Skip to content
Essay questions
Acjc prelim 2020
- How important is it for young people to be involved in political activism? (Politics/youth)
- How far is participation in sport encouraged in your society? (Sports)
- Is there any value in doing scientific research if it is not profitable? (Science)
- Consider the claim that there should be greater control over social media. (Media)
- Assess the view that international efforts are more effective than national efforts in protecting human rights. (rights/politics)
- To what extent is it necessary for young people to plan for their future? (youth)
- “The death penalty is not justifiable even for the most serious crimes.” Discuss. (Crime/justice)
- How far do the arts promote change in your society? (art)
- Is it true that the environmental crisis is exaggerated? (environment)
- Examine the view that companies should be concerned with more than just profit. (broad)
- “A healthier life does not mean a happier life.” Do you agree? (broad)
- “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss. (Art)
CJC prelim 2020
- Is online vigilantism a justifiable way of managing rule breakers? (politics)
- “Schools are no longer the place for learning.” How far is this true of your society? (education)
- Is a world with populist leaders desirable today? (politics)
- “While the global economic slowdown has reduced pollution, environmental damage remains irreversible.” Discuss. (environment)
- Given recent developments, should people be allowed to work from home permanently? (broad)
- To what extent should fashion contribute to an individual’s identity? (art)
- “No country can survive in isolation.” Do you agree? (globalisation/governance)
- Consider the view that life-saving medical research should be left to private companies rather than the government. (Science)
- “The promise of a cashless world is overrated.” Comment. (Science)
- How far do you agree that the elderly are essential but undervalued in your society today? (Elderly)
- “Personal privacy is more a luxury than a necessity today.” How far do you agree? (Rights)
- Is there any point in remembering the past? (Broad)
Eunoia JC prelim 2020
- Can luxury ever be justified when poverty exists? (poverty)
- How important is it for citizens to know about the history of their country? (Broad)
- “Democracy today is nothing more than a popularity contest.” How far do you agree? (Politics)
- “Leisure is underrated.” To what extent is this true in your society? (broad)
- Consider the view that activism is more noise than substance. (Politics)
- “Previous generations have failed us.” Do you agree? (broad)
- “Diplomacy is the most effective means of managing international relations.” Is this a fair assessment? (politics)
- “We should always trust the experts.” Discuss. (broad)
- How far do you agree that technology is the solution to today’s major problems? (science)
- Does your society do enough to embrace diversity? (Diversity/harmony/discrimination)
- To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? (Arts)
- How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable? (Arts/governance)
JPJC Prelim 2020
- “We should adopt a non-meat diet for the planet’s health.” Comment. (Environment)
- Do protests and demonstrations ever accomplish anything? (Politics)
- “Good governance is the key to tide us through times of crisis.” Do you agree? (governance)
- Is international collaboration always fair and beneficial to all parties? (politics)
- Can people trust what they read or view when there is so much misinformation in the media? (media)
- “In themes of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society. (arts)
- “The digital economy brings about more problems than opportunities.” Discuss. (science)
- Is society embracing digital activism too readily? (Politics/science)
- “Despite efforts made, schools are still not keeping up with the times.” How far is this true in your society? (education)
- “Sacrificing for the greater good is always worth it.” Comment. (Rights)
- Can the hunting of animals be justified in this day and age? (rights/broad)
- “Mental health issues are not given enough attention.” How true is this of your society? (mental health)
MI Prelim 2020
- Assess the view that social media should be kept unregulated. (media)
- How far is your country prepared for climate change? (environment)
- Is gender inequality still inevitable in the modern world? (Gender)
- To what extent is it possible and desirable for people to have more privacy? (rights)
- Does university education still have a place today? (education)
