Question 1

What is General Paper?

Accepted Answer

• General Paper is a subject that allows students to explore a range of key issues of local and global importance. Examples of such issue include historical, social and
political topics such as inequality within societies and international cooperation.
• General Paper equips students with future-proof skills and abilities by guiding them in constructing persuasive and convincing arguments.
• Through classroom discussions and debates, students will learn how to express their ideas clearly and effectively. This enables students to discover their own voice by forming informed ideas and expressing them in a compelling manner. 
• The goal of the General Paper is to broaden students' global perspectives and allow students to place themselves in our shared historical, social and cultural context.

Question 2

How are General Papers assessed?

Accepted Answer

EZPZ! Let's cut to the chase

• There are two papers — Paper 1 & Paper 2
H1 GP Paper 1: an argumentative essay paper across various oddly specific topics … of at least 500 to 800 words.

(but let's be real, even an 800-word-essay ain't good enough to outshine ur peers!)

In 2023 Cambridge somehow had the idea of testing the mandate of "national minimum wages for all workers" — yea I see ur eyebrows furrowing LOLZ

It doesn't get any better — they also tested the justifiability of "space travel", yet another incredibly niche facet of Science & Tech (which you probs luv studying)

In 2023, Cambridge also tested this question (*hold ur breath pls*): "Assess the view that accurate translation between languages is ALWAYS necessary."

So, really, the GP Paper 1 topics range widely — from the environment, the arts, the sports (YAY if you're a sports g33k), politics (for our future ministers I SEE YA'), science & tech, social issues … bla bla bla…

How about H1 GP Paper 2? AHHH every one's nightmare! It's a comprehension paper. It includes short answer questions, a summary question and an AQ essay — aka applying foreign writers' opinions in Singapore's context, to see how well (OR POORLY) they relate to us.

Bestie like YOU must (painstakingly) read passages to understand the author's intent and demonstrate understanding of the author's assertions & answer accompanying short-answer, summary, and application questions!!

Question 3

How is General Paper taught in GPMYLASTSTRAW?

Accepted Answer

• At GPMYLASTSTRAW, students follow a spiral curriculum designed to allow students to iteratively revisit learned skills and concepts. This enables students to be exposed to a broad range of topics in the General Paper and to gradually develop an understanding of these topics with each successive exposure through independent research into topics of interest to them.
• Students will be guided through the fundamental skills of each dissertation. The tutor will provide clear guidance on how to approach the various parts of the essay writing (e.g. how to write an effective introduction, a clear stand, etc.) as well as the different types of short answer questions for Paper 2.
• Students will attend online or face-to-face tuitions to acquire relevant content and skills. Students will be able to clarify any doubts they had and apply the content and skills to problems.
• Content lectures (e.g. Media, Old Values, Politics & Governance) will outline the key issues students should be aware of in each topic, while allowing time for students to explore beyond what is covered in the collaborative learning approach in the tutorial.

Question 4

How should I study for General Paper?

Accepted Answer

• Through GP tuitions, students will gain an overview of GP topics and themes. Students should then make an effort to explore topics of interest in more depth by reading widely from sources such as review articles in The New York Times and The Straits Times.
• Be prepared to do independent reading and study to understand social issues and the interconnectedness of themes and topics within GP.

Question 5

How is the General Paper different from GCE 'O' Level English?

Accepted Answer

• All essay questions in Paper 1 are argumentative in nature.
• Paper 2 places greater emphasis on intensive reading and skills in answering short-answer and summary questions.
• Application question (at the end of Paper 2) asks students to apply the authors' claims to their own society.

Question 6

Will your center provide any assessment books/reading materials to help me better prepare to study GP?

Accepted Answer

• Our center prepares a number of reading materials in the form of handouts for students to gain a core understanding of the subject matter. Students will better understand the nature of the general paper as a discipline.

Question 7

What other experiences can I expect as a General Paper student at your centre?

Accepted Answer

• GPMYLASTSTRAW students can also look forward to experiences that help them garner real-world applications of General Paper. Students can attend seminars led by practitioners from different fields, from lawyers to journalists, to gain first-hand experience.
• Student voice and participation is strongly encouraged as students are invited to actively participate in learning journeys, visiting places such as the Tiong Bahru Heritage Walk. These experiences help bring classroom learning into the real world. Students are then encouraged to share their learning with their peers on a variety of physical and virtual platforms.

Question 8

If I did poorly in GCE 'O' Level English, does that mean I would not do well in the General Paper?

Accepted Answer

• In our experience we have had many students achieve good results in their GP examinations at GCE A Level, regardless of their GCE O Level English results. The most important thing in a GP is to be able to commit to the work through an interest in relevant social issues and to read consistently and widely. Sustained practice should follow in order for students to hone the skills of applying the content to the essay and the comprehension questions.

Question 9

Is reading newspapers regularly enough to get a good score in General Paper?

Accepted Answer

• Regular newspaper reading is just one of the many strategies students need to do well in GP.
• In addition to reading local newspapers, students need to expose to issues of global perspective and regularly practice essay and comprehension questions to assess their understanding of these issues.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions