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General Paper (GP) Essay Questions Compilation for 2020 and Thematic Strategies

general paper essay questions

GP Essay Questions (2020) and Thematic Strategies

Looking for the 2021 a levels essay questions it’s over here.

Below are questions inspired by the essay questions in this year’s prelim papers. I have modified them to avoid copyright issues. I have also organised them into topics for our easy reference. The major themes to focus on are: Arts, Science & Tech, Media, Politics, Environment, Individual/Values, General. These themes have been selected based on their frequency in the A Levels as well as whether they are large enough to cover different types of questions.

So below are over 100 questions that i have compiled for the year of 2020, all for your easy reference 🙂 If you need more questions, please check out the original post that has questions compiled across three years . I have also included some general questions for those of you who prefer to attempt general questions.

1. Arts/Heritage

  • TWE do the arts effect change in your society?
  • Consider the claim that museums have no place in today’s world.
  • Evaluate the view that museums have no future.
  • ‘Films that reflect reality have less appeal.’ What are your views?
  • ‘The arts do not matter in times of crisis.’ Is this true for your society.
  • TWE is it necessary for the individual to appreciate the arts today?
  • ‘A society that preserves its heritage will greatly benefit’. Discuss.
  • Evaluate the importance of the arts to your country.
  • Is there value to historic sites in your society?
  • In your society, is it important to still preserve local cultures despite youths’ declining interest?
  • Are physical libraries still relevant in today’s world?
  • ‘Countries are progressive when they value the arts.’ Comment.
  • ‘There is no point in preserving traditional dialects.’ Discuss in relation to your society.
  • HFDYA that museums still have a place in today’s world?
  • Does your society give enough recognition to artists?
  • ‘The arts are less useful to society than the sciences.’ Comment.

Insight/Strategy: Arts/Heritage types of questions quite commonly focus on the local context . If you are preparing for this theme, it would be useful to know Singapore examples. There are two central tensions apparent in this theme: 1 ) Do the arts have value? 2) How has the digital age change the arts? Being able to address these tensions would help us develop a meaningful response for many Arts questions. 

  • Is there any value in pursuing scientific research that is not profitable?
  • How far has technology created a more dangerous world?
  • Should life-saving medical research be left to private companies instead of the government?
  • ‘Science should be left to scientists.’ Discuss.
  • Can substantial spending on space exploration ever be justified?
  • TWE can technology solve the major problems we face today?
  • Assess the claim that technological advancement will eventually replace schools.
  • DYA that medical research emphasises more on profits than helping to improve lives?
  • Is it justified to put restrictions on developing military technology?
  • ‘Global crises will no longer be a threat with progress in science and technology.’ TWE is this true?
  • DYA that ethical considerations serve to impede scientific pursuits rather than propel them?
  • Considering ethical implications, HFDYA that we genetic engineering should not be allowed?
  • ‘Our values are often sacrificed when we focus on scientific advancement.’ Is this valid?
  • ‘It is becoming ever more necessary to place restrictions upon scientific research today.’ DYA?
  • ‘It is unacceptable to pursue space exploration through public funds.’ HFDYA?
  • Is it true that more exploitation has transpired because of modern technology?
  • Discuss the claim that the digital economy is more of a bane than boon.

Insight/Strategy: Science and Tech is of course a classic theme that will always be relevant. This year, we see more varied questions under this theme, like those relating to specific areas of tech in space exploration/genetic engineering/military/medical . Preparing for this theme would mean that we are also ready to engage in questions that have such a specific scope, instead of those that ask about the entire spread of science and technology. 

  • Do you agree greater control needs to be exerted over social media?
  • ‘Governments can no longer control the media now.’ HFDYA?
  • Can online vigilantism be justified against non-conforming individuals?
  • ‘Personal privacy today is more of a luxury.’ HFDYA?
  • Given so much misinformation in the media, can users trust content they come across?
  • Are we too eager to embrace digital activism?
  • Is it valid to think of social media users as a nasty and unruly crowd?
  • Should social media be kept free from regulation?
  • How far is it possible and important to increase privacy?
  • ‘We should see celebrities as role models we emulate’. DYA?
  • Assess the paradox that we become more isolated as we become more connected.
  • HFDYA that the personal lives of public figures should not be subjected to public judgment?
  • ‘Social media negatively impacts the self-esteem of our youth.’ Discuss.
  • Are public figures free to be themselves?
  • Is the freedom of the press only a facade?
  • How far can we hold the media accountable for problems faced by the youth today?
  • ‘We unfairly scrutinise public figures.’ DYA?
  • In our world today, do celebrities hold too much influence?
  • Consider the view that traditional media platforms are becoming obsolete.

Insight/Strategy: Media questions seem to be very popular in this year’s spread of questions. As I have mentioned previously, the theme of Media has gotten a resurgence in recent years with the rise of social media. An extremely crucial area of focus would, therefore, be on social media. Consider how social media has changed the role of the media and the power dynamics between governments and ordinary citizens. Other issues include privacy, image, censorship. 

general paper essay questions

4. Politics

  • Is it crucial for youth to engage in political activism?
  • ‘When it comes to human rights, international efforts trump national efforts.’ Comment.
  • TWE should governments take into account religious beliefs when making decisions today?
  • ‘The world is a desirable place today with populist leaders’. DYA?
  • Consider the claim that no country can afford to isolate itself.
  • HFDYA that politicians prioritise immediate concerns over long-term solutions?
  • Evaluate the view that strong governance is indispensable to overcome crises.
  • ‘In today’s world, democracy is only a game of popularity.’ TWE is this true?
  • ‘Diplomacy is the best approach to international relations.’ Discuss.
  • Assess the view that global organisations hardly make an impact in the world today.
  • Should governments dictate instead of persuade when security is threatened?
  • TWE can heightened power of governments be justified by the increasing threats in the world?
  • Should countries prioritise the needs of their citizens?
  • DYA that youth activism is more motivated by trends rather than a real concern about issues?
  • Is diplomacy the panacea to all conflict in our world today?
  • ‘With increasing globalisation, xenophobia will only escalate.’ Discuss.
  • Would it be more desirable for countries to have more diverse political leaders?
  • Is it fair to protect individual rights at any cost?
  •  In times of political instability, should governments still allow for individual freedoms?
  • HFDYA that we should encourage international cooperation?

Insight/Strategy: Like Sci/Tech, Politics is a theme that never gets old. Interestingly, it is also one of the least popular topics (evident from our Telegram poll and A Levels poll on which questions students picked). The two large branches of Politics would be: International Relations, Governance . The former looks at larger relationships between countries, the latter looks within the country. Doing well for the theme of Politics require us to know about the major events and occurrences in the world, and the different actors: citizens, governments, migrants, activists, international organisations etc. 

5. Environment

  • ‘We have exaggerated the extent of the environmental crisis.’ Discuss.
  • Is the individual’s efforts in stopping climate change futile?
  • DYA that damage we have done to the environment cannot be reversed?
  • TWE can global demand for food be satisfied while trying to ensure environmental sustainability?
  • ‘A non-meat diet is crucial for the good of the planet.’ Is this valid?
  • TWEDYA that renewable energy would benefit the economy as much as it benefits the environment?
  • TWE are we prepared for climate change? Discuss this for your country.
  • Is it accurate to evaluate your country’s recycling efforts as all talk but no action?
  • Assess the view that nature must always be sacrificed for man.
  • ‘The responsibility in combating climate change should be shared equally between developed and developing countries.’ Comment.
  • ‘Switching to alternative energy sources is a desirable, but unrealistic ideal’. Discuss.

Insight/Strategy: Environment questions have been less popular recently, who knows whether they would make an appearance in this year’s A Levels? Think about environmental issues from these aspects: Causes, Impacts, Solutions . Also look at the perspective of the different parties involved in this conversation: individuals, governments, activists, local organisations, international oragnisations. 

