A General Paper Revision Lesson

SAMPLE QUESTION (1)

Technology

simplifies our lives to the point of addiction. Discuss.

SIMPLIFIES TECHNOLOGY
convenient

less tedious

the applications of science fewer steps in the form of tools, takes a shorter time devices, programmes less complicated that affect many aspects not requiring specific or of our lives advanced skill or knowledge easy for laymans use

OUR LIVES

Visualise !

the things we need to do ADDICTION on a daily or regular basis compulsive behaviour, How we work, the need for something play, communicate, build relationships, complete chores commute, travel

that has become a (negative) habit, causing harm not being able to function effectively without that thing i.e. over-reliance withdrawal symptoms

Interpretations + Thesis Statement

How much technology do we use in a typical day ? We need our water heaters for warm showers, and air conditioners for our summery nights. We use kitchen equipment to blend, mix, knead and bake. We send text messages more than we make house calls. We take the trains or our cars instead of walk. When we get to work, we are productive because of computers and printers. Even in schools, children learn complex abstract concepts using simulated animation. Technology makes so many things so easy. One of the questions that have arisen because of this miracle of technology is this : Have we become tech-addicts? My opinion is that many people in developed societies today have. They even display the signs of addiction to prove it. They are over-reliant on technology, cannot function properly or independently without it, put up with harm to use it and would probably face terrible upheavals in their lives if it is withdrawn from them.

Sample Points / Topic Sentences

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

When tech makes completing tasks convenient do not know how to do things without it Being reliant on tech natural abilities are dulled When we become so used to using tech put up with harm to use it The joy we get from the ease that tech brings want more and more, even when we do not really need Simplified life due to tech things go terribly wrong when the tech fails, or is absent (counterpoint) efforts to counter the problems of tech addiction promote enjoyment of non-tech activities (Resolution) Despite efforts to use less technology, the fact remains that the default way we live is technology-driven. Normalising the use of something that looks like an enhancement, but is actually detrimental and keeps us enslaved to it is none other than an addiction.

SAMPLE QUESTION (2)

Discuss the

importance of mass media with respect to education today.

EDUCATION
Education, formal or informal, is

meant for the holistic development of the human being Schools may have other aims as well e.g. Public schools have social or national aims

MASS MEDIA
Diversified platforms that reach out to large audiences newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, the internet etc.

IMPORTANCE FOR EDUCATION ? o Mass media can DELIVER, REINFORCE or UNDERMINE the messages / aims / values of education o Depends on the agenda of those who own the

mass media o Depends when whether educators and learners themselves can take what is good from the mass media, and learn from what is bad

INTERPRETATIONS + THESIS STATEMENT

In the past decades, people in modern societies have witnessed the growing influence of mass media on many aspects of their lives. One of those aspects is education, a key institution in all societies. I think that mass media can be of great importance to education because it can help reinforce some of the values, messages and aims of education. However, I recognise that some of their objectives can also be divergent. In cases of such conflicts of interest, mass media could very well undermine what good education stands for and thus educators and learners must manage this clash so the aims of education are not compromised.

POINTS / TOPIC SENTENCES

1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

Education teaches values ; mass media can reiterate Mass media knowledge beyond the textbook Public broadcasting and public education system ensure that their messages are aligned at specific junctures esp. for social and national aims (counterpoint) Mass media is associated with consumerist culture (excess, frivolity, hedonism, superficiality etc.) VS Educations wholesomeness (counterpoint) Mass media (more varied ideas, some even anti-establishment) VS controlled environment in schools or home impact of socio-cultural and national aims (Resolution) By using media content, responsible education prepares learners to critically engage the media-saturated world they live in.

SAMPLE QUESTION (3)

It is impossible to

spend quality time with the family today. How true is this ?

family
Parents, children,

quality time
Time to bond, have fun

grandparents & other Focus on the family, and not relatives on other things Considered a building Get to know family members block of society more deeply by doing things A means through which together and talking values are transmitted Provides the primary support system for each individual

INTERPRETATIONS + THESIS STATEMENT

Ill be home late today. A text message like this from a

busy family member may be something that many people have grown accustomed to in this day and age. More often than not, family members are understanding and accommodate each other in such hectic periods. However, this loss of time with the family can lead to serious consequences that begin with family members drifting apart so subtly and gradually. Families need a two-step approach to keeping close. The first is to make more time for each other. The second is to make whatever time spent together quality time. The latter step is particularly necessary when busyness cannot be avoided. It is undoubtedly a challenge to work towards getting quality time, but not entirely impossible.

SAMPLE POINTS / TOPIC SENTENCES

1. Depends on the nature of work & socio-

economic background 2. Depends on the persons sense of his priorities 3. Depends on the persons understanding of quality time 4. Depends on the familys exposure to ideas on how to turn the time they have to quality time