Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a cinematic adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic that became one of the defining cultural events of 2026, sparking widespread debate over artistic interpretation, representation and the purpose of adapting classical literature for modern audiences.

• Critics argued the film was “woke”, citing its diverse casting, more introspective portrayal of Odysseus and perceived modern reinterpretation of gender roles, while supporters maintained that these choices remained faithful to the epic’s broader themes and moral complexity.

• Some classicists criticised its departures from the source material, arguing that it prioritised contemporary sensibilities over textual fidelity, whereas others viewed adaptation as a legitimate artistic process that keeps timeless stories relevant for new generations.

• Many praised the film’s social commentary, arguing that its exploration of power, morality, trauma, identity and the experiences of women gave Homer’s epic renewed contemporary significance rather than simply retelling an ancient story.

• Despite intense online controversy, the film achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, suggesting that public backlash did little to diminish its artistic appeal and may even have broadened discussion surrounding the film.

• The Odyssey also became a landmark cinematic achievement, as the first feature filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, driving exceptional demand for IMAX screenings and reinforcing the enduring appeal of immersive theatrical filmmaking.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Value of Films: This film is a commentary that takes a clear stand against violence and war, interrogating the deleterious consequences of war. It mirrors the existing realities of our world, prompting the audience to reflect upon the horrifying atrocities that we also witness being inflicted onto others

• Another value is the escapism and immersiveness functions where the film offers an intriguing story that is captivating, allowing us a respite from modern pressures.

• It is also a celebration of virtues and values of resilience, grit, and creativity demonstrated by the various main characters who had to navigate the difficulties that encumbered them (we can discuss specific characters like Odysseus or Penelope)

• Adaptation (Film vs Book): Questions often get us to compare whether adaptations are as effective (especially film adaptations). This work has been criticised by some classicists for reinterpreting elements of the original story. Yet others actually welcome the deviations that allows the story to align with modern sensibilities, as well as better resonate with a contemporary audience (e.g. Odysseus reflecting on and regretting the violence, rather than celebrating it as a glorious achievement)

• Cinemas’ Relevance: A small point to note is that cinemas are actually still very popular in the world, despite earlier claims that they are dying out. Sometimes questions would think about the relevance of a venue too.

• Quality of Art, Restrictions: Before the movie was released, there were tons of conservatives who review bombed the film, causing the trailer video to become one of the most disliked trailers in history. Many others would instead contend that their concerns were unfounded and that representation (especially of marginalised groups) is invariably important. It is also precisely when art serves a social function that it must be protected to fulfil its role.

• Tech and Art: This masterpiece showcases the pushing the technological boundaries of cinematography. It evinces the power of technology to greatly elevate the immersiveness of a film, furthering the impact that a story might have.

• I1 Success: The success of this film can be attributed to having the courage and vision to go against controversy and to insist on one’s creative vision. This can in fact be more compelling to audiences. And the director’s personal vision can also be seen as a contrast to AI-generated works that can feel soulless and vacuous.

• I4 I7 Non-conformity and activism: As aforementioned, films can serve as a profound commentary by making thoughtful choices in the casting and storyline. Such deviations from norms can greatly contribute towards sharing progressive ideas and fostering empathy.

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Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Large numbers of low-cost, second-hand hybrid vehicles from Japan are exported to Mongolia due to relaxed import rules and strong domestic demand for affordable personal transport options.

• End-of-Life Vehicles: Many of these hybrids are near or past their intended lifespan, having been discarded in Japan because of strict inspection systems and expensive maintenance and repair requirements.

• Battery Waste Problem: Degraded hybrid batteries create a growing environmental hazard, as Mongolia currently lacks sufficient recycling infrastructure or technical capacity to safely handle hazardous automotive components.

• Environmental Pollution Risks: Improper disposal of batteries and vehicle parts leads to long-term soil and water contamination, significantly worsening existing urban pollution and environmental degradation challenges nationwide.

• Regulatory Gaps: Weak import controls and limited environmental regulations allow the continued inflow of ageing, high-risk vehicles that would otherwise be restricted or phased out in stricter markets.

• Economic Dependency Tradeoff: While these imported cars provide affordable mobility for citizens, they also shift the long-term environmental and disposal burden disproportionately onto Mongolia’s already strained waste management systems.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation

• Impact of the latest advancements: It is always easy to celebrate the marvels of technology, especially the newest advancements that are ubiquitous in our world.

• The benefits are often clearly evident, which is why we even invest in these innovations in the first place. The downsides are commonly downplayed or even ignored.

• This example is interesting because the problem is more nuanced and invisible. On the surface, getting access to cheap EVs seems great in letting Mongolians enjoy the benefits and mobility of EVs.

• In reality, these EVs are nearing their disposal stage, which will then present a huge environmental problem because of difficulties in disposing of the parts, especially the hazardous ones.

• The concept of digital divide manifests in an interesting way here where it is not just about access, but also the ability to actually handle a technology, and use it in a beneficial way.

• Restrictions: A key area of restriction would always lie in legal measures. Laws are needed to formally process how a technology is being used and discarded, and the reality is that many countries still lack these regulations because new inventions (and the problems they entail) are unprecedented.

