
General Paper - Arts & Culture
ESSAY QUESTIONS

What is art?
- “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment. [DHS 2019]
- Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful?
- ‘Anything you can get away with.’ Is this an accurate assessment of the arts? [DHS 2018]
- ‘Bad art does not exist.’ What do you think? [NYJC 2018]
- Examine the extent to which fashion can be considered art. [RI 2018]
- ‘Modern Art is not considered Art.’ Discuss. [CJC 2017]
- ‘There is no such thing as bad art.’ Discuss. [RVHS 2017]
- ‘The Arts must be controversial in order to be meaningful.’ What are your views? [DHS 2021]
- The beauty of the arts lies in its exposure of the ugly.’ Discuss. [MI 2021]
- ‘Art is only worth what people will pay for it.’ Do you agree? [RI 2021]
Value of Art
- “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss. [ACJC 2020]
- “In themes of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society.
- 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]
- Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society? [TMJC 2020]
- To what extent are museums still relevant today? [TMJC 2020]
- “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment. [YIJC 2020]
- To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? [EJC 2020]
- How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable? [EJC 2020]
- How far do the arts promote change in your society? [ACJC 2020]
- “Anything can be considered art, but not all art is of equal value.” Comment. [TJC 2020]
- ‘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]
- Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art. [CJC 2020]
- ‘Unlike the Sciences, the Arts do nothing to solve the problems of society.’ Discuss. [DHS 2019]
- How far do you agree that the value of the Arts has diminished in modern society? [EJC 2019]
- ‘Art is not meant to instruct or influence; it is only meant to be enjoyed.’ Do you agree with this viewpoint? [HCI 2019]
- To what extent are the arts a platform for social change? [JPJC 2019]
- How far do you agree that artistic expression is always political? [SAJC 2019]
- ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society? [TJC 2019]
- ‘Art that does not reflect society holds little value.’ Discuss. [TMJC 2019]
- ‘The arts are a distraction from the problems we face today.’ To what extent is this a fair viewpoint? [VJC 2019]
- Are museums a waste of money? [YIJC 2019]
- Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful? [ACJC 2019
- ‘Myths and legends are purely for children’s entertainment.’ What is your view? [MI 2018]
- Consider the view that images are more powerful than words. [TJC 2019]
- ‘For the majority of people, the Arts are a waste of time.’ How true is this of your society? [VJC 2018]
- Assess the view that pop music today is frivolous. [VJC 2018]
- Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world. [TJC 2018]
- ‘Fashion has no practical purpose.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2018]
- Do the Arts have the power to bridge the social divide? [CJC 2018
- ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss [ACJC 2018]
- In the digital age, is there any point in preserving traditional art? [AJC 2018]
- How far do you agree that as your society progresses, there is no place for heritage? [ACJC 2018]
- Would you agree that physical shops will eventually become a thing of the past? [HCI 2018]
- ‘The study of literature broadens horizons and transforms lives.’ Discuss. [HCI 2018]
- ‘For the majority of people, Literature is irrelevant to their daily lives.’ How true is this of your society? [MJC 2018]
- ‘A pursuit for the elites, not the masses.’ To what extent is this a fair view of the Arts? [MI 2018]
- Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society. [NJC 2018]
- Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community. [NJC 2018]
- ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment? [NJC 2018]
- Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays? [PJC 2018]
- ‘Arts education has been neglected in your society.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2018]
- In your society, how important is the study of Literature? [TPJC 2018]
- How important is it to preserve th e heritage of your society? [YIJC 2018]
- Is it really so important to be creative in today’s world? [HCI 2018]
- How beneficial are fairy tales to children? [NYJC 2018]
- To what extent can the Arts effect positive social change today? [AJC 2017]
- 'Appealing but of little value.' Is this a fair description of the arts in your society? [IJC 2017]
- Should more emphasis be given to the arts in your society? [JJC 2017]
- ‘The progress of a society is best reflected through the arts.’ What do you think? [MI 2017]
- The Arts are a luxury and not a necessity.’ Discuss this view with reference to your society. [NYJC 2017]
- In times of economic difficulty, should the Arts in your society still be publicly funded? [PJC 2017]
- ‘We should abolish state funding for the Arts.’ How far do you agree that this should be the case for your society? [RI 2017]
