2025 GP Prelim Essay Questions Paper 1

2025 General Paper (GP)  PRELIM ESSAY QUESTIONS for Paper 1

 

Dear illum.e Fam,

This page is presently a work in progress as some schools have chosen to collect back their P1 Question Papers, which means trend spotting can only be done on a later date.

As always, it is about how to handle the wide breadth and depth of various topics in class without the need for close and rote memorisation, so whenever in doubt, do seek your tutors for consults! For J2s, do refer to our mother of all lectures which works on your conceptual understanding.

[ACJC]

To what extent are the arts able to encourage constructive dialogue in your society?
Assess the view that scientific progress is always worth the risk it poses.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your society’s efforts in promoting a sporting culture.
“The news should do more than just inform.” How far do you agree?
“It is better to be feared than loved.” How true is this of leadership today?
Do you agree that people should always be given second chances?
“We are too quick to abandon tradition today.” Discuss.
Does the pursuit of profit undermine the healthcare industry?

[ASRJC]  

“Diplomacy, not deterrence, is the key to preventing international conflicts.” How far do you agree?
In this digital age, are museums still relevant?
To what extent are efforts to promote healthy living effective in your society?
How far is it acceptable for the rights of individuals to be violated for the greater good of a society?
To what extent can the regulation of artificial intelligence be justified?
“In today’s world, tourism inevitably harms the environment.” Discuss.
In an increasingly volatile world, is the pursuit of self-interest always bad?
“Given the limited resources each country has, funding should only be channeled to sports that perform well.” Discuss.

[CJC]

“Environmental conservation is a futile endeavour.” To what extent is this true?
Assess the value of staging major entertainment events in your society?
To what extent is the management of infectious diseases the most pressing global issue today?
“Modern technology will mean the end of education.” Is this a fair statement of your society?
“Small countries should be taken seriously today.” How far do you agree?
“Sports is the most powerful tool a nation has to inspire pride.” Discuss.
“The Arts have lost their significance today.” How far do you agree?
Examine the view that in all areas of life, flexibility is key.

[DHS]

To what extent should local businesses be prioritised over foreign ones?
Consider the argument that cooperation among countries is only motivated by self-interest.
To what extent can climate change be addressed without sacrificing the comforts of modern life?
Assess the argument that your society does not embrace change enough.
Consider the view that comics or their screen adaptations hold little educational value today.
“Our use of technology has narrowed, rather than broadened, what we experience.” Discuss.
How far does religion influence national policies?
To what extent does your society really accept people with disabilities?

[EJC]

Assess the view that in today’s world, migration is essential for countries to thrive.
Consider the view that buildings in your society should be beautiful and not merely functional.
“A lot of talk and very little action.” To what extent is this true of international organisations?
Evaluate the claim that modern technology has only made inequality worse.
To what extent should individuals be concerned with world affairs, when they have little ability to influence them?
“Competition does more harm than good.” How true is this of your society?
“Artists should ensure that their works do not cause offence.” How far do you agree?
How far can we trust what we see in the media today?

[HCI]

To what extent is technological advancement in warfare a cause for concern today?
“Environmental sustainability is an unattainable goal for the poor.” Comment.
“Strong ambition, weak execution.” Is this a fair description of governance today?
“Despite living in an interconnected world, people are lonelier than ever.” Discuss.
“Our world needs to move from managing crises to preventing them in the first place.” (António Guterres) To what extent do you agree?
Should young people in your society be encouraged to follow their passions?
How important is diplomacy in today’s world?
Has your society done enough to promote the arts?

[JPJC]

“The individual wields more power than the government.” To what extent is this true today?
Examine the view that environmental efforts are futile as long as a materialistic society exists.
“The media distracts us from meaningful pursuits.” Discuss.
Consider the view that science solves all problems.
Is an understanding of the past still a reliable guide for the present?
“We have too many choices today.” How far is this true?
“Tradition stands in the way of progress.” To what extent is this true in your society?
To what extent is the local arts scene valued and supported in your society?

[NJC]

“Boundaries no longer matter.” Is this claim valid in today’s world?
“The promotion of the arts is nothing more than an economic endeavour.” To what extent is this true of your society?
Can the government ever balance national interest and individual freedom?
“We are less concerned about environmental issues than ever before.” Is this true of your society?
Assess the view that nothing in the media can be trusted today.
Are physical bookstores still relevant?
“Politicians should receive harsher punishments for their crimes than ordinary citizens.” Discuss.
Given the increasing uncertainties today, is global cooperation still feasible?

[NYJC] 

Does a belief in the supernatural still have a place today?
Should governments prioritise individual freedoms over the security of the country?
“Today’s youth are too pragmatic.” To what extent is this true of your society?
“Mind your own business.” Is this good advice for world leaders today?
“We are powerless against climate change.” Discuss.
“Not enough has been done for animal welfare.” Is this true of your society?
To what extent should governments regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence?
“Never trust what you read and whom you meet online.” Is this sound advice? (walk tightrope, mostly not trust)

[RI]

Evaluate the effectiveness of government efforts to enhance people’s quality of life in your society. [GIVEAWAY!]
Is foreign aid ultimately more damaging than beneficial to the countries it aims to support?
Should the value of a person’s work be measured solely by monetary compensation?
“It is never justifiable to disregard ethical concerns for the sake of scientific or technological progress.” Discuss.
“There is a decline in the appreciation of traditional art forms today.” How far is this true in your society?
To what extent does the media today undermine rather than support democracy?
“Developed nations should shoulder a greater burden in addressing climate change.” To what extent do you agree?
Is it right for a leader to place national interests above global responsibilities?

[RVHS]

Is being compassionate always desirable?
To what extent is technology an effective solution for human loneliness?
How desirable is it to have minimum wage in your society?
Is modern day politics nothing but a series of empty promises?
Do cinemas still have a role to play in an age of digital streaming?
“Social media has changed who we admire today.” To what extent does this bring more harm than good?
“Harsh laws make peaceful societies.” How far is this true?
Do people in your society care too much about what is happening in other countries?

[SAJC]

Should societies still hold on to tradition in the face of modernisation?
Assess the view that commercialisation of sports has undermined its original values.
“Art can be an effective form of protest.” Comment.
Should young people in your society be more involved in shaping national policies?
To what extent is social media effective in enhancing climate activism?
Can history be truly objective?
“Smart cities will only bring us more problems than benefits.” Discuss.
How far is economic success an accurate reflection of a country’s overall well-being?

[TJC]

“New media is a boon to democracy.” Comment.
How far do you agree that young people in your society can be hopeful about the future?
“There is value in doing nothing.” What is your view?
Consider the view that science and technology promise more than they deliver.
Examine the importance of play in education.
“Big businesses are a force for good.” Discuss.
“There is not enough support for the arts.” How true is this in your society?
Is consensus always desirable?

[TMJC]

Has society become too dependent on data to make decisions?
Evaluate the claim that foreign aid does more to benefit the donor than the recipient.
Can young people make a real impact on environmental conservation in your society?
“It is dangerous to place our faith in social media influencers.” What is your view?
“A popular leader is a good leader.” Discuss.
Consider the impact of commercialisation on sports today.
“The pursuit of perfection is both unrealistic and harmful.” Discuss.
To what extent should cultural heritage be prioritised over economic development in your society?

[VJC]

To what extent can an environmentally sustainable lifestyle be achieved in your society?
Do global challenges unite more than they divide?
“Fads are of no concern since most are so short-lived.” Do you agree?
Do schools still have a future in a technologically advanced world?
“Diplomacy matters more than military strength in today’s world.” Discuss.
How important are the Arts in shaping national identity in your society?
Assess the view that the media should never withhold information from the public.
Is fear really a bad thing?

[YIJC]

Are artists still relevant in an age dominated by digital tools?
“Human values are overlooked when decisions are based on data.” Evaluate this claim.
Evaluate the measures taken in your society to promote social cohesion.
Is environmentalism today more about image than impact?
Is science always reliable?
Consider the view that online outrage has done more harm than good.
“The responsibility for the well-being of the population lies with the government.” Discuss.
“Education has failed us.” How far is this true in your society?