6. Individual/Values

  • ‘Happiness may not lie in being healthier.’ Discuss.
  • ‘Rules should be followed at all times’. Comment.
  • DYA that wealth is the answer to finding happiness?
  • ‘We should always sacrifice for the greater good.’ Evaluate this claim.
  • HFDYA that we should encourage perseverance?
  • ‘The main point of work is financial reward and not personal fulfilment.’ Discuss
  • Is a good leader determined more by character than intelligence?
  • ‘Wealth determines how far we go in life.’ DYA?
  • ‘We should always strive for stability.’ DYA?
  • Consider the claim that being feared is more important than being loved.
  • DYA that happiness can happen without wealth?
  • ‘Fear brings out the worst in people’. DYA?

Insight/Strategy: This theme is often overlooked because many students deem it too philosophical. However, I always encourage my students to look into this theme because it is a very common theme in the A Levels (2 questions for this theme in many of the years). Doing well for questions here require us to think critically about the importance of these different values highlighted, and what roles they play in our lives. Being able to s ee the connection between values and classifying them into smaller categories would also make this theme much more manageable. 

  • HFDYA that fashion should determine the identity of an individual?
  • Evaluate the claim that there is no value in remembering the past.
  • DYA that poverty is the main reason behind crime?
  • TWE is it true that women can do better than men?
  • Is there any point to social movements?
  • ‘It is integral for citizens to understand their country’s history.’ Discuss.
  • ‘Activism is one part substance but two parts noise.’ Comment.
  • Is your society making sufficient efforts to ensure diversity?
  • ‘Global problems already have solutions, but we just lack the will to pursue them.’ Is this valid?
  • Should we still think of gender inequality as a distant dream in the modern world?
  • Should we embrace or fear uncertainty?
  • Consider the claim that protests are ineffective in catalysing change.
  • DYA that women will make the world a better place if they have more power?
  • Can we give unlimited powers to law enforcement to combat crime?
  • ‘Our efforts to fight prejudice are futile.’ Discuss.
  • ‘City life is unhealthy.’ Comment.
  • ‘History is a mirror that reflects how we never learn from our mistakes.’ Discuss.
  • TWE is it true that key to social change lies in the hands of the people and not politicians?
  • HFDYA that games are a frivolous pursuit?
  • DYA that we do not give real attention to diversity today?
  • Is it fair to claim that people are overly reliant on governments to resolve issues? Discuss in relation to your society.
  • ‘The death penalty has no place in today’s world’ Is this a valid comment?

Insight/Strategy: This theme contains various topics that are more general and niche, but are not broad enough to become a theme on their own. In here you would find questions relating to specific issues. The biggest tip I have for such questions is: they may not always be that different. Often, you would find connections between arguments you make here and arguments in questions from other themes . The only challenge would of course be the examples , because the topics here are extremely specific. Try to avoid such questions unless you have decent content knowledge for the particular topic. 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It’s 1 more week 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. 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.

Update: Check out the 2020 A Levels Questions Analysis here 🙂

If you found this helpful, do check out our new GP Tips & Resources Telegram Channel! Click here to join . This channel is meant to act as a GP companion to share knowledge and help all students, regardless of whether they are a part of ZAscension. Everyday there will be Tips of the Day, Answers to FAQs, Articles and many more. So if you enjoyed this article, this channel will definitely be useful for you 😃

Thank you for stopping by ZAscension

Find out more about the writer, Mr Zach!

Whatsapp 9722 3187 (click to contact) to sign up for lessons 😃,   check out our gp tips & resources telegram channel   click here to join.

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AceSpecialistHub.com

The Complete List of GP Topics & Themes

Are you running out of time to prepare for your examples required for your GP essays? Are you looking to form an effective strategy to tackle your Paper1? if yes, read on and explore our recommended Thematic Essay Strategies (TES) on handling your essay paper.

1st, 12 questions will be set, of which you only answer one. This will allow GP essay exam candidates like you the chance to express an informed, critical, creative and relevant response.

Table of Contents

Most Common GP Topics for Essay Paper 1

The most common topics are: 1. Historical, social, cultural, economic, political and philosophical topics 2. Science including its history, philosophy, general principles, current developments and applications 3. Mathematical and geographical topics 4. Literature and language 5. Arts and crafts 6. Topics of local interest and global concern, as stated from the GP Syllabus (Code: 8807)

Now, the above topics is by no means exhaustive. We can easily go into subtopics for each of the main 6 topics. For example: under the General Paper topic of Literature and language, we can go deeper into Mass Media, , Music, Media, Film, etc. Or, under the topic of local interest and global concern, we can zoom into Singapore only, Gender (Women), Environmental (Animals, Water & the Sea, Land Use, Pollution), etc.

So you get the point, and that preparing by topics alone isn’t going to help a lot.

General Paper Themes for Essay Exams

What’s better than preparing by topics? Answer: You can prepare by GP themes! That is, by group several topics into a theme, you can more easily craft a relevant, creative and balanced response.

Below are sample essay questions inspired by the essay questions in this year’s prelim papers, as they have been modified. As promised, they are organised them into themes for your easy perusal and reference. The following themes are grouped and selected based on their frequency in the A Level GP exams as well as they broad enough to cover a variety of questions.

The major themes to focus on are:

a. Arts, Language & Mass Media b. Economic & Political Issues c. Science & Technology & Medicine d. Moral Dilemmas & Personal Experiences (aka Values, Philosophy or Individuals) e. Social & Economic issues f. Crime & Punishment g. General. 

In addition to grouping topics into themes for easier and effective preparation of your essay exam for GP, we can also prepare by question type. This involves your exam techniques and your experience of handling certain categories of exam questions. For example, the following list are common question types:

Type 1: Questions attempting to make a causal link between topics or themes

Some questions establish a relationship / / maybe even causality between two issues and hence you would need to identify that relationship and either agree with it or refute it. For such qu estions with 2 issues or subjects, the link between the two issues is the focus of the  essay. Do NOT have a separate discussion of the 2nd issue.

Examples: 1a: Technological advancements always bring about social equality. How far do you agree?  1b: he world would be a better place if everyone spoke the same language.’ Discuss. 1c: How prepared are we for climate change? Discuss this for your country. 1d: Medical science has been so successful that people now expect too much of it.’ Comment. 1e: Advertisements are often entertaining, but they rarely affect consumer choice.’ Do you agree? 1f: Should poorer countries develop their tourist industry when the basic needs of their own people are not being met? 1g: ‘Instead of speeding up the pace of life, we should be slowing it down.’ What do you think?

Type 2: Questions that target … ‘in your country’…

2.1: Is there value to historic sites in your society? 2.2: How prepared are we for climate change? Discuss this for your country. 2.3: ‘Freedom of expression is a luxury we cannot afford.’ How far is this true in your society? 2.4: Choose a sport and account for its popularity in your country: Golf 2.5: Choose a sport and account for its popularity in your country: Tennis 2.6. Which period in the history of your country appeals most to you? Give reasons for your choice. 2.7: Would you plan the layout of your neighbourhood differently?

Type 3: Questions that require … ‘in your opinion’…

3.1: What do you consider is a meaningful life? 3.2; What do you consider to be a rich life? 3.3: “Give me the country life, any time.” Comment. 3.4: Discuss the benefits of keeping a diary? 3.5: What factors would you consider when choosing a job? 3.6: If you were asked to set up an exhibition, what would you choose to exhibit and why? 3.7: It is better to live a short, exciting life rather than a long, uninteresting one. How far is this true?  3.8 “Leisure activities are a necessity, not a luxury.” Do you agree? 3.9 “The place for animals is in the wild, not in zoos or circuses.” Comment.

Type 4: Knowledge-based Questions

Such questions assume that students have an in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of the topic areas to be discussed in the essay. These KBQ tend to add in absolute words such as : never, solely, only, always, etc. Hence, commonplace knowledge will allow you, the GP student to pass, but obviously reflects nothing more than mediocrity. Knowledge must be showcased not just through a range of evidence but also through the differing conclusions one con draw from the some piece of evidence.