- In view of growing threats in the world, how far is increased governmental power justifiable? (Politics/governance)
- Should personal fulfilment or financial rewards be the main goal of work? (Broad)
- “Countries ought to put the needs of their people first.” Is this a fair comment? (governance)
- “The young are able to make a positive difference to issues they are concerned about.” How far do you agree? (politics/youth)
- Consider the view that celebrities should be expected to be role models. (celebrities)
- Assess the importance of the arts to your society. (art)
- Is uncertainty to be welcomed or feared? (broad)
NJC Prelim 2020
- Should limitations be placed on the development of military technology? (National security/science)
- How effective are protests in bringing about change? (politics)
- “Diplomacy will solve all conflicts in today’s world.” What is your view? (Politics)
- Should local cultures still be preserved when young people are showing less interest in them? Discuss with reference to your society. (Politics)
- To what extent has the Internet made it easier for small and medium businesses to compete with large ones? (NJC 2020)
- “Considering the increasing pace of globalization, prejudice against foreigners will only get worse.” What is your view? (Discrimination/globalisation)
- “Social media has an unhealthy impact on the self-esteem of the young.” Discuss. (media/youth)
- Do physical libraries still have a place in today’s world? (education)
- “The world would be a better place if women had more power.” DIscuss. (gender)
- Examine the view that today’s sportsman is more of a celebrity than an athlete. (sport)
- Are people in the public eye free to be themselves? (Rights)
- Consider the view that we can and should be educated from home. Discuss with reference to your society. (Education)
RJC Prelim 2020
- “Play is more of a luxury than a necessity.” Comment. (Broad)
- “The best learning takes place outside the classroom.” Do you agree? (education)
- How far would you agree that noise pollution is an inevitable part of urban life? (urban living)
- Is it true that your society has done little to address the problem of mental health? (Mental health)
- “As long as economic goals remain a priority, the environment is a lost cause.” (environment)
- “Race has no place in politics today.” How far do you agree? (Politics/harmony/discrimination)
- Is parenting increasingly challenging in your society today? (education/broad)
- To what extent do you agree that the internet has made it difficult for us to care about anything for long?(Science)
- “Rules are meant to be broken.” How far would you agree?(Broad)
- “Sport has done little to advance the status of women.” Is this a fair assessment?(Sport/gender)
- Is it true that the problems of the poor are a result of forces beyond their control?(poverty)
- “In today’s world, only scientific research with practical value is worth funding.” Discuss.(Science)
SAJC Prelim 2020
- Examine the claim that freedom of the press is an illusion.(media)
- “More so now than ever, we need to live a life of simplicity.” Discuss. (broad)
- Discuss the view that the more we advance, the less prepared we are to face the future.(broad)
- Should the police have unlimited powers when dealing with crime?(crime/justice)
- “With the advancement of science and technology, global crises will be a thing of the past.” How far do you agree?(science)
- “A progressive country is one that is committed to the Arts.” Do you agree?(arts/governance)
- “Inequality is a necessary trade-off for economic progress.” Discuss.(inequality/governance)
- How far should the media be held responsible for the problems faced by young people today?(media/youth)
- “Ethical concerns only hinder scientific pursuits instead of advancing them.: Discuss.(science)
- “Migrants are the only solution to the aging population.” Consider whether this is true in your society.(Migration/ageing population)
- “Countries would be better if their political leaders were more diverse.” Comment.(Politics/harmony)
- “An educated society is a civilised society.” How far is this true of your society?(education/broad)
Temasek JC Prelims 2020
- “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment.(art)
- Should individual rights be upheld at all costs?(rights)
- Assess the view that attempts to fight prejudice can never be truly effective.(discrimination)
- Given the ethical considerations, to what extent should genetic engineering be allowed?(science)
