At many junior colleges, the distinction rates for General Paper are among the lowest – if not the lowest – compared with all the A Level subjects taken by students.

Many otherwise straight-A students had started to score a C (or worse) for GP when they were in JC1 and even when they took their A Levels.

From what we have observed of the GP essay topic trends, the exam questions of A Level General Paper are now crafted to be cross-themed.

The design of GP essay questions has become opinion-based discussions that require the A Level candidate to craft and articulate their point of view with supporting evidence.

The mere memorization of facts and regurgitating them in General Paper essay answers will no longer be sufficient.

It will therefore be more challenging for students to spot the topics that they prefer to address and tackle.

Students are currently expected to understand all – or most – issues, and to interlink the factors affecting each issue.

This means that GP pupils will now have to choose options from an unpredictable list of complex interconnected questions while being expected to write comprehensive answers to issues they might not yet sufficiently understand.

There is misconception that General Paper is just an advanced version of O Level English.

GP actually requires a whole new set of skills that the MOE wants junior college students to master in order to meet the demands of higher education and the workplace in a fast-changing world.

While students should find the essay writing and comprehension components familiar, General Paper demands the generation of ideas, depth of argumentation and critical thinking skills that are much more advanced than at the O-Level/SEC English exams.

The ability to write clearly and persuasively is an asset for students even when they move from the classroom to the working world, as effective communication is important in all aspects of one’s life.

Therefore, to excel in General Paper – and indeed, in life – discerning students need to be familiar with the core major global and local issues that affect us all: society and history, science and technology, politics and sustainable economic development, the arts and culture, environmental protection, wealth disparity, media, sports, globalization and more.

There are also themes in GP which are broader and require students to deal with difficult issues such as ethics, prejudice and discrimination, gender and inequality, and societal problems. These themes will require current examples which must be gleaned from world affairs.

Time-starved students might opt to develop strong knowledge of 4 to 6 topics, and to be thoroughly familiar with possible permutations within those information silos.

General Paper teaches students how to craft essays about modern day society, how to critically read information, and to respond well-reasoned arguments.

The objective of General Paper is to instill in students the fundamental framework of analytical and argumentative writing, in order to apply what is learned to the current world through the exploration of a broad range of real-world topics.

GP requires students to demonstrate their knowledge of current affairs, global and local events, as well as a strong linguistic ability in their comprehension section (Paper 2).

It is not enough to simply know how to write an essay or how to answer comprehension questions.

Many students find that they are stuck within the 20 to 29 mark range for their Paper 1 essay.

In order to score a decent grade for General Paper, you will need to get at least 35 marks for Paper 1.

Students will be surprised at how often candidates do not answer what the question requires them to do.

Of course, both General Paper and O Level English require a good command of the English language, where students are expected to be able to read, understand and write essay responses.

This is where the similarities end, and GP is much more than a deceptively simple English paper.

JC students who are accustomed to previously scoring well for English throughout primary and secondary school, then become worried about what strategy and skills they need to master in order to do well for their A Level General Paper.

Often, GP requires students to identify salient information, compare, contrast, and present appropriate content to support the writer’s point of view.

A Level General Paper also aims to develop students’ abilities to think critically and construct coherent arguments through concise and accurate language.

The broad-based nature of topics in General Paper exams makes preparing for GP very difficult.  

Their teachers tell them to read widely and to develop their analytical skills.

Eventually, they feel frustrated with the lack of a clear, comprehensive and practical strategy to accelerate growth and make tangible improvements in their results.

GENERAL PAPER TEACHES YOU THESE PRACTICAL SKILLS

It is not enough to just “read widely”, be well-versed in “popular” topics, diversify your knowledge base, or to keep up with current affairs.

Central to excelling in GP is the ability to interpret questions correctly, put forth arguments coherently and clearly with appropriate language and vocabulary, and compose pointed responses to argumentative topics.

You must articulate your ideas with more precision and nuance.

This helps you secure essential marks.

A robust vocabulary improves your writing style, and breathes life into your arguments – making them more compelling.

You have to provide responses that align perfectly with the questions’ demands, after you have accurately dissected the questions.

This secures your path to excellence.

You therefore need to maintain your focus and directly tackle the question – this alone can elevate your work from satisfactory to exceptional.

GP galvanizes students to actively explore a range of key global, regional and local issues so that they are better-placed to address real-life challenges that they will encounter sometime in their lives.

Students are encouraged to become more adept at interpreting and evaluating the complexities of the world we live in.

Through GP, they also develop the mindset of active inquiry, to routinely reflect on their readiness to convey their views in a balanced and thoughtful manner.

