PAST YEAR GP EXAMINATION QUESTIONS ( 1984-1998)



PAST YEAR GCE GP EXAMINATION QUESTIONS (1984-2010)

The Arts

Should one aim of education be the development of talent in such fields as music, art, drama? (’84)

Should efforts be made to preserve traditional forms of dress? (’85)

Do you agree that the primary purpose of the Arts, whether painting, music drama or literature, is to entertain? (’85)

What would be your aims when decorating and furnishing a home of your own? (’85)

What makes a great film? (’86)

Which of the artistic talents would you most like to possess and why? (’87)

‘All art is propaganda in some form.’ Discuss. (’90)

Write a critical review of a book, play or film which you have read or seen. (’91)

To what extent is music an international language? (’91)

Consider the importance of drama in your country today. You may refer to live theatre, television and radio plays or any combination of these. (’94)

‘It is impossible to prove that one form of art is superior to another.’ Do you agree? Refer to specific examples from painting, music or literature to support your answer. (’95)

‘Films which have the greatest appeal are usually those which have the least value.’ By reference to specific examples, consider how far this is a fair assessment. (‘97)

‘Enjoyable, but ultimately of little practical use.’ Consider the value of music or art or literature in the light of this comment. (’98)

In a world without books or music, what would be missing? Discuss with reference to specific examples. ('99)

‘Public money should not be wasted on supporting the Arts; they should support themselves.’ Discuss. (’00)

‘A work of art can never be valued just in financial terms.’ Discuss. (‘02)

Discuss the appeal and value of fantasy stories and films. ('04)

Do the arts, such as music and literature, really play a significant part in the Singaporean society? (‘05)

‘The arts cannot change the world, but they make it more beautiful.' Discuss this view with reference to one of the following: painting, sculpture or music. (‘07)

‘Mass production’ inevitably means a loss of craftsmanship and quality.’ Is this true in your society? (‘07)

Contemporary music has no artistic value. Is this a fair comment? (‘08)

Would it matter if all the performing arts venues in your society, such as concert halls and theatres, were closed down? (’10)

‘Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world.’ How true is this of your society? (’11)

Literature and Language

What types of fiction do you enjoy reading and why? (’84)

‘Education… has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.’ (GM Trevelyan). What do you consider to be worth reading? (’88)

How far do you think English is a good universal language? (’88)

Write a critical review of a book, play or film which you have seen or read. (’91)

‘Reading novels is a waste of time.’ Discuss. (’92)

Consider the importance of drama in your country today. You may refer to live theatre, television and radio plays or any combination of these. (’94)

How far would a universal language be valuable and practical? (’95)

In a world without books or music, what would be missing? Discuss with reference to specific examples. ('99)

Does the book still have a future? (’03)

Discuss the appeal and value of fantasy stories and films. ('04)

‘The world would be a better place if everyone spoke the same language.’ Discuss. (‘06)

The pen is mightier than the sword. Can written language be so powerful? (‘07)

Nowadays, the pleasures of reading can never compete with the pleasures of visual entertainment. To what extent do you agree? (‘08)

Are certain types of writing superior to others? (’09)

‘The book has no place in modern society.’ Discuss. (’10)

Economic Issues

What priorities would you set for government expenditure and why? (’84)

On what should rates of pay for work be based? (’85)

What scope is there for industrial development in your country? (’86)

How important is foreign trade to your country? (’87)

‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be.’ Should we follow this advice in our lives today? (89)

What are the advantages and disadvantages of monopolies in industry and commerce? (’90)

Is it right that a ‘pop’ singer should earn more money than a nurse? (’90)

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the tourist industry for your country. (’93)

Assess the arguments for and against the control of population. (’94)

‘Economists do not control events, they merely respond to them.’ Discuss. (’94)

‘If people are poor it is largely their own fault.’ How far would you agree? (’94)

Is greater life expectancy always desirable? (’96)

To what extent can international aid be really effective? Refer to specific examples to support your answer. (’96)

‘In today’s world, power is determined by economic success, not military might.’ Discuss. (’97)

‘Human beings have unlimited desires, but limited resources.’ Is it possible to reconcile the two? (98)

Evaluate the problems, and benefits, of the various ways in which society deals with waste materials.

