General Paper (H1)

General Paper (GP) is a compulsory H1 subject for all Junior College (JC) students in Singapore. It aims to develop critical thinking, cogent argument construction, and effective communication skills. Students are expected to explore key issues of local, regional, and global significance.

Syllabus

The current syllabus (8881) was implemented for the JC1 cohort in 2023. The syllabus emphasizes active exploration of a range of key issues. A previous syllabus (8807) was in effect until 2022.

Exam Format

The General Paper (H1) exam consists of two papers:

Paper 1: Essay

This paper presents 8 questions, and candidates choose one to write an essay on (500-800 words). The questions cover various topics and require informed, critical, creative, and insightful responses.

Paper 2: Comprehension

This paper consists of short-answer questions, summary, and application questions. It assesses comprehension, inference, and application skills.

Topics

The General Paper covers a broad range of topics, including:

Society and Culture
Economics
Politics
Science and Technology
Environment
Media
Arts
and other issues of local and global concern.

Resources

Various resources are available for General Paper (H1), including past papers, study guides, and notes. Some free resources are available online.

Tips for Scoring Well

Engage with current affairs: Stay updated on local and global issues.
Practice critical thinking and analysis: Develop the ability to analyze information and form reasoned arguments.
Improve language skills: Focus on clear, accurate, and effective language use.
Read widely: Expand your knowledge base and exposure to different perspectives.
Practice writing: Regularly write essays and practice comprehension questions.
Analyze questions carefully: Understand the requirements of each question before attempting to answer.
Plan your essays: Structure your essays logically and develop your arguments effectively.