These will guide them to make responsible decisions and to contribute constructively toward their communities.

Studying General Paper helps develop your logical thought, problem-solving skills, and the ability to write accurate and concise reports – all these are important for a range of jobs.

General Paper students will better understand:
The development of transferable techniques that include investigative, problem solving, research, decision-making, and analytical aptitude

• You will gain analytical dexterity, have an enquiring mind, and sharpen the ability to think logically
• The thorough and methodical approach to how you learn, assimilate and present important information
• How to deepen your organizational aptitude to plan and carry out projects
• How to explain results clearly and concisely
  
  

WHY STUDY GENERAL PAPER?

Good essays were often characterised by clear and resonant language, developed argument that evaluated the issues raised, and a range of thoughtfully chosen corroborative examples.

Less successful answers often contained poorly-applied grammar and expression, arguments that lacked focus, and insufficient relevant examples.

To thrive during the GP exam, you should:

• Pay particular attention to the key words in the question you have chosen
• Plan answers carefully before beginning the essay or response to the Paper 2 questions
• Your first 2 paragraphs should illustrate your point of view and stimulate the reader’s interest
• Conclusions should not repeat word for word what has already been written
• Thoughtful conclusions raise questions and acknowledge that there may well be more to be researched and discovered
• Argumentative essays are not a set of instructions telling the reader what to do, say, or think
• The use of big words does not necessarily mean you will be given more points
• What GP exam markers look for in a strong essay is that you are able to write in clear and concise sentences that convey your points without unnecessary fluff and rambling
• Avoid ambiguity by clearly expressing your intended meaning
• Try to develop a considered argument for each major concept that you are including in your answers
• Supporting evidence needs to be meaningfully reinforced and elaborated on
• The question or topic that evokes vivid images in your mind is worth responding to or writing about
• Not all questions are looking for a two-sided argument
• The ability to weigh and judge arguments – and not merely to state points – is a necessary skill
• Where appropriate, show awareness of the opposite point of view as well as why your point of view is a better choice

Good analytical essays present ideas and then dissect them with the approach that “if this happens, then the result is likely to be this. And, alternatively, if this approach is taken, it might result in a worse/favourable outcome.”

The GP syllabus aims to encourage students to better understand the world and themselves by fostering a critical awareness of continuity and change in the human experience.

Students will engage in independent research, and develop critical and inventive thinking/reading skills.

They will be able to broaden their global outlook and deepen their understanding of local issues, as well as how issues of regional and global importance relate to Singapore and our citizens.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING GENERAL PAPER  

General Paper develops a set of transferable skills.

These include comprehension, constructing an argument, presenting views, and the ability to write English coherently and persuasively.

Learners can apply these skills across a wide range of subjects and these skills equip them well for progression to higher education or directly into employment.

A Level General Paper encourages the exploration and appraisal of social, cultural, economic, philosophical, scientific and technological issues.

Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of individual, social, and cultural diversity as well as maturity of thought and clarity of expression both verbally and in writing. 

Through the reading of timely literature, outside novels and works, and current media reports, students will develop critical reading and analysis skills.

WHAT REWARDING CAREERS/SPECIALTY AREAS REQUIRE GENERAL PAPER SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE?

Think General Paper is a rigid and boring subject? Think again.

For students passionate about General Paper, the career prospects are extensive, rewarding and diverse.

Doing well in General Paper provides opportunities for a wide variety of careers in many different professional fields, including science, research, business and health care.

Analytical thinkers often find themselves in positions of leadership or decision-making.

They are required to be able to think critically and come up with solutions that will benefit their team or organization.

For example, analytical thinkers often work on financial reports, develop marketing plans, or manage customer relationships in the business world.

Government agencies may work on policy analysis or investigations.

Academics also rely on analytical thinking skills for research projects and writing papers.

One of the main benefits of using analytical thinking is that it requires us to think more systematically.

This allows us to approach problems in a more logical way, which can lead to faster and more accurate solutions.

Analytical thinking helps us be objective and unbiased when making decisions.

This means we can look at all the available information before deciding rather than being swayed by emotional factors or personal biases.

Analytical thinking is essential for anyone looking to make better decisions.

It enables us to think critically about problems and develop solutions based on sound reasoning.

You can secure a career role that suits your particular interests while also earning a high salary.

The following examples often involve working with complex concepts, and a deep understanding of how the skills learned from General Paper is vital.

So, which are the best paying jobs that require strong General Paper skills?