('99)

To what extent should richer nations help the poorer ones? (’00)

‘The most worthwhile jobs are those with the least financial gain.’ Do you agree? (`01)

Can the trade in weapons ever be justified? (’02)

To what extent are small businesses preferable to large ones? (‘03)

Have multi-national businesses had a positive or negative impact on your society? ('04)

Should poorer countries develop their tourist industry when the basic needs of their own people are not being met? (07)

Does the presence of a foreign power ever help a country with problems? (’08)

How far is it possible to ensure that all producers of food and goods are fairly rewarded? (‘08)

To what extent does the migration of people have a positive effect? (‘08)

Is the elimination of global poverty a realistic aim? (’09)

Can the transport of food over vast distances be justified? (’09)

Consider the view that most work these days could, and should, be done from home. (’10)

How effective are international effort to ease the problem of global hunger? (’10)

‘Environmental concerns and economic growth cannot co-exist.’ Do you agree? (’11)

How far should countries aim to be self-sufficient? (’11)

Education

Should one aim of education be the development of talent in such fields as music, art, drama? (’84)

Do you think that girls should be given the same education as boys? (’84)

Do schools try to teach too much? (’85)

What would you include in a school’s science museum and why? (’85)

How far should the teaching of history aim to foster pride in one’s country and its past? (’86)

What are the uses of dictionaries? (’87)

How can modern technology be used to aid learning in schools? (’88)

‘Education… has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.’ (GM Trevelyan). What do you consider to be worth reading? (’88)

What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a university education for a business man or woman? (’89)

Do you think there is any need for change in the educational system in your country? (’90)

What are the merits of the cinema as a means of amusement and education? (’90)

What do you consider to be the most important priorities in a person’s education? (’93)

‘The main function of education should be to enable people to gain employment.’ Do you agree? (’94)

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being educated abroad. (’97)

Discuss the benefits and disadvantages which technological development is likely to have upon

education in the future. (’97)

‘Education does not develop individuality but conformity.’ Is such a statement always valid? (’98)

Is a sound knowledge of science and technology essential for a well-educated person in today's world? ('99)

‘Conformity should be the main aim of all schools.’ How far is this true? (‘02)

‘The word failure should never be used in education.’ Discuss. (07)

Environment/ Geography

What determines the climate in the area where you live? (’84)

Why should a worldwide afforestation programme be considered? (’86)

Discuss the causes and consequences of erosion. (’87)

How does the climate of your country affect the design and construction of its buildings? (’87)

‘The sea is a bottomless rubbish pit.’ Discuss. (’91)

Should we be concerned about ‘the greenhouse effect’? (’92)

Assess the ways in which the geographical features of your country have shaped its development and its people. (’93)

‘The place for animals is in the wild, not in zoos or circuses.’ Do you agree? (‘93)

Do animals have rights, and if so, should they be protected? (’95)

How far can we satisfy the worldwide demand for food and still protect the environment? (’97)

Consider whether noise is a problem in modern society. (’98)

‘The only future for the car is its elimination.’ Discuss. (’98)

‘Human beings have unlimited desires, but limited resources.’ Is it possible to reconcile the two? (98)

Evaluate the problems, and benefits, of the various ways in which society deals with waste materials. ('99)

In what ways does a country both benefit and suffer from where it is situated? (’01)

How far is recycling the answer to the problem of waste? ('04)

Examine the claim that the world is too dependent on oil. (‘05)

Is it possible to protect the environment when many countries require increasing amounts of energy to progress? (‘07)

How far do physical features, such as size and location, determine a country’s progress? (‘08)

Air travel should be discouraged, not promoted. To what extent do you agree? (‘08)

‘Environmental concerns and economic growth cannot co-exist.’ Do you agree? (’11)

History

‘All history books are biased.’ Do you support this view? (’84)

How far should the teaching of history aim to foster pride in one’s country and its past? (’86)

Choose one modern or historical person you most admire and justify your choice. (’91)