- How far is job security an outdated concept in your society today?(education/broad)
- “Public figures are unfairly scrutinised.” Do you agree?(Rights/politics)
- “Nature must always give way to man.” What is your view?(environment)
- Examine the claim that wealth determines one’s success in life. (broad)
- “There is no place for the supernatural in today’s world.” Is this a fair comment?(broad)
- Discuss the view that city life is unhealthy. (urban living)
- To what extent is online shopping a blessing? (science)
- Consider the importance of statistics. (science)
TMJC Prelims 2020
- “Everyone should have a right to free healthcare.” To what extent do you agree? (rights)
- “My life, my choice.” Is this good advice for the young people in your society?(youth)
- Does education lead to greater or less social equality? (inequality)
- Should businesses focus solely on making profits in today’s world? (Broad)
- “Digital technology is making humans intellectually and socially deficient.” Discuss. (science)
- Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society? (Art)
- “Both developed and developing countries should bear equal responsibility for climate change.” DIscuss. (environment)
- To what extent are museums still relevant today? (art)
- Do statistics really reflect the truth? (science)
- “The pursuit of scientific advancement comes at the expense of our values.” Discuss. (science)
- Should governments protect individual freedoms even in times of political unrest? (Rights)
- “History has shown that Man never learns from his mistakes.” Is this a fair comment? (broad)
VJC Prelim 2020
- “The public, not politicians, hold the key to social change.” How far do you agree? (governance)
- Do celebrities have too much influence in modern society? (celebrities)
- Are artists given adequate recognition in your society? (arts)
- Has sport become more inclusive? (sports)
- “It has never been more pressing to impose regulations on scientific research than today.” Discuss. (science)
- Has the impact of recycling on the environment been overrated?(environment)
- Is stability always desirable? (broad)
- To what extent are games a waste of time? (broad)
- “We should be less harsh on the young.” How true is this in your society? (youth)
- Has modern technology made people more vulnerable to exploitation? (science)
- Assess the view that we merely pay lip service to diversity today. (Discrimination)
- “Is it better to be feared than loved.” Comment. (broad)
YIJC Prelim 2020
- Assess the view that traditional media platforms are no longer relevant. (media)
- “For the young, the world today offers more opportunities than challenges.” Discuss. (youth)
- To what extent are the needs of the vulnerable given sufficient attention in your society? (inequality)
- “Happiness has nothing to do with wealth.” What is your view? (broad)
- To what extent should international cooperation between countries be encouraged today? (governance)
- Consider the view that fear brings out the worst in humanity. (broad)
- Evaluate the claim that the use of alternative energy sources by all is a desirable, but unrealistic goal. (environment)
- “People depend too much on the government to solve problems.” How true is this of your society? (governance)
- How far do you agree that sports is a unifying force today? (Sports)
- “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment. (Science/arts)
- Should the death penalty be abolished? (Crime/justice/rights)
- To what extent is it acceptable for public money to be used for space research? (science)
Politics/governance:
- How important is it for young people to be involved in political activism? (ACJC 2020)
- Assess the view that international efforts are more effective than national efforts in protecting human rights. (ACJC 2020)
- Is online vigilantism a justifiable way of managing rule breakers? (CJC 2020)
- Is a world with populist leaders desirable today? (CJC 2020)
- “Democracy today is nothing more than a popularity contest.” How far do you agree? (EJC 2020)
- Consider the view that activism is more noise than substance. (EJC 2020)
- “Diplomacy is the most effective means of managing international relations.” Is this a fair assessment? (EJC 2020)
- Do protests and demonstrations ever accomplish anything? (JPJC 2020)
- Is society embracing digital activism too readily? (JPJC 2020)
- In view of growing threats in the world, how far is increased governmental power justifiable? (MI 2020)
- “The young are able to make a positive difference to issues they are concerned about.” How far do you agree? (MI 2020)
