3 Non-Fiction Books to Read to Keep You in GP Shape Over the Holidays

There’s nothing like the promise of a well-deserved break over the school holidays. But while a chance to recharge is essential, it’s also crucial to maintain your academic momentum.

The good news is that staying sharp doesn't have to mean tedious revision, especially for subjects like General Paper. Instead, reading non-fiction books is a fun and effective way to keep in the groove.

As such, we’ve curated the three best non-fiction books for you to explore, alongside practical tips to make these reads count towards mastering General Paper.

Importance of Critical Reading Skills for General Paper

Beyond simply grasping the main points of a text, you should actively practise critical reading skills to engage with it. This involves approaching the material proactively by:

  • Questioning underlying assumptions.
  • Evaluating the strength and validity of arguments.
  • Discerning potential biases or perspectives.

Mastering these skills is vital for success in GP, enabling you to deepen your understanding of Paper 2 Comprehension passages and craft persuasive arguments.

Best Non-Fiction Books to Read Over the Holidays

Here’s our list of the best non-fiction books to read, selected for their direct relevance to common GP themes and their ability to foster critical thinking.

‘The Art of Thinking Clearly' by Rolf Dobelli

‘The Art of Thinking Clearly' by Rolf Dobelli dissects over fifty common cognitive biases and logical fallacies. Structured into short, digestible chapters, the book provides clear examples of how humans routinely make irrational judgments.

By reading this book, you can learn to recognise flawed arguments, not just in the opinion pieces you analyse but also in your own essay structures.

'This Is What Inequality Looks Like' by Teo You Yenn

This book offers a deeply human perspective on poverty and inequality through the lens of ordinary lives in Singapore. Moving beyond statistics, the book delves into complex social issues in Singapore, providing compelling, real-world examples that bring academic concepts to life.

The nuanced perspectives presented in this book can help you in constructing sophisticated arguments as you approach challenging GP essay questions.

‘The AWARE Saga: Civil Society and Public Morality in Singapore’ edited by Terence Chong

This collection examines the 2009 AWARE saga, a pivotal moment in Singapore’s civil society history. The discussions are highly relevant to contemporary social issues in Singapore, focusing on themes of public morality, religion, and activism.

By reading this book, you can gain a deeper understanding of civil society dynamics, media engagement, and the role of diverse voices in contemporary Singaporean discourse.

How to Read Effectively for GP

If you’re reading as part of your efforts to study for General Paper, you must move beyond passive reading. Here are five tips on how to engage critically with the material:

  • Annotate: Highlight key arguments, new vocabulary, and points you agree or disagree with.
  • Summarise: After each chapter, write a summary of the main points in your own words.
  • Question the author: Actively challenge the author's claims by asking "why" and "how" questions and consider alternative perspectives.
  • Connect to GP themes: Link the book's ideas to broader GP topics, such as technology, politics, or social issues, to build a cross-contextual knowledge base.
  • Discuss and debate: Share your thoughts on the book with peers or family to reinforce your understanding and practice articulating your arguments.

Cultivating Your GP Skills with illum.e

The holidays are an ideal time to engage in enriching reading that builds your comprehension skills and general knowledge base. So, treat these recommendations as an opportunity to have fun while sharpening your mind for the new school term.

At the same time, while independent reading is beneficial, structured guidance can go a long way in complementing your efforts to ace General Paper.

For instance, illum.e’s dedicated GP tuition classes are designed to help you refine your critical reading and argumentation skills. Through engaging discussions, hands-on practice with GP essay questions, and personalised feedback, we empower you to transform your insights into high-scoring responses.

Turn your holiday reading into tangible academic success by registering with us today!