What do you think have been the most important changes in your country during the last 100 years? (’91)

‘Those who have no knowledge of the past are condemned to repeat it.’ Is a knowledge of history important? (’92)

Can anything worthwhile be gained from continued research into historical events? (’96)

Is a preoccupation with the past merely an escape from the present? (’00)

`History can never be anything more than an intelligent guess at what the past was like. The reality is inevitably lost forever.’ Do you agree? (’01)

Does a study of history make you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the human race? (‘02)

Is History anything more than the study of warfare? (’03)

Do the past and present offer any guidance for the future? ('04)

How important is a sense of history in shaping the future of Singapore’s society? (07)

The Media

Write a critical account of the newspapers and magazines produced in your country. (’86)

What are the merits of the cinema as a means of amusement and education? (’90)

‘Television will eventually be the death of sport.’ Do you agree? (’91)

Should the press be completely free? (’91)

To what extent should the private lives of public figures be the subject of media coverage? (’95)

‘The media can largely be blamed for the world-wide increase in violence.’ To what extent do you agree? (96)

Compare the effectiveness of any two of the following as a means of news coverage: the radio, television, newspapers. (’97)

‘ In the modern world, image is everything.’ Discuss. (’00)

Should advertising be restricted in any way? (’01)

`A film has one purpose – to entertain.’ Using examples, consider this view. (‘01)

Does the book still have a future? (’03)

Can the media ever be relied upon to convey the truth? (’03)

Advertising encourages a desire for products which people do not actually need. Discuss. ('04)

How far do magazines or television programmes aimed at young people in Singapore have a positive effect? (05)

To what extent do the newspapers and magazines that you read deal with what is trivial, rather than what is important? (06)

'Advertisements are often entertaining, but they rarely affect consumer choice'. Is this your experience? (07)

Nowadays, the pleasures of reading can never compete with the pleasures of visual entertainment. To what extent do you agree? (‘08)

Assess the impact of foreign films or foreign TV programmes on the culture of your society. (’09)

As long as people in the public eye do their job well, does it matter what they do in private? (’09)

‘The book has no place in modern society.’ Discuss. (’10)

In the digital age do newspapers still have a role in your society? (’11)

General/ Philosophical

What do you understand by ‘national character’? Give examples. (“84)

‘The greatest thing in the world is to be self-sufficient.’ Do you agree? (’85)

Politics is the art of persuasion. Discuss. (’86)

The problems of survival for mankind have never been so great as they are today. Do you agree? (’86)

Has war ever been justifiable? (’88)

What would you miss most about your country if you were obliged to live abroad permanently? (’88)

What can be done to alleviate suffering in the world? (’89)

If life were one long holiday, would leisure then become as tedious as work? (’89)

‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be.’ Should we follow this advice in our lives today? (89)

Is it foolish to believe in superstitions? (’89)

Franklin D Roosevelt said that the world should be founded upon four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. Which, in your opinion, is the most important freedom? (’90)

How far should scientists be held responsible for the uses of their discoveries? (’90)

‘Money is the root of all evil.’ Do you agree? (’91)

‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.’ Discuss. (’91)

Can telling lies ever be justified? (’92)

‘Science can never provide a final answer to things; it is only a way of studying them.’ Do you agree? (’92)

‘Modern methods of transport have transformed our world into a village.’ Is this a blessing or a curse? (’92)

‘Work is the only route to happiness.’ Discuss. (’92)

‘The truth should always be told, whatever the cost.’ Should it? (’93)

Is equality for all a realistic and desirable aim within a society? (’94)

‘As science advances, the importance of religion declines.’ To what extent is this an accurate claim? (94)

‘To live is to change.’ Is change always beneficial? (’94)

‘The strong do what they will; the weak do what they must.’ Discuss. (’94)

‘The teenage years are the best years of one’s life.’ Would you agree with this view? (’94)

‘A life without challenge and risk is not worth living.’ How far would you agree with this view? (95)

How important is discipline in society? (’95)

Should promises always be kept? (’95)

Do animals have rights, and if so, should they be protected? (’95)