• Restrictions are greatly needed when there is a concerning gap that ends up causing long-term damage.

• The irony is, if Japan cannot or does not want to handle the disposal of EVs, Mongolia is probably even more ill-suited to do so, which greatly exacerbates the environmental problem.

• Sci Tech and global problems: Sci and tech will always be deeply intertwined with environmental degradation, in terms of relentless resource extraction, toxic emissions, and mounting waste.

• Severity of the climate crisis, tensions from Tech: The climate crisis is increasingly distressing because of our exponential advancements, which perpetually pressurise our ecosystems further.

• This is further made worse by the human attitude part, where there is a lack of conviction and commitment to deal with these issues.

• Alternative energy sources: Alternative energy sources like EVs may reduce emissions during use, but they still generate significant downstream problems such as battery disposal, resource extraction, and recycling inefficiencies, which undermine their overall sustainability.

• The effectiveness of “clean” energy technologies depends heavily on supporting infrastructure; in many contexts, insufficient recycling systems and regulatory capacity mean environmental burdens are simply shifted rather than eliminated.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Anti-authoritarian backlash: Sparked by fears that Donald Trump is behaving like a “king”, with critics pointing to executive overreach and erosion of democratic norms.

• Triggering flashpoint events: Immediate catalysts include the Iran war, harsh immigration enforcement (e.g. ICE actions), and controversial deaths involving federal agents, intensifying public outrage.

• Mass coordinated mobilisation: One of the largest protests in US history (around 8–9 million people, 3,000+ events), organised nationwide across all 50 states.

• Social media amplification role: Digital platforms help rapidly coordinate rallies, spread protest messaging (“No Kings”), and sustain momentum beyond a single-day protest into broader activism.

• Key issues of contention: Protesters highlight immigration policy, war in Iran, economic pressures, voting rights, and perceived democratic backsliding as core grievances.

• Polarisation and consequences: While largely peaceful, some clashes and arrests occurred, reflecting deep ideological divides between supporters and critics of the government.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Domestic vs International Affairs: The current US involvement with Iran has sparked significant outrage because the masses are upset that resources and attention are being invested in external affairs, instead of focusing on domestic ones.

• Particularly, the grievances revolve around the unceasing rising costs of living, and lacking healthcare and welfare access.

• Quality of Governance: A good government is one that listens to the wisdom of the people, or at least considers and factors it into decision-making.

• The Trump administration has ignored the ongoing and explicit protests against what ICE is doing, as well as how the Epstein files are being managed, amongst many other concerns.

• When there are clear violations of human rights, it will be difficult to defend a government as competent, especially in a country that prides itself on the rights of individuals.

• Democracy: Reveals how democratic systems can hold leaders accountable: citizens protest, vote, and use media to challenge decisions, forcing governments to justify policies. Think of effective democracies as ideally having some form of check and balance.

• Impact of Social Media: We see how social media can be both a force for good and bad. The benefits include social media being a powerful instrument that connects and mobilises the people.

• Social media discourse, as well as the corollary actions that it can catalyse, serve as an important barometer of public opinion.

• On the other hand, social media with algorithms and echo chambers can easily exacerbate ideological polarisation, tensions, and conflicts.

• Media Empowerment: Given that the media is pivotal in organising and coordinating a large-scale protest, we can argue that the media is more powerful than the government because it can directly influence policies.

• Freedom and Activism: Again, the freedom to protest and express dissent is indispensable in advocating for change. This is especially important when there are systemic failures that are ongoing, and palpable public anger.

• Public pressure can shape agendas, trigger investigations, and limit overreach, showing how power ultimately depends on consent and can be checked through active civic participation.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• A major ethical dispute emerged after OpenAI agreed to deploy its AI models within systems used by the United States Department of Defense.

• Ethical concerns: Critics warned military use of advanced AI could enable controversial applications such as large-scale surveillance or autonomous weapons.

• Resignation of Leadership: The controversy intensified when a senior OpenAI robotics executive resigned, warning the partnership had been rushed and lacked sufficient ethical guardrails and governance oversight. The resignation highlighted fears within the tech community that AI could be deployed in lethal or intrusive ways.

• Further Response in the Industry: Within OpenAI and the wider AI industry, employees and researchers expressed concern that collaboration with the military could compromise commitments to responsible AI development. Some staff members reportedly signed letters opposing the use of AI for autonomous weapons or surveillance.

• Eventual Outcome: Many big AI firms ended up rejecting the collaboration. Yet, Open AI agreed to work with the US government, which became a point of controversy. OpenAI’s leadership argued that governments—not private companies—should ultimately decide how national security technologies are used.

• The company maintained the agreement included restrictions, such as preventing mass surveillance and requiring human oversight.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Impact of AI: With technology, the worry is invariably in its unprecedented speed of change and disruption. There can be many emergent challenges that we have not fully anticipated, or understand well.

• In the midst of celebrating the marvels and possibilities of AI/Tech, it is common for society to romanticise its benefits while downplaying its problems.

• This is especially so when it comes to newer futuristic technologies where there is a lot of enthusiasm in seeing where it is headed.