- Should historical monuments and objects be preserved when such an undertaking is very expensive or even a source of unhappiness? [HCI 2017]
- ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment. [HCI 2017]
- Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society. [NJC 2017]
- ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree? [RVHS 2017]
- Do you agree that there is little value in literature today? [SAJC 2017] \
- ‘Cultural and heritage sites have lost their relevance.’ How far is this true of your society? [SRJC 2017]
- Assess the view that reading books is, by far, the most wondrous of all pastimes. [VJC 2017]
- Discuss the appeal and value of creativity in your society. [AJC 2017]
- ‘All languages are equally valuable.’ Comment. [NYJC 2017]
- Assess the view that Literature is a subject that has no practical value. [YJC 2017]
- How effective has your country been in creating a national identity? [SAJC 2017]
- To what extent is a universal language desirable? [TJC 2017]
- ‘The world today values appearance over substance.’ Is this a fair comment? [TJC 2017]
- Is it worth spending large sums of money on the arts in your society? [ACJC 2016]
- In times of economic hardship, should a country still invest in the Arts? [AJC 2016]
- Discuss the importance of museums. [AJC 2016]
- Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality? [CJC 2016]
- To what extent can increased spending on the Arts be justified in your society today? [CJC 2016]
- Consider the view that design is aesthetically satisfying but of little practical use. [DHS 2016]
- ‘There is no value in visiting museums today.’ Discuss. [IJC 2016]
- ‘Music does nothing other than entertain.’ Do you agree? [JJC 2016]
- ‘The liveability of a city depends on how well its arts scene is developed.’ Is this true of your society? [NJC 2016]
- ‘Contemporary films are usually entertaining but rarely meaningful.’ Do you agree? [NJC 2016]
- Discuss the value and appeal of science fiction. [PJC 2016]
- Does literature offer anything more than an appreciation of the language? [YJC 2016]
- ‘There is greater value in reading fiction than keeping updated with current affairs.’ Do you agree? [MJC 2016]
- ‘Festivals and rituals still have an important role.’ Is this true in your society? [PJC 2016]
- ‘Myths have no place in the modern world.’ Do you agree? [MJC 2016]
- Is it fair to say that the arts do nothing to solve the problems of your society? [VJC 2016]
- To what extent do visual arts promote national identity in your society? [YJC 2016]
- ‘In today’s world, style is more important than substance.’ What is your view? [NJC 2016]
- How far do you agree that monitoring and keeping up with trends are a meaningless pursuit? [ACJC 2016]
- ‘Music is enjoyable, but is essentially a frivolous pursuit.’ Is this a fair comment? [TJC 2016]
- ‘Clothes make a man.’ Do you agree with this view? [VJC 2016]
- Consider the value of comics. [JPJC 2021]
- ‘Fashion is always frivolous.’ What is your view? [NYJC 2021]
- ‘Art is only worth what people will pay for it.’ Do you agree? [RI 2021]
- Consider the view that literature is more meaningful when it reflects life. [NJC 2021]
- ‘The arts are nothing more than a luxury.’ How far is this true of your society? [2021 Alvls]
- “In times of crisis, the arts are not essential.” Discuss this in relation to your society. [JPJC 2020]
Arts & Society
Art appreciation
- Are artists given adequate recognition in your society? [VJC 2020]
- To what extent is an appreciation of the arts essential for the individual today? [EJC 2020]
- ‘We are merely paying lip service to the arts.’ How true is this in your society? [ACJC 2019]
- ‘Only the privileged can venture into the Arts.’ Is this true in your society? [SRJC 2018]
- How realistic is it for your society to encourage more participation in the arts? [YIJC 2018]
- Should there be any restrictions to enjoying the Arts in your society? [DHS 2017]
- Should more emphasis be given to the arts in your society? [JJC 2017]
- ‘The arts are nothing more than a luxury.’ How far is this true of your society? [2021 Alvls]
Benefits of art
- How far do the arts promote change in your society? [ACJC 2020]
- To what extent are the arts a platform for social change? [JPJC 2019]
- Do the Arts have the power to bridge the social divide? [CJC 2018]
- In the digital age, is there any point in preserving traditional art? [AJC 2018]
- Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society. [NJC 2018]
- Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays? [PJC 2018]
- To what extent can the Arts effect positive social change today? [AJC 2017]
- In times of economic difficulty, should the Arts in your society still be publicly funded? [PJC 2017]
- ‘We should abolish state funding for the Arts.’ How far do you agree that this should be the case for your society? [RI 2018]
- Is it worth spending large sums of money on the arts in your society? [ACJC 2016]
- In times of economic hardship, should a country still invest in the Arts? [AJC 2016]