Consider the value in life of planning. (’96)

Why, in a scientific age, are people still interested in – or afraid of – the supernatural? (’96)

Examine some forms of prejudice in the world and consider the ways in which they might be tackled. (‘97)

Consider the arguments for and against the use of the death penalty in a modern society. (’97)

Should human beings look forward to the next century more with optimism than with pessimism? (’97)

‘The first duty of a doctor has always been to preserve life.’ How far can this principle still be maintained? (’98)

Do arguments ever settle anything? ('99)

'The secret of a happy life is moderation in all things.' Discuss. ('99)

Does pride in one's country still have a place in the modern world? ('99)

Can the transplanting of animal organs into human beings ever be justified? ('99)

'Being in fashion makes a person popular; being different makes a person special.' Discuss. ('99)

A life of total luxury –dream or nightmare? (’00)

‘ I am a millionaire. That is my religion.’ To what extent has the pursuit of wealth become a modern goal? (’00)

Is the preoccupation with the past merely an escape from the present? (’00)

‘Idealism brings disillusionment; realism brings results.’ Discuss. (’00)

Is it always important to succeed? (’00)

‘Pets need us more than we need them.’ What do you think? (’00)

Is it true that the old must learn from the young? (’00)

‘ In the modern world, image is everything.’ Discuss. (’00)

Do you think that life today offers us too many choices? (’01)

Discuss the appeal, and dangers, of attempting to predict the future. (`01)

Is there a case for keeping animals in zoos? (‘02)

‘If people become ill it is largely their own fault.’ How far do you agree? (‘02)

‘Air travel creates more problems than benefits.’ Is this a fair comment? (‘02)

Is friendly rivalry ever possible? (‘02)

'The only worthwhile form of discipline is self-discipline.' Discuss. (’03)

Was life for young people in Singapore better in the past than it is today? (’03)

'People, not the government, should decide how to organise their lives.' Is this a fair comment? ('04)

'Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.' Do you agree? ('04)

‘There is no such thing as luck. People determine their own lives.’ Do you agree? (‘05)

‘Instead of speeding up the pace of life, we should be slowing it down.’ What do you think? (‘05)

‘A picture is always more powerful than mere words.’ What is your view? (‘06)

‘Entrepreneurship is just another name for personal greed.’ How far do you agree with this statement? (‘06)

‘The view of the majority is always right.’ Do you agree? (‘07)

‘Mass production’ inevitably means a loss of craftsmanship and quality.’ Is this true in your society? (‘07)

How important are dreams? (‘08)

To what extent is design important in your society? (‘08)

Are certain types of writing superior to others? (’09)

'Fashion is as much a good thing as a bad thing.' To what extent do you agree? (’09)

‘The person who dies rich dies disgraced.’ Discuss. (’10)

Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (’11)

‘Taking risks is an essential part of life and should be encouraged.’ Discuss. (’11)

Do awards and prizes serve any useful purpose? (’11)

Politics and Government

What priorities would you set for government expenditure and why? (’84)

What do you understand by ‘national character’. Give examples. (’84)

How do you think the world’s politicians could best promote more understanding and better relations among different nations? (’85)

Politics is the art of persuasion. Discuss. (’86)

Is one man one vote the best way to choose a government? (’87)

What influence can the world’s non-aligned nations exert on the international scene? (88)

Has war ever been justifiable? (’88)

What would you consider to be effective means of keeping law and order in today’s society? (’88)

Discuss the causes and consequences of the refugee problems in the modern world. (’88)

What are the main causes of international tensions today? (’89)

‘As society becomes more complex, we have more government and less freedom.’ Discuss. (’89)

Franklin D Roosevelt said that the world should be founded upon four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. Which, in your opinion, is the most important freedom? (’90)

How can we build up friendship between nations? (’90)

‘It is a sweet and honourable thing to die for one’s country.’ The poet Wilfred Owen described this saying as ‘the old lie.’ Do you agree? (’92)

‘Nuclear weapons have ceased to serve any purpose and should be abolished.’ Discuss. (’93)

‘Public campaigns are hardly ever effective.’ Is this true? (’93)

