October 2024 — Gp Lah!

The main benefits of science have been material comforts and longer life. Do you agree?

While science has undeniably provided material comforts and longer life, its main benefits extend to environmental preservation, global communication, and enhanced knowledge.

I. Introduction

Hook: Science has revolutionised our lives in many ways.
Background: Overview of the impacts of scientific advancements on society.
Thesis Statement: While science has undeniably provided material comforts and longer life, its main benefits extend to environmental preservation, global communication, and enhanced knowledge.

II. Supporting View 1: Material Comforts

Topic Sentence: Science has greatly improved material comforts.
Example 1: In 2021, Japan’s advancements in robotics improved household convenience.
Example 2: In 2019, Germany’s renewable energy innovations led to sustainable living.
Example 3: In 2020, South Korea’s smart home technology enhanced everyday comfort.
Analysis: These examples show how scientific advancements have provided significant material comforts.

III. Supporting View 2: Longer Life

Topic Sentence: Science has extended human lifespan.
Example 1: In 2021, the UK’s COVID-19 vaccines saved countless lives.
Example 2: In 2020, Japan’s advancements in geriatric care improved elderly health.
Example 3: In 2019, Singapore’s healthcare innovations increased life expectancy.
Analysis: These instances illustrate how scientific progress has contributed to longer, healthier lives.

IV. Supporting View 3: Improved Quality of Life

Topic Sentence: Science has improved the overall quality of life.
Example 1: In 2020, Sweden’s advancements in clean air technology improved public health.
Example 2: In 2019, Norway’s electric vehicle adoption reduced pollution.
Example 3: In 2018, Switzerland’s medical research advancements provided better disease management.
Analysis: These examples highlight how science has enhanced life quality through health and environmental improvements.

V. Opposing View 1: Environmental Preservation

Topic Sentence: Science has provided material comforts but more significantly science also has contributed to environmental preservation.
Example 1: In 2021, Costa Rica’s use of renewable energy promoted sustainability.
Example 2: In 2019, Kenya’s conservation technology protected wildlife.
Example 3: In 2020, the Netherlands’ water management technology prevented flooding.
Analysis: These instances demonstrate science’s role in protecting and preserving the environment.

VI. Opposing View 2: Global Communication

Topic Sentence: Besides providing material comforts, science has transformed global communication.
Example 1: In 2020, India’s satellite technology improved rural connectivity.
Example 2: In 2019, South Korea’s 5G network revolutionised communication.
Example 3: In 2021, Finland’s internet technology enabled remote working.
Analysis: These examples show how scientific advancements have facilitated better global communication and connectivity.

VII. Opposing View 3: Enhanced Knowledge

Topic Sentence: Science has significantly enhanced human knowledge. This overshadows the aspect of science has provided material comforts.
Example 1: In 2021, CERN’s research in Switzerland advanced our understanding of physics.
Example 2: In 2019, Japan’s space missions provided new insights into the universe.
Example 3: In 2020, China’s AI research pushed the boundaries of technology.
Analysis: These instances illustrate science’s role in expanding our knowledge and understanding of the world.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While science has provided material comforts and longer life, its main benefits extend to environmental preservation, global communication, and enhanced knowledge.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: The true value of science lies in its broad and transformative impact on all aspects of life.

The problems of poverty can only get worse in the current climate. Discuss.

There is no doubt that climate change exacerbates poverty. While current economic and environmental challenges exacerbate poverty, innovative policies, technology, and global cooperation offer hope for alleviating it.

I. Introduction

Hook: Climate change is catastrophic for the poor. Poverty remains a pressing global issue.
Background: Overview of current economic and environmental challenges.
Thesis Statement: While current economic and environmental challenges exacerbate poverty, innovative policies, technology, and global cooperation offer hope for alleviating it.

II. Supporting View 1: Economic Inequality

Topic Sentence: Rising economic inequality worsens poverty.
Example 1: In 2020, India’s wealth gap widened, increasing poverty.
Example 2: In 2019, South Africa faced growing economic disparity and poverty.
Example 3: In 2021, Brazil saw increased inequality due to the pandemic.
Analysis: These examples show how economic inequality exacerbates poverty.

III. Supporting View 2: Climate Change

Topic Sentence: Climate change exacerbates poverty by affecting livelihoods.
Example 1: In 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique, increasing poverty.
Example 2: In 2020, Australian bushfires harmed agriculture and local economies.
Example 3: In 2021, floods in Germany displaced thousands, worsening poverty.
Analysis: These cases illustrate how climate disasters worsen poverty conditions.

IV. Supporting View 3: Pandemic Impact

Topic Sentence: The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened poverty globally.
Example 1: In 2020, Kenya’s economy suffered, increasing poverty levels.
Example 2: In 2021, Peru faced economic collapse, worsening poverty.
Example 3: In 2020, India’s lockdowns severely impacted the poor.
Analysis: These examples show the pandemic’s significant impact on poverty.

