General Paper Essays
Have a look at our selection of GP Essays. They are all written in-house by our dedicated research team, directed by Mr Edwin Wong.
This selection of GP essays is curated exclusively for The Rationale Thinking Learning Centre’s prospective GP tuition students.
We understand that many students do not have the time for additional reading on their own. Hence, our dedicated in-house research team employ extensive research to incorporate the highest quality content into our essays. Week-on-week, our students are provided with current affairs that add to their content knowledge library. These notes condense heavy content to support our students’ revision. Hence, our students are able to gain that competitive edge over their peers in their General Paper essay writing examinations.
In a borderless world, it does not matter where you come from.’ To what extent do you agree?
STAND: It is indubitable that populism is sweeping through Western liberal democracies and in my opinion, this borderless world (construe as the free movement of people) is under challenge and clearly where you come from matters.
The internet polarises people more than it unites.
Today, technology has advanced to the extent that anyone, including civilians, can exert influence on others via Social Networking Sites. Although the right to freedom of expression empowers minority groups to come together to convey a united voice, defending that prerogative comes at a steep cost – relentless abuse of said right for the proliferation of hatred.
STAND: Hence, I fervently believe that the internet polarises, rather than unites people.
How far is it justifiable for governments to make decisions without the support of the majority?
STAND: Populist politics may be more of a bane than a boon. Decisions that do not benefit the people may inevitably be unpopular, howbeit, such actions may have been imperative for the greater good of the country and the people. What is favoured by the people may not be the best for the nation moving forward, hence it is justifiable for the governments to make decisions without the support of the majority.
Is it fair to say that the Arts do nothing to solve the problems of your society?
In today’s industrialised and globalised society, what people seem to value the most are entities that bring about the most in material wealth and commercial value. To many, arts are typically condemned to spend their eternity on the pristine walls of museums. One merely has to compare the number of artists such as Painters, Singers, Dancers and Musicians to the number of Engineers, Doctors, Accountants and Lawyers to see the stark difference in society’s emphasis.
As such, Arts being intrinsically abstract does not seem to solve the problems of Singapore. However, it is far too hasty to generalise that the arts lack the ability to solve the problems of Singapore; despite not having a significant and tangible economic contribution to Singapore’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). In the past, the arts satisfy the innate psychological needs of humans and promote unity. Increasingly, there is a heightened awareness that exposure to the arts brings revenue to Singapore.
The promise of science and technology cannot be realised without the humanities. Do you agree?
When introducing the iPad 2 in 2011, Steve Jobs summarised his strategy as: “It is in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough—it is technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities that yield us the results that make our heart sing.” Synonymous with this seemingly cliché marketing platitude, the advent of new technologies has promised heightened efficiency, convenience and solutions to some of the direst problems the world faces, but not without the partnership of the humanities. Granted, detractors may aver that the lofty language the humanities speak is inconsequential; without the concrete and proven facts. Yet, at the core of the humanities, mankind can seek to interpret and communicate human thoughts, emotions and relations – pivotal to some of the most debated problems faced by the world. Hence, to say that science and technology and the humanities are somehow wholly irreconcilable is a grave misconception. The merits of combining the two have proven that the humanities are tantamount to actualising the promises of science and technology.
‘Technology makes our lives easier but at the same time more complicated.’ Do you agree?
Technologies address the basic needs of humans and are the fundamentals which set us apart from animals. Man has evolved to be able to use his intelligence to question and investigate his environment and from what he has learnt, apply his knowledge to create tools that give him an advantage over his environment. While technology has no doubt brought about great convenience to our lives, it is incontrovertible that it has fueled extremist activities, destroyed Mother Nature as well as enabled the development of nuclear weapons.
Assess the view that attempts to combat discrimination can never be truly effective.
Albeit concerted (planned or done together for a shared purpose) efforts have been made by nations to combat discrimination, hitherto, discrimination – be it subtle or overt, still exists in our society, often unconsciously, and it is an inequitable (unjust) and immoral barrier to human freedom and flourishing. Therefore, it is highly improbable (unlikely) to totally eradicate discrimination.