• Tech’s significant influence in our world is a double-edged sword that allows it to be profoundly important, yet also deeply dangerous (when left unchecked).

• Ethical Concerns and Restrictions + International Relations: The dispute reflects a broader global debate about AI ethics: whether powerful AI systems should support military and security operations, or whether such involvement risks accelerating autonomous warfare, and an international AI arms race.

• There needs to be proper regulation and ethical frameworks in place to ensure that AI is not being exploited and misused for nefarious purposes. This becomes even more compelling when there is clear risk of human rights violation.

• Interestingly, governments are usually the entity we look to for ethical governance. Yet, in this case, the US government is the one who risks unethical behaviour in pursuit of self-serving aims.

• This raises the argument that the regulation of technology needs to be much more multi-faceted with various stakeholders acting as layers of check and balance.

• Purpose and Motivations for Science: The issue is made more complex when profit is involved because it means that companies may be incentivised to forego ethics in order to stay ahead of their competitors.

• Integrity: Integrity is not just an idealistic and noble virtue. It is very much the cornerstone of ethics, especially when it relates to the integrity of those in power—with the ability to really reshape how our world is like.

• Voice of the people: The many voices of individuals (from within OpenAI and without) send a clear signal that certain lines must not be crossed. This also exerts pressure on governments and companies to do the right thing.

• Activism is perfectly capable of fostering tangible change because the voices of individuals can cascade into a strong catalyst for action.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Instagram and Facebook are being legally challenged in the US over claims they were designed in ways that foster addictive use among children and teens.

• The problem: In a landmark trial in Los Angeles, Meta’s CEO has been questioned on whether features like endless scrolling and addictive interfaces intentionally hooked younger users and how age limits are enforced.

• Systemic issue: Internal company research presented in court suggests that parental controls and supervision tools may have limited effectiveness at reducing compulsive social media behaviour among teens, highlighting the deeper systemic design issues.

• Consequences: Plaintiffs argue that Meta’s platforms have contributed to anxiety, depression, body image issues, and compulsive use in young people, with some cases likened to past legal battles involving tobacco and other addictive products.

• Meta Response: Meta denies intentionally targeting or addicting young users, emphasising efforts to improve safety.

• However, critics counter that internal communications indicate awareness of engagement-focused design strategies.

• Impact of social media: This is one of the rare case studies that can help us explain this issue of social media having more personal harms.

• Usually, in essays, we focus extensively on the societal impacts because those are easier to prove and the evidence is more substantial.

• In this case, we have a strong example for the biggest social media platforms out there, indicating that social media can indeed lead to addiction and distorted perceptions, when left unchecked.

• The argument here is that for the younger and more impressionable minds, they do not have the discretion to use social media in a healthy and moderate way. This then leads to the problems listed.

• Restrictions and regulation: When it comes to regulation, the question is always going to be: how much?

• The current social media environment, in the west at least, is relatively liberal. This is a watershed moment where we see a strong impetus for regulators to step in because of the mounting evidence of a problem.

• Restrictions can be justified when there is a clear case of harm, because good restrictions are precisely in place to protect society against undesirable consequences.

• The part to emphasise is the age group. We are not looking at adults; we are examining a vulnerable group that needs protection, which makes it even more compelling.

• Media and government (power dynamics): It is interesting to see the government struggling to impose restrictions.

• It speaks of the problems of a more democratic system where it needs to go through many layers before change can be imposed.

• We would thus evaluate that the current media landscape sees a lot of power congregating in the hands of the tech giants.

• Happiness and mental health: It is good to understand the different factors influencing happiness. This is a less commonly discussed issue, but definitely something substantial given that it has been found to be a big cause of mental health issues

• IFreedom and limits: Freedom needs to have limits when it is clear that there are ramifications with unchecked freedom.

• We do need some reasonable rules and systems in place that we can conform to, to ensure stability and security. This becomes especially prominent in today’s world with the exponential growth of technology giving so much agency to individuals.

• Integrity: I find Meta’s response quite disingenuous because even when confronted with the evidence, they can still go on to deny wrongdoing. A company/leader with integrity would be one who is more genuinely concerned about the welfare of those they are serving, rather than self-interests.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to national security crimes. He is the founder of the popular newspaper publication, Apple Daily, which supported pro-democracy protests and criticised Beijing’s leadership.

• Activism: He is among the city’s most vocal democracy advocates, and a long-time critic of the CCP.

• Outcome on Case: He has been sentenced to 20 years’ jail, convicted under the National Security Law (NSL). He is charged with colluding with foreign forces by calling for international sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

• Situation in Hong Kong: Note that this is part of the larger movement of stifling political dissent in Hong Kong.

• International Attention: His case has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community but Beijing has dismissed the criticism as smears and interference.

• Specifically, the European Parliament has threatened sanctions against Hong Kong’s leader over what it calls a crackdown on the city’s freedoms and a violation of its people’s rights.ly this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Quality of governance + Democracy: Good governments should listen to the people instead of shutting down healthy public discourse (i.e. being consultative). This should matter apart from generic factors like economic prosperity, foresight and political stability etc.

• In fact, this is arguably one of the most important determinants of good governance because it gives voice to the people’s concerns and needs, and ensures that policies truly address them, in the spirit of the social contract.

• Government Control: The law is often a tool used by governments to repress citizens. It is also cited as an excuse to justify and normalise oppression, usually by explaining that it is for the greater good of the country (i.e. national security).

• Governments very commonly cite whatever reason they want to justify all kinds of human rights violations, and this is a trend we see repeating again and again, even in western powers (it is simply a phenomenon of how governments exert their power). Of course, there could be supporters who would defend the actions as truly necessary, from a national security standpoint.

• Freedom and Censorship: Press freedom is a key idea here given that Jimmy Lai is the founder of the media company. This is a really high profile example of an important media company founder being silenced and penalised.

• Freedom of speech is important in contributing to the social and political discourse of society, as well as give a voice to the people (to balance the actions of governments).

• However, governments often like to curtail these freedoms, for fears that it will undermine their authority (seeing free speech as something polarising and dangerous).

• Activism: Freedom (in being bold to speak out and challenge status quo) and activism (trying to create positive change) are important values that envision and actively work towards a better society.

• Again, no society is perfect and it is vital for individuals to participate in shaping it. Yet, this task is often challenging and even dangerous, because of the resistance it triggers from governments.

• Integrity and Leadership: The value of integrity comes from being honest enough to live according to one’s principles.

• This is even more crucial for public figures who have a huge influence over society and their personal beliefs, words and actions have a profound impact on how other people think. As such, it is justified that they should be held to higher standards of moral responsibility

Essay Question: To what extent does the media today undermine rather than support democracy?

Agree Arguments (Undermines Democracy)

1. Sensationalism and misinformation distort public understanding of political reality

Modern media frequently sacrifices accuracy for attention, prioritising clickbait headlines and emotionally charged stories that drive traffic but mislead audiences. Social media platforms, powered by engagement-driven algorithms, amplify conspiracy theories and disinformation, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This manipulation of information corrodes public trust, encourages political polarisation, and ultimately weakens citizens’ ability to make rational, informed choices. In doing so, the media compromises the discerning electorate necessary for the survival and health of any democracy.

(Note that this point overlaps with standard arguments from Media essays on fake news. This is considered Tweaking too, where we identify the most common arguments in a Theme, and use it across a variety of questions from various sub-topics within and beyond the Theme)

2. Governments manipulate media platforms to promote propaganda and suppress dissent

In many democratic and authoritarian contexts alike, governments exploit media platforms—including television, newspapers, and especially the internet—to spread partisan narratives and silence opposition. State-sponsored outlets and social media bots can be weaponised to manipulate public perception and delegitimise critics. This undermines press freedom and corrupts public discourse. When the media serves as a propaganda tool rather than a check on power, it erodes democratic norms, distorts electoral outcomes, and weakens the informed debate essential to a functioning democracy.

(This point Tweaks from Politics. In Politics, a key concept is understanding that governments and leaders can often be quite insidious in how they maintain their power and exert control over others. Suppressing dissent and instead propagating their self-serving views are very common techniques employed by many.)

Disagree Arguments (Supports Democracy)

1. The media raises awareness and mobilises action on democratic injustices

The media plays a crucial role in spotlighting social inequalities, human rights abuses, and governmental corruption, often galvanising public outrage and collective action. From global news networks to grassroots citizen journalism, diverse media outlets amplify marginalised voices and empower activism. Campaigns publicised by the media can pressure governments to reform, enhancing democratic responsiveness. Furthermore, the media enables widespread political participation allowing them to use activism to balance the power dynamics against the government. This empowerment strengthens democratic legitimacy, as policies are shaped not just by elites, but by an active, informed public.

(Tweaking: Politics + Indv & Values - Activism and social justice. If you have been reading my essays, you would know that Activism is a really powerful argument because it is often relevant and can be applied to multiple questions! Fun fact: Activism, as a sub-topic of Indv Values, came out consecutively in the A Levels in 2022, 2023, 2024!)

2. The media provides vital space for open discourse and civic engagement

The media creates a vital space where public discourse can flourish. Through interviews, debates, commentary, and interactive platforms, it encourages citizens to exchange and refine political opinions. This pluralism strengthens democratic culture by normalising disagreement and promoting mutual understanding. Investigative journalism further deepens engagement by exposing wrongdoing and demanding accountability. In promoting dialogue as well as knowledge, the media cultivates an active, critically engaged public—ensuring that democracy is shaped by diverse voices, not silence or uniformity.

(Tip: We need to always know how our points are different. They cannot be too similar and sound repetitive. This is differentiated from the previous Disagree 1 because this is less confrontational and less targeted at specific issues. It is more of a general climate of openness and information exchange that is facilitated by the media.)

Question Analysis Pro Tip:

• This question can be challenging when students do not properly analyse the question to think about what it means to strengthen/undermine democracy. Many would simply repeat these words without actually engaging with them. Repeating the question is not the same as engaging; engagement requires a proper breaking down of these terms to think about what they mean. Based on my underlined points above, observe carefully the phrases I use to ATQ for both Agree/Disagree.

• The other consideration is to have a broader scope of the media. There will also inevitably be students who only discuss social media, which artificially narrows the scope of discussion. The media should also include news from the press and journalism.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Disagree 1

D1: The media plays a crucial role in spotlighting social inequalities, human rights abuses, and governmental corruption, often galvanising public outrage and collective action. From global news networks to grassroots citizen journalism, diverse media ecosystems amplify marginalised voices and empower activism. Campaigns publicised by the media can exert immense pressure on governments to reform, thereby enhancing democratic responsiveness. Moreover, by facilitating mass political participation through awareness and mobilisation, the media allows citizens to challenge entrenched power dynamics and influence policy from the ground up. One notable example is the extensive media coverage of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests worldwide in 2020, sparked by the killing of George Floyd in the US. Traditional news outlets alongside social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram broadcast raw footage of police violence and peaceful protests, making the issue of systemic racism impossible to ignore. This global media amplification mobilised millions across continents, putting pressure on governments to confront racial injustice. Cities like Minneapolis announced police reforms, and conversations about institutional racism entered mainstream politics. The media’s role in amplifying marginalised voices catalysed a significant wave of civic engagement and policy reconsideration in multiple democracies. More recently, the current ongoing Nepal protests, ignited by a government-imposed social media ban and widespread corruption, were propelled by media coverage. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube allowed protesters to document events in real time, share their grievances, and organise demonstrations. Despite attempts at censorship, these platforms provided a space for dissent, enabling the youth-led movement to gain national and international attention. The media’s role in facilitating communication and mobilisation was instrumental in sustaining the protests and pressuring the government to address the demands of the people. Similarly, in Indonesia, the 2025 student-led protests against the government’s austerity measures and police brutality were significantly amplified through digital media. Platforms like TikTok and Twitter were used to disseminate information and coordinate protests. Despite the challenges, the media’s ability to connect citizens and provide a raw, unfiltered perspective of the realities on the ground played a pivotal role in the protests, demonstrating the power of media in empowering democratic participation.

Pro Tip: Note that within this same point, we also discuss traditional journalism, to show that this applies to the entire media, not just social media. For the examples, BLM is chosen because it is a significant milestone (meaning that it is substantial in terms of its scale and impact).

Nepal and Indonesia are chosen because they are recent (ongoing in fact, at the time of writing this). Nepal and Indonesia here are used as a pair of similar case studies. This is a technique that we can consider because comparison increases the scope of our essay by giving more contexts that are being discussed, and shows our ability to connect ideas. Note that comparison here still counts as 1 example for the purposes of wanting to write 2 examples in a body paragraph (it doesn’t count as 2, because it’s the same issue - in this case political accountability from the government, whereas BLM is also the social aspect)

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Citizens across Indonesia began displaying the One Piece pirate flag—most famously the straw-hat skull—as an emblem of public dissatisfaction and a call for reform.

• Expression of government discontent: The flag became a way for people to symbolically object to policies such as budget cuts, expanded military influence, and concerns about democratic backsliding.

• Presidential caution but not outright ban: President Prabowo Subianto’s office acknowledged freedom of expression but warned that the flag should not be flown in the same manner or height as the national flag to avoid comparison or perceived disrespect.

• Public backlash against enforcement (contradiction): Crackdowns—such as raids on vendors and confiscation of flags—provoked criticism from rights groups and many citizens, who viewed the symbol as harmless artistic expression.

• Artists and citizens driven by symbolic solidarity: Many took up the flag not because they are fans of the anime, but because it captures resistance, unity, and a desire for the government to listen—especially among Indonesia’s youths.

• Cultural undercurrents and generational divide: While older generations view the national flag as sacrosanct due to its historical significance, younger Indonesians see the pirate flag as a creative, culturally resonant form of critique and self-expression.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Governance and responses: This is a rare display of discretion and wisdom by the government to not take a hard-handed stance to clamp down on dissent.

• Instead, the president agreed that there should be freedom of speech and chose not to ban possession of this One Piece flag. The people were only asked not to fly it with the national flag, which is a fair request.

• Response to criticism and protest is an important way to measure whether a government is truly upholding its social contract to meet the people’s needs, instead of only being fixated on being in power.

• Restrictions of rights: Interestingly, enforcement on the ground can contradict the official direction from the government. This either elicits challenges in governance, or a more cynical read would point at the two-faced hypocrisy of policies that act differently from what has been said.

• Intrusive crackdowns on freedom of expression and the freedom to protest are not justified. Apart from violating human rights, the larger problem is that it prevents the country from progressing. Stifling dissent does not address the underlying problems such as the sense of disillusionment and desire for policy improvements.

• Democracy and the youth: This is quite clearly a protest coming from young people (because the symbol is from an anime that is predominantly for young people). It reflects youth participation in politics, and a willingness to partake in a democratic process of giving feedback and influencing policies.

• Some questions may get us to think about whether young people are apathetic towards political issues and such an example opposes that sentiment to show a growing interest and creative ways in which political sentiments are being expressed.

