2024 GP Prelim Essay Questions Paper 1

Dear illum.e fam - in general you can notice that most schools have spotted the following trends:

A) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
B) Social Media
C) Environment
D) International Relations (IR)
F) Activism
G) Health/ Food & Drink
H) Tech and Arts

We have always discussed about how to handle the wide breadth of various topics in class without the need for close and rote memorisation, so whenever in doubt, do seek your tutors for consult! We are also happy that majority of you are scoring an average of a good B at Prelims, let's go for the A at A levels!

[ACJC]

Has digital media made artists worse off?
“Being healthy is a luxury only the rich can afford.” How far is this true of your society?
Is there any point in studying history when we should look to the future?
“Ignorance is bliss.” To what extent is this true?
Consider the view that there is too much emphasis on individualism today.
Assess the view that our world today is more divided than ever before.
Is noise pollution increasingly a problem in your society?
“We are scientific giants but ethical infants.” Comment.

[ASRJC]

“Individuals today can do more about global problems than ever before.” To what extent is this true?
“To ensure peace, it is vital to prepare for war.” To what extent is such a viewpoint justifiable?
“One united people, regardless of race, language or religion.” How true is this of Singapore?
Given that creative works can be generated using artificial intelligence, are human creators still necessary?
“It is better to conform than to challenge.” To what extent is this true in your society?
“Religion should have no place in politics.” Discuss.
“Education, not censorship, is the solution to misinformation.” To what extent do you agree?
“Nowadays, we care too much about what people think.” Discuss.

[CJC]

“There is no such thing as sustainable fashion.” Discuss.
To what extent do you agree that the joy of learning is essential in your society?
Since individuals can hardly influence political decisions, is there any point in being aware of current affairs today?
Should artificial intelligence be feared or embraced?
Examine the claim that too much value is placed on beauty today.
“The government should never interfere with people’s private lives.” To what extent is this true of your society?
Consider the view that social media cannot fully alleviate feelings of loneliness in young people.
Is success more important than integrity in today’s world?

[DHS]

Is traditional media always more reliable than social media?
To what extent is it harder to be a good parent in your society today?
“The public’s interest should be prioritised in scientific research.” Discuss.
How far is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity?
“Profits without accountability.” To what extent is this accurate of corporations today?
To what extent is it more important for a government to be efficient rather than democratic?
“Too much focus has been placed on outcomes rather than on efforts.” Is this true of your society?
Consider the view that all countries have an equal responsibility to tackle climate change.

[EJC]

“Activism is becoming more frequent, but less effective.” Discuss.
Is the seeking of knowledge aided or hindered by modern technology?
To what extent is it justifiable for the state to control what an individual eats or drinks?
“Heritage and traditions create more problems than benefits.” How far is this true in your society?
How important is it for everyone to appreciate the Arts today?
‘Profit should be the sole concern for businesses.’ Do you agree?
To what extent does your society foster resilience?
Examine the claim that political leaders should pursue peace at all costs.

[HCI]

How possible is it to gain from mass tourism and not suffer any drawbacks?
Does your society have what it takes to care for the elderly?
Is it true that despite today’s advances, we are facing a bleak future?
‘The stronger the country, the lower the likelihood of war.’ Comment.
Should citizens expect their government to look after everything for them?
“What happens to the environment is of little consequence to the rich.” Discuss.
Does history hold us back or spur us on?
Is compromise always desirable?

[JPJC]

Discuss the role of the arts in fostering well-being.
“Countries cooperate only when it suits their interests.” Do you agree?
To what extent have efforts to promote lifelong learning been successful in your society?
Should the state bear the greatest responsibility for the ethical development of technology?
Consider the view that traditional media outlets are no longer relevant in society today.
Examine the claim that our obsession with the trivial distracts us from what is important.
“It is necessary to sacrifice leisure time for work.” How far is this true in your society?
To what extent has the digital age influenced the aspirations of young people today?

[NJC]

Assess the view that traditional businesses have no future in your society.
“The arts should provoke rather than merely please.” How far do you agree with this statement in relation to your society?
“The progress of science is limited by selfish agendas.” Discuss.
“Anger motivates change.” How true is this in the context of environmental activism?
Do you agree that the world of sport is better today because of technology?
“Societies today have learnt nothing from the mistakes of the past.” Discuss.
Consider the view that politics today is all talk and no action.
“The world is in need of more dreamers.” Comment.