You can consider:

Economist, Chemist, Accountant, Financial Analyst, Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Actuary, Director of Strategy, Marketing Analyst, Technical Writer, Management Analyst and Consultant, Software Developer, Research Psychologist, Translator, Quantitative Analyst, Health Science Communications, Political Scientist, Sociologist, Biophysicist, Museum Curator, Market Research Analyst, Medical Writer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Information Science Professional, Ethics Professor, Content Manager, Editor, Political Theorist, Internal Communications Officer, Anthropologist, Researcher, Public Relations Manager, Investment Advisor, Regional Editorial Journalist, Paralegal, Data Mining, Operations Research Analyst, Journalist, Teacher, Filmmaker, Copywriter, Data and Metrics Interpreting, Reporting, User Experience Writer, Brand Strategist, Academic Librarian, Social Media Manager, English Language Professor, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics, Digital Copywriter, Archivist, Education and Training, Policy Making, Diagnostics, Research Analyst, Marketing Director, Budget Analyst, Computer Network Architect, Hospitality and Tourism, Cost Estimator, Materials Scientist, Software Developer, Biochemist, Urban and Regional Planner, Financial Manager, Insurance Underwriter, Lawyer.

Organizations within these industries highly value analytical thinkers because of their exceptional knowledge and decision-making abilities.

Analytical thinkers typically use critical thinking skills to analyze data and develop solutions.

This can consist of finding trends, making predictions, and deriving conclusions.

If you relate to the contemplative qualities described in this page, consider applying your analytical rigor, creativity and philosophical orientation to one of these mentally stimulating careers where they are transformed into understanding, progress and unique solutions.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE GENERAL PAPER EXAMS

Students are likely to find General Paper to be extraordinarily difficult because of the challenges in understanding what the questions require them to answer.

Learning how to write proficiently beyond your O Level/SEC English exams is the most rewarding advantage of studying General Paper.

GP is structured to hone candidates’ abilities to think critically, communicate effectively and to be able to credibly engage in a discussion of current affairs.

All of these are skills that are essential in tertiary education, in the workplace, and in life.

Analytical skills are the abilities which allow you to collect, organize, visualize, and assimilate data.

They let you see patterns, draw conclusions, and find solutions that can boost your employee productivity and company’s bottom-line performance.

It is not surprising that it is very hard to find a job offer where analytical skills are not listed among the employer’s requirements.

Deep thinkers possess a rare gift – the ability to analyze ideas on a more profound level and see connections that others miss.

This contemplative nature allows them to thrive in careers where introspection, problem-solving and imagination are valued.

If you constantly find yourself mulling over how things work, coming up with creative solutions or pondering philosophical questions, you may just have the mind of a deep thinker.

In our rapid-paced world, deep thinkers provide much-needed perspective with their tendency to thoroughly gather information, carefully reflect and make connections that catalyze innovation.

The themes introduced in GP are rather broad and will include many specific subtopics.

In Paper 1 of General Paper, there are a total of 12 questions.

Students are only required to do 1 question, and this allows them to choose the question they are most confident in writing.

It is most important to note that having sufficiently substantial content for Paper 1 can be the determinant of their General Paper grades.

Paper 1 constitutes 50% of the General Paper grade, and the content alone is worth 60% of that weightage.

The writing style learnt in General Paper is multi-disciplinary and prepares you well for your undergraduate studies – whether you choose to major in Physics, Mathematics, Economics, Business, the Arts etc.

Why is studying General Paper difficult?

General Paper is a progressive subject.

Anything you learn in the beginning of your General Paper syllabus will be used later in curriculum.

So, you need to really pay attention and understand.

Especially in the beginning.

You will see over and over again the interwoven topics and materials that you had learned before your first General Paper exam, in subsequent lessons and exams.

This means that you have to get it right from the beginning, or risk being left behind.

If you feel the need to slack off at all or to take a break, do it near the end of the semester/academic year.

It is best that you aim for an A right from the beginning because many top-scoring students find that their grades start to slip when the content gets more complex.

They typically face difficulties in General Paper when they struggle to grasp foundational requirements, encounter tougher vocabulary and grammar rules, and fail to make connections of the concepts.

With a 1-on-1 General Paper tutor, your General Paper can start to improve starting from your first lesson.

You will have someone to guide you, and who can offer you resources and tips that you can use starting today.

The unfamiliarity, volume and speed of information presented in the General Paper requirements can be overwhelming for many students.

The vast expanse of knowledge, intricate literary devices, and the interwoven complexities often pose hurdles.

Many students grapple with the sheer volume of information and the abstract nature of the General Paper requirements.

Reading and understanding extensive material by yourself at home can become intimidating, and this can discourage the pursuit of better grades.

By using the practical and easy tips below, you can master your General Paper syllabus.

