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General Paper - Arts & Culture

ESSAY QUESTIONS

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What is art?

  1. “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment. [DHS 2019]
  2. Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful?
  3. ‘Anything you can get away with.’ Is this an accurate assessment of the arts? [DHS 2018]
  4. ‘Bad art does not exist.’ What do you think? [NYJC 2018]
  5. Examine the extent to which fashion can be considered art. [RI 2018]
  6. ‘Modern Art is not considered Art.’ Discuss. [CJC 2017]
  7. ‘There is no such thing as bad art.’ Discuss. [RVHS 2017]
  8.  ‘The Arts must be controversial in order to be meaningful.’ What are your views? [DHS 2021]
  9. The beauty of the arts lies in its exposure of the ugly.’ Discuss. [MI 2021]
  10. ‘Art is only worth what people will pay for it.’ Do you agree? [RI 2021]

 

Value of Art

  1. “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss. [ACJC 2020]
  2. “In themes of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society.
  3. Assess the importance of the arts to your society. [MI 2020]
  4. “A progressive country is one that is committed to the Arts.” Do you agree? [SAJC 2020]
  5. Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society? [TMJC 2020]
  6. To what extent are museums still relevant today? [TMJC 2020]
  7. “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment. [YIJC 2020]
  8. To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? [EJC 2020]
  9. How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable? [EJC 2020]
  10. How far do the arts promote change in your society? [ACJC 2020]
  11. “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment. [TJC 2020]
  12. ‘It is a mistake for education in this technological age to ignore the Arts.’ To what extent do you agree with this comment? [CJC 2019]
  13. Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art. [CJC 2020]
  14. ‘Unlike the Sciences, the Arts do nothing to solve the problems of society.’ Discuss. [DHS 2019]
  15. How far do you agree that the value of the Arts has diminished in modern society? [EJC 2019]
  16. ‘Art is not meant to instruct or influence; it is only meant to be enjoyed.’ Do you agree with this viewpoint? [HCI 2019]
  17. To what extent are the arts a platform for social change? [JPJC 2019]
  18. How far do you agree that artistic expression is always political? [SAJC 2019]
  19. ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society? [TJC 2019]
  20. ‘Art that does not reflect society holds little value.’ Discuss. [TMJC 2019]
  21. ‘The arts are a distraction from the problems we face today.’ To what extent is this a fair viewpoint? [VJC 2019]
  22. Are museums a waste of money? [YIJC 2019]
  23. Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful? [ACJC 2019
  24. ‘Myths and legends are purely for children’s entertainment.’ What is your view? [MI 2018]
  25. Consider the view that images are more powerful than words. [TJC 2019]
  26. ‘For the majority of people, the Arts are a waste of time.’ How true is this of your society? [VJC 2018]
  27. Assess the view that pop music today is frivolous. [VJC 2018]
  28. Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world. [TJC 2018]
  29. ‘Fashion has no practical purpose.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2018]
  30. Do the Arts have the power to bridge the social divide? [CJC 2018
  31. ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss [ACJC 2018]
  32. In the digital age, is there any point in preserving traditional art? [AJC 2018]
  33. How far do you agree that as your society progresses, there is no place for heritage? [ACJC 2018]
  34. Would you agree that physical shops will eventually become a thing of the past? [HCI 2018]
  35. ‘The study of literature broadens horizons and transforms lives.’ Discuss. [HCI 2018]
  36. ‘For the majority of people, Literature is irrelevant to their daily lives.’ How true is this of your society? [MJC 2018]
  37. ‘A pursuit for the elites, not the masses.’ To what extent is this a fair view of the Arts? [MI 2018]
  38. Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society. [NJC 2018]
  39. Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community. [NJC 2018]
  40. ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment? [NJC 2018]
  41. Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays? [PJC 2018]
  42. ‘Arts education has been neglected in your society.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2018]