- How effective are protests in bringing about change? (NJC 2020)
- “Diplomacy will solve all conflicts in today’s world.” What is your view? (NJC 2020)
- Should local cultures still be preserved when young people are showing less interest in them? Discuss with reference to your society. (NJC 2020)
- “Race has no place in politics today.” How far do you agree? (RJC 2020)
- “Countries would be better if their political leaders were more diverse.” Comment.(SAJC 2020)
- “Public figures are unfairly scrutinised.” Do you agree?(TJC 2020)
- Is international collaboration always fair and beneficial to all parties? (JPJC 2020)
- “No country can survive in isolation.” Do you agree? (CJC 2020)
- How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable? (EJC 2020)
- “Good governance is the key to tide us through times of crisis.” Do you agree? (JPJC 2020)
- “Countries ought to put the needs of their people first.” Is this a fair comment? (YIJC 2020)
- “The public, not politicians, hold the key to social change.” How far do you agree? (VJC 2020)
- To what extent should international cooperation between countries be encouraged today? (YIJC 2020)
- “People depend too much on the government to solve problems.” How true is this of your society? (YIJC 2020)
- How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable? (EJC 2020)
Rights
- Assess the view that international efforts are more effective than national efforts in protecting human rights. (ACJC 2020)
- “Personal privacy is more a luxury than a necessity today.” How far do you agree? (CJC 2020)
- “Sacrificing for the greater good is always worth it.” Comment. (JPJC 2020)
- Can the hunting of animals be justified in this day and age? (JPJC 2020)
- Are people in the public eye free to be themselves? (NJC 2020)
- Should individual rights be upheld at all costs?(TJC 2020)
- “Public figures are unfairly scrutinised.” Do you agree?(TJC 2020)
- “Everyone should have a right to free healthcare.” To what extent do you agree? (TMJC 2020)
- Should governments protect individual freedoms even in times of political unrest? (TMJC 2020)
- Should the death penalty be abolished? (YIJC 2020)
National Security
- Should limitations be placed on the development of military technology? (NJC 2020)
Media
- Consider the claim that there should be greater control over social media. (ACJC 2020)
- Can people trust what they read or view when there is so much misinformation in the media? (JPJC 2020)
- Assess the view that social media should be kept unregulated. (MI 2020)
- Examine the claim that freedom of the press is an illusion.(SAJC 2020)
- How far should the media be held responsible for the problems faced by young people today?(SAJC 2020)
- Assess the view that traditional media platforms are no longer relevant. (YIJC 2020)
- “Social media has an unhealthy impact on the self-esteem of the young.” Discuss. (NJC 2020)
Environment
- Is it true that the environmental crisis is exaggerated? (ACJC 2020)
- “While the global economic slowdown has reduced pollution, environmental damage remains irreversible.” Discuss. (CJC 2020)
- “We should adopt a non-meat diet for the planet’s health.” Comment. (JPJC 2020)
- “As long as economic goals remain a priority, the environment is a lost cause.” (RJC 2020)
- “Nature must always give way to man.” What is your view?(TJC 2020)
- “Both developed and developing countries should bear equal responsibility for climate change.” DIscuss. (TMJC 2020)
- Has the impact of recycling on the environment been overrated?(VJC 2020)
- Evaluate the claim that the use of alternative energy sources by all is a desirable, but unrealistic goal. (YIJC 2020)
- How far is your country prepared for climate change? (MI 2020)
Science
- How far do you agree that technology is the solution to today’s major problems? (EJC 2020)
- “The digital economy brings about more problems than opportunities.” Discuss. (JPJC 2020)
- Is society embracing digital activism too readily? (JPJC 2020)
- Should limitations be placed on the development of military technology? (NJC 2020)
- To what extent has the Internet made it easier for small and medium businesses to compete with large ones? (NJC 2020)
- To what extent do you agree that the internet has made it difficult for us to care about anything for long?(RJC 2020)
- “In today’s world, only scientific research with practical value is worth funding.” Discuss.(RJC 2020)
- “With the advancement of science and technology, global crises will be a thing of the past.” How far do you agree?(SAJC 2020)