V. Opposing View 1: Innovative Policies

Topic Sentence: Innovative policies can help alleviate poverty.
Example 1: In 2019, Finland’s basic income experiment reduced poverty.
Example 2: In 2021, South Korea’s universal welfare policies helped the poor.
Example 3: In 2020, Germany’s social safety nets supported many during the pandemic.
Analysis: These instances demonstrate how innovative policies can reduce poverty.

VI. Opposing View 2: Technological Advancements

Topic Sentence: Technology offers new solutions to combat poverty.
Example 1: In 2020, India’s digital payments increased financial inclusion.
Example 2: In 2019, Kenya’s M-Pesa revolutionised banking for the poor.
Example 3: In 2021, Rwanda’s drone deliveries improved healthcare access.
Analysis: These examples highlight how technology can alleviate poverty.

VII. Opposing View 3: Global Cooperation

Topic Sentence: International cooperation can address global poverty.
Example 1: In 2020, the EU’s recovery fund supported member states in crisis.
Example 2: In 2019, China’s Belt and Road Initiative invested in developing nations.
Example 3: In 2021, the UN’s SDGs targeted global poverty reduction.
Analysis: These instances show the potential of global cooperation to reduce poverty.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While current challenges worsen poverty, innovative policies, technology, and global cooperation offer hope.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Collective efforts and innovation are essential to combat poverty effectively.

A good leader must be a good follower. Is this necessarily true?

A good leader often benefits from being a good follower, gaining essential skills and insights. However, leadership also requires independent thinking and decisive action, which do not always align with the premise of the question.

I. Introduction

Hook: Leadership and followership are often seen as opposing roles.
Background: Brief overview of leadership qualities and the importance of followership.
Thesis Statement: A good leader often benefits from being a good follower, gaining essential skills and insights. However, leadership also requires independent thinking and decisive action, which do not always align with following.

II. Supporting View 1: Understanding Team Dynamics

Topic Sentence: Good followers understand team dynamics, which is crucial for effective leadership.
Example 1: In 2020, Jacinda Ardern’s collaborative approach in New Zealand showed strong team dynamics.
Example 2: In 2018, Emmanuel Macron’s rise involved understanding and working within different political groups in France.
Example 3: In 2021, Sanna Marin’s leadership in Finland highlighted her ability to engage with her team.
Analysis: These examples show that understanding team dynamics enhances leadership effectiveness.

III. Supporting View 2: Empathy and Support

Topic Sentence: Good followers develop empathy and the ability to support others, crucial for leaders.
Example 1: In 2017, Angela Merkel’s empathetic response to the refugee crisis showed her understanding of people’s needs in Germany.
Example 2: In 2019, Justin Trudeau’s supportive policies in Canada demonstrated empathy.
Example 3: In 2018, Leo Varadkar’s leadership in Ireland reflected his supportive approach to social issues.
Analysis: These cases illustrate how empathy and support are vital leadership qualities developed through good followership.

IV. Supporting View 3: Learning from Leaders

Topic Sentence: Good followers learn from their leaders, which is essential for their own leadership development.
Example 1: In 2018, Theresa May’s experience under David Cameron in the UK shaped her leadership.
Example 2: In 2019, Japan’s Shinzo Abe benefited from his early political roles.
Example 3: In 2020, Pedro Sánchez of Spain grew through his political experiences.
Analysis: These examples highlight how learning from leaders can prepare individuals for their own leadership roles.

V. Opposing View 1: Independent Thinking

Topic Sentence: Leadership requires independent thinking, which does not always align with being a follower.
Example 1: In 2019, Narendra Modi’s decisive actions in India showed independent leadership.
Example 2: In 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman demonstrated independent, sometimes controversial, decisions.
Example 3: In 2020, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky showed strong independent leadership in crisis.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate how independent thinking is crucial for effective leadership.

VI. Opposing View 2: Decisiveness and Authority

Topic Sentence: Leaders need to make decisive and authoritative decisions, which followers may not always do.
Example 1: In 2021, Boris Johnson’s handling of the UK’s COVID-19 response required decisive leadership.
Example 2: In 2020, South Korea’s Moon Jae-in took decisive actions against COVID-19.
Example 3: In 2019, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed’s peace efforts required authoritative decisions.
Analysis: These instances show that decisiveness and authority are essential for leadership, sometimes contrasting with followership.

VII. Opposing View 3: Vision and Innovation

Topic Sentence: Effective leaders often have a vision and drive innovation, which followers may lack.
Example 1: In 2020, Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen showed innovative leadership in technology and health.
Example 2: In 2018, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame led with a vision for technological advancement.
Analysis: These examples illustrate that having a vision and driving innovation are key leadership traits.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While being a good follower can enhance leadership skills, effective leadership also requires independent thinking, decisiveness, and vision.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: A balanced approach that integrates followership experiences with independent leadership traits is ideal.

This essay is overly focused on politicians and may not score well, although it has many examples. It is important to provide a broad perspective of where leaders are needed. Leaders can be found in schools, the military, prisons, and any place where hierarchies are required, i.e., even at home.

Affluence is as much a curse as a blessing. Discuss.

I. Introduction

Hook: Wealth is often seen as the key to happiness.
Background: Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of affluence.
Thesis Statement: Affluence brings comfort and opportunities but also leads to social isolation and environmental harm, making it both a curse and a blessing.

II. Supporting View 1: Increased Comfort and Opportunities

Topic Sentence: Affluence provides comfort and numerous opportunities.
Example 1: In 2019, Singapore’s high-income citizens enjoyed excellent healthcare and education.
Example 2: In 2021, Qatar’s wealth funded state-of-the-art infrastructure and public services.
Example 3: In 2018, Switzerland’s affluent society benefited from high living standards and security.
Analysis: These examples show how wealth can improve quality of life and provide opportunities.

III. Supporting View 2: Ability to Support Others

Topic Sentence: Affluent individuals and nations can support others in need.
Example 1: In 2020, Norway donated significant funds for global COVID-19 relief.
Example 2: In 2018, the UAE provided extensive humanitarian aid to war-torn Yemen.
Example 3: In 2021, Germany funded various international development projects.
Analysis: These instances highlight how affluence enables support for less fortunate communities.

IV. Opposing View 1: Social Isolation and Mental Health Issues

Topic Sentence: Affluence can lead to social isolation and mental health problems.
Example 1: In 2021, reports from Japan showed high rates of loneliness among wealthy individuals.
Example 2: In 2019, South Korea saw a rise in mental health issues among its affluent youth.
Example 3: In 2018, the UK reported increased depression rates in wealthy areas.
Analysis: These examples illustrate how wealth can lead to social isolation and mental health struggles.

V. Opposing View 2: Environmental Impact

Topic Sentence: Affluence contributes to significant environmental damage.
Example 1: In 2020, China’s rapid industrialisation led to severe air pollution.
Example 2: In 2019, the UAE’s high consumption rates resulted in significant waste production.
Example 3: In 2021, Australia’s affluent lifestyle contributed to large carbon footprints.
Analysis: These instances demonstrate how affluent lifestyles can harm the environment.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Affluence brings comfort and opportunities but also leads to social isolation and environmental harm, making it both a curse and a blessing.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balance the pursuit of wealth with awareness of its potential drawbacks.

Compre Practice 4

This passage, suitable for 17-18 year olds, has MCQ options to help students correlate their thinking. The passage is about the influence of television soaps.

Consider reading the following essay before attempting the comprehension exercise.

Interesting reading from the BBC on how soaps changed the world, and if soaps are in danger of extinction. Let us also investigate the allure of Korean soaps and the sympathy for K-Drama.

Is the cost of developing a national identity too high?

The cost of developing a national identity can be high due to potential social and economic conflicts. However, it is essential for unity and cultural preservation.

I. Introduction

Hook: National identity shapes a nation’s character and values.
Background: Overview of the importance and costs of developing national identity.
Thesis Statement: The cost of developing a national identity can be high due to potential social and economic conflicts. However, it is essential for unity and cultural preservation.

II. Supporting View 1: Social Conflict

Topic Sentence: Developing a national identity can lead to social conflict.
Example 1: In 2017, Catalonia’s push for independence caused severe tension in Spain.
Example 2: In 2014, Scotland’s independence referendum divided the UK.
Example 3: In 2019, the Hong Kong protests highlighted identity struggles within China.
Analysis: These examples show how efforts to develop national identity can cause social unrest and division.

III. Supporting View 2: Economic Costs

Topic Sentence: Developing a national identity can incur significant economic costs.
Example 1: In 2016, Brexit led to economic uncertainty in the UK.
Example 2: In 2018, Italy’s nationalist policies strained its economy and EU relations.
Example 3: In 2020, India’s national identity campaigns, like “Make in India,” faced economic challenges.
Analysis: These instances demonstrate how national identity efforts can lead to substantial economic costs.

IV. Opposing View 1: Unity and Social Cohesion

Topic Sentence: National identity fosters unity and social cohesion.
Example 1: In 2021, Japan’s Olympics fostered national pride and unity.
Example 2: In 2018, France’s World Cup victory boosted national morale.
Example 3: In 2017, Finland’s centenary celebrations reinforced national unity.
Analysis: These examples illustrate how a strong national identity can bring people together and foster a sense of belonging.

V. Opposing View 2: Cultural Preservation

Topic Sentence: Developing a national identity helps preserve cultural heritage.
Example 1: In 2021, South Korea promoted its cultural heritage through K-pop and K-dramas.
Example 2: In 2016, India celebrated its cultural diversity through various national initiatives.
Example 3: In 2020, Ireland’s cultural festivals reinforced its unique identity.
Analysis: These instances highlight how national identity efforts help preserve and promote cultural heritage.

VI. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: While developing a national identity can be costly due to social and economic conflicts, it is essential for unity and cultural preservation.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balance efforts to foster national identity with strategies to mitigate social and economic costs.