  43. In your society, how important is the study of Literature? [TPJC 2018]
  44.  How important is it to preserve th      e heritage of your society? [YIJC 2018]
  45. Is it really so important to be creative in today’s world? [HCI 2018]
  46. How beneficial are fairy tales to children? [NYJC 2018]
  47. To what extent can the Arts effect positive social change today? [AJC 2017]
  48. 'Appealing but of little value.' Is this a fair description of the arts in your society? [IJC 2017]
  49. Should more emphasis be given to the arts in your society? [JJC 2017]
  50. ‘The progress of a society is best reflected through the arts.’ What do you think? [MI 2017]
  51. The Arts are a luxury and not a necessity.’ Discuss this view with reference to your society. [NYJC 2017]
  52. In times of economic difficulty, should the Arts in your society still be publicly funded? [PJC 2017]
  53. ‘We should abolish state funding for the Arts.’ How far do you agree that this should be the case for your society? [RI 2017]
  54. Should historical monuments and objects be preserved when such an undertaking is very expensive or even a source of unhappiness? [HCI 2017]
  55. ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment. [HCI 2017]
  56. Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society. [NJC 2017]
  57. ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree? [RVHS 2017]
  58. Do you agree that there is little value in literature today? [SAJC 2017] \
  59. ‘Cultural and heritage sites have lost their relevance.’ How far is this true of your society? [SRJC 2017]
  60. Assess the view that reading books is, by far, the most wondrous of all pastimes. [VJC 2017]
  61. Discuss the appeal and value of creativity in your society. [AJC 2017]
  62. ‘All languages are equally valuable.’ Comment. [NYJC 2017]
  63. Assess the view that Literature is a subject that has no practical value. [YJC 2017]
  64. How effective has your country been in creating a national identity? [SAJC 2017]
  65. To what extent is a universal language desirable? [TJC 2017]
  66. ‘The world today values appearance over substance.’ Is this a fair comment? [TJC 2017]
  67. Is it worth spending large sums of money on the arts in your society? [ACJC 2016]
  68. In times of economic hardship, should a country still invest in the Arts? [AJC 2016]
  69. Discuss the importance of museums. [AJC 2016]
  70. Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality? [CJC 2016]
  71. To what extent can increased spending on the Arts be justified in your society today? [CJC 2016]
  72. Consider the view that design is aesthetically satisfying but of little practical use. [DHS 2016]
  73. ‘There is no value in visiting museums today.’ Discuss. [IJC 2016]
  74. ‘Music does nothing other than entertain.’ Do you agree? [JJC 2016]
  75. ‘The liveability of a city depends on how well its arts scene is developed.’ Is this true of your society? [NJC 2016]
  76. ‘Contemporary films are usually entertaining but rarely meaningful.’ Do you agree? [NJC 2016]
  77. Discuss the value and appeal of science fiction.  [PJC 2016]
  78. Does literature offer anything more than an appreciation of the language? [YJC 2016]
  79. ‘There is greater value in reading fiction than keeping updated with current affairs.’ Do you agree? [MJC 2016]
  80. ‘Festivals and rituals still have an important role.’ Is this true in your society? [PJC 2016]
  81. ‘Myths have no place in the modern world.’ Do you agree? [MJC 2016]
  82. Is it fair to say that the arts do nothing to solve the problems of your society? [VJC 2016]
  83. To what extent do visual arts promote national identity in your society? [YJC 2016]
  84. ‘In today’s world, style is more important than substance.’ What is your view? [NJC 2016]
  85. How far do you agree that monitoring and keeping up with trends are a meaningless pursuit? [ACJC 2016]
  86. ‘Music is enjoyable, but is essentially a frivolous pursuit.’ Is this a fair comment? [TJC 2016]
  87. ‘Clothes make a man.’ Do you agree with this view? [VJC 2016]
  88. Consider the value of comics. [JPJC 2021]
  89. ‘Fashion is always frivolous.’ What is your view? [NYJC 2021]
  90. ‘Art is only worth what people will pay for it.’ Do you agree? [RI 2021]
  91. Consider the view that literature is more meaningful when it reflects life. [NJC 2021]
  92. ‘The arts are nothing more than a luxury.’ How far is this true of your society? [2021 Alvls]
  93. “In times of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society. [JPJC 2020]