- To what extent can increased spending on the Arts be justified in your society today? [CJC 2016]
- ‘The liveability of a city depends on how well its arts scene is developed.’ Is this true of your society? [NJC 2016]
- ‘Public money should not be wasted on supporting the Arts.' Discuss this view in the light of your society today. [SRJC 2016]
- 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
- ‘Art education has been neglected in your society.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2018]
- Should the study of literature be made compulsory in schools? [EJC 2021]
- ‘An arts education is a necessity.’ How true is this in your society? [JPJC 2021]
- ‘An appreciation of music is vital for a fully rounded education.’ How true is this of your society? [2020 Alvls]
Stakeholders of art
- Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art. [CJC 2020]
- ‘No one really cares what the artist has to say.’ What are your views? [MI 2017]
- Discuss the claim that Singapore is not doing enough to promote creativity among young people. [JJC 2016]
- To what extent should the arts in your society focus on local rather than foreign talent? [2015 Alvls]
Preservation of heritage/culture
- How far, in your society, are efforts to preserve cultural heritage merely superficial? [NJC 2019]
- ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society? [TJC 2019]
- To enable the sustaining of local culture, should your society’s government limit access to foreign entertainment? [PJC 2018]
- Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community. [NJC 2018]
- In your society, should more be done to preserve heritage? [RVSH 2018]
- ‘The progress of a society is best reflected through the arts.’ What do you think? [MI 2017]
- ‘The more society advances, the more people want to remember the past.’ How far do you agree? [MI 2017]
- ‘As countries pursue development, heritage sites are losing their relevance.’ How far do you agree? [EJC 2021]
- We shape our buildings, but then our buildings shape us.’ To what extent is this true of your society? [2020 Alvls]
- Assess the view that traditional buildings have no future in your society. [2016 Alvls]
National Identity
- How effective has your country been in creating a national identity? [SAJC 2017]
- To what extent do visual arts promote national identity in your society? [YJC 2016]
- ‘A society that does not value the Arts lacks identity.’ Do you agree? [SAJC 2016]
- ‘Music plays a critical role in the development of a society’s cultural identity.’ What is your view? [CJC 2021]
- ‘To truly understand a culture, learn its language.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2021]
- Assess the importance of food within Singaporean culture. [2019 Alvls]
Arts VS Others:
Science/Technology
- “Compared to the Sciences, the Arts are less useful to society.” Comment.
- ‘It is a mistake for education in this technological age to ignore the Arts.’ To what extent do you agree with this comment?
- ‘Unlike the Sciences, the Arts do nothing to solve the problems of society.’ Discuss.
- Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world.
- ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree?
- How far can technology help to preserve heritage today? [ASRJC 2021]
- The arts ask questions while the sciences provide answers.’ How valid is this view? [MI 2021]
Censorship
- ‘Censorship undermines the arts.’ Comment. [NJC 2019]
- Is censorship of the arts ever justified? [JJC 2018]
- Should there be any restrictions to enjoying the Arts in your society?
- ‘The only obstacle in the Arts is censorship.’ Discuss. [YJC 2017]
- Should any limits be set on artistic expression? [SRJC 2017]
- ‘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
- To what extent should artistic freedom be regulated? [MJC 2018]
- How far do you agree that artistic expression is always political?
- To enable the sustaining of local culture, should your society’s government limit access to foreign entertainment?
Others
- ‘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]
- ‘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
- ‘The study of literature broadens horizons and transforms lives.’ Discuss
- ‘For the majority of people, Literature is irrelevant to their daily lives.’ How true is this of your society?
- Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society.
- In your society, how important is the study of Literature?
- ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment
- Do you agree that there is little value in literature today?
- Assess the view that reading books is, by far, the most wondrous of all pastimes.
- ‘All languages are equally valuable.’ Comment.
- Assess the view that Literature is a subject that has no practical value.
- Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality?
- Discuss the value and appeal of science fiction.
- Does literature offer anything more than an appreciation of the language?
- Can fiction ever be truthful?
- ‘There is greater value in reading fiction than keeping updated with current affairs.’ Do you agree?
