Assaying more essays...

Here are several practice essay questions for those of you who are feeling a little unsure about whether you have it to do well in P1, or would simply like more practice in writing argumentative essays. I believe that being able to write good GP essays is very much a matter of practice. The more you write, the more you revise what you write, the better you will get--even if not in terms of marks as that might also have to do with specific questions chosen and your content knowledge of particular topics, then at least in terms of how well you understand the requirements of a GP essay and how to structure your ideas in clearly argued and expressed sentences and paragraphs.

A reminder to all my students: If you wish to improve your marks for your essay assignment I, type a revised essay on the same question first and hand it (inhard copy) to me before attempting other questions. Do this by the end of August.

Email me your practice essays, or practice introductions and outlines anytime and I shall endeavour to comment on them as soon as I can and even see you personally to talk about them if we both feel that that would be good and necessary.

Here are 10 to start you off:
1. Can small countries have a significant voice in world affairs? (A-Levels, Nov. 2004)
2. How far do you agree that war is caused by selfishness?
3. No nation should ever intervene in the affairs of another nation. Discuss.
4. "The best things in life are free." Do you agree?
5. "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Do you agree?
6. "Poor countries have only themselves to blame." Do you agree with this statement?
7. "Tourism can be a blessing to an undeveloped country, but it is by no means an unmixed blessing.” Discuss.
8. "A nation's economic competitiveness is largely determined by the quality of its people." How far do you agree with this statement?
9. "Politicians build walls, businessmen build bridges." Do you agree?
10. "Increasing prosperity means increasing happiness." Do you agree?

If you do come across another question you think is interesting to work on, email me that question for approval and then you may proceed to assay the essay!