 

Arts & Society

Art appreciation

  1. Are artists given adequate recognition in your society? [VJC 2020]
  2. To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? [EJC 2020]
  3. ‘We are merely paying lip service to the arts.’ How true is this in your society? [ACJC 2019]
  4. ‘Only the privileged can venture into the Arts.’ Is this true in your society? [SRJC 2018]
  5. How realistic is it for your society to encourage more participation in the arts? [YIJC 2018]
  6. Should there be any restrictions to enjoying the Arts in your society? [DHS 2017]
  7. Should more emphasis be given to the arts in your society? [JJC 2017]
  8. ‘The arts are nothing more than a luxury.’ How far is this true of your society? [2021 Alvls]

 

Benefits of art

  1. How far do the arts promote change in your society? [ACJC 2020]
  2. To what extent are the arts a platform for social change? [JPJC 2019]
  3. Do the Arts have the power to bridge the social divide? [CJC 2018]
  4. In the digital age, is there any point in preserving traditional art? [AJC 2018]
  5. Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society. [NJC 2018]
  6. Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays? [PJC 2018]
  7. To what extent can the Arts effect positive social change today? [AJC 2017]
  8. In times of economic difficulty, should the Arts in your society still be publicly funded? [PJC 2017]
  9. ‘We should abolish state funding for the Arts.’ How far do you agree that this should be the case for your society? [RI 2018]
  10. Is it worth spending large sums of money on the arts in your society? [ACJC 2016]
  11. In times of economic hardship, should a country still invest in the Arts? [AJC 2016]
  12. To what extent can increased spending on the Arts be justified in your society today? [CJC 2016]
  13. ‘The liveability of a city depends on how well its arts scene is developed.’ Is this true of your society? [NJC 2016]
  14. ‘Public money should not be wasted on supporting the Arts.' Discuss this view in the light of your society today. [SRJC 2016]
  15. In your society, to what extent is it acceptable for public money to be used for the acquisition of works of art? [2017 Alvls]

 

Art education

  1. ‘Art education has been neglected in your society.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2018]
  1. Should the study of literature be made compulsory in schools? [EJC 2021]
  2. ‘An arts education is a necessity.’ How true is this in your society? [JPJC 2021]
  3. ‘An appreciation of music is vital for a fully rounded education.’ How true is this of your society? [2020 Alvls]

 

 

Stakeholders of art

  1. Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art. [CJC 2020]
  2. ‘No one really cares what the artist has to say.’ What are your views? [MI 2017]
  3. Discuss the claim that Singapore is not doing enough to promote creativity among young people. [JJC 2016]
  4. To what extent should the arts in your society focus on local rather than foreign talent? [2015 Alvls]

 

Preservation of heritage/culture

  1. How far, in your society, are efforts to preserve cultural heritage merely superficial? [NJC 2019]
  2. ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society? [TJC 2019]
  3. To enable the sustaining of local culture, should your society’s government limit access to foreign entertainment? [PJC 2018]
  4. Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community. [NJC 2018]
  5. In your society, should more be done to preserve heritage? [RVSH 2018]
  6. ‘The progress of a society is best reflected through the arts.’ What do you think? [MI 2017]
  7. ‘The more society advances, the more people want to remember the past.’ How far do you agree? [MI 2017]
  8. ‘As countries pursue development, heritage sites are losing their relevance.’ How far do you agree? [EJC 2021]
  9. We shape our buildings, but then our buildings shape us.’ To what extent is this true of your society? [2020 Alvls]
  10. Assess the view that traditional buildings have no future in your society. [2016 Alvls]

 

National Identity

  1. How effective has your country been in creating a national identity? [SAJC 2017]
  2. To what extent do visual arts promote national identity in your society? [YJC 2016]
  3. ‘A society that does not value the Arts lacks identity.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2016]
  4. ‘Music plays a critical role in the development of a society’s cultural identity.’ What is your view? [CJC 2021]
  5. ‘To truly understand a culture, learn its language.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2021]
  6. Assess the importance of food within Singaporean culture. [2019 Alvls]

 

 

Arts VS Others:

Science/Technology

  1. “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment.
  2. ‘It is a mistake for education in this technological age to ignore the Arts.’ To what extent do you agree with this comment?
  3. ‘Unlike the Sciences, the Arts do nothing to solve the problems of society.’ Discuss.
  4. Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world.
  5. ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree?
  6. How far can technology help to preserve heritage today? [ASRJC 2021]
  7. The arts ask questions while the sciences provide answers.’ How valid is this view? [MI 2021]

 

Censorship

  1. ‘Censorship undermines the arts.’ Comment. [NJC 2019]
  2. Is censorship of the arts ever justified? [JJC 2018]
  3. Should there be any restrictions to enjoying the Arts in your society?
  4.  ‘The only obstacle in the Arts is censorship.’ Discuss. [YJC 2017]
  5. Should any limits be set on artistic expression? [SRJC 2017]
  6. ‘If the arts are regulated, they lose their value.’ Do you agree? Discuss with reference to one of the following: performing arts, or visual arts. [NYJC 2019]

 

Political

  1. To what extent should artistic freedom be regulated? [MJC 2018]
  2. How far do you agree that artistic expression is always political?
  3. To enable the sustaining of local culture, should your society’s government limit access to foreign entertainment?