- Should the study of literature be made compulsory in schools? [EJC 2021]
- Consider the value of comics. [JPJC 2021]
- Consider the view that literature is more meaningful when it reflects life. [NJC 2021]
- Can fiction teach us anything meaningful about the real world? [2019 Alvls]
- ‘The quality of written language is being destroyed by social media.’ What is your view? [2017 Alvls]
Films/photography
- Assess the impact of local literature or local television programmes in your society.
- Consider the view that images are more powerful than words.
- Can fantasy books and films offer anything more than an escape from reality?
- ‘Contemporary films are usually entertaining but rarely meaningful.’ Do you agree?
- ‘Films are concerned with escaping from the problems of everyday life, rather than addressing them.’ Discuss. [2021 Alvls]
Fashion
- To what extent should fashion contribute to an individual’s identity? [CJC 2020]
- ‘Fashion has no practical purpose.’ Do you agree?
- Examine the extent to which fashion can be considered art. [RI 2018]
- ‘Clothes make a man.’ Do you agree with this view?
- ‘Fashion is always frivolous.’ What is your view? [NYJC 2021]
Music
- Assess the view that pop music today is frivolous.
- ‘Let us read and let us sing, for what harm can these amusements bring?’ Comment
- Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society.
- ‘Music does nothing other than entertain.’ Do you agree?
- ‘Music is enjoyable, but is essentially a frivolous pursuit.’ Is this a fair comment?
- ‘Music plays a critical role in the development of a society’s cultural identity.’ What is your view? [CJC 2021]
- Examine the role of music in establishing a national identity in your society. [2017 Alvls]
Performing arts
- Evaluate the appeal of theatre, dance or music in your society.
Language/culture
- How far is state intervention in matters of language acceptable?
- Is there any point in preserving traditional dialects in your society?
- How far, in your society, are efforts to preserve cultural heritage merely superficial?
- ‘Whether or not a country’s heritage is preserved depends on its economic value.’ How true is this of your society
- ‘Myths and legends are purely for children’s entertainment.’ What is your view?
- ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss
- How far do you agree that as your society progresses, there is no place for heritage?
- Should traditions and values change with the times? [HCI 2018]
- ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment?
- In your society, should more be done to preserve heritage?
- How important is it to preserve the heritage of your society?
- How beneficial are fairy tales to children?
- Should historical monuments and objects be preserved when such an undertaking is very expensive or even a source of unhappiness?
- ‘Cultural and heritage sites have lost their relevance.’ How far is this true of your society?
- To what extent is a universal language desirable?
- ‘Festivals and rituals still have an important role.’ Is this true in your society?
- ‘Myths have no place in the modern world.’ Do you agree?
- ‘To truly understand a culture, learn its language.’ Do you agree? [CJC 2021]
- ‘Not enough attention is given to ensure that our use of language does not offend.’ Do you agree? [NYJC 2021]
Museum
- “Museums have no place in today’s world.” Discuss.
- To what extent are museums still relevant today?
- Are museums a waste of money?
- ‘Sites of tragedy should be forgotten rather than remembered.’ Discuss
- Discuss the importance of museums.
- ‘There is no value in visiting museums today.’ Discuss.
- Consider the view that museums are developed for tourists and not for the local community.
Others
- Evaluate the claim that the artist’s only responsibility is to his art.
- Is a focus on beauty necessarily harmful?
- Consider the view that images are more powerful than words.
- Consider the claim that the study of the humanities has little relevance in a technologically advanced world.
- Should traditions and values change with the times? [HCI 2018]
- Would you agree that physical shops will eventually become a thing of the past?
- ‘Traditions impede progress in the modern world.’ Is this a fair comment?
- Is it really important for your society to use public spaces for art displays?
- Is it really so important to be creative in today’s world?
- ‘Modern living necessitates a dose of humour.’ Discuss.
- ‘The more society advances, the more people want to remember the past.’ How far do you agree?
- ‘The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities.’ Do you agree?
- ‘Humour is no laughing matter.’ Comment. [DHS 2017]
- Discuss the appeal and value of creativity in your society.
- ‘‘The world today values appearance over substance.’ Is this a fair comment?
- ‘In today’s world, style is more important than substance.’ What is your view?
- How far do you agree that monitoring and keeping up with trends are a meaningless pursuit?
- ‘Works of art which have been removed from their country of origin should be returned.’ Discuss. [2018 Alvls]