June 2024 — Gp Lah!

Science has more value than art. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In contemporary discourse, the debate over whether science or art holds more value is both prevalent and polarising.
Background: Brief overview of the contributions of science and art to society, highlighting their differing but complementary roles.
Thesis Statement: While science undeniably offers crucial advancements and practical benefits to society, art holds significant value through its capacity to enrich human experience, foster creativity, and provide cultural and emotional insights, demonstrating that both domains are essential in their unique ways.

II. Supporting View 1: Practical Benefits of Science

Topic Sentence: Science provides practical benefits that are indispensable for the advancement and well-being of society.
Example 1: Medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases, have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life. For instance, the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Example 2: Technological innovations like the internet and renewable energy sources have transformed industries and everyday life, enhancing connectivity and sustainability.
Analysis: Discuss how these advancements highlight the practical and transformative impact of scientific progress on society.

III. Supporting View 2: Advancement of Knowledge and Problem-Solving

Topic Sentence: Science advances knowledge and addresses critical global challenges through rigorous problem-solving methods.
Example 1: Climate change research in environmental science has provided crucial data and strategies for combating global warming, such as the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Example 2: Space exploration, led by agencies like NASA and ESA, expands our understanding of the universe and drives technological innovations that benefit multiple sectors.
Analysis: Examine how the pursuit of scientific knowledge and solutions to complex problems underscores the intrinsic value of science.

IV. Opposing View 1: Enrichment of Human Experience Through Art

Topic Sentence: Art enriches human experience by fostering creativity, emotional expression, and cultural understanding.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary art movements, such as street art by artists like Banksy, which provoke thought and dialogue on social issues.
Example 2: The role of music, literature, and visual arts in promoting mental health and well-being, as seen in initiatives like art therapy and music therapy programmes.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate the profound impact of art on emotional well-being and cultural enrichment.

V. Opposing View 2: Cultural and Emotional Insights Provided by Art

Topic Sentence: Art provides valuable cultural and emotional insights that are essential for a well-rounded understanding of the human condition.
Example 1: The resurgence of interest in eclectic arts such as performance art and digital media art, which reflect and shape contemporary cultural and social dynamics.
Example 2: The influence of literature and theatre in exploring complex human emotions and societal issues, exemplified by works like Shakespeare’s plays and modern novels addressing social justice.
Analysis: Explore how these forms of art contribute to a deeper appreciation of human experiences and societal issues, highlighting their enduring relevance.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While science offers practical advancements and problem-solving capabilities crucial for societal progress, art enriches human experience, fosters creativity, and provides cultural and emotional insights, underscoring the unique and complementary value of both domains.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to value and support both science and art, recognising their distinct contributions to a balanced and thriving society.

Poverty is the greatest enemy of the environment. Is this true?

Poverty can significantly impact the environment by driving unsustainable practices, but it is not the sole or greatest factor.

Poverty can significantly impact the environment by driving unsustainable practices, but it is not the sole or greatest factor. Other elements, such as industrial activities and policy failures, also play critical roles.

I. Introduction

Hook: Poverty plunges the environment and ecosystem into dispair and destruction. Critics opine that poverty can significantly impact the environment.
Background: Overview of factors affecting the environment, defining modern living and its typical impacts.
Thesis Statement: Poverty significantly impacts the environment, but industrial activities and policy failures are also crucial contributors.

II. Supporting View 1: Poverty Drives Unsustainable Practices

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment, as poverty is a key factor driving unsustainable environmental practices.
Example 1: Deforestation in Madagascar (2020) due to slash-and-burn agriculture for survival. Poor farmers clear forests for farmland, leading to habitat loss (source: Reuters, 2020).
Example 2: Overfishing in Ghana (2019) as impoverished communities rely on fishing for income. Depleted fish stocks harm marine ecosystems (source: BBC, 2019).
Example 3: Charcoal production in Kenya (2021) due to lack of affordable energy sources. Deforestation and soil erosion result from extensive charcoal burning (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Analysis: Poverty forces communities into practices that degrade the environment.
Counterargument: Economic development can mitigate these practices by providing alternatives. Countries like Kenya and Ghana are making progress towards eliminating practices that impact the environment.

