October 2023 — Gp Lah!

Examine the extent to which information and communications technology is having a negative impact on your country.

Points to discuss negative impact of information and communications technology

assess the productive uses of information and communications technology (ICT) within a society
evaluate scenarios where the use of ICT may not be positive
make a judgement, based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
how ICT is having a positive effect in developing systems, procedures and methods
the benefits of ICT in the enforcement of the law
the use of ICT as a form of communication enabling remote meetings
the use of ICT within medicine and science as a tool for treatment, research, and the evaluation of data
how the overuse of ICT can cause a sense of being monitored and curb freedoms
the unreliability of some systems and platforms where data is lost
ICT being used to improve business efficiency and responsiveness to the market
the lack of the personal touch that ICT can bring.

Possible points for discussing whether the one-party system is effective

show understanding of a one-party system and its working
consider the advantages and disadvantages of the one-party system
make a judgment based on the consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
the one-party system is an effective and stable administration enabling long-term plans to be made without disruption
continual economic progress where there is no tension between rival parties
all power being concentrated in the hands of one leader
there being unity and discipline in a country without opposing factions
disallowing any form of free expression or opposition to the views of the state
fears of a dictatorship and the end of democracy and debate
social freedoms being crushed stifling individuality and personality
the reality that opponents of this system are not tolerated.

Possible points for discussing the importance of studying local history

discuss the concept of the history of people, places and events at a local level
consider the importance of studying local history compared with national or world history
make a judgement, based on consideration of the evidence and argument put forward.
local history writing, records and archives having immediate interest and relevance
local history recording people’s lives and experiences that relate to world events
the celebration of culture, society and language of smaller groups
local history being an immense source of pride and a useful local resource
local history enabling the young and future generations to understand their forebears
the writings of highly enthusiastic amateurs, with a direct connection to the area and subject matter
problems arising around interpretation and emphasis at a local level
local history being seen as unimportant in the context of international events.