. For arts to flourish, complete freedom of expression is needed. Discuss in your society
5. ‘With technology, anyone can be an artist.’ How far do you agree?
6. Have traditions become too commercialised in your society? – Difficult
7. Why read when you can watch the film or television adaptation? – Difficult
8. ‘The future of the arts is technology.’ Discuss.
9. ‘We should read as much as we watch.’ Do you agree? – Difficult
10. To what extent should traditional art forms be preserved in a world driven by innovation?
11. Assess the view that tradition impedes progress in your society.
12. To what extent is creativity valued in your society?
13. Assess the value of the arts in promoting social change.
14. Can the arts truly influence change in the world today?
15. Evaluate the claim that creativity is desirable but not tolerated.
16. Is there any point in preserving dying trades in today’s world? – Difficult

 Arts (Others) – Difficult

17. ‘Language mastery is unimportant as long as one can be understood.’ Comment. (Language)
18. Assess the view that being understandable is more important than being grammatical today. (Language)
19. ‘Technology makes language learning more effective.’ What is your view? (Language)
20. Can fashion ever offer anything more than beauty? (Fashion)
21. Is good design more a science than an art? (Sci vs Arts)

Insight/Strategy: When we look at Arts, one of the key question lies in its Value – whether or not the arts has value and can serve a certain function (think of it like useful vs useless/problematic). This exists at the core of Arts questions but are often phrased in different ways. We need to ensure that we do not just regurgitate the content we are familiar with. Instead, we should address the key terms (e.g. essential for a civilised society, promoting social change, influencing change).

For the more specific or varied art forms like films, literature, television adaptation, we would need to have concrete examples for these even if the arguments are similar to the more general idea of ‘the Arts’. Do note that the various forms of the arts include: films, music, literature, painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, architecture, handicrafts. Less typical questions would include other areas of the arts that have less artistic elements (these are not considered the arts but have some significant overlaps): fashion, tourism, language, heritage/tradition. The area of heritage/tradition is of special concern with many questions looking at that in 2022. Again, it revolves around the idea of value (e.g. importance, should be preserved, impedes progress, became too commercialised, pointless). A special note that these questions on heritage/tradition tend to be ‘in your society’ (Singapore); would be good to also look into local examples.

I recommend also paying special attention to the way technology impacts the arts. This may be a likely question to come out.

2. Science

Sci/Tech (Standard)

1. Technology is so advanced that ethical concerns are left behind.
2. Do you agree that science and technology can always be relied on to connect their shortcomings?
3. How far would you agree that artificial intelligence is a cause for concern?
4. ‘We are allowing our love for technology to limit us.’ What do you think?
5. ‘People should embrace rather than fear technological advancements at the workplace.’ Discuss.
6. ‘Science is borderless.’ To what extent is this true? – Difficult
7. ‘Despite all the scientific advancements that we have made, we have not created a better world for mankind.’ Do you agree?
8. Will technology completely replace the role of humans in the future?
9. Should we seek to enhance life at all cost?
10. Assess the claim that mankind’s greatest threat is itself.
11. In an age of rapid technological advancement, traditional businesses would be out of business. Discuss.
12. To what extent are we at the mercy of technological companies? – Difficult
13. ‘Advances in science and technology are crucial to our pursuit of equality.’ Do you agree? – Difficult
14. Should working from home be encouraged rather than frowned upon?
15. Do you agree that physical workspaces are becoming irrelevant in today’s digital world?
16. To what extent has technology made it easier for people to make money?
17. Science has no value if it does not have any real-world application. Do you agree?
18. Is it worthwhile to allocate substantial resources for the development of scientific research?

Sci/Tech (Others) – Difficult

19. Is formal education still needed when technology has made knowledge widely accessible
20. How far do online games have a positive effect on young people?
21. ‘Only the rich have access to quality healthcare.’ Comment.
22. ‘Technology in healthcare has gone beyond what is necessary.’ Is this a fair comment?

Insight/Strategy: The first main issues lies with Impact. However, given that Sci/Tech questions often have complex modifiers that add niche requirements to the question, we would need to tweak our arguments to address these different ideas of impact. We need to pay attention to the specific impacts the question chooses to focus on (e.g. connect their shortcomings, limit us, create a better world, cause for concern). It becomes important to really interpret these terms and consider how to address them instead of merely regurgitating pros-cons.