Examples: 4.1: Can the trade in weapons ever be justified? 4.2: Is sport too closely linked with money these days? 4.3: Discuss the view that too much faith is placed in statistics.

4.4: To what extent are small businesses preferable to large ones? Inevitably this question appealed to candidates who studied Economics. but it also proved to be a discriminator in identifying candidates who could make effective use of their General Paper skills and those who merely regurgitated theoretical arguments and unexplained Economics jargon, such as ‘economies of scale’ and ‘merit goods”.

Abbreviated forms, such as SBEs (Small Business Enterprises) and MNCs (Multinational Corporations) were not uncommon. These must be explained. Furthermore, very tortuous attempts were often made in the introduction to define small and large businesses.

4.5: Can small countries have a significant voice in world affairs Focus on the following: Switzerland, Vatican City, Luxemburg & Singapore

4.6: Is effective farming possible without science? Candidates drew upon the distinction between subsistence farming and that which was more of an industry, often tailored to meet modern demands of population and choice. Similarly, there was an awareness of organic farming, with its benefits and drawbacks. A good range of examples was incorporated to illustrate the impact of science on agriculture: the development of seeds, fertilisers, alternative means of producing crops and so on.

Sample Set A Paper 1 for general paper (Essay Questions)

1. How far should the actions of leaders be determined by public opinion? (Political issue)

2. Which factors currently pose serious threats to the development of your country and which provide exciting opportunities? (Economic, Environmental, Social, Cultural, ‘In-Your-Country’, etc)

3. Why are increasing numbers of people turning to religion in both less developed and developed countries? (Social, Economic, etc)

4. Can we be too concerned about safety and hygiene? (Science, Environmental, etc)

5. In your opinion, are most scientific research is conducted in the wrong areas for the wrong reasons? (Science, Social, Economic, ‘In-Your-Opinion’,)

6. Has commercialism ruined film as an art form? (Mass media, Arts, Economic, ‘Causal-link’)

7. Do you agree that aid should never be given to countries with poor human rights records? (Global issue, Economic, Political, etc)

8. ‘Gambling is a vice which should never be condoned in any civilised society. What are your views? (Social, Economic, Philosophy)

9. “We are overfed with information, but starved of wisdom.” Is this a valid assessment of modern technology’s impact on mankind? (Technology, Mass Media, Social, etc)

10. “Education is the best vaccine for violence.” Do you agree? (Social, Arts, Language, Mass Media, etc)

11. Is the United Nations still a relevant organisation? (Global issue, politics, Economic, etc)

12. Does history really repeat itself? (History, Social, Environmental, Economics, Political, etc, aka General Question)

Sample Set B Paper 1 for general paper (Essay Questions)

1. Give the public what it wants.” How far should the media be guided by this motto? (Mass Media, Social, etc)

2.Why does children’s literature appeal to readers of all ages? (Social, Langauge, Economics, The Arts, etc)

3. Have ceremonies and rituals lost their meaning in your society? (Economic, Religion, Social, Cultural, ‘In-Your-Country’, etc)

4. “Along with great power comes great responsibility.” Discuss the relevance of this observation to the roles and responsibilities of scientists today. (Science, Social, Economic, etc,)

5. To what extent, if any, should works of art be subjected to censorship? (Social, Arts, Language, Mass Media, etc)

6. In your opinion, what can be done to make the citizens of your country more politically aware and active? (Political, Youth, Social, etc)

7. Is a world without poverty an impossible dream? (Global issue, Economic, Environmental, etc)

8. ”No pain, no gain.’ How far is this true of life in general? (Philosophy, Personal Experience, Value, Economic, Language, etc)

9. ‘Politics is the art of compromise.’ Discuss. (Political, Global, Regional & Local issues, Social, etc)

10. Do we place too much faith in technology? (Technology, Environmental, Science, Economics, etc)

11. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Comment on this assessment of the last century. (Political, Global, Regional & Local issues, Social, Economic, etc, aka General Question)

12. What purposes should prisons serve in an educated and enlightened society? (Social, Language, Crime, etc)

As you can see from the i) list of topics, ii) the combination of topics into themes, iii) the questions types, as well as the iv) sample question paper, the essay exam paper can be set in many ways.

So what’s your strategy? Our recommendation: prepare a bit of each!!

Specifically: make you you have solid content knowledge with relevant and updated examples on 2-3 TOPICS . In this way, in term so the content marks, you will score a high one. Next, make sure that the topics you pick they are bale to merge into further themes, so that no matter how the Cambridge examiners mix and match the topics, you have enough scope and depth to provide a sound, elaborate and balanced answer. Finally, do an extra preparation with one that targets just Singapore (“ in your country “) and/ or offers you the opportunity to go deep in your opinion . 

Need more help? Let our GP revision pack boost your score with lesser effort now. Click here to accelerate your GP success .

Happy revision!

GP Samples Essays – Moral Values & Truth

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Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Moral Values & Truth? Are you going to prepare this sub-topic of social issues, philosophy, etc as one of your main content topic for your upcoming GP examinations? A good choice, as this...

GP Samples Essays – Longevity & Health

Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Longevity & Health? Are you going to prepare this sub-topic of Science & Technology, etc, as one of your main content topic for your upcoming GP examinations.   We at Ace...

GP Samples Essays – Marriage & Women

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Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Women & Human Rights? Aiming to prepare this sub-topic of Social Issues, Roles of Women, as well as Human Rights, as one of your main content topic for your upcoming GP exam, and is seeking...

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Searching for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Moral Issues & Abortion? Aiming to prepare this sub-topic of Social Issues, Roles of Women, as well as Human Rights, as one of your main content topic for your upcoming GP exam, and is seeking for...

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GP Model Essays – Film & Media

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Looking for JC General Paper model essays on film and media? Are you trying to write full length answers for this GP topic, but has difficulties finding good real-life examples to apply for Film and Media? Use our well-written model essay for this GP topic on Film...

GP Samples Essays – Governance

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Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Governance? Aiming to prepare this sub-topic of Political issues, Government, International Affairs, etc, as one of your main content topic for your upcoming GP exam, and is seeking for...

GP Model Essays – Sports

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Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Sports? Still need help to craft an answer that is at least 36 out of 50 marks? See more of our model Sports essay examples here.   Q1: Why do countries place so much emphasis on sport?...

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A Level General Paper (GP) Essay Questions

Are you ready to tackle the challenges of A Level General Paper (GP) 1 essay questions? At illum.e, we believe in empowering students to embrace critical thinking and express their ideas confidently. Explore our curated selection of information and tips revolving around GP essays. Unleash your intellectual potential and excel in the A Level GP Paper 1 examination with our support.

The A Level GP Latest Syllabus:

The GP 2024 syllabus focuses on developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills in students. It aims to enhance their ability to analyse and evaluate a wide range of topics from various perspectives. 

The scheme of assessment for the GCE Advanced Level H1 General Paper Syllabus includes two papers. Paper 1, which is the essay section, comprises eight questions, which we will dive into detail below. Paper 2 involves analysing three passages (approximately 1200 words) for comprehension, inference, analysis, evaluation, summarisation, and synthesis. Questions cover connections between passages, application of themes, and overall understanding. Both papers carry 50 marks each, with a total duration of 3 hours for both papers. The syllabus includes themes such as Society and Culture, Economics, Politics, The Arts and Humanities, Science and Technology, and The Environment. 

The A Level GP 1 Exam Format:

The A Level GP Paper 1 exam format comprises 8 thought-provoking essay questions that cover a wide range of topics from different disciplines. These questions delve into both local issues of interest and global concerns. Students are required to choose one question out of the 8 and provide a well-crafted essay within a recommended word count of 500 to 800 words. 

The essay is evaluated based on:

Content:  30 marks

Use of English:  20 marks

Total mark:  50. 

Paper 1 carries a weightage of 50% and the duration of the exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

We have meticulously compiled a comprehensive selection of essay questions sourced from past A Level exams and reputable schools' prelims and resources. Moreover, our dedicated team of experienced tutors, who are also accomplished assessment book writers, have developed in-house materials and practices to ensure our students receive top-notch resources and guidance.

For a comprehensive list of 2022 Prelim Questions, please visit  2022 General Paper Questions . Here are a few examples of the stimulating questions you can explore:

  • "Increased international cooperation has failed to make the world a better place." Do you agree? - ASRJC
  • Is freedom always desirable? - ACJC
  • Evaluate the claim that the Arts are essential for a civilised society. - ACJC

Engage in critical thinking and analysis as you delve into these essay questions. Practice and refine your essay writing skills to excel in the A Level GP Paper 1 examination.

Note:  We want to emphasise that we do not claim copyright for questions sourced from other schools or external resources. These exam questions can be found on various blogs and websites, and we acknowledge that there are publishers who produce and print these questions for commercial sale.

Past Year A Level GP Essay Questions

Explore a rich collection of past year A Level GP essay questions to enhance your preparation. Delve into the nuances of different topics and gain valuable insights into the expectations of the examination. Follow the links below to access the specific A Level GP essay questions from various years:

  • General Paper A Level Questions 2015
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2016
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2017
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2018
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2019
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2020
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2021
  • General Paper A Level Questions 2022

A Level GP Essay Questions By Topic

In the A Level General Paper 1 examination, candidates are presented with a diverse range of topics to express their informed, critical, and creative responses. The suggested topic areas encompass historical, social, cultural, economic, political, philosophical, scientific, mathematical, geographical, literary, linguistic, artistic, and global/local issues. These questions require candidates to draw upon their knowledge from various disciplines, showcasing an awareness of significant issues and their implications for individuals and society. The ability to convey sustained arguments supported by examples is crucial.

At  illum.e , we provide resources and question analysis to help you navigate these topics effectively.

Explore the following links for GP Paper 1 essay questions categorised by topic:

  • Science and Technology Questions
  • Arts and Culture Questions 2022

Additionally, delve into our question analysis to gain deeper insights into the nuances and approaches to tackling GP Paper 1 questions:

  • Science and Technology Question Analysis

Prepare yourself for the broad spectrum of GP essay topics and equip yourself with the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to excel in your A Level GP examination. While you’re at it, check out our guide on  how to study for the General Paper  and our library of  GP notes .

Choose illum.e for GP Tuition and Ace Your Paper 1

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At illum.e, we offer engaging and interactive lessons that stimulate intellectual discourse, providing you with the necessary tools to excel in GP essay writing. Our tutors provide in-depth coverage of GP essay writing techniques and strategies, ensuring you have a solid foundation to tackle the exam with confidence. With our GP tuition programme, JC students will also receive individualised guidance and personalised feedback to enhance their performance.

Choose illum.e as your trusted partner in your GP journey and unlock your full potential. Take the first step towards achieving exceptional results in your A Level GP Paper 1.

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2022 General Paper (GP) A-Level Essay Questions and Commentary

Here are the essay questions for the 2022 A-Level General Paper! (Paper 1)

1. Consider the view that people imprisoned for crimes should lose all their rights.

2. Does religion still have a role in the modern world?

3. ‘Dramas on television or film are never as effective as a live performance.’ Discuss.

4. Assess the extent to which different age groups in your society are valued equally.

5. To what extent can individuals shape their own lives when the world is so unpredictable?

6. ‘Too many historical figures are famous for the wrong reasons.’ Discuss.

7. ‘The results of scientific research should be available to everyone.’ How far do you agree?

8. Examine the claim that music without words lacks both meaning and appeal.

9. Since the extinction of species is a natural phenomenon, is there any point in trying to prevent it?

10. ‘Consumerism is more of a curse than a blessing.’ How true is this of your society?

11. Consider the view that mathematics is of little interest to most people as it is too complex.

12. ‘It is not winning, but taking part, which matters.’ How acceptable is this an approach to life?

Commentary (forthcoming)

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge international as level english general paper (8021).

  • Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers

You can download one or more papers for a previous session. Please note that these papers may not reflect the content of the current syllabus.

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This is only a selection of our papers. Registered Cambridge International Schools can access the full catalogue of teaching and learning materials including papers from 2018 through our School Support Hub .

Past papers

  • -->June 2022 Mark Scheme Paper 11 (PDF, 197KB)
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  • -->June 2022 Examiner Report (PDF, 1MB)

Specimen papers

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general paper essay questions

5 Tips for Writing a General Paper Essay that Will Score You an 'A'

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Students often fall into two camps when it comes to how they approach the General Paper (GP) essay. The first group believes religiously in spotting questions and the power of the memorised template essay. However, tweaks to familiar questions by crafty examiners can negate the template’s effectiveness, and what if the spotted questions fail to turn up altogether? The second group is the opposite, and regard GP as a subject they can breeze through without much studying. Just choose any question that looks easy or interesting, write what comes to mind and hope for the best, right? Sadly, the best is rarely achieved. You have probably been in one or even both of these groups at some point. Neither approach is entirely wrong or correct - they wouldn’t exist if they didn’t work to some extent. However, if your goal is to write a GP essay that will score you an A, then you will need more than an approach that works to some extent. 

Here are 5 tips from The Learning Lab that will help you improve your writing and your chance at an A for the General Paper. 

general paper essay questions

1. Read the Questions Carefully

You get a total of 12 questions to choose from for your GP essay. Take a moment to read all of them carefully. While you should choose a topic that you are familiar with or passionate about (e.g. tech, government legislation, foreign affairs, generation gaps), avoid choosing a question immediately just because it seems familiar. As your teachers would have told you, some questions are traps! You may have studied the Cold War and the demise of the Soviet Union in A-Level History, but that doesn’t mean you have the arguments and examples to adequately answer if communism is dead today. 

Conversely, you may find that some of the general knowledge you have absorbed in preparation for the exam can be applied to a question on a less familiar topic, and provides the breadth of examples that markers look for. A good practice is to shortlist two or three questions before you start planning, just in case you hit a snag when formulating your argument and need an alternative.

general paper essay questions

2. Plan Out Your Essay

Planning out your essay is essential for many reasons. Firstly, it helps you avoid the perils of jumping straight in with a template argument or no argument at all, only to realise after an hour that you haven’t really been answering the question. The subject may be called General Paper, yet your essay should be anything but. This is also when you spot the trap questions and steer clear. Secondly, it allows you to structure your points and counterpoints in a logical flow to best support your thesis statement and overall argument. Thirdly, planning enables you to take stock of the examples you have to back up your points.

Ask yourself:

Do you have enough to substantiate each point? 

Which example is better used for which point?

 Are there obvious gaps that you can’t think of a way to fill, and should you quickly go and look at another question instead?

general paper essay questions

3. A Clear and Concise Introduction is Better than a Stylish One

A good introduction in a GP essay does its job and quickly moves both you (the writer) and the reader on to the meat of the essay. It sets up your argument clearly and provides a preview of what is to come. Under timed conditions, style that piques the reader’s attention is a bonus. Remember that a complete essay with all points substantiated and a conclusion will always score better than an incomplete essay with an impressive and memorable introduction.

You should also avoid giving too detailed a description of your points in the introduction. A good rule is to keep the introduction as short as possible: you should not write much more than an opening sentence, a thesis statement, and a sentence to link your introduction to your first point. 

general paper essay questions

4. Link Your Arguments Together and Stay on Point

This is often the difference between an average essay and a good one, and between a good essay and an excellent one. The highest-scoring GP essays are not the ones with the most distinctive style or the most flowery language, but the ones with the tightest arguments and structure. Everything you write should aim to answer the question, so that your thesis statement, points, and examples mutually reinforce each other and your overall argument. Signposting is your best friend: leave the examiner in no doubt of which piece of evidence supports which point and why, and use keywords from the question and your thesis statement repeatedly. 

If a favourite example of yours doesn’t quite fit the argument you are crafting, cut it. Unlike Mathematics or the Science subjects where plonking down some calculations or facts could earn you some marks, in GP, it’s better to keep your examples on point rather than try to show everything you know.

general paper essay questions

5. Pay Attention to Grammar and Spelling 

While you don’t have to be Shakespeare to ace the General Paper exam, you do need to communicate what you have to say clearly. If you have followed the previous 4 tips to the letter, the last thing you want is to distract your marker from your compelling argument with basic spelling or punctuation errors. Writing essays under exam conditions can often be a mad rush, but it’s wise to slow down a little to make sure you don’t spell words wrongly or leave them out by mistake. And of course, if you happen to have time to spare after finishing, do read through your essay again!

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A Level General Paper Notes, Essays and Tuition

2019 A-Level General Paper (GP) Paper 1 Essay Questions

We correctly predicted a huge number of essay questions that came up for A-Level GP 2019! Just check out our Instagram page @generalpaper to check out our highlight on this (where we show a story we posted before the A-Level paper, spotting the topics!)

Some of these questions came as no surprise, keeping in the Cambridge tradition of likely setting the exam two years before (or based on two years before)—considering the rise of Donald Trump, in particular—these were some questions we prepared our students for.

P.S. for other GP questions from other years, just enter https://GP.sg/ (followed by year number) —e.g. https://GP.sg/2022 ! We are still in process of adding these for all years, though!

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2019 General Paper Essay Questions

These are the 12 essay questions for the A-Level General Paper (GP) in 2019, as well as our thoughts on studying smart for it. For 2018 GP Paper 1, click here .

  • How far should countries have relations with others whose human rights record is poor?
  • To what extent should income equality be a goal in your society? 
  • ‘Science is the only answer to global hunger.’ Discuss.
  • Consider the view that social media has more influence than politicians. 
  • To what extent is artificial intelligence replacing the role of humans? 
  • ‘A leader’s responsibility should always be to his or her own country, not other nations.’ Discuss.
  • ‘Religion is an important part of the lives of young people today.’ Consider whether this is true in your society.
  • Does violence in the visual media portray reality or encourage the unacceptable? 
  • Is globalisation to be welcomed or feared today?
  • Should both parents take equal responsibility for raising their children? 
  • Assess the importance of food within Singaporean culture.
  • Can fiction teach us anything meaningful about the real world?

What we got right?

Some of the essay questions this year were well within the scope of our speculation. Let’s analyse the paper in details.

Firstly, science and technology — one huge and content-heavy topic — makes up two of the twelve questions [Q3 about science on food, and Q5 on AI]. Science and technology is the engine driving the 21st century; it is therefore no wonder that a lot of discussions in the past few years centre around its impact on us. For Q5 on AI, which many students attempted, we need to make some degree of speculation about the future. One probably knows that to answer such speculative questions, the key is to consider these four elements: past successes, past failures, current challenges and current opportunities. To accurately answer this question, students need to distinguish AI from other technologies. Humanoid robots and automation aren’t always AI. Some good examples of AI are self-driving cars and trucks, chatbots, facial recognition, (broadly speaking) machine-learning. We believe that science and technology, alongside environment and globalisation, would be a fruitful topic to cover in the next few years.

Secondly , there is a question on globalisation [Q9]. As discussed, the three forces shaping the world today are Tech, Globalisation and Environment . To do well for this question, you must know what constitute globalisation and what do not. Globalisation is easily defined as the flow of goods and services, capital and information, migration, and the prevalence of MNCs. Students need to recognise that increased air travel and tourism aren’t usually associated with globalisation. Discussions on cultural dilution should also be avoided simply because many students cannot successfully craft a solid paragraph on culture.

Thirdly, Media , as expected, is a subject of growing importance given our fast-changing relationships with news companies and online platforms. There are surprisingly TWO questions on media this year [Q4 and Q8]. Many schools have tested students on media in their preliminary examinations. The key to answering these questions well is understanding the underlying concepts — what constitutes media and what does not.

Lastly, there is the recurring theme of politics and governance . If you recall, questions on diplomacy and international relations appeared three times in the past four years: in 2015 ( How far is it possible for one country to forgive another for its past actions? ), 2016 ( ‘Countries experiencing conflict should be left to sort out their own problems.’ How far do you agree? ) and 2018 ( ‘Foreign aid does not solve long-term problems.’ To what extent is this a fair viewpoint? ). This year, the same is asked about countries with poor human rights records [Q1]. Countries that might come to mind are the usual suspects, North Korea, China (Xinjiang?), Syria, Crimea, Saudi Arabia…

Another question Q6 on politics and governance focuses on slightly more domestic issues of governance. To do well for this question, one has to perform a comparative analysis, which isn’t always easy.

What did we miss?

However, we notice several breaks in patterns this year. The arts, which usually make up one of the twelve questions (this seems to be the case every year, with the exception of 2016) was not tested. The closest is a question on literature: whether we can learn anything practical from fiction.

Secondly, let’s consider the topic of Environment . With activists like Greta Thunberg and the Singapore Climate Rally in 2019, you’d think it’ll be hard to ignore a topic that has garnered so much worldwide attention over the past decade. But nothing was tested on environment this year.

Thirdly, there are usually several questions involving philosophical musings. Take, for example, these questions: How far is failure an essential part of success? (2018) and “No cause is ever worth dying for.” Discuss. (2015) These questions require one to read many biographies and stories on well-known people and draw on personal experiences. But we didn’t get any questions on philosophy this year, either.

In my experience, what usually catches students off guard are questions on sports, education, and crime and punishment . (Hot Tip: When sports questions appear, it tends to appear in years with huge sports tournament i.e. World Cup or Olympics) These smaller topics do not occur as regularly in Cambridge A level GP papers as you might expect. As we anticipated, none of these topics appeared this year. A good rule of thumb is to only focus on these topics when you have some extra revision time or if these are topics that you feel strongly about. I encourage reading widely but these cannot be your only options.

Here’s the thing, we do not spot questions. We only strive to keep students up-to-date with the rapidly evolving world, and perhaps, to view it with a healthy dose of curiosity and fascination. Cambridge has been very consistent in ensuring their questions reflect the modern world that we live in. We have zoomed-in on the topics that are worth pursuing because of their contemporary value. Students should continue to focus on these topics

  • Science and Technology
  • Globalisation
  • Environment

However, we should also consider some emerging topics that are presenting new challenges in our society

  • Income equality
  • The nature of work

If you would like to learn more about studying smart for your GP, or how to be absolutely in love with it as we are, check out our other guides in our blog section. If you need some First Class help with the GP, call us or email us and we’ll be happy to help!

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Analysing General Paper Essay Topics: Politics

As a prerequisite for most university courses, A Level General Paper is unavoidable for many Junior College students (unless you take Knowledge and Inquiry, which is another battle on its own!). Every year during the A Level General Paper examinations, students can expect 12 questions across the 7 themes (Fig 1), out of which there will be one or two on the theme of politics. If you are having difficulty choosing which question to attempt, you can refer to our previous article here .

general paper essay questions

Fig 1. General Paper themes taken from SEAB’s syllabus

Attempting a question on politics can be daunting, but with Zenith’s help, you can confidently try your hand at these questions. As always, Singapore’s top JC GP tuition centre , Zenith, has just the solution to your worries. We have broken down this article into three main parts; question analysis, essay structure and lastly, key political ideas.