Does sport always contribute to international harmony and understanding? (’93)

Is equality for all a realistic and desirable aim within a society? (’94)

‘The decisive use of force is the only practical means to resolve territorial conflicts.’ Discuss. (’95)

‘Good government requires the courage to take unpopular decisions.’ Discuss this statement, with examples to support your answer. (’96)

Is personal morality the concern of the state? (’96)

‘One’s first duty is to one’s nation; only afterwards to oneself and one’s family.’ Discuss. (’96)

Is it ever right for one country to become involved in the internal affairs of another? (’97)

‘In today’s world, power is determined by economic success, not military might.’ Discuss. (’97) ‘Freedom of speech is a basic right – as long as the speakers do not abuse it.’ Discuss. (’98)

‘To ensure peace, it is vital to prepare for war.’ To what extent is such a viewpoint justifiable? (’98)

Does pride in one's country still have a place in the modern world? ('99)

'A benevolent dictatorship is the most effective form of government.' How far would you agree?('99)

To what extent should richer nations help the poorer ones? (’00)

How far do you agree that health is the responsibility of the State, not of the individual? (’00)

Discuss the extent to which global and national interests can be balanced. (`01)

Can the trade in weapons ever be justified? (‘02)

The prospect of a Third World War is now unthinkable. Do you agree? (‘02)

'A good leader must always look beyond the needs of his or her country.' Do you agree? (’03)

Can small countries have a significant voice in world affairs? ('04)

To what extent should the State involve itself in the world of business? (05)

‘National boundaries make little geographical or economic sense nowadays.’ Discuss. (06)

‘The view of the majority is always right.’ Do you agree? (07)

How far should a state have a right to monitor the actions of people within its borders? (07)

Does the presence of a foreign power ever help a country with problems? (’08)

How far do physical features, such as size and location, determine a country’s progress? (‘08)

To what extent does the migration of people have a positive effect? (‘08)

Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of the disadvantaged. How far is this true in Singapore? (‘08)

'Only educated people should have the right to vote in elections.' What is your view? (’09)

Should a love of one's country still be encouraged? (’09)

To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your country? (’09)

How far should religion influence political decisions? (’09)

Should every country have the right to carry out unlimited scientific research? (’09)

‘No politician’s reputation can survive the judgement of time.’ How true is this? (’10)

Consider the view that efficient government is more important than democracy. (’11)

How far should countries aim to be self-sufficient? (’11)

Science and Technology (including mathematics)

How might advances in technology affect society and the individual in the near future? (84)

Which is more important, to cure disease or to prevent it? (’85)

What would you include in a school’s science museum and why? (‘85)

Compare the merits of the various means of generating electrical power. (‘87)

How necessary is it for the non-scientist to have some knowledge of Mathematics? (‘87)

What diseases are most prevalent in your part of the world and how can they be combated? (‘87)

How can modern technology be used to aid learning in schools? (‘88)

Compare the various methods of preserving perishable food. (‘88)

Consider the ways in which household furniture and equipment could be better designed. (‘88)

Is air travel as safe as it should be? (’89)

How far should scientists be held responsible for the uses made of their discoveries? (‘90)

Is space exploration worthwhile? (‘90)

What scientific or technological advances have most affected modern life in your country? (‘90)

‘Mathematics is the most perfect language of all.’ Discuss. (‘91)

How far should scientists be held responsible for the effects of their discoveries? (‘91)

‘Science can never provide the final answer to things; it is only a way of studying them.’ (‘92)

Eventually computers will allow people to work from home. Is this desirable? (‘92)

In your opinion, what are the most interesting current discoveries in Science? (‘93)

Examine the advantages and disadvantages resulting from the use of satellite technology. (’94)

‘As science advances, the importance of religion declines.’ To what extent is this an accurate claim? (94)

To what extent is continued research into nuclear power justifiable? (’95)

Should any limits be placed on scientific developments? (’96)

Why, in a scientific age, are people still interested in – or afraid of – the supernatural? (’96)

Discuss the benefits and disadvantages which technological development is likely to have upon education in the future. (’97)

‘The first duty of a doctor has always been to preserve life.’ How far can this principle still be maintained? (’98)

Is a world dominated by science a dream or a nightmare for future generations. (’98)

Can the transplanting of animal organs into human beings ever be justified? ('99)

Is a sound knowledge of science and technology essential for a well-educated person in today's world? ('99)

‘Science never provides solutions- it only poses more questions.’ Is this a fair comment? (’00)

`Computers and mobile phones have made us all worse at talking to one another, not better!’ What do you think? (`01)

Examine the implications of cloning for the human race. (`01)

Science and religion will always conflict. Discuss. (‘02)

Should medical science always seek to prolong life? (’03)

'Statistics measure everything but prove nothing.' Discuss. (’03)

Does the modern world place too much reliance on technology? (’03)

'How inventions and discoveries are used is not the concern of the scientist.' Do you agree? ('04)

Is effective farming possible without science? (’05)

‘Medical science has been so successful that people now expect too much of it.’ Do you agree? (‘05)

Consider the view that the study of mathematics is intellectually satisfying, but of little practical use. (‘05)

Does modern technology always improve the quality of people’s lives? (‘06)

Should research into expensive medical treatment be allowed when only a few can afford them? (‘07)

The more science advances, the more religion will decline. To what extent do you agree? (‘08)

Discuss the view that too much faith is placed in statistics. (‘08)

To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your country? (’09)

Should every country have the right to carry out unlimited scientific research? (’09)

To what extent has technology had a negative impact on the skill levels of people? (’10)

Can mathematics be seen as anything more than a useful tool in everyday life? (’10)

To what extent is it acceptable for private companies to be involved in financing scientific research? (’11)

How far should medical resources be used to extend life expectancy? (’11)

Can space research be justified nowadays? (’11)

‘Science is unreliable, being based as much on theory as on fact.’ Is this a fair comment?

Social

Do you agree that a woman’s most important role is that of wife and mother. (’84)

How might advances in technology affect society and the individual in the near future? (84)

Should describe some of the interesting that tourists are rarely shown when they visit your area. (’84)

Should efforts be made to preserve traditional forms of dress. (’85)

What are ‘good manners’? Are they important? (’85)

Should tobacco-smoking be discouraged or even banned? (’86)

Can a country preserve its culture when subject continually to outside influences? (’86)

In what ways is the life-style of your country changing today? (’87)

How important is ceremony in your country? (’87)

Discuss the qualities you would look for in an ideal parent.(’88)

How can we as individuals become more healthy? (’88)

What would you consider to be effective means of keeping law and order in today’s society? (’88)

Discuss the causes and consequences of the refugee problems in the modern world. (’88)

How can we as individuals become more healthy? (’88)

What would you miss about your country if you were obliged to live abroad permanently. (’88)

Should all forms of gambling be abolished? (’89)

What rights and responsibilities should teenagers have? (’89)

‘The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no respect for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone know everything.’ These words were written many years ago. Are they true today? (’90)

Is it right that a ‘pop’ singer should make more money than a nurse? (’90)

‘Far too little attention is paid to the needs of the handicapped.’ Discuss. (’90)

Is there sufficient provision for the leisure activities of teenagers in your country? (‘90)

What scientific or technological advances have most affected modern life in your country? (‘90)

As technology advances, our leisure time is increasing. Do we need to be educated in how to use this time sensibly? (‘91)

Loneliness is becoming an increasing social problem. Discuss the possible causes and suggest some remedies. (‘91)

Eventually computers will allow people to work from home. Is this desirable? (‘92)

‘Young people are slaves to fashion.’ Discuss. (’92)

What changes would you like to see in today’s society? (’92)

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the tourist industry for your country. (’93)

What in your view is distinctive about the culture of your country? Give examples to illustrate your answer. (’93)

Give the reasons for crime among young people and the ways in which they can be encouraged to behave differently. (’93)

Is a world without racial conflict an impossible dream? (’93)

Is equality for all a realistic and desirable aim within a society? (’94)

Assess the arguments for and against the control of population. (’94)

‘To live is to change.’ Is change always beneficial? (’94)

Discuss the ways in which attitudes to health have changed in your country and the effects which have resulted. (’94)

‘If people are poor it is largely their own fault.’ How far would you agree? (’94)

‘The teenage years are the best years of one’s life.’ Would you agree with this view? (’94)

How important is discipline in society? (’95)

‘For parents to choose the sex of their unborn child is neither natural nor desirable.’ (’95)

Should marriage be a life-long commitment? (’95)

Computer games have great appeal but little value. Is this a fair comment? (’95)

Is greater life expectancy always desirable? (’96)

‘The best test of a civilised society is the way in it treats its weakest members.’ Discuss. (’96)

‘One’s first duty is to one’s nation; only afterwards to oneself and one’s family.’ Discuss. (’96)

To what extent is a stable family vital for a successful society? (’97)

Consider the arguments for and against the use of the death penalty in a modern society. (’97)

Examine some forms of prejudice in the world and consider the ways in which they might be tackled. (‘97)

Discuss the view that children always suffer when both parents work. (’98)

Consider whether noise is a problem in modern society. (’98)

How far do we agree that, in spite of all the changes in society, traditional values always remain the best? (’98)

'Being in fashion makes a person popular; being different makes a person special.' Discuss. ('99)

'A preoccupation with physical fitness is the curse of modern life.' Do you agree? ('99)

'The world of the future will be a woman's world.' What are your views? ('99)

Consider the criticism levelled at young people that their only values are self-centred ones. ('99)

‘I am a millionaire. That is my religion.’ To what extent has the pursuit of wealth become the modern goal? (’00)

How far do you agree that health is the responsibility of the State, not of the individual? (’00)

Is the idea of having one partner for life still a realistic one? (’01)

Should the police have unlimited powers when dealing with crime? (’02)

Do you agree that city life is becoming increasingly unattractive? (’02)

How far can the needs of minorities be met in modern Singapore? (’03)

Was life for young people in Singapore better in the past than it is today? (’03)

'The family has suffered at the expense of career in Singaporean society.' Is this a fair comment? (’03)

To what extent are the young in Singapore favoured at the expense of the elderly? ('04)

Are the poor an inevitable feature of any society? ('04)

Discuss the importance of religion today. ('04)

‘The tourist does not see the country the inhabitants know.’ How far is this true of Singapore? (‘05)

‘Too much attention is given to criminals; not enough to their victims.’ Is this true? (‘05)

Is there still a place for charity in today’s world? (’06)

Should crimes that were committed many years ago simply be forgotten? (‘06)

How far is your country prepared for future crisis? (‘06)

To what extent do young people in your society take an interest in politics? (‘06)

Do myths and legends still have a role to play in Singapore? (‘06)

‘Women will never enjoy the same rights as men.’ Do you agree? (‘06)

The more science advances, the more religion will decline. To what extent do you agree? (‘08)

Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of the disadvantaged. How far is this true in Singapore? (‘08)

'History records male acts, written by males, and holds little interest for females as a result.' Is this a fair comment? (’09)

How far should religion influence political decisions? (’09)

Assess the impact of foreign films or foreign TV programmes on the culture of your society. (’09)

Consider the view that most work these days could, and should, be done from home. (’10)

How far can an individual be held responsible for crimes against humanity? (’10)

How important is it for people in your society to retain a sense of tradition? (’10)

‘The key to good health is lifestyle rather than medicine.’ How far do you agree?’ (’10)

Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (’10)

Sport

What effect has commercialisation had upon sport? (’89)

‘Television will eventually be the death of sport.’ Do you agree? (’91)

Does sport always contribute to international harmony and understanding? (’93)

‘Sports which contain the risk of physical injury should be banned.’ How far would you agree with this view? (’96)

‘What is important is not winning, but taking part.’ How realistic is this attitude in the world of sport today? (’97)

Is sport too closely linked to money these days? (’01)

Is friendly rivalry ever possible? (’02)

‘Hosting major sporting events creates more problems than benefits.’ Do you agree? (‘05)

Does sport merit the vast sums of money that are spent on it? (’10)

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