- “Ethical concerns only hinder scientific pursuits instead of advancing them.: Discuss.(SAJC 2020)
- Given the ethical considerations, to what extent should genetic engineering be allowed?(TJC 2020)
- To what extent is online shopping a blessing? (TJC 2020)
- Consider the importance of statistics. (TJC 2020)
- “Digital technology is making humans intellectually and socially deficient.” Discuss. (TMJC 2020)
- Do statistics really reflect the truth? (TMJC 2020)
- “The pursuit of scientific advancement comes at the expense of our values.” Discuss. (TMJC 2020)
- “It has never been more pressing to impose regulations on scientific research than today.” Discuss. (VJC 2020)
- Has modern technology made people more vulnerable to exploitation? (VJC 2020)
- “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment. (YIJC 2020)
- To what extent is it acceptable for public money to be used for space research? (YIJC 2020)
- Is there any value in doing scientific research if it is not profitable? (ACJC 2020)
- Consider the view that life-saving medical research should be left to private companies rather than the government. (CJC 2020)
- “The promise of a cashless world is overrated.” Comment. (CJC 2020)
Urban living
- How far would you agree that noise pollution is an inevitable part of urban life? RJC 2020)
- Discuss the view that city life is unhealthy. (TJC 2020)
Arts
- How far do the arts promote change in your society? (ACJC 2020)
- “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss. (ACJC 2020)
- To what extent should fashion contribute to an individual’s identity? (CJC 2020)
- To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? (EJC 2020)
- “A progressive country is one that is committed to the Arts.” Do you agree?(SAJC 2020)
- “In themes of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society. (JPJC 2020)
- Assess the importance of the arts to your society. (MI 2020)
- “A progressive country is one that is committed to the Arts.” Do you agree?(SAJC 2020)
- “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment.(TJC 2020)
- Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society? (TMJC 2020)
- To what extent are museums still relevant today? (TMJC 2020)
- Are artists given adequate recognition in your society? (VJC 2020)
- “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment. (YIJC 2020)
Sport
- How far is participation in sport encouraged in your society? (ACJC 2020)
- Examine the view that today’s sportsman is more of a celebrity than an athlete. (NJC 2020)
- “Sport has done little to advance the status of women.” Is this a fair assessment?(RJC 2020)
- Has sport become more inclusive? (VJC 2020)
- How far do you agree that sports is a unifying force today? (YIJC 2020)
Poverty/inequality
- Can luxury ever be justified when poverty exists? (EJC 2020)
- Is it true that the problems of the poor are a result of forces beyond their control?(RJC 2020)
- “Inequality is a necessary trade-off for economic progress.” Discuss.(SAJC 2020)
- Does education lead to greater or less social equality? (TMJC 2020)
- “Inequality is a necessary trade-off for economic progress.” Discuss.(SAJC 2020)
Harmony/discrimination
- Does your society do enough to embrace diversity? (EJC 2020)
- “Countries would be better if their political leaders were more diverse.” Comment.(SAJC 2020)
- Does your society do enough to embrace diversity? (EJC 2020)
- “Race has no place in politics today.” How far do you agree? (RJC 2020)
- “Considering the increasing pace of globalization, prejudice against foreigners will only get worse.” What is your view? (NJC 2020)
- Assess the view that attempts to fight prejudice can never be truly effective.(TJC 2020)
- Assess the view that we merely pay lip service to diversity today. (VJC 2020)
Youth
- How important is it for young people to be involved in political activism? (ACJC 2020)
- “The young are able to make a positive difference to issues they are concerned about.” How far do you agree? (MI 2020)
- “Social media has an unhealthy impact on the self-esteem of the young.” Discuss. (NJC 2020)
- How far should the media be held responsible for the problems faced by young people today?(SAJC 2020)
- “My life, my choice.” Is this good advice for the young people in your society?(TMJC 2020)
- “We should be less harsh on the young.” How true is this in your society? (VJC 2020)
- “For the young, the world today offers more opportunities than challenges.” Discuss. (YIJC 2020)
- To what extent is it necessary for young people to plan for their future? (ACJC 2020)
Elderly/ageing population