The next big group (something extremely popular this year) looks at the more Current/Futuristic forms of Sci/Tech. Specifically, they examine how our current way of life has been disrupted – the broader economy and the more specific workplace. Consider this: how have work and businesses been impacted by Sci/Tech? Think about telecommuting, humans being replaced by artificial intelligence, online learning (through video conferencing, MOOC, and other tools), e-commerce, crypto, NFTs etc.

Another group of questions examine whether there should be any Restrictions/Limitations on Sci/Tech (e.g. enhance life at all cost, disregard ethics, only prioritise real-world applications). Other questions consider more niche areas like healthcare, online gaming, education.

Note the difference between Science and Technology. Remember that Science refers to the knowledge, theoretical and research aspects whereas Technology refers to the applied and practical uses. It is important to clearly note whether the question engages with Science or Technology, and to use the suitable examples.

3. Politics

Politics (Standard)

1. ‘We have been too concerned with the global refugee crisis.’ Discuss.
2. ‘The only legitimate way to remove a politician is through the ballot box.’ What is your view?
3. ‘Increased international cooperation has failed to make the world a better place.’ Do you agree?
4. ‘The individual, rather than the government, is responsible for his or her own health.’ How far do you agree?
5. How far should a government intervene in people’s decisions about having children?
6. More government control should be welcomed not feared
7. ‘In times of global crises, rich countries are no longer obliged to help poorer countries.’ To what extent do you agree? – Difficult
8. ‘Genuine social change lies in the hand of the citizens, not the government.’ Discuss.
9. How effective are international efforts in addressing the wrongdoing of nations?
10. In your view, should the views of the elderly be valued more than the views of the young?
11. ‘Given what countries stand to lose, there is no place for war.’ Discuss. – Difficult
12. To what extent do social responsibilities outweigh individual freedoms in your society? – Difficult
13. Examine the view that incompetence is worse than corruption. – Difficult
14. To what extent should the government intervene with their citizens’ choices in life?
15. ‘Sharing a single global culture is better than having countless different cultures.’ Do you agree? – Difficult
16. ‘The government should use any method it deems necessary when it comes to protecting the country from harm.’ Discuss.
17. To what extent should disputes between two countries be settled without the help of others?
18. Is conflict inevitable in today’s volatile world?
19. ‘We need less, not more military spending today.’ Do you agree?
20. Discuss the view that young people in your society should care more about national issues than global issues.
21. ‘The best government is that which governs the least.’ Comment.
22. Are international organisations really effective in tackling global issues?
23. ‘Peace should be imposed at all costs in the modern world.’ Comment. – Difficult

Politics (Others) – Difficult

24. New media has transformed politics today. What are your views?
25. ‘It is more difficult to be a politician now.’ Do you agree?
26. How far should governments intervene in business matters?
27. To what extent is your country prepared for future crises?
28. ‘Small countries are helpless in shaping global politics.’ Do you agree?
29. How far can governments today keep their people safe?
30. ‘In this era of uncertainty, countries should move towards self-sufficiency.’ Discuss.
31. ‘Community initiatives, not government efforts, should be the approach to tackle social issues.’ How far is this true of your society?
32. Does hard or soft power have greater impact on the world today?
33. Examine the view that governments are only concerned with societal outcomes rather than the value of human lives.
34. ‘The responsibility of overcoming crises lies with the government rather than than the people.’ How far do you agree?

Insight/Strategy: Politics is an incredibly popular theme both in the A Levels and in the 2022 Prelims; it is very rewarding to look into this theme because of its frequency of coming out. The two main branches of Politics questions look at International Relations (External) and Governance (Internal). International Relations include looking at International Cooperation and Diplomacy, considering what approaches should be recommended, i.e. should it be aggressive and confrontational or should it involve diplomacy and other alternative conflict resolution methods. Questions commonly discuss the value of international cooperation (e.g. making the world better, tackle global issues, settling disputes, being an alternative over military aggression/war/spending). Questions relating to conflict and war would also fit well into this topic.

Governance looks at the factors that determine good governance (e.g. competence, integrity, more freedom). There are also question that look at how governance involves the restriction of rights or intrusive policies (e.g. decisions about children, individual health, general choices, individual freedoms). The last group under Governance scrutinises the role of the people (value of democracy) and how they may be more important than the government to impact society (e.g. social change, tackle social issues, overcoming crises).

Some questions also look at the idea of Borders (e.g. refugee crisis, global culture).