Memorizing basic information is helpful, but real learning comes from conceptual understanding.

Conceptual understanding is the goal.

To achieve this, it is crucial to note:

1. General Paper is hard because you think it is hard. If you think something is difficult, you are setting up yourself to fulfil that expectation. You therefore need to truly believe that you can learn General Paper. You may need to learn new study skills and change the way you organize your time, but anyone with the determination to learn General Paper can do so. Once you succeed, you will gain a deep sense of accomplishment
2. Read the questions carefully. You get a total of 12 questions to choose from for your General Paper essay. Read all of them carefully. While you should choose a topic that you are familiar with or passionate about (eg. science, community, education, the arts), avoid choosing a question immediately just because it seems familiar
3. Rather, you may find that some of the general knowledge you have accumulated while preparing for the exam can be applied to a question on a less familiar topic, and provides the breadth of examples that markers look for.
4. A good strategy is to shortlist two or three questions before you start planning, just in case you come up against difficult challenges when formulating your argument and need an alternative
5. Planning out your essay is essential for many reasons. It helps you avoid the dangers of jumping straight in with a weak argument or no argument at all, only to realise after an hour that you haven’t really been answering the question adequately. Planning allows you to structure your points and counterpoints in a logical flow to best support your thesis statement and overall argument. Planning also enables you to take evaluate the quality of the examples you have to back up your points.
6. Do you have enough to substantiate each point? Are there obvious gaps that you cannot think of a way to fill, and should you quickly go and consider another question instead?
7. A clear and concise introduction is better than a stylish one. A good introduction in a GP essay quickly moves both you (the writer) and the reader (the exam marker) on to the core of the content you want to convey. It sets up your argument clearly and provides a preview of what is to come. Remember that a complete essay with all points substantiated and a conclusion will always score better than an incomplete essay with an impressive and memorable introduction
8. Link your arguments together, and stay on point. This is often the difference between an average essay and a good one, and between a good essay and an excellent one. The highest-scoring GP essays are not the ones with the most distinctive style or the most flowery language, but the ones with the tightest arguments and structure. Everything you write should aim to answer the question, so that your thesis statement, points, and examples mutually reinforce each other and your overall argument. Leave the examiner in no doubt of which piece of evidence supports which point you are making, and why. Also, it helps to repeatedly use keywords from the question
9. If a favourite example of yours doesn’t quite fit the argument you are crafting, remove it. Unlike Mathematics or the Science subjects where plonking down some calculations or facts could earn you some marks, in GP, it’s better to keep your examples on point rather than try to show everything you know
10. The more times you hear and practice these methods, the easier it will get. Topics and themes are constructed to highlight and guide you through particularly important concepts, so do revisit the content regularly. This can help you to increase your understanding and retention of the themes
11. If you did not answer any test questions correctly, go back and learn that exact material until you master it. Do this before even more content is covered by your teacher in class
12. See the “big picture”, the hierarchical structure of General Paper
13. Be able to understand how and why grammatical and vocabulary structures function the way they do
14. Grasp not only the definition of terms but why they are important
15. Do the assigned readings before your teacher covers it in school. Read and take notes on the assigned material before you come to class. This will enhance your understanding of the lecture and make note-taking easier
16. Check your understanding. After reading a topic or theme, ask yourself if you could explain the material to your sibling or a friend. Reviewing questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter is also a great way to check your understanding of what you just learned
17. Convert your notes into study aids. When studying for exams, do not simply re-read your notes. Instead, convert your notes into matrices, concept maps or other visual representations of the material
18. Form a study group. Working with a small group of 3 to 4 students will enhance your learning and comprehension. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn General Paper
19. Partner with an admired General Paper mentor

If you cannot seem to truly understand a concept – even after consulting your notes and the textbook – schedule a meeting with your school teacher or start tuition with a General Paper tutor from The Best In Singapore.

We equip our students with the how-how to study smart and score big for exams.

The individualized attention and tailored approaches offered by expert private tutors can unravel the intricacies of General Paper. This is the transformative benefit of personalized General Paper tuition in Singapore.

General Paper principles build on top of one another, so taking the time to fully understand the more basic principles of General Paper can help you to succeed when learning about the more difficult skills.

With customized guidance, students can navigate through challenging topics, and understand complex theories.

This demystifies General Paper and helps you overcome academic hurdles.

It also instils a profound passion and enthusiasm for General Paper beyond mere academic obligations.

HOW TO TURN THIS MONTH INTO A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR NEXT EXAM

General Paper examinations are a significant milestone, and demonstrate how much of the content you have mastered.

Yet, the complexity of the General Paper requirements can be a demoralizing challenge for many students.