[NYJC]

Should the government spend huge amounts of money on the arts when the masses are largely uninterested in the arts? Discuss this with reference to your society.
‘Eating has never been more dangerous.’ Do you agree?
‘Governments should encourage greater participation in matters of governance.’ Discuss this with relevance to your society.
Consider the view that advancements in science and technology have made us more powerful but less human.
Discuss the view that our obsession with social media is the key factor behind urban loneliness.
‘The improvements in the modern workplace have not made the well-being of workers better.’ Discuss.
How far do you agree that the destruction of nature to make way for a country’s development can be justified?
Consider the view that travel is fun but of little value.

[RI]

‘The arts should not rely on government support.’ Comment.
Does reliance on technology compromise our freedom?
To what extent has social media influenced financial decisions among people today?
“Only powerful nations have a significant voice in global affairs.” Discuss.
‘There is no room for failure.’ Is this true in your society?
To what extent should the state interfere with the private lives of its citizens?
How far do you agree that efforts to promote inclusiveness do more harm than good?
‘Technology has given us a false sense of hope in solving problems.’ To what extent is this true?

[RVHS]

How far can the youth in your society be relied upon to effect change?
‘Only the educated are free.’ What is your view?
Assess the view that people are too quick to take offence today.
To what extent can your society balance individual freedom and national interests?
Examine the view that people today need to slow down in order to move forward.
‘Staging major events brings nothing but benefits to the host country.’ Discuss.
To what extent is the success of a government measured by its ability to maintain law and order?
‘As much as science is useful, it is unreliable as the means to human happiness.’ Discuss.

[SAJC]

“It is unrealistic for countries to completely ban the use of plastics.” Discuss.
Discuss the view that eating has never been riskier in today’s world.
Consider the view that individuals are solely responsible for their health.
To what extent is international cooperation effective in addressing global concerns?
In today’s troubled world, should governments impose more restrictions over the media?
“Artificial intelligence is diminishing our ability to think.” What is your view?
Is change to be welcomed or feared in your society?
“Poetry is a luxury we cannot afford.” How far is this true in your society?

[TJC]

Assess the view that technology has ruined the arts industry.
‘What we eat defines us.’ Discuss.
How far is an overseas education a necessity for young people in your society?
Given the space constraints, do parks and green spaces still have a place in cities?
Examine the view that discussing politics on social media is a waste of time.
To what extent are athletes today competing on a level playing field?
‘Protests are the only way to be heard today.’ Do you agree?
Is idling necessarily a bad thing in your society?

[TMJC]

Discuss the view that powerful nations should take the lead to address global issues.
‘The arts focus too much on grabbing attention.’ To what extent is this true today?
‘Today’s technological innovations have made work more productive and fulfilling.’ Discuss.
‘If you are not with us, you are against us.’ How far is this statement reflective of attitudes in modern society?
To what extent has entertainment today made the young increasingly out of touch with the real world?
How far does a country’s geographical location influence its success in the modern world?
‘Education, not regulation, is key to keeping society safe from the cybersecurity threats.’ How far is this true in your society?
‘Environmental conservation efforts benefit the affluent at the expense of the poor.’ Do you agree?

[VJC]

‘In this global age, national boundaries are no longer relevant.’ Discuss.
Assess the view that the arts do not contribute to social change.
To what extent should we be concerned about artificial intelligence developments today?
Consider the effectiveness of your country’s education system in preparing students for the future.
Examine the claim that social media worsens human relationships.
‘Public health campaigns have been successful in combating lifestyle diseases.’ How far is this true in your society?
‘Society has lost its trust in public figures today.’ Do you agree?
How important is it for countries to invest in sports infrastructure?

[YIJC]

Can the arts truly influence change in the world today?
“Discrimination is not necessarily bad.” Discuss.
“We have too much faith in medicine today.” To what extent is this true?
How well-balanced are the demands of work and family in your society?
Is modern technology a benefit or threat to the environment?
“Social media promotes progress.” Do you agree?
“Tackling social issues is best left to the government.” How far is this true of your society?
“To be different is to be condemned by society.” What is your view?