4. Media

Media (Standard)

1. ‘Facts do not change our minds.’ To what extent is it possible to combat fake news in today’s world?
2. ‘It is difficult for us to sustain our attention on anything nowadays.’ Discuss.
3. New media has transformed politics today. What are your views?
4. Consider the view that making a profit should never be the main concern of the press.
5. ‘The mass media today has focused too much on profits, and not enough on responsibility.’ Is this a fair comment?
6. To what extent is protecting privacy viable today?
7. Can the press be expected to hold the powerful to account?
8. To what extent does pop culture affect young people in harmful ways? – Difficult
9. To what extent is it appropriate for the government to restrict freedom of speech?
10. ‘To progress, unpopular views should never be ignored.’ How true is this of your society?
11. How far, in your society, has social media destroyed people’s ability to think for themselves?
12. ‘In society today, self-expression is merely another word for self-centredness.’ Discuss.
13. ‘The way that people tend to argue online makes things worse.’ How true is this of your society today?
14. To what extent has the media hindered progress?
15. ‘We can no longer take the media seriously today.’ How far do you agree?
16. ‘Young people today argue about everything but stand for nothing.’ How far do you agree?
17. Is privacy becoming a thing of the past in today’s world?
18. How far do you agree that the media is failing the public today?
19. Is the media a boon or a bane to the marginalised?
20. ‘In times of conflict, the media should not be regulated.’ Discuss.

 Media (Others) – Difficult

21. Should companies use celebrities to endorse their products?
22. Are live performances still relevant in this age of media streaming? 
23. ‘The world today is too easily offended.’ How far do you agree?
24. ‘Knowledge is power.’ To what extent is this true?

Insight/Strategy: Social media is a clear focus of the current trend of questions. Just like Sci/Tech, the first major area of concern lies in looking at Impacts. Firstly, this can look at new media (the internet), including social media and other online content (e.g. destroy independent thinking, further self-centeredness, worsens things, no real impact). Secondly, it can take on a broader scope to consider the media as a whole (e.g. impact on the marginalised, hindered progress, hold the powerful accountable). Media refers generally to the mass media which includes all forms of media, of which new media is a subset. Note that any of these impacts could be switched around (i.e. the ones for online media being asked for media and vice versa).

Another huge group of questions come from thinking about the Reliability of the media and the common perception of it ignoring the truth for profit. Moreover, questions also consider whether we should Censor/Restrict/Regulate content. Other areas of interest include: privacy, politics, celebrities etc.

5. Environment

Environment (Standard)

1. Too much emphasis is placed on the environment. Discuss in your society
2. To what extent is consumerism the greatest threat to the environment?
3. ‘Our need for comfort and convenience are the greatest obstacles to environmental protection.’ Comment.
4. ‘Environmental protection is easier said than done.’ Discuss.
5. In a world of excess, does modesty still have value?
6. How far is it possible to live an environmentally sustainable lifestyle in today’s world?
7. Consider the view that a more sustainable future lies in the way we eat, not in renewable energy. – Difficult
8. ‘Environmental concerns are best left in the hands of politicians.’ Do you agree?
9. ‘Consumerism inevitably leads to environmental destruction.’ Discuss.
10. Consuming only what we need is a desirable, but unrealistic, goal. Comment.
11. ‘Urban development cannot co-exist with environmental protection.’ How far is this true of your society?

Insight/Strategy: Unfortunately, Environment questions have been increasingly unpopular. We hardly see them appear at the A Levels (6 times in 10 years, compared to the more popular themes appearing around 15-18 times). This trend is reflected in the 2022 Prelims too.

The first main focus of Environment questions looks at the Severity of the Problem. The next one thinks about Evaluating Solutions and considering whether they are effective or feasible. Is it feasible in reality or just mere words? Is it possible to lead an environmentally sustainable lifestyle? Is it realistic to limit consumption? Question 6 also compares two main variables for solutions: diet vs renewable energy.

Notably, we also look at Key Tensions that pose a challenge in our fight against climate change (e.g. consumption, urban development). Another major focus considers the various Stakeholders involved, including governments, the people, companies.