In times of economic difficulty, should a country still be concerned with environmental conservation?
The 2008 Global Financial Crisis saw the unprecedented bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Investment Bank and what ensued was Greece teetering at the edge of bankruptcy and needing a cash bailout from the International Monetary Fund and European Union. At that material point of time, politicians from G7 countries were single-mindedly focused on stemming another financial rout, preventing the equities/ stock market from another freefall and bringing the unemployment rate down. When an economic crisis happens, typically a stupendous sum of financial resources are deployed to stabilise the financial markets, rendering the government less concerned with environmental conservation. Detractors may opine that industrialisation and neglect of the environment are inevitable due to unfavourable economic circumstances. Howbeit, environmental degradation may inflict deleterious damages on the economy which runs contrary to the intended purpose of industrialisation. In addition, environmental conservation is key for economies that are environment-centric, for instance, tourism and the deteriorating environment poses a greater threat to our lives as compared to economic crises.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tuition programmes are offered at The Rationale Thinking?
The Rationale Thinking Learning Centre currently offers you two unique tuition programmes to choose from – ‘A’ Level General Paper tuition and the IP English tuition. Find out more about our unique approach to our tuition curriculum here.
Why is there a need for General Paper Tuition and IP English Tuition?
The preponderance of students in Singapore struggle with mastering the Language subjects. However, the English language is arguably the most important subject in Singapore as it is our lingua franca. Furthermore, the daily use of Singapore Colloquial English (commonly known as Singlish) is exacerbating this problem further. As a language specialist, we aim to tackle this prevalent issue. A strong foundation in the English language is vital to acing other subjects such as General Paper, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, etc. and ultimately getting coveted placements in Ivy League Universities.
Here at The Rationale Thinking Learning Centre, we specialise in coaching our students in the English Language and General Paper. Our specially curated curriculum aims to break down the complexity and technicalities of mastering the English language and General Paper to give our students the confidence to attain their Distinctions.
Why should I join The Rationale Thinking?
The Rationale Thinking Learning Centre prides itself in not just enabling our students to score Distinctions for the ‘A’ Level General Paper and the IP English examinations, but we also firmly believe in moulding the next generation to become Global Thinkers. With our carefully curated in-house notes assembled by our dedicated research team, we train and impart our students with the skills and knowledge that are not taught in school. Not forgetting to build up a good character to prepare them for their future careers in the world’s leading industries.
For a start, we offer all prospective students of The Rationale Thinking one trial lesson*. More details about our trial lesson can be found here.
Are your tuition classes conducted in a group setting or individual tuition?
Our General Paper and IP English tuition classes are conducted in a well-controlled group. Unlike Science and Mathematics, the IP English language and General Paper requires more than just rote learning of formulas. It is through the cross-fertilisation of ideas while studying for the language subjects that our students are exposed to various ideas, opinions and perspectives – the perfect environment that stimulates critical thinking. This will ultimately aid them in crafting a coherent essay during their examinations. While we aim to provide a broader view of the language subjects, we also refine the curriculum to suit our students’ needs, rectifying their weaker aspects and cementing their foundation before building upon it.
Who is the tutor?
Mr Edwin Wong personally coaches his students for both General Paper and IP English tuition programmes. He is a well sought-after English language specialist, revolutionary thinker and transformational teacher. He has helped numerous students achieve Distinctions in their IP English examinations and their ‘A’ Level General Paper and many of them have gone on to secure placements in competitive academic courses in local universities or obtained Public Service Commission (Overseas Scholarship) with Ivy-League Universities.
I am interested in the tuition programmes. Are trial lessons offered?
Yes! We offer all prospective students of The Rationale Thinking Learning Centre one trial lesson* of either General Paper or IP English tuition programme. The trial lesson is chargeable upon official registration for regular classes. Otherwise, your trial lesson will be complimentary. More information and details can be found here.
