Syllabus, Exam Format, and Assessment Criteria for the General Paper
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- Jan 29
- 5 min read
General Paper Exam Guide
Syllabus, Exam Format, and Assessment Criteria for the General Paper
The General Paper (GP) syllabus, exam format, and assessment criteria have undergone some changes, especially for the 2024 and 2025 exams. Here's a summary of the key aspects:
Syllabus
Focus: The GP syllabus emphasizes developing critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills. It encourages students to explore a wide range of issues of local, regional, and global significance.
Key Themes: The syllabus covers various themes, including:
Society and Culture
Economics
Politics
The Arts and Humanities
Science and Technology
The Environment
Exam Format
Paper 1 (Essay):
2 hours 30 minutes
Students write one essay from a choice of 8 questions.
Questions cover a range of topics, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of current issues.
Paper 2 (Comprehension):
2 hours
Students analyze three comprehension passages and answer questions related to them.
New:
Introduction of "Comparison Questions" that require students to compare and contrast ideas across the passages.
Increased emphasis on applying concepts from the passages to real-world contexts.
Assessment Criteria
Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a good grasp of the topic and relevant issues.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing information, evaluating arguments, and forming reasoned judgments.
Application and Analysis: Applying knowledge and understanding to unfamiliar situations and analyzing complex issues.
Communication: Expressing ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively using appropriate language.
Key Changes in the 2025 Syllabus
Three Comprehension Passages: Instead of two, students now analyze three passages, requiring them to process and analyze a broader range of texts.
Fewer Essay Choices: The number of essay options has been reduced, requiring students to carefully select the topic that best suits their knowledge and analytical skills.
Emphasis on Global Awareness: The syllabus encourages a more global perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of issues and the importance of understanding different viewpoints.
Additional Tips for Success
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on current events and global issues through reading newspapers, watching news programs, and engaging in discussions.
Develop Research Skills: Learn how to find credible sources, evaluate information, and synthesize information from various sources.
Practice Essay Writing: Regularly practice writing essays on different topics to improve your writing skills and develop a strong argumentative style.
Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers and peers on your essays to identify areas for improvement.
By understanding the syllabus, exam format, and assessment criteria, and by following these tips, you can effectively prepare for the General Paper exam and increase your chances of success.
The General Paper (GP) exam in Singapore has undergone some significant changes, particularly for the 2024 and 2025 cohorts. Here's a deeper dive into the key aspects:
Key Changes in the 2025 GP Syllabus
Three Comprehension Passages: This is a major shift. Students now grapple with three passages instead of two, demanding enhanced reading speed, comprehension, and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Fewer Essay Choices: The reduction in essay options from 12 to 8 increases the pressure on students to carefully select the topic that best aligns with their knowledge and analytical strengths.
Emphasis on Global Awareness: The syllabus strongly encourages a global perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of issues and the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints.
Introduction of "Comparison Questions" in Paper 2: These questions require students to analyze and compare ideas across the three comprehension passages, fostering deeper critical thinking and analytical skills.
Increased Emphasis on Application: The "Application Question" in Paper 2 now carries more weight, requiring students to apply concepts from the passages to real-world scenarios and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Implications for Students
Enhanced Reading Skills: Students must develop efficient reading strategies to tackle three passages effectively within the time constraints of the exam.
Deeper Critical Thinking: The "Comparison Questions" and increased emphasis on application necessitate a higher level of critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation.
Broader Knowledge Base: Staying informed about global issues and developing a nuanced understanding of different perspectives is crucial for success.
Stronger Argumentation and Communication: Clear, concise, and well-structured arguments are essential for both the essay and the comprehension sections.
Preparing for the New GP Exam
Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice with past papers and sample questions is essential to adapt to the new format and improve exam technique.
Develop Reading Strategies: Focus on active reading, note-taking, and identifying key arguments and viewpoints in each passage.
Enhance Critical Thinking Skills: Engage in discussions, debates, and critical analysis of current events to sharpen your analytical and evaluative abilities.
Broaden Your Horizons: Read widely, explore diverse perspectives, and stay informed about global issues to enrich your understanding and provide a strong foundation for your essays.
Seek Feedback: Get regular feedback from teachers and peers on your essays and comprehension answers to identify areas for improvement.
The revised GP syllabus presents new challenges but also offers opportunities for students to demonstrate their intellectual depth and analytical abilities. By embracing the changes and adapting their study strategies accordingly, students can effectively prepare for the new GP exam and achieve their academic goals.
How Tuition-MLR can Help
Tuition-MLR can offer several benefits for students preparing for the General Paper (GP) exam, especially with the recent changes to the syllabus:
Specialized Guidance: Tuition-MLR employs experienced tutors who are well-versed in the GP syllabus, exam format, and assessment criteria. These tutors can provide specialized guidance tailored to individual student needs.
Skill Development: Tuition-MLR focuses on developing essential GP skills, such as:
Critical Thinking and Analysis: Analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and forming reasoned judgments.
Essay Writing: Structuring essays effectively, developing persuasive arguments, and using appropriate language.
Comprehension Skills: Reading and analyzing complex texts efficiently, identifying key ideas and arguments, and answering questions accurately.
Personalized Feedback: Tuition-MLR can provide personalized feedback on students' essays and comprehension answers, identifying areas for improvement and suggesting strategies for improvement.
Regular Practice and Feedback: Tuition-MLR incorporates regular practice sessions, mock exams, and assignments, allowing students to apply their learning and receive ongoing feedback.
Addressing Individual Needs: Tuition-MLR can cater to students with different learning styles and paces, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.
Staying Updated: Tuition-MLR stays updated with the latest syllabus changes and exam trends, ensuring that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date instruction.
Choosing Tuition-MLR:
Select Tuition-MLR, considering the following factors:
Tutors' Qualifications and Experience: Tuition-MLR has experienced and qualified tutors who have a strong understanding of the GP syllabus and exam requirements.
Teaching Methodology: We are interactive, engaging, and tailored to different learning styles.
Class Size: Smaller class sizes allow for more personalized attention and interaction with the tutor.
Feedback and Support: Inquire about the frequency and quality of feedback provided on assignments and mock exams.
Student Testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from previous students to gain insights into our experiences.
By selecting Tuition-MLR and actively participating in the learning process, students can significantly enhance their GP preparation and increase their chances of success in the exam.
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