III. Supporting View 2: Lack of Resources for Sustainable Alternatives

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment as poverty limits access to sustainable alternatives, exacerbating environmental damage.
Example 1: India’s dependence on biomass for cooking (2019) due to poverty. Indoor air pollution and deforestation from using wood and dung (source: The Hindu, 2019).
Example 2: Indonesia’s illegal logging (2021) driven by economic hardship. Forests are cleared for timber and agriculture to support livelihoods (source: BBC, 2021). [Countries still cutting down trees].
Example 3: Waste management issues in Nigeria (2020) due to lack of infrastructure. Poor waste disposal practices lead to pollution and health hazards (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Analysis: Economic constraints hinder the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
Counterargument: Governments and NGOs are working to provide cleaner alternatives. There are many NGOs that have sprouted to help the cause.

IV. Supporting View 3: Immediate Survival Needs Over Long-term Conservation

Topic Sentence: Poverty can significantly impact the environment as poverty prioritises immediate survival over long-term environmental conservation.
Example 1: Subsistence farming in Nepal (2019) leads to soil degradation and deforestation. Farmers clear land to grow food, impacting biodiversity (source: Reuters, 2019).
Example 2: Poaching in Zimbabwe (2020) driven by economic desperation. Endangered species are hunted for income, threatening biodiversity (source: BBC, 2020).
Example 3: Pollution from informal settlements in South Africa (2021) due to lack of sanitation. Waste and pollution increase with unplanned urban growth (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Analysis: The focus on immediate needs overshadows environmental conservation efforts.
Counterargument: Sustainable farming initiatives are being introduced to mitigate this impact.

V. Opposing View 1: Industrial Activities as the Main Factor

Topic Sentence: Industrial activities are the main factor responsible for environmental degradation, not poverty.
Example 1: China’s industrial pollution (2019) despite economic growth. Factories contribute significantly to air and water pollution (source: various).
Example 2: Brazil’s Amazon deforestation (2020) driven by agribusiness. Large-scale farming and logging by corporations (source: Reuters, 2020) even if deforestation has slowed down significantly (BBC, 2024) the impact is significant (check out ‘Tipping Point’ by Time Magazine).
Example 3: Oil spills in Nigeria (2021) caused by multinational companies. Environmental damage from oil extraction and spills (source: BBC, 2021).
Analysis: Industrial activities cause extensive environmental harm, often more than poverty-driven practices.
Case Study: Include specific pollution statistics from major industrial cities.

VI. Opposing View 2: Policy Failures as a Key Factor

Topic Sentence: Policy failures are a key factor in environmental degradation.
Example 1: Deforestation in Indonesia (2020) due to weak enforcement of environmental laws. Illegal logging continues unchecked, harming ecosystems (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Example 2: Air pollution in India (2021) exacerbated by ineffective regulation. Poor enforcement of pollution controls leads to severe air quality issues (source: Reuters, 2021).
Example 3: Water pollution in Bangladesh (2019) from inadequate waste management policies. Rivers and water bodies contaminated by industrial waste (source: BBC, 2019).
Analysis: Weak policies and enforcement contribute significantly to environmental issues.
Case Study: Analyze the impact of weak policies on specific regions.

VII. Opposing View 3: Technological and Consumption Patterns

Topic Sentence: Modern consumption patterns and technological advancements are significant factors.
Example 1: Electronic waste in Ghana (2021) from global tech consumption. Imported e-waste leads to toxic pollution and health risks (source: Al Jazeera, 2021).
Example 2: Plastic pollution in the Philippines (2020) from global consumer habits. Ocean and coastal pollution from discarded plastics (source: The Guardian, 2020).
Example 3: Urban air pollution in South Korea (2019) due to high vehicle usage. Traffic emissions severely impact air quality (source: Reuters, 2019).
Analysis: Consumption and technology use in wealthier societies heavily impact the environment.
Case Study: Detail the lifecycle of electronic products and their environmental impact.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Poverty significantly impacts the environment, but industrial activities and policy failures are also crucial contributors.
Summary of Key Points: High consumption, energy use, urbanisation versus sustainable practices, technological innovation, policy changes.
Call to Action: Suggest specific steps individuals, governments, and organizations can take to balance modern living with environmental sustainability.
Final Thought: Addressing environmental degradation requires tackling both poverty and other significant factors.