 

Others

  1. ‘Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.’ How far do you agree that art shapes reality more than it reflects reality? [ACJC 2021]
  2. ‘Any adaptation of a novel for a film, television or the theatre is never as effective as the original.’ Discuss. [2016 Alvls]

 

Niche areas

Literature

  1. ‘The study of literature broadens horizons and transforms lives.’ Discuss
  2. ‘For the majority of people, Literature is irrelevant to their daily lives.’ How true is this of your society?
  3. Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society.
  4. In your society, how important is the study of Literature?
  5. ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment
  6. Do you agree that there is little value in literature today?
  7. Assess the view that reading books is, by far, the most wondrous of all pastimes.
  8. ‘All languages are equally valuable.’ Comment.
  9. Assess the view that Literature is a subject that has no practical value.
  10. Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality?
  11. Discuss the value and appeal of science fiction.
  12. Does literature offer anything more than an appreciation of the language?
  13. Can fiction ever be truthful?
  14. ‘There is greater value in reading fiction than keeping updated with current affairs.’ Do you agree?
  15. Should the study of literature be made compulsory in schools? [EJC 2021]
  16. Consider the value of comics. [JPJC 2021]
  17. Consider the view that literature is more meaningful when it reflects life. [NJC 2021]
  18. Can fiction teach us anything meaningful about the real world? [2019 Alvls]
  19. ‘The quality of written language is being destroyed by social media.’ What is your view? [2017 Alvls]

 

Films/photography

  1. Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society.
  2. Consider the view that images are more powerful than words.
  3. Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality?
  4. ‘Contemporary films are usually entertaining but rarely meaningful.’ Do you agree?
  5. ‘Films are concerned with escaping from the problems of everyday life, rather than addressing them.’ Discuss. [2021 Alvls]

 

Fashion

  1. To what extent should fashion contribute to an individual’s identity? [CJC 2020]
  2. ‘Fashion has no practical purpose.’ Do you agree?
  3. Examine the extent to which fashion can be considered art. [RI 2018]
  4. ‘Clothes make a man.’ Do you agree with this view?
  5. ‘Fashion is always frivolous.’ What is your view? [NYJC 2021]

 

Music

  1. Assess the view that pop music today is frivolous.
  2. ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment
  3. Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society.
  4. ‘Music does nothing other than entertain.’ Do you agree?
  5. ‘Music is enjoyable, but is essentially a frivolous pursuit.’ Is this a fair comment?
  6. ‘Music plays a critical role in the development of a society’s cultural identity.’ What is your view? [CJC 2021]
  7. Examine the role of music in establishing a national identity in your society. [2017 Alvls]

 

Performing arts

  1. Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society.

 

Language/culture

  1. How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable?
  2. Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society?
  3. How far, in your society, are efforts to preserve cultural heritage merely superficial?
  4. ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society
  5. ‘Myths and legends are purely for children’s entertainment.’ What is your view?
  6. ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss
  7. How far do you agree that as your society progresses, there is no place for heritage?
  8. Should traditions and values change with the times? [HCI 2018]
  9. ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment?
  10. In your society, should more be done to preserve heritage?
  11.  How important is it to preserve the heritage of your society?
  12. How beneficial are fairy tales to children?
  13. Should historical monuments and objects be preserved when such an undertaking is very expensive or even a source of unhappiness?
  14. ‘Cultural and heritage sites have lost their relevance.’ How far is this true of your society?
  15. To what extent is a universal language desirable?
  16. ‘Festivals and rituals still have an important role.’ Is this true in your society?
  17. ‘Myths have no place in the modern world.’ Do you agree?
  18. ‘To truly understand a culture, learn its language.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2021]
  19. ‘Not enough attention is given to ensure that our use of language does not offend.’ Do you agree? [NYJC 2021]

 

Museum

  1. “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss.
  2. To what extent are museums still relevant today?
  3. Are museums a waste of money?
  4. ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss
  5. Discuss the importance of museums.
  6. ‘There is no value in visiting museums today.’ Discuss.
  7. Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community.

 

Others

  1. Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art.
  2. Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful?
  3. Consider the view that images are more powerful than words.
  4. Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world.
  5. Should traditions and values change with the times? [HCI 2018]
  6. Would you agree that physical shops will eventually become a thing of the past?
  7. ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment?
  8. Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays?
  9. Is it really so important to be creative in today’s world?
  10. ‘Modern living necessitates a dose of humour.’ Discuss.
  11. ‘The more society advances, the more people want to remember the past.’ How far do you agree?
  12. ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree?
  13. ‘Humour is no laughing matter.’ Comment. [DHS 2017]
  14. Discuss the appeal and value of creativity in your society.
  15. ‘‘The world today values appearance over substance.’ Is this a fair comment?
  16. ‘In today’s world, style is more important than substance.’ What is your view?
  17. How far do you agree that monitoring and keeping up with trends are a meaningless pursuit?
  18. ‘Works of art which have been removed from their country of origin should be returned.’ Discuss. [2018 Alvls]