To do well in any exam, we need to rely on discipline, not just motivation.

All top students know that they will not always feel like studying.

Motivation is fickle and can often disappear when your mood changes.

Discipline – on the other hand – means studying even when you don’t feel like it, and even when you do not feel motivated.

Strategic planning and systematic preparation play a formidable role in navigating these hurdles and achieving success in General Paper.

There are days when you have to force yourself to do the work you need to. No matter how you feel.

And you have to stick to your schedule, despite everything else that is going on around you.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO LEARN GENERAL PAPER  

Success in General Paper exams depends on a combination of factors, from extensive understanding to efficient study methods.

• Try to understand patterns.
  The human mind loves categorising information and looking for relationships between the different things we encounter. This is how our minds make sense of the world around us
• Top students make use this way of thinking when it comes to studying as well
• They look at the bigger picture and they look for patterns in the General Paper requirements that will help them make sense of different – yet interrelated – topics
• Understanding the bigger picture, and how different topics relate to one another, will help you comprehend, memorise, and recall your work better.
• Try understanding the “why”
• It is not enough to just know “how” to solve a problem or approach an exam question, because you are expected to be able to apply the theory that you had learned
• Top students also know “why” you have to do things in a certain way. Understanding “why” will help you gain a deeper understanding of the work. This will then help you to internalise/absorb it more effectively This is particularly true in General Paper
• Understanding the theory behind certain things will help you answer unfamiliar questions – not only in your exams, but when you enter the workforce as well.
• Adopting a structured study schedule, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and dedicating focused study sessions to each topic significantly enhances comprehension and retention.

Adopting a structured study schedule, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and dedicating focused study sessions to each topic significantly enhances comprehension and retention.

TACKLING THE RIGOUR OF GENERAL PAPER EXAMS  

General Paper exams in Singapore are renowned for their depth and complexity, often posing an alarming challenge for students.

The partnership between the Ministry of Education and the University of Cambridge in crafting these examinations based on local requirements and global industry developments in General Paper elevates their difficulty level.

Overcoming these challenges demands focused attention, a deep understanding of concepts, and strategic application of knowledge.

IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMIC STUDYING AND STRATEGIC PREPARATION WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

Cultivating a habit of regular revision and addressing weak areas play a significant role in mastering General Paper.

A proven method to do well in General Paper examinations is to have access to an experienced tutor in Singapore who is an expert at systematic studying and who is good at simplifying complex General Paper concepts.

You will learn mind mapping, and how to create appropriate notes.

Importantly, you will be equipped with the exact key phrases to use for explanations and answers that fastidious exam markers require.

This personalized touch fosters an environment where complex topics can be explored comprehensively, ensuring a solid foundation in the subject.

A good General Paper home tutor possesses a unique blend of qualifications, an ability to break down intricate theories into digestible components, and effective teaching methodology.

Your General Paper tuition teacher has a robust understanding of the content that you want to understand, imparts problem-solving strategies, and instils a sense of curiosity and passion for General Paper.

Their dedicated guidance helps you to navigate through the labyrinth of complex General Paper concepts.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Singapore’s best tuition agent, with the most qualified and experienced General Paper tuition teachers
• Choose from over 5,600 General Paper tuition teachers who are MOE teachers/experienced tutors with PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s/university undergraduates
• Teaching pace and material used are tailored to fit your individual needs
• Full attention of Singapore’s best private tuition teachers
• Correct the misconceptions immediately
• Specialty exam preparation
• Exposing our students to all the types of questions would mean they would never be caught off guard in an exam
• Intensive and methodical learning
• Lessons infused with impactful exam techniques
• Attentive, hardworking, committed General Paper family tutors
• We are here to transform confusion and anxiety into clarity and confidence

You can be a top student too!

Don’t think for a second that there is any real difference between you and a top-achieving student when it comes to what you are capable of.

The only thing standing between you and much better marks is working harder, and working smarter.

So if you want to get to the top of your class, and pass your course with distinction, you just have to cultivate better study habits.

Every student wants to do well.

But those with clear goals are the ones who manage to push themselves a bit further each time.

For each semester and each exam, you have to create a realistic goal for yourself regarding the mark you want to achieve. And each goal should be a just little higher than the previous one.

In a world where the pursuit of knowledge and good grades is inevitable, the choice of the right General Paper tuition teacher – whether in-person or through online tuition in Singapore – can define the types of grades that you will have over the next 3 months, for your upcoming school assessments, and the national exams.

Effective General Paper tuition helps you overcome academic hurdles and is a productive gateway to a deeper understanding and profound appreciation for how communications impacts our lives.