Part 1: Question analysis

Question analysis is crucial when planning for your A Level General Paper essay. Zenith, Singapore’s top GP tuition centre, has further divided question analysis into four parts: Q uestion type, D ebatable issue, K eywords, and C ontext. In short, QDKC, is an acronym that will come in handy when you’re preparing for your A Level General Paper examinations.

Question type

Under the umbrella of questions about politics, there are a large variety of questions that have different requirements . To avoid going off-topic, make sure you correctly identify the question type and answer accordingly. Zenith has compiled common question types and each of their specific requirements for you below.

Simple polarity

Simple polarity questions are of the most basic level compared to the other question types and are also the most straightforward.

Example: ‘Do you agree that democracy is for every society?’

Zenith’s take: In this case, the debatable issue is whether democracy is suitable for every society, so you would need to argue for the view that democracy is suitable for every society, and the view that democracy is not suitable for every society. Take a final stand at the end of your essay only after you have covered both views.

As their name suggests, these questions have absolute words in their phrasing, for instance, ‘always’, ‘never’, ‘most’.

Example: ‘The responsibility of the Government is always to the people.’

Zenith’s take: In this case, the debatable issue is whether the responsibility of the Government is to the people at all points in time. So you would need to present the view that the Government’s responsibility is to the people at all points in time and the view that the Government’s responsibility is to other concerns that require their attention as well. For instance, in international politics, where the presiding government will need to ensure that they maintain a diplomatic and cordial relationship with neighbouring countries. However, when bringing these in, always remember to link it back to ‘the people’. After you have argued for both, take a final stand at the end of your essay. Argue for the debatable issue and against the cause before taking a stand at the end of your essay. However, the debatable issue must be the focus in every paragraph.

Comparison questions will have two variables and like the question states, you will be required to compare the two.

Example: ‘Is democracy a better political system than communism?’

Zenith’s take: In this case, the debatable issue is whether or not democracy is a better system than communism. Since the question is asking to compare between the two, make sure you consistently do so throughout your entire essay. Let’s say that your final stand is that democracy is a better system, so you would have to ideally have 3 points on why democracy is better and 2 points on why communism is better. In each paragraph or point, the examiner must see the stark contrast between the two. Sample topic sentence: ‘Democracy is a better political system because it ensures that the voices of the people are heard, unlike communism, where the ruling party is in the seat of power’. Make sure you consistently compare the variables throughout your essay.

Cause and Effect

This question type is well represented by its name. Cause and effect questions typically consist of how an event directly or indirectly results in another event. There is usually a link between the two events!

Example: ‘Unrest amongst the people is the result of an incompetent government. Discuss.’

Zenith’s take: In this case, the debatable issue is whether unrest amongst the people is caused by an incompetent government. So you would need to evaluate the extent to which the government’s incompetency has led to unhappiness amongst the people. Let’s say that your final stand is that unrest is caused by incompetence. If this is the case, you would need to have 3 points proving this, and 2 points discussing how unrest can be caused by other factors. Weigh the factors well and argue as to which factor will have the largest impact on the lives of the public. A possible topic sentence could be: ‘Whilst there are many other factors that can cause unrest amongst the people, bread and butter issues are often at the top of the list. There are many limits as to what a civilian can do to improve these issues alone. For instance, the leap out of cyclical poverty is not easy to overcome, and often require intervention from the government.’

Such questions often have negative connotations and may suggest that a line has been undesirably crossed. These ‘lines’ often refer to moral or humane boundaries that have been unjustifiably broken.

Example: ‘The death penalty is too heavy a punishment for criminals. Discuss.’

Zenith’s take: Identify the line that has been crossed, which is usually a norm, and show how exactly this line has been crossed.

You can usually identify two different phases of time in time-based questions. More often than not, these two phases are the past and present or the present and future. You would then need to compare how things have changed in the present compared to the past, or how the future would differ from the present.

Example: ‘Is marriage still relevant in your society?’

Zenith’s take: The debatable issue here is whether or not marriage still has meaning or is required in today’s world. Time-based questions are relatively straightforward, all you have to do is ensure that your essay presents both sides of the argument.

Identifying the question type is crucial for your success because it ultimately determines the approach you will take when answering a question. However, certain questions posed may have some overlaps between the above categories, making it hard for you to discern the exact question type. Don’t worry though, our JC General Paper tutor is always ready to help out! Our tutor has had years of experience teaching General Paper, and she’s laser-sharp on identifying the different question types. But more importantly, how to address them in the clearest way possible. You can also look forward to free consultations, especially during the exam period, where you can immediately clarify your doubts with our dedicated tutors. Our tutors are always on standby to answer your questions. As the top General Paper tuition centre in Singapore, we merge highly traditional and modern teaching techniques to create the best experience for our students here at Zenith. Find out more here .

After our in-depth discussion on ‘Q’ of our helpful acronym ‘QDKC’, let’s move on to the next letter, ‘D’, which stands for the debatable issue.

Debatable Issue

It is also important to identify the debatable issue in every question because this will be the very foundation of your entire essay. The debatable issue will always be the central focus of your essay and it will shape your main argument. After you have identified the issue, come up with possible stands, i.e. topic sentences.

Debatable issue: Causes of unrest amongst the people.

Possible stand 1: Unrest is due to an incompetent government.

Possible stand 2: Unrest is caused by external factors like the approaching threat of war.

Identifying keywords is another factor that will help you score. By identifying the keywords, you break down the question into simpler bite-sized pieces, making it easier for you to ensure that you address all components of the question.

We will use the same question as above to explain: ‘Unrest amongst the people is the result of an incompetent government. Discuss.’

In this question, the keywords are, ‘unrest’, ‘result’ and ‘incompetent’.

  • Unrest: disagreements or fighting between different groups of people
  • Result: something that happens or exists because of something else
  • Incompetent: Not having the ability to do something as it should have been done

By identifying the correct keywords, knowing what they mean, and properly relating them to the context of the question, you will essentially be able to know what your essay should cover. In this case, you should cover instances of fights or riots happening because the government has not shown their ability to do something about it.

When deciding on what stand to take or what evidence to use, always consider the context. The context of a question will greatly affect the scope you can cover. For example, if the question is ‘Unrest amongst the people is the result of an incompetent government. Discuss’, feel free to factor in the point of view and evidence from any country. However, if the question were to be altered to ‘Unrest amongst your people is the result of an incompetent government. Discuss’, then you can only argue for instances and realities that take place in your country.

One word can make a big difference; always ensure that you analyse the question properly . Being the top General paper tuition centre in Singapore, we also have other resources for you to delve into. You can also check out our other article on question analysis here ! 70% of Zenith’s students attain their coveted distinctions; our proven track record really speaks for itself! So rest assured, you are in good hands.

Part 2: Essay structure

Good structuring is key to having a balanced essay , which will definitely earn you brownie points with your marker. A balanced essay reflects a mature and well-thought-out answer , which is a clear winner when pitted against an essay that is imbalanced and biased. Here is a sample essay structure:

  • Introduction
  • Opposing view #1
  • Opposing view #2
  • Your view #1
  • Your view #2
  • Your view #3

Always make sure that you have more paragraphs supporting your view than paragraphs supporting the opposing view. This is to show the examiner that your argument is stronger than the opposing argument, and thus, deserves to be accepted. In the event of time constraints, skip to the conclusion. An essay without a conclusion is like a dragon with a head and no tail, incomplete, which will not leave your A Level General Paper examiner with a good impression!

Key Ideas on Politics

There are many political systems in the world, and the only way to be updated with current political affairs is to read the news. You can head over to reliable websites like The Straits Times and Channel News Asia , where information is usually accurate and neutral.

However, here is a simple overview (Fig 2) of the key ideas to note:

general paper essay questions

Fig 2. A simple mind map of the theme on politics

There are two types of democracies, representative democracy and direct democracy.

