Paper 1 Essay Questions

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A. Education
The word failure should never be used in education. Discuss.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Do you
agree?
Do you agree that educating the mind and the heart is equally important?
Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who
prepare for it today. Discuss.
What are the most effective study techniques?
Do you feel that you need the long school vacation? How do you spend your time during
school vacations?
B. Technology
To what extent has technology had an impact on both privacy and security in your
country?
How has the internet transformed communication?
Does modern technology always improve the quality of peoples lives?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in learning.
Discuss the impacts of technology on your everyday life.
Pablo Picasso said: Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. Discuss.

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C. Media
Discuss the extent of media influence in your life.
How are youths self-images affected by the media?
Everything in the media are false. Do you agree?
In the world of advertising, theres no such thing as a lie. Theres only expedient
exaggeration. Discuss.
Jim Morrison said: Whoever controls the media, controls the mind. Do you agree?
Social media has infected the world with a sickening virus called vanity. Discuss.

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D. Success and Failure

Failure leads to success. Do you agree?
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. Discuss.
Robert F. Kennedy said: Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.
Discuss what it means to be successful.
What are the key ingredients to success?
Eighty percent of success is showing up. Discuss.

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E. Competition
Competition is always necessary in sports. Do you agree?
Competition is the only motivation for improvement. Do you agree?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of competition between students.
If you are not going to go all the way, why go at all? Discuss.
Describe a lesson learnt from a competition.
It is impossible for people to not be competitive. Do you agree?

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F. Descriptive/Narrative Essays
Write a story which includes the words: It was the same bus I got onto every day, but
that day, as I sat down, I sensed something was different.
Describe a meeting with a mysterious character.
Describe one of the large shopping malls in Singapore. Why does it attract so many
customers?
Describe a great celebration that you took part in.
A costly mistake
Write about an unexpected partnership that proved to be a success.
G. One Word

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Flight
Violence
Tourism
History
Dreams and Ambitions
Freedom
H. Miscellaneous
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions in life. What are the factors that
will influence your choice?
Should both parents go out to work when their children are very young?
Write about some
Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer. Discuss.
No pain, no gain Do you agree?
Is having more information always better?
Which aspect of education do you think will be more useful to you in adult life?
It is said that school uniform gives pupils a sense of identity and encourages good
discipline. Do you agree?
Should entertainers and sports stars be paid such large sums of money? What are your
views?
How important is discipline in your life?
The secret of a happy life is moderation in all things Discuss.
How can we lead a healthier lifestyle?