TMJC 8881 GP Paper 1 Skills Guide 2023

1 TMJC General Paper Paper 1 Skills Guide Content Page 1) An introduction to Paper 1: Essay 2) Choosing a Question 3) Question Analysis Step 1: Concept Clarification 2 2 3 Step 2: Identify and Clarify the Evaluative Keywords 3 Step 3: Set the Context 4 Step 4: Check for Underlying Assumptions 5 Step 5: Identify the Point of Contention (PoC) / Main Issue 5 Step 6: Brainstorm for Ideas 6 Step 7: Organise points into an Essay Plan (1) Sort points into two sides (2) Expand/delete points (3) Decide on the stand (4) Mapping out points into a Balanced Discussion (5) Possible Essay Structures 7 7 8 9 10 13 4) The Introductory Paragraph 15 5) Paragraph Development for Supporting Views (SVs) 18 6) Paragraph Development for Opposing Views (OVs) / Concessions (Cs) 22 7) Paragraph Development for Opposing Views (OVs) / Rebuttals (Rs) 23 8) The Conclusion 24 9) Sample Essay 25

2 1) An Introduction to Paper 1: Essay General Paper aims to develop in students the ability to think critically and inventively, construct cogent arguments and communicate their ideas using clear, accurate and effective language. General Paper encourages students to explore a range of key issues of global , regional and local significance and appreciate the interrelationship of ideas across time, space and disciplines. This provides students with a good foundation to thrive in a fast-changing world. It is particularly in Paper 1, the Essay component, that such skills are tested. Description Paper 1 (Essay) comprises 8 questions examining issues of local , regional and global significance. Students have to answer any one out of a total of these 8 questions with an essay length of 500–800 words within a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. Range of Marks Content: 30 + Use of English: 20 = Total mark: 50 Issues and knowledge related to: • society and culture • economics • politics • the arts and humanities • science and technology • the environment Questions will be general in nature and require candidates to draw on their knowledge from across disciplines to show an awareness of significant global/national/local issues and demonstrate understanding at a conceptual level. The ability to convey a sustained and well thought -out argument , as well as being able to make connections across different ideas will be vital. Examples will be needed to support that argument, thus you should read as widely as possible to build your knowledge! 2) Choosing a Question A good essay begins with the right selection of the question. Given that there are 8 questions to select, which should you choose? Decide based on: A. Your knowledge of the concepts being discussed, tapping on your interests or passion, or knowledge from previous reading or other subjects. B. Your understanding of the point of contention/main issue of the question. Avoid questions with keywords you do not under