• Effective democracies would recognise such incidents as a feedback attempt, rather than a move to destabilise the regime. The democratic system normalises and encourages inputs from the masses—a form of collaborative governance. The people’s voice is supposed to be a check-and-balance against democratic backsliding.

• Non-conformity and activism: This is similar to many other examples we have seen that emphasise the importance of daring to question and challenge existing policies and norms. It is an attitude that acknowledges the status quo may not be perfect and that there is room for improvement.

• Ironically, some may just be following the trend out of curiosity, without real engagement with the issue. But that is not the majority and we should not discredit the movement because of that.

• Activism is a way to express frustration at inadequacies and press for change. Activism also engenders hope for the future. The flag here is a powerful symbol that reforms are possible regardless of how bleak the situation is.

• Value: Art is once again a source of comfort and solidarity because people can find meaning in the work and perceive it as giving them a voice to articulate what they feel. Art effectively gives people a language to make sense of the world around them—a universal language (emotions).

• Subjectivity: Although, the anime in question was not created for the expressed purpose of criticising an oppressive government, but the idea remains. It reminds us that art is deeply interpretative and people can resonate with a work in ways that are meaningful to them, based on their existing context.

Essay Question: Is compromise always desirable?

Agree Arguments (Compromise is always desirable)

1. To diffuse tensions and provide a constructive avenue to resolve conflicts, while safeguarding lives

Compromise serves as an indispensable tool for resolving disputes in a fractured world. It invariably enables conflicting parties to reach common ground without escalating hostilities. By allowing each side to retain dignity while conceding certain demands, compromise cultivates trust and stability. In contexts of intractable conflicts, it functions as the only sustainable method to maintain cooperation and avert destructive cycles of confrontation.

(Note that this point overlaps with Politics - International Cooperation. This is a good example of what I call Tweaking where we an argument that applies to one question can actually be adapted for many other questions with some adjustments to account for the nuances in the new question.)

2. From a pragmatic standpoint, rigid adherence to ideals would cause deadlock and preclude meaningful progress

In the pursuit of innovation and progress, diverse ideas will always exist. An absolute purity of vision can sometimes hinder tangible progress. There are indubitably resource constraints, competing priorities, or divergent schools of thought, making negotiation and concessions essential to move forward. By tempering perfectionism with pragmatism, we secure workable outcomes that, while imperfect, still advance knowledge, creativity, and societal enrichment. Thus, finding common ground fosters progress where rigidity would stifle possibility.

(This point Tweaks from Sci & Tech and Arts, to think about how progress and the exploration of new ideas would always come with opposing views which need to be carefully navigated to avoid stagnation. This really speaks of the beauty of Indv & Values as a Theme where it is open enough for us to easily use ideas from other Themes that we have also prepared for 🙂. Importantly as well, both points here think about the modifier-absolute ‘always’. Always requires us to go beyond just discussing the pros of compromise, to consider why it is desirable all the time. To do this, we need to carefully articulate what contexts we are looking at where this absolute can be evident, i.e. escalating tensions in conflicts, divergent opinions leading to deadlock.)

Disagree Arguments (Compromise is sometimes undesirable)

1. It can reflect and entrench unequal power relations to perpetuate injustice and subjugation

Compromise is frequently distorted by unequal power relations, rendering it less a mutual settlement than a coerced surrender. Weaker actors may be compelled to accept terms that disproportionately favour dominant interests, thereby entrenching systemic injustice. Far from embodying fairness, such compromises institutionalise inequality under the guise of consensus. In these instances, giving way and accepting alternatives end up being choices that lack moral legitimacy, functioning not as reconciliation but as the perpetuation of exploitation and subjugation.

(Tweaking: Politics + Indv & Values - Activism and social justice)

2. It undermines professional integrity and ethical standards that must be upheld without exception

In fields such as medicine, law, and journalism, compromise can erode the ethical foundations upon which trust and credibility rest. Allowing flexibility in matters of professional standards risks normalising negligence, bias, or malpractice, which can have irreversible consequences for individuals and society. In such domains, unwavering adherence to principles is necessary, as compromise would not signify balance but a dangerous betrayal of professional duty.

(Tweaking: Sci & Tech - Science and ethics, Media - Responsibilities of journalists)

Question Analysis Pro Tip:

• As aforementioned, “Always desirable” is an absolute. The view that supports the absolute needs to really go to this extent to explain why it is desirable all the time. The way to do this is to outline clear parameters and contexts for why this may seem to be the case. The other view challenges the absolute = “sometimes not desirable”; it should not become another absolute “never desirable” because that is actually NATQ and hijacking the question. There is only ever one view with an absolute.

• Many students may avoid this question because ‘compromise’ feels general and philosophical. The truth is, many Indv & Values questions (like this one) are open enough for us to find arguments from other Themes. That being said, we must be careful not to be example-driven where one point only feels like it is revolving around an exception. Observe that my points are usually broad, e.g. ethical standards apply not just to journalists but other professionals too, or deadlocks that need compromise are not just in Sci & Tech but other areas of progress like experimenting with new ideas in the Arts for instance.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Agree 1

A1: Compromise is always essential when it comes to resolving conflicts and promoting peace, because entrenched disputes have competing interests and perpetually worsening relations. By finding common ground, conflicting parties can de-escalate tensions and work toward mutual understanding, fostering cooperation that might otherwise be unattainable through rigid adherence to positions. In 2025, after over a year of intense hostilities, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire that included provisions for the release of hostages, a temporary halt to airstrikes, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Brokered by Qatar and Egypt, both sides made significant concessions: Israel moderated military operations, while Hamas agreed to suspend rocket attacks. This compromise immediately alleviated the humanitarian crisis, saved lives, and maintained a fragile social equilibrium within Gaza and Israel, proving that even when deeper disputes remain unresolved, compromise invariably functions as a desirable tool for protecting human life and preventing catastrophic escalation. Similarly, in Sudan’s internal conflict in early 2025, the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in mediated negotiations after violent clashes threatened national stability. Both factions agreed to a transitional framework outlining power-sharing arrangements, joint administration of contested areas, and coordinated humanitarian efforts. These concessions mitigated immediate threats to civilians, preserved social cohesion, and created a practical platform for future governance discussions, revealing that even imperfect compromises are indispensable for reducing harm and ensuring survival in volatile circumstances. The very fact that opposing factions can coexist and keep societal collapse at bay underscores that compromise is always desirable. While compromises may leave certain injustices unresolved, their role in protecting lives and preserving stability ensures their universal desirability, making them the most pragmatic and constructive pathway forward in virtually all conflicts.

Pro Tip: To explain the absolute properly, we need to first consider the cases where compromise is undesirable (i.e. leave root issues unresolved), and then go on to justify why compromise is still desirable despite that (i.e. preventing societal collapse and protecting lives will always be a top priority). Remember this is not the same question as “Is compromise desirable?” - Always changes it a lot.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Disagree 1

D1: Compromise is frequently distorted by unequal power relations, making it less a mutual settlement than a coerced surrender. When one party holds overwhelming authority, weaker actors may be forced to accept terms that disproportionately favour dominant interests. Rather than uphold fairness, such compromises entrench systemic injustice, subjugate marginalised groups, and normalise exploitation under the guise of consensus. For example, in the United States, ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ rights—evident in the recent case submitted to the Supreme Court to retract gay marriage—demonstrate that compromise is not always an option when fundamental freedoms are at stake. Attempts by some conservative political groups to roll back protections, including challenges to existing legal rights and efforts to further marginalise queer communities, illustrate that conceding or negotiating on these rights would effectively legitimise discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community is unable to accept partial concessions without sacrificing core protections, showing that compromise here would reinforce injustice rather than facilitate reconciliation. Similarly, in Iran, the masses protesting compulsory hijab laws and broader governmental oppression have consistently refused to compromise, even in the distressing face of arrest, violence, or death. Their unyielding stance against unreasonable restrictions underscores how yielding to authoritarian power would perpetuate subjugation rather than restore justice. In both cases, compromise under extreme power imbalances functions not as a constructive settlement but as a mechanism to entrench systemic inequities, illustrating that negotiation is not inherently morally desirable. These examples reveal that when one party holds overwhelming authority, compromise loses legitimacy, coercing the weaker party into surrender while preserving oppression. Therefore, in situations involving fundamental rights or ethical imperatives, the principle of compromise cannot be applied universally, highlighting the necessity of resisting unequal demands rather than seeking superficial and empty agreements.

Pro Tip: Every paragraph should ideally have 2 examples. These 2 examples will share the same logic that we wish to outline here, both using their respective contexts to illustrate our argument. However, these should also be distinct contexts and issues to introduce more scope. Here, we have eg 1 on LGBTQ+, US, and eg 2 on Feminism and Political Freedom, Iran. Both are vastly different, yet use the same logic, which then underscores how compelling our argument is!

Essay Question: Should restrictions be placed on Artificial Intelligence, given its exponential growth?

Agree Arguments (Restrictions should be placed)

1. Managing disruption to entire industries caused by AI’s transformative potential

AI has the power to reshape how industries operate, altering production methods, competitive dynamics, and consumer expectations. If this transformation occurs without restrictions, some industries may collapse before they can adjust to new realities. Regulation can slow the pace of disruption, ensuring businesses and workers have time to adapt. This creates a more balanced environment where innovation and stability coexist.

2. The need for ethical safeguards to prevent AI from normalising harmful content and behaviours

AI can generate material that manipulates emotions, spreads misinformation, or reinforces harmful stereotypes. If left unchecked, these outputs may subtly shape public opinion and values in damaging ways. Restrictions help draw ethical boundaries that prevent the normalisation of such outcomes. They also provide developers with clear standards that ensure innovation respects social and moral responsibilities.

Disagree Arguments (Restrictions should not be placed)

1. Excessive regulation risks stifling innovation and discouraging experimentation

Overly restrictive measures may slow down progress by adding bureaucratic obstacles to development. Innovation thrives in environments that allow for creative freedom and the testing of unconventional ideas. If developers face constant restrictions, many beneficial discoveries may never be realised. Thus, regulation may end up preventing the very breakthroughs it seeks to guide responsibly.