  • Representative democracy: Government by the people, where the people vote for their leaders, who in turn make decisions for the state. Representative democracy in itself comprises of presidential and parliamentary. These elected leaders are ‘representatives’ of their people, acting as their voice in the parliament, passing laws and policies in their interest. Examples of representative democracies: The United States of America, Canada and The United Kingdom.
  • Direct democracy: where the people directly participate in the policy-making of the nation. Example of direct democracy: Switzerland.

In a democracy, rulers are also obliged to appeal to the general population instead of simply dismissing or disregarding them, ensuring the welfare of the people. Lastly, because democracy is a social contract, the government listens and considers the view of the people, even if it does not agree fully with them. Yes, in case you were wondering, Singapore is a representative democracy! As itinerant Chinese philosopher and sage Mencius once said, ‘The people are the most important element in a nation; the state is the next; the sovereign the slightest.’ (Feel free to use this quote when discussing the benefits of having a democratic political system!)

Non Democracies

There are many examples of other political systems, but the most common ones are monarchies, communism and socialism .

International politics

International politics entails international issues like trade, interstate conflict, ethnic conflict, terrorism, poverty, etc. Some crucial political events you should take note of:

  • US China Trade War
  • Ukraine Russia conflict
  • US Afghan conflict

National politics

Similarly, national politics are national issues faced by the state, like corruption, poverty, rights, etc. Events in national politics to take note of:

  • Committee Of Privileges
  • Budget 2022
  • National Day Rally 2021
  • General Election 2020

Sample paragraph

‘Is democracy always desirable?’

  • Question type: Absolute question
  • Debatable issue: Whether democracy is always desirable
  • ‘Democracy’: The belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief
  • ‘Always’: In all situations
  • ‘Desirable’: Worth having and wanted by most people
  • Context: All countries, since the question did not specify a single country or society

Whilst democracy may have its many perks, it is undeniable that a democracy can only function if there is sufficient political participation amongst the people. In a representative democracy, the people are required to take part in elections every few years to elect the new government. Thus, there is the risk of voters selecting for popularity instead of competency, and democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. During the election process, the majority needs to be involved and well informed, otherwise, they might lose faith in the system, rendering it an ineffective system. A clear example would be the 2020 General Elections in Singapore. In an attempt to connect with her people, politician Raeesah Khan from the opposition party, Worker’s Party, came forward as a victim of sexual assault. She then claimed to be an advocate for justice as she accompanied another victim to give a statement at the police station. Such an act enabled her to appear in a more humane light to the public. We can even argue that this incident may have been one of the main attracting points that garnered such widespread support for Raeesah and her party. For the first time in the history of national politics, the opposition party swept 10 seats out of the 93. However, it was later on revealed that Raeesah had lied in parliament, which was not only against the oath that she took, but also a revelation that shattered the trust of the people. Many expressed how they had started to question her competency as a leader. Hence, popularity is not always equivalent to competency, and democracy as a system would have failed because the chosen leader is not the most appropriate.

Here is a summary of how you can score for your politics essay:

  • Pinpoint the correct question type
  • Use the correct question analysis method
  • Structure your essay well
  • Ensure you have sufficient content knowledge by reading widely

This short overview we have provided is just the tip of the iceberg! If you would like to find out more, our General Paper Tutor is happy to help. Don’t fret about having insufficient examples as our tutor compiles the most relevant news and events for your perusal. Our tutor will also pass on her excellent vocabulary, critical thinking and writing skills to you!

Here at Zenith, we believe that academics is only half the story. Zenith cares, and our tutors will always go above and beyond to ensure your wellbeing. We understand that the A Level journey is a gruelling and tiresome one, which is why our tutors are always ready to support you in any way they can. Hungry after mugging? Our JC tuition centres have fully stocked pantries with goodies and drinks! Looking for a place to study after school? Look no further, we have specific study areas allocated in our tuition centres just for you (with both wifi and air conditioning!). We also believe in rewarding our students with outings to Universal Studios and taking them to watch Spiderman: Homecoming (Fig 3). If you’re interested, sign up today ! We look forward to seeing you in class.

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Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

500+ essay topics for students and children

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should plastic be banned?
  • Pollution due to Urbanization
  • Education should be free
  • Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
  • Selling Tobacco should be banned
  • Smoking in public places should be banned
  • Facebook should be banned
  • Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

  • Wonder Of Science
  • Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

  • Independence Day (15 August)
  • Teachers Day
  • Summer Vacation
  • Children’s Day
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
  • Janmashtami
  • Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

  • Education Essay
  • Importance of Education
  • Contribution of Technology in Education

general paper essay questions

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Swami Vivekananda
  • Mother Teresa
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • Subhash Chandra Bose
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Martin Luther King
  • Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

  • My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

  • My Best Friend
  • My Favourite Teacher
  • My Aim In Life
  • My Favourite Game – Badminton
  • My Favourite Game – Essay
  • My Favourite Book
  • My Ambition
  • How I Spent My Summer Vacation
  • India of My Dreams
  • My School Life
  • I Love My Family
  • My Favourite Subject
  • My Favourite Game Badminton
  • My Father My Hero
  • My School Library
  • My Favourite Author
  • My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

  • Global Warming
  • Environment
  • Air Pollution
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Water Pollution
  • Rainy Season
  • Climate Change
  • Importance Of Trees
  • Winter Season
  • Deforestation
  • Natural Disasters
  • Save Environment
  • Summer Season
  • Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

  • Health Is Wealth
  • A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
  • An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
  • Where there is a will, there is way
  • Time and Tide wait for none

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Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