- How far do you agree that the elderly are essential but undervalued in your society today? (CJC 2020)
- “Migrants are the only solution to the aging population.” Consider whether this is true in your society.(SAJC 2020)
Education
- “Schools are no longer the place for learning.” How far is this true of your society? (CJC 2020)
- “Despite efforts made, schools are still not keeping up with the times.” How far is this true in your society? (JPJC 2020)
- To what extent is it possible and desirable for people to have more privacy? (MI 2020)
- Consider the view that we can and should be educated from home. Discuss with reference to your society. (NJC 2020)
- “The best learning takes place outside the classroom.” Do you agree? (RJC 2020)
- Is parenting increasingly challenging in your society today? (RJC 2020)
- “An educated society is a civilised society.” How far is this true of your society?(SAJC 2020)
- How far is job security an outdated concept in your society today?(TJC 2020)
- Do physical libraries still have a place in today’s world? (NJC 2020)
Gender
- Is gender inequality still inevitable in the modern world? (MI 2020)
- “The world would be a better place if women had more power.” DIscuss. (NJC 2020)
- “Sport has done little to advance the status of women.” Is this a fair assessment?(RJC 2020)
Crime/justice
- “The death penalty is not justifiable even for the most serious crimes.” Discuss. (ACJC 2020)
- Should the police have unlimited powers when dealing with crime?(SAJC 2020)
- Should the death penalty be abolished? (YIJC 2020)
Celebrities
- Consider the view that celebrities should be expected to be role models. (MI 2020) (celebrities)
- Do celebrities have too much influence in modern society? (VJC 2020)(celebrities)
Mental health
- “Mental health issues are not given enough attention.” How true is this of your society? (JPJC 2020)
- Is it true that your society has done little to address the problem of mental health? (RJC 2020)
Migration
- “Migrants are the only solution to the aging population.” Consider whether this is true in your society.(SAJC 2020)
Placeholder:
- Migration
- Borders
- International Aid
Broad
- Examine the view that companies should be concerned with more than just profit. (ACJC 2020)
- “A healthier life does not mean a happier life.” Do you agree? (ACJC 2020)
- Given recent developments, should people be allowed to work from home permanently? (CJC 2020)
- Is there any point in remembering the past? (CJC 2020)
- How important is it for citizens to know about the history of their country? (EJC 2020)
- “Leisure is underrated.” To what extent is this true in your society? (EJC 2020)
- “Previous generations have failed us.” Do you agree? (EJC 2020)
- “We should always trust the experts.” Discuss. (EJC 2020)
- Can the hunting of animals be justified in this day and age? (JPJC 2020)
- Should personal fulfilment or financial rewards be the main goal of work? (MI 2020)
- Is uncertainty to be welcomed or feared? (MI 2020)
- “Play is more of a luxury than a necessity.” Comment. (RJC 2020)
- Is parenting increasingly challenging in your society today? (RJC 2020)
- “Rules are meant to be broken.” How far would you agree?(RJC 2020)
- “More so now than ever, we need to live a life of simplicity.” Discuss. (SAJC 2020)
- Discuss the view that the more we advance, the less prepared we are to face the future.(SAJC 2020)
- “An educated society is a civilised society.” How far is this true of your society?(SAJC 2020)
- How far is job security an outdated concept in your society today?(TJC 2020)
- Examine the claim that wealth determines one’s success in life. (TJC 2020)
- “There is no place for the supernatural in today’s world.” Is this a fair comment?(TJC 2020)
- Should businesses focus solely on making profits in today’s world? (TMJC 2020)
- “History has shown that Man never learns from his mistakes.” Is this a fair comment? (TMJC 2020)
- Is stability always desirable? (VJC 2020)
- To what extent are games a waste of time? (VJC 2020)
- “Is it better to be feared than loved.” Comment. (VJC 2020)
- “Happiness has nothing to do with wealth.” What is your view? (YIJC 2020)
- Consider the view that fear brings out the worst in humanity. (YIJC 2020)
Found these GP essay resources useful? Well this is just the tip of the iceberg! There’s much more to explore at The Thought Tailor. Our General Paper tuition provides guided practice and feedback to help students master essay writing with confidence. Join us to develop flexible, exam-ready essay writing skills grounded in critical thinking.