Reading References:

World Economic Forum – AGOA 2023
“The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming” by David Wallace-Wells, 2019.
“The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert, 2014.
“For the Greta Thunberg in your life“.

Poetry has little to no value today. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: In an age dominated by digital media and rapid communication, poetry often seems like a relic of the past.
Background: Brief overview of poetry’s historical significance and its current status in modern culture.
Thesis Statement: Despite claims that poetry holds little value in contemporary society due to its perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, it continues to offer profound cultural, educational, and emotional benefits that validate its enduring significance.

II. Supporting View 1: Perceived Irrelevance

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that poetry is increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Example 1: The decline in poetry book sales and readership statistics, such as reports from the Publishers Association highlighting lower sales figures compared to other genres.
Example 2: The reduction of poetry in school curriculums in favour of more utilitarian subjects like STEM, as evidenced by changes in the UK’s National Curriculum.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends reflect a societal shift away from valuing poetry, contributing to the perception of its diminished importance.

III. Supporting View 2: Diminishing Readership

Topic Sentence: The readership of poetry is diminishing, leading to questions about its relevance and value.
Example 1: Surveys showing that a smaller percentage of the population regularly reads poetry compared to other forms of literature, such as novels or non-fiction.
Example 2: The closure of several renowned poetry magazines and journals due to lack of subscriptions and financial support, indicating waning interest.
Analysis: Examine how these examples highlight the challenges poetry faces in maintaining a significant presence in contemporary literary culture.

IV. Opposing View 1: Cultural and Educational Value

Topic Sentence: Poetry continues to offer substantial cultural and educational value in modern society.
Example 1: The success of initiatives like National Poetry Day in the UK, which celebrates poetry’s role in culture and education and engages people of all ages.
Example 2: The incorporation of poetry into therapeutic and educational programmes, such as Poetry Therapy, which uses verse to promote mental health and literacy.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples illustrate poetry’s ongoing relevance and its ability to enrich cultural and educational experiences.

V. Opposing View 2: Emotional and Social Impact

Topic Sentence: Poetry remains a powerful medium for emotional expression and social commentary.
Example 1: The popularity of contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur and Amanda Gorman, whose works resonate with wide audiences and address pressing social issues.
Example 2: The use of poetry in social movements and protests, such as the #MeToo movement, where poetry has been employed to articulate experiences and inspire change.
Analysis: Explore how these instances demonstrate poetry’s capacity to connect with people emotionally and drive social discourse, underscoring its lasting value.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While poetry faces challenges related to perceived irrelevance and diminishing readership, its cultural, educational, and emotional contributions affirm its continued importance in modern society.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Emphasise the need to recognise and support poetry’s unique ability to enrich human experience and foster deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world.

Giving people a voice only makes matters worse. What are your views?

While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy, accountability, and social change, suggesting a complex impact.

I. Introduction

Hook: Free speech is both celebrated and criticised.
Background: Overview of the benefits and drawbacks of giving people a voice.
Thesis Statement: While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy, accountability, and social change, suggesting a complex impact.

II. Supporting View 1: Conflict and Division

Topic Sentence: Giving people a voice can lead to conflict and division.
Example 1: In 2016, Brexit debates divided the UK deeply.
Example 2: In 2021, protests in Myanmar led to violent clashes after the military coup.
Example 3: In 2019, Hong Kong protests caused severe social and political tensions.
Analysis: These examples show that free expression can escalate conflicts and divisions.