6. Individual/Values

Indv/Values (Standard)

1. How far do you agree that the pursuit of perfection is a curse in the modern world? – Difficult
2. ‘Honesty is no longer the best policy.’ What is your view?
3. Is freedom always desirable?
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of sport as a platform to tackle social injustice.
5. ‘Originality is dead.’ Discuss.
6. ‘Social causes matter more to the young than to the old.’ How far is this true in your society?
7. Is charisma an overrated quality of leaders?
8. ‘Genuine social change lies in the hand of the citizens, not the government.’ Discuss.
9. Is wealth the best measure of success today?
10. Are leaders causing rather than solving the problems the world is facing today?
11. ‘We must eliminate all forms of inequality.’ How realistic is this for your society?
12. Do people in your society work harder than is good for them?
13. Is conformity ever desirable?
14. How far is the pursuit of success the most important goal in your society?
15. ‘People make their own destiny.’ Discuss.
16. ‘The greatest obstacle to ending social inequality is human greed.’ Do you agree?
17. ‘Stand up for your rights.’ Is this sound advice?
18. ‘Obedience is a virtue.’ Is this an accurate reflection of your society?
19. ‘Work less, play more.’ Is this good advice for your society?
20. ‘Deception is an inevitable feature of our lives.’ Discuss.
21. ‘The potential of an individual is constrained by the surroundings they are born into.’ Discuss.
22. ‘Adversity is a good teacher.’ How true is this of your society?
23. To what extent is work an underrated route to happiness?
24. ‘Kindness is a weakness.’ Discuss.

Indv/Values (Others)

25. ‘To be ordinary is to be miserable.’ Comment.
26. ‘People with special needs are no longer invisible.’ Is this true of the world today?
27. Is a life of excess necessarily undesirable? – Difficult
28. In your society, are mental health issues amongst the young sufficiently addressed?

Insight/Strategy: Individual/Values are questions that are more philosophical in considering the importance of different values in an individual’s life (e.g. Success/Adversity, Happiness, Competitiveness vs Kindness/Modesty, Freedom/Originality/Conformity, Integrity). We can do very well when we realise how these questions are repetitive. You will see many similar questions below that essentially ask about the same thing. The strategy lies in how we are able to tweak our content knowledge to handle different phrasings (a common strategy across Themes that you will notice I keep emphasising).

For Success, questions prompt us to ponder value/desirability and what defines success (e.g. wealth, individual choices vs inherent circumstances, adversity). For Happiness, it is often intertwined with work.

The structure of the essay response becomes fairly straightforward where we analyse the pros-cons of these values, while keeping in mind certain modifiers that could change the question (e.g. Absolutes). The examples to substantiate these arguments would relate mainly to prominent individuals (public figures) based on their words and actions; other examples include other entities like countries, corporations, and organisations.

Additionally, another big focus is on Social movements and Activism to consider its value and importance. This is an incredibly popular question type in 2022 and I also believe that it will likely come out for the A Levels either in 2022 or 2023. This includes both the Value/Effectiveness of Activism + what contributes to Activism.

7. General

Sports

1. Examine the view that the elimination of discrimination in sport is a far-fetched dream.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of sport as a platform to tackle social injustice.
3. ‘Sport and politics should never mix.’ Comment.
4. Consider the view that money undermines the spirit of sport.

History/Humanities

5. We must escape the past to welcome the future. Comment.
6. ‘History is more important today than ever before.’ How true is this for your society?
7. To what extent is a shared history desirable in your society?
8. To what extent are the Humanities essential for a holistic education?
9. To what extent is a country’s future determined by its past?
10. ‘Focusing on the past slows down progress.’ What is your view?

Statistics

11. To what extent can statistics be trusted?
12. The modern world is obsessed with statistics.’ To what extent is this a fair viewpoint?
13. ‘We trust in data, but then our data manipulates us.’ What is your view?

Current Affairs

14. How useful are trends as a guide for the future?
15. To what extent should people take an interest in the current affairs of other countries?

Gender

16. ‘Not enough action has been taken to meet the needs of women.’ How far is this true in your society?

Tourism

17. Assess the view that tourism should be curbed.

Insight/Strategy: General questions for this year come from a few key areas: Sports, History/Humanities, Discrimination/Gender, Tourism, History, Current Affairs, Statistics. We should remember that these General questions are not individual Themes on their own because they are not as popular for A Levels. These General questions should be viewed more as a backup Theme rather than a main Theme that we are preparing for.

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It’s 4 more weeks before the A Levels! The last lap can be nerve-wrecking but it can also be game-changing! I have seen many students make tremendous and miraculous improvements in the final lap.

Seek for consultation and ask questions to clarify your doubts! Study smart and pay attentions to all the skills in GP. Skills mean the difference between knowing how to consciously meet the requirements of GP and simply depending on luck.

That being said, good luck for the upcoming exams. Take care of yourself, be sure not to burn out in this period.

Check out the 2020 A Levels Questions Analysis here 🙂

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