  • Noise Pollution
  • Environment Pollution
  • Women Empowerment
  • Time and Tide Wait for none
  • Science and Technology
  • Importance of Sports
  • Sports and Games
  • Time Management
  • Cleanliness is next to Godliness
  • Cleanliness
  • Rome was not Built in a Day
  • Unemployment
  • Clean India
  • Cow Essay In English
  • Describe Yourself
  • Festivals Of India
  • Ganesh Chaturthi
  • Healthy Food
  • Importance Of Water
  • Plastic Pollution
  • Value of Time
  • Honesty is the Best Policy
  • Gandhi Jayanti
  • Human Rights
  • Knowledge Is Power
  • Same Sex Marriage
  • Childhood Memories
  • Cyber Crime
  • Kalpana Chawla
  • Punctuality
  • Rani Lakshmi Bai
  • Spring Season
  • Unity In Diversity
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Online Shopping
  • Indian Culture
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Indian Education System
  • Disaster Management
  • Environmental Issues
  • Freedom Fighters
  • Grandparents
  • Save Fuel For Better Environment
  • Importance Of Newspaper
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri
  • Raksha Bandhan
  • World Environment Day
  • Narendra Modi
  • What Is Religion
  • Charity Begins at Home
  • A Journey by Train
  • Ideal student
  • Save Water Save Earth
  • Indian Farmer
  • Safety of Women in India
  • Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
  • Capital Punishment
  • College Life
  • Natural Resources
  • Peer Pressure
  • Nature Vs Nurture
  • Romeo And Juliet
  • Generation Gap
  • Makar Sankranti
  • Constitution of India
  • Girl Education
  • Importance of Family
  • Importance of Independence Day
  • Brain Drain
  • A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
  • Action Speaks Louder Than Words
  • All That Glitters Is Not Gold
  • Bhagat Singh
  • Demonetization
  • Agriculture
  • Importance of Discipline
  • Population Explosion
  • Poverty in India
  • Uses Of Mobile Phones
  • Water Scarcity
  • Train Journey
  • Land Pollution
  • Environment Protection
  • Indian Army
  • Uses of Internet
  • All that Glitters is not Gold
  • Balanced Diet
  • Blood Donation
  • Digital India
  • Dussehra Essay
  • Energy Conservation
  • National Integration
  • Railway Station
  • Sachin Tendulkar
  • Health And Hygiene
  • Importance Of Forest
  • Indira Gandhi
  • Laughter Is The Best Medicine
  • Career Goals
  • Mental Health
  • Save Water Save Life
  • International Yoga Day
  • Winter Vacation
  • Soil Pollution
  • Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
  • Indian Culture And Tradition
  • Unity Is Strength
  • Unity is Diversity
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Cruelty To Animals
  • Nelson Mandela
  • Of Mice And Men
  • Organ Donation
  • Life in a Big City
  • Democracy in India
  • Waste Management
  • Biodiversity
  • Afforestation
  • Female Foeticide
  • Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
  • Rain Water Harvesting
  • Save Electricity
  • Social Media
  • Social Networking Sites
  • Sound Pollution
  • Procrastination
  • Life in an Indian Village
  • Life in Big City
  • Population Growth
  • World Population Day
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Statue of Unity
  • Traffic Jam
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
  • Importance of Good Manners
  • Good Manners
  • Cyber Security
  • Green Revolution
  • Health And Fitness
  • Incredible India
  • Make In India
  • Surgical Strike
  • Triple Talaq
  • A Good Friend
  • Importance of Friends in our Life
  • Should Plastic be Banned
  • Nationalism
  • Traffic Rules
  • Effects of Global Warming
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Solar System
  • National Constitution Day
  • Good Mother
  • Importance of Trees in our Life
  • City Life Vs Village Life
  • Importance of Communication
  • Conservation of Nature
  • Man vs. Machine
  • Indian Economy
  • Mothers Love
  • Importance of National Integration
  • Black Money
  • Greenhouse effect
  • Untouchability
  • Self Discipline
  • Global Terrorism
  • Conservation of Biodiversity
  • Newspaper and Its Uses
  • World Health Day
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • A Picnic with Family
  • Indian Heritage
  • Status of Women in India
  • Child is Father of the Man
  • Reading is Good Habit
  • Plastic Bag
  • Terrorism in India
  • Library and Its Uses
  • Life on Mars
  • Urbanization
  • Pollution Due to Diwali
  • National Flag of India
  • Vocational Education
  • Importance of Tree Plantation
  • Summer Camp
  • Vehicle Pollution
  • Women Education in India
  • Seasons in India
  • Freedom of the Press
  • Caste System
  • Environment and Human Health
  • Mountain Climbing
  • Depletion of Natural Resources
  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  • Health Education
  • Effects of Deforestation
  • Life after School
  • Starvation in India
  • Jan Dhan Yojana
  • Impact of Privatization
  • Election Commission of India
  • Election and Democracy
  • Prevention of Global Warming
  • Impact of Cinema in Life
  • Subhas Chandra Bose
  • Dowry System
  • Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
  • Role of Science in Making India
  • Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
  • Pollution due to Festivals
  • Ambedkar Jayanti
  • Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
  • Family Planning in India
  • Democracy vs Dictatorship
  • National Festivals of India
  • Sri Aurobindo
  • Casteism in India
  • Organ trafficking
  • Consequences of Global Warming
  • Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
  • Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
  • Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
  • Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
  • PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
  • Role of Youths in Nation Building
  • Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
  • Farmer Suicides in India
  • Start-up India
  • Pollution Due to Firecrackers
  • Life of Soldiers
  • Child Labour
  • Save Girl Child
  • Morning Walk
  • My School Fete
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  • Essay on earth
  • Essay on knowledge is power
  • Essay on favourite personality
  • Essay on memorable day of my life
  • My parents essay
  • Our country essay
  • Picnic essay
  • Travelling essay

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

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General Education

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One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

  • Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
  • Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
  • How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
  • How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
  • How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
  • How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

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Current Events

  • What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
  • How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
  • How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
  • What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
  • What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
  • Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
  • Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
  • Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
  • Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
  • How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
  • Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • Should graduate students be able to form unions?

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  • What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
  • Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
  • Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
  • Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
  • How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
  • How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
  • What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
  • What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
  • Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
  • What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
  • Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
  • Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
  • Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
  • What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
  • How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler's rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
  • How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
  • What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

main_lincoln

  • Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
  • Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
  • How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
  • How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
  • What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
  • What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
  • How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

  • How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
  • How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
  • Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
  • Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
  • How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
  • How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
  • What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
  • How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
  • Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
  • What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
  • Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
  • How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
  • Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

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What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

  • Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
  • Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

  • Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
  • Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
  • Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

  • Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
  • Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
  • Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

general paper essay questions

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

  • Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
  • Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
  • State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
  • Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
  • Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
  • Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

  • Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
  • Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
  • Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

  • Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
  • Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
  • Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
  • Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
  • Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

general paper essay questions

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

  • Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
  • State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
  • Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
  • Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

  • Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
  • Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
  • Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
  • Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
  • Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

general paper essay questions

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

  • Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
  • Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
  • Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
  • Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
  • Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
  • Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
  • Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

  • Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
  • West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
  • Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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  • What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
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2022 GCE A-Levels General Paper (GP) Paper 1 Essay Questions

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

student in library on laptop

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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    A-Level General Paper 2019 Essay Questions. We correctly predicted a huge number of essay questions that came up for A-Level GP 2019! Just check out our Instagram page @generalpaper to check out our highlight on this (where we show a story we posted before the A-Level paper, spotting the topics!). Some of these questions came as no surprise, keeping in the Cambridge tradition of likely setting ...

  16. 2019 General Paper Essay Questions

    Enquire Now. November 4, 2019March 11, 2021 by KP Chuah. 2019 General Paper Essay Questions. These are the 12 essay questions for the A-Level General Paper (GP) in 2019, as well as our thoughts on studying smart for it. For 2018 GP Paper 1, click here. How far should countries have relations with others whose human rights record is poor?

  17. The Knowledge Loft

    At The Knowledge Loft, we understand that students rarely have time to read the daily newspapers or weekly journals in the midst of their busy schedules, so we create and curate GP notes and resources specially designed to help students for General Paper (GP).These resources include Model GP Essays, Sample GP Comprehension Answers (including Application Question answers) and GP Topical Notes ...

  18. Past Papers

    Common Search Terms: Papers A Levels English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021), Papers A Levels English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021) Past Papers, Papers A Levels English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021) Question Papers, Papers A Levels English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021) Marking Schemes, Papers A Levels English General Paper (AS Level only) (8021) Grade Thresholds

  19. Analysing General Paper Essay Topics: Politics

    Part 1: Question analysis. Question analysis is crucial when planning for your A Level General Paper essay. Zenith, Singapore's top GP tuition centre, has further divided question analysis into four parts: Q uestion type, D ebatable issue, K eywords, and C ontext. In short, QDKC, is an acronym that will come in handy when you're preparing ...

  20. Essay Topics

    Sing a Song of People Summary. The Little Bully Summary. Nobody's Friend Summary. Class Discussion Summary. Crying Summary in English. Required fields are marked. We have the largest collection of essay topics and ideas. Find 500+ Essay writing topics for students, college students, kids and students from grade 6, 7, 8.

  21. 113 Great Research Paper Topics

    113 Great Research Paper Topics. Posted by Christine Sarikas. General Education. One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and ...

  22. How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)

    Step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: Start with a Hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic.The hook should pique the reader's interest and encourage them to continue reading.

  23. 2022 GCE A-Levels General Paper (GP) Paper 1 Essay Questions

    Our JC2 students have just completed their GP exams for this year, and here are the Essay Questions that came out for Paper 1. Have a look and see which question you would have chosen to answer! 1. Consider the view that people imprisoned for their crimes should lose all their rights. 2. Does religion […]

  24. [A Levels] 8807/01 H1 General Paper Megathread : r/SGExams

    A1 : moral compass ethical all that bs is is v impt in a increasingly morally vaccuous wordl the example was like buddhism and like islam like non violence and charity and shit like that. A2: solace and comfort in a increasingly volatile and violent world. candle march for harayana rape case. uvalde sch shooting.

  25. Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

    Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part. ... Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you're unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay ...

  26. WBPSC Food SI Question Paper 2024: Check Shift-Wise Papers Here

    The question paper helps understand the exam pattern and topics for the candidates who are planning to appear for the future Group 1 Exams. The question papers are provided in PDF format.