III. Supporting View 2: Spread of Misinformation

Topic Sentence: Free speech can result in the spread of misinformation.
Example 1: In 2016, false news about the EU influenced the Brexit referendum in the UK.
Example 2: In 2020, false information on COVID-19 spread widely in India, causing panic.
Example 3: In 2018, fake news on social media led to lynchings in Indonesia.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate how misinformation can worsen situations when people have unchecked freedom of speech.

IV. Opposing View 1: Promotes Democracy

Topic Sentence: Giving people a voice promotes democracy and accountability.
Example 1: In 2011, the Arab Spring saw citizens demand democratic reforms across the Middle East.
Example 2: In 1994, South Africa’s end of apartheid was influenced by voices demanding equality.
Example 3: In 2020, Belarus protests called for fair elections and democracy.
Analysis: These examples highlight how free speech can drive democratic change and accountability.

V. Opposing View 2: Enables Social Change

Topic Sentence: Free speech enables significant social change.
Example 1: In 2015, Tunisia’s peaceful protests led to a democratic constitution.
Example 2: In 2006, the Chilean student protests achieved education reform.
Example 3: In 2017, the #MeToo movement spread globally, challenging sexual harassment.
Analysis: These instances show that giving people a voice can lead to important social changes.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While giving people a voice can lead to conflict and misinformation, it also promotes democracy and social change, indicating a complex impact.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balance the benefits and risks of free speech to harness its positive impact.

Discuss the value of beauty in the 21st century.

The 21st century has brought about unique perspectives to the concept of beauty.

I. Introduction

Hook: In today’s world, beauty is more than skin deep; it shapes perceptions and opportunities.
Background: Brief overview of how beauty standards have evolved and their current status in the 21st century.
Thesis Statement: The value of beauty in the 21st century remains significant as it influences personal identity, social interactions, and economic dynamics, despite arguments suggesting that it can perpetuate superficiality and discrimination.

II. Supporting View 1: Influence on Personal Identity

Topic Sentence: Beauty plays a crucial role in shaping personal identity and self-esteem in the 21st century.
Example 1: The impact of social media influencers on self-perception, such as the rise of body-positive influencers like Ashley Graham.
Example 2: The cosmetic industry’s growth, exemplified by the global success of brands like Fenty Beauty, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in beauty standards.
Analysis: Discuss how these examples show the importance of beauty in personal empowerment and confidence.

III. Supporting View 2: Economic Dynamics

Topic Sentence: The beauty industry significantly contributes to the global economy, reflecting its value in contemporary society.
Example 1: The booming beauty and skincare market, with companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder generating billions in revenue annually.
Example 2: The influence of beauty standards on employment and marketing, as seen in industries like fashion and entertainment where appearance often correlates with success.
Analysis: Examine how these economic factors underline the sustained relevance and value of beauty in modern times.

IV. Opposing View 1: Perpetuation of Superficiality

Topic Sentence: Critics argue that an emphasis on beauty fosters a culture of superficiality and unrealistic expectations.
Example 1: The negative psychological effects of photo-editing apps and filters, leading to issues like body dysmorphia and low self-esteem.
Example 2: The proliferation of cosmetic surgeries, such as the rise in procedures among teenagers influenced by social media standards.
Analysis: Discuss how these trends suggest that the pursuit of beauty can be harmful, promoting shallow values over substantive qualities.

V. Opposing View 2: Discrimination and Inequality

Topic Sentence: The value placed on beauty can lead to discrimination and social inequality.
Example 1: Workplace discrimination based on appearance, where attractive individuals are often preferred for jobs and promotions, creating a bias against those who don’t meet conventional beauty standards.
Example 2: The beauty bias in media representation, where certain races and body types are underrepresented, perpetuating racial and body-image discrimination.
Analysis: Explore how these examples highlight the negative consequences of beauty standards, reinforcing social hierarchies and exclusion.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While beauty holds significant value in the 21st century through its impact on identity, social interactions, and the economy, it also brings challenges such as superficiality and discrimination.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views discussed.
Final Thought: Reflect on the need for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the positive aspects of beauty while addressing its potential drawbacks.