2. Human adaptability means societies can adjust to AI’s disruptive effects without regulation

Throughout history, new technologies have reshaped industries and social structures, yet humans have consistently adapted. Imposing restrictions on AI assumes people cannot adjust, but such assumptions underestimate human resilience. Open development allows innovation to unfold while giving societies the opportunity to adapt organically. Restrictions may instead create dependency on protection rather than encouraging adaptation.

Question Analysis Pro Tip:

• Take note that “given its exponential growth” is a Context modifier because this is an assumption that we should accept. Some students make the mistake of contesting this, but that would deviate from the question; the real claim to be contested is the part about restrictions.

• Many would also treat this as just a pros-cons essay for AI, but restrictions actually extend the arguments further. For instance, if we mention pros we need to then explain why restrictions would hinder these pros, or if we discuss cons we need to explain how restrictions can address or mitigate these problems. Essentially, the focus is placed on the rationale behind restrictions or freedom, not just the impacts of AI.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Agree 2

A1: There is a compelling need for restrictions to create ethical safeguards that can prevent AI from normalising harmful content and behaviours. AI possesses immense generative capacity, enabling it to produce persuasive text, realistic images, and convincing synthetic voices with minimal human input. If left unregulated, such systems risk reinforcing prejudices, spreading misinformation, and eroding trust in truth itself, subtly reshaping collective values in ways that are both damaging and difficult to reverse. The dangers of this normalisation are already evident in existing applications where AI has been deployed without sufficient oversight. OpenAI’s ChatGPT was scrutinised for replicating racial and gender biases embedded in its training data. Researchers found that the model disproportionately associated men with authority and women with domestic or nurturing roles, while also reproducing stereotypes about minority groups. What makes this dangerous is the veneer of neutrality: when users encounter biased outputs from a machine, they are more likely to accept them as objective or factual, thereby reinforcing discriminatory assumptions at scale. Without restrictions mandating greater transparency in data curation and more rigorous auditing of outputs, such biases risk being silently normalised in everyday interactions, embedding structural inequality into social discourse. A second, more disruptive illustration is found in the rise of deepfakes, where generative AI is used to manipulate public discourse directly. During Singapore’s 2025 general election campaign, a deepfake video surfaced featuring former President Halimah Yacob purportedly criticising the government. The video was swiftly debunked, but its rapid circulation underscored the ease with which such content can mislead voters and undermine trust in democratic institutions. In response, the Elections Department (ELD) issued a writ of election, enacting a ban on the publication, boosting, sharing, and reposting of deepfake content depicting election candidates. This legal measure highlights the urgent need to regulate AI-generated content to preserve the integrity of public discourse and protect the electorate from manipulation. Restrictions are thus indispensable in setting ethical boundaries that curb the misuse of AI and preserve the integrity of information ecosystems. Without them, societies risk descending into an environment where our perceptions of reality become vulnerable to technological distortion, while harmful stereotypes become perpetuated.

Pro Tip: Note that I purposely discuss biases in eg 1 and deepfakes in eg 2 so that we increase the scope of the essay. These are 2 very different issues but share the same logic where restrictions can help to increase the quality of the content, and prevent the detriments. A weaker response would write an example-driven paragraph that entirely looks at only 1 issue. Argument-driven ideas are always able to show how our logic can consistently apply across 2 very different example scenarios!

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Disagree 1

D1: Excessive regulation of AI risks stifling innovation and discouraging experimentation, potentially slowing down progress in critical areas of research and development. Overly restrictive measures can create cumbersome bureaucratic hurdles, limiting the freedom of developers to explore unconventional ideas and test novel solutions. Innovation thrives in environments where trial and error are permitted, and where risks are tolerated as part of the creative process. If AI developers face constant regulatory constraints, many transformative breakthroughs may never materialise, and the very potential of the technology could be curtailed. The consequences of stifling innovation are already visible in real-world examples. Consider that the European Union's proposed AI Act faced widespread criticism from start-ups and tech companies who argued that the strict compliance requirements—covering risk assessments, transparency reporting, and mandatory auditing—would disproportionately burden smaller organisations. Notably, companies like Mistral AI and Aleph Alpha, along with other European startups, expressed concerns that the legislation could hinder their ability to innovate and compete in the global market. These companies feared that the new legislation would dissuade them from launching experimental projects, as the administrative and financial costs of adhering to the law could outweigh the benefits of innovation. This illustrates how well-intentioned regulation can paradoxically hinder creativity, slowing the pace at which society can benefit from AI's transformative potential. Likewise, China’s regulatory environment evinces the same problems. In 2024, China's stringent regulatory clampdown on its generative AI sector, including limits on experimental algorithms and mandatory government approvals, led to a marked decline in the release of new AI tools and platforms. Entrepreneurs reported abandoning projects due to the unpredictability of the approval process, while some research teams migrated overseas in search of freer environments. For instance, the AI startup Manus, initially celebrated for its promising AI agent, faced challenges due to regulatory constraints and the necessity for government approval. As a result, Manus decided to relocate its operations to Singapore, citing a more conducive environment for innovation. This move underscores the tangible impