December 2024 – Gp Lah!

The study of history is futile. Do you agree?

The study of history is crucial. Understanding current events can help shape future decisions.

I. Introduction

Hook: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Background: Importance of history in education and society.
Thesis Statement: Study of history is crucial for understanding present issues and guiding future decisions, despite claims of its futility.

II. Supporting View 1: History Teaches Valuable Lessons

Topic Sentence: Study of history is crucial as history offers lessons from past successes and failures.
Example 1: Germany’s reconciliation post-Holocaust (2013-present).
Example 2: South Africa’s truth and reconciliation post-apartheid (2010s).
Example 3: Rwanda’s recovery after the 1994 genocide (2014-present).
Analysis: These examples show how history provides valuable lessons for healing and reconciliation.

III. Supporting View 2: History Helps Understand Current Issues

Topic Sentence: Understanding history helps explain current socio-political issues.
Example 1: Brexit and its historical roots (2016-present).
Example 2: Middle East conflicts and colonial history (2010s).
Example 3: Indigenous rights movements in Australia (2014-present).
Analysis: These cases demonstrate how historical context explains contemporary issues.

IV. Supporting View 3: History Informs Future Decisions

Topic Sentence: History informs better decision-making for the future.
Example 1: Environmental policies inspired by past mistakes (2010s-present).
Example 2: Economic reforms influenced by historical financial crises (2010s).
Example 3: Public health strategies post-pandemic reflections (2020s).
Analysis: These instances show how historical knowledge guides future policy decisions.

V. Opposing View 1: History is Subjective and Biased

Topic Sentence: History is often biased and subjective.
Example 1: Revisionist histories in Japan (2012-present).
Example 2: Controversial colonial narratives in India (2010s).
Example 3: Biased educational content in Turkey (2010s-present).
Analysis: These examples highlight how historical narratives can be manipulated, questioning their reliability.

VI. Opposing View 2: Focus on Future Technology and Innovation

Topic Sentence: Emphasis should be on future technology and innovation.
Example 1: Singapore’s focus on STEM education (2010s-present).
Example 2: South Korea’s tech-driven economy (2010s-present).
Example 3: Israel’s innovation in technology sectors (2010s-present).
Analysis: These cases argue that focusing on future advancements is more beneficial than studying history.

VII. Opposing View 3: History is Irrelevant to Modern Problems

Topic Sentence: Modern problems require contemporary solutions, not historical perspectives.
Example 1: Climate change policies focusing on future solutions (2010s-present).
Example 2: Digital privacy laws addressing new technological challenges (2010s-present).
Example 3: Modern healthcare advancements tackling current health issues (2010s-present).
Analysis: These examples suggest that contemporary issues need innovative approaches, making historical knowledge less relevant.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Studying history is crucial for understanding present issues and guiding future decisions, despite claims of its futility.
Summary of Key Points: Recap main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balancing historical knowledge with forward-thinking innovation is key to addressing modern challenges.

Reading References

MacMillan, Margaret. The Uses and Abuses of History. Profile Books, 2009.
Carr, Edward Hallet. What Is History?. Penguin Books, 2008.
Evans, Richard J. In Defence of History. Granta Books, 2012.

Politicians cannot be idealistic in today’s world; they have to be pragmatic. Discuss.

In today’s complex global landscape, politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism to address urgent issues effectively, though idealism can still inspire positive change.

I. Introduction

Hook: The balance between idealism and pragmatism defines political leadership. Politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism to bring its people and country forward instead of living in fantasy.
Background: Overview of the current political climate.
Thesis Statement: Politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism to address urgent issues effectively. On a limited basis, idealism can inspire some change.

II. Supporting View 1: Pragmatism Ensures Realistic Solutions

Topic Sentence: Politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism as only pragmatic politicians can implement feasible solutions.
Example 1: Germany’s pragmatic energy policies (2014-present) balance renewables and coal.
Example 2: Singapore’s pragmatic housing policies (2010-present) ensured affordability.
Example 3: India’s pragmatic economic reforms (2014-present) boosted growth.
Analysis: These examples show how pragmatism leads to effective, realistic policies.

III. Supporting View 2: Pragmatism Navigates Political Realities

Topic Sentence: Politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism, as pragmatism helps navigate complex political realities.
Example 1: UK’s pragmatic Brexit negotiations (2016-2022) aimed to mitigate disruption.
Example 2: Colombia’s pragmatic peace deal (2016) ended a long conflict.
Example 3: Japan’s pragmatic approach to North Korea (2010-present) maintains stability.
Analysis: These instances demonstrate how pragmatism helps manage political complexities.

IV. Supporting View 3: Pragmatism Addresses Immediate Needs

Topic Sentence: Pragmatic politicians focus on urgent, immediate needs.
Example 1: New Zealand’s pragmatic COVID-19 response (2020-present) saved lives.
Example 2: Canada’s pragmatic immigration policies (2015-present) addressed labour shortages.
Example 3: South Korea’s pragmatic tech policies (2010-present) drove innovation.
Analysis: These cases illustrate how pragmatism addresses urgent needs effectively.

V. Opposing View 1: Idealism Inspires Long-term Vision

Topic Sentence: Idealistic politicians inspire long-term visionary goals.
Example 1: Sweden’s climate-neutral goal (2017-present) promotes sustainability.
Example 2: France’s idealistic education reforms (2012-present) aimed at equality.
Example 3: Norway’s humanitarian policies (2015-present) support global peace.
Analysis: These examples highlight how idealism can drive significant long-term progress.

VI. Opposing View 2: Idealism Upholds Moral Integrity

Topic Sentence: Idealism maintains moral and ethical integrity.
Example 1: Finland’s idealistic stance on human rights (2010-present) sets global standards.
Example 2: Iceland’s idealistic environmental policies (2010-present) preserve nature.
Example 3: Switzerland’s idealistic neutrality (2010-present) promotes global diplomacy.
Analysis: These cases demonstrate how idealism preserves ethical and moral standards.

VII. Opposing View 3: Idealism Attracts Public Support

Topic Sentence: Idealistic politicians gain public trust and support.
Example 1: Jacinda Ardern’s idealistic leadership in New Zealand (2017-present) boosts popularity.
Example 2: Canada’s idealistic health care policies (2015-present) ensure public welfare.
Example 3: Bhutan’s idealistic Gross National Happiness policy (2010-present) inspires the nation.
Analysis: These examples show how idealism can attract and retain public support.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Politicians must prioritise pragmatism over idealism, though idealism can inspire positive change.
Summary of Key Points: Recap main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Balancing pragmatism and idealism is key to effective political leadership.

Reading References:

Fukuyama, Francis. Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014.
Mounk, Yascha. The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press, 2018.

Do you agree with the view that the most dangerous threats to mankind today are political and religious extremism?

Political and religious extremism pose significant threats to mankind today, though other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.

I. Introduction

Hook: Threats to mankind in the form of extremist ideologies often dominate headlines and incite fear globally.
Background: Overview of recent instances of political and religious extremism.
Thesis Statement: Political and religious extremism pose significant threats to mankind today, though other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.

II. Supporting View 1: Political Extremism

Topic Sentence: Political extremism destabilises societies and endangers lives.
Example 1: The Syrian civil war (2011-present) has caused immense suffering.
Example 2: Venezuela’s political crisis (2013-present) led to mass displacement.
Example 3: Myanmar’s military coup (2021) resulted in widespread violence.
Analysis: These examples show how political extremism disrupts peace and stability.

III. Supporting View 2: Religious Extremism

Topic Sentence: Religious extremism incites violence and terror.
Example 1: Boko Haram’s insurgency in Nigeria (2010-present) caused many deaths.
Example 2: Sri Lanka’s Easter bombings (2019) killed hundreds.
Example 3: ISIS attacks in Europe (2015-2017) spread fear and chaos.
Analysis: These instances highlight the lethal impact of religious extremism.

IV. Supporting View 3: Global Influence of Extremism

Topic Sentence: Extremism’s global reach amplifies its threat to mankind.
Example 1: Spread of far-right movements in Europe (2015-present).
Example 2: Rise of jihadist groups in Africa (2010-present).
Example 3: Influence of extremist ideologies on social media (2010-present).
Analysis: The global influence of extremism intensifies its danger to mankind.

V. Opposing View 1: Climate Change

Topic Sentence: Climate change poses a more existential threat.
Example 1: Australia’s bushfires (2019-2020) devastated ecosystems.
Example 2: Floods in South Asia (2020) displaced millions.
Example 3: Droughts in Africa (2015-present) exacerbated food insecurity.
Analysis: These events demonstrate the severe impact of climate change on human survival.

VI. Opposing View 2: Economic Instability

Topic Sentence: Economic instability threatens global stability and is a threat to mankind.
Example 1: Greece’s debt crisis (2010-2018) caused widespread hardship.
Example 2: Argentina’s financial crisis (2018-present) led to severe poverty.
Example 3: Lebanon’s economic collapse (2019-present) resulted in mass protests.
Analysis: Economic instability can destabilise nations and affect millions.

VII. Opposing View 3: Technological Risks

Topic Sentence: Technological advancements can also pose significant threats.
Example 1: Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine (2015-present).
Example 2: Data privacy breaches in Europe (2015-present).
Example 3: AI misuse concerns in China (2010-present).
Analysis: These examples highlight the dangers of unchecked technological advancements.

VIII. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Political and religious extremism pose significant threats, but other factors such as climate change, economic instability, and technological risks are equally dangerous.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main supporting and opposing views.
Final Thought: Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive approach that considers all potential dangers to mankind.

Reading References:

Hoffman, Bruce. Inside Terrorism. Columbia University Press, 2017.
Stern, Jessica, and J.M. Berger. ISIS: The State of Terror. Ecco, 2015.
Mann, Michael E. The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy. Columbia University Press, 2016.
Old but still gold: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2005/10/21/in-gods-name-evaluating-the-links-between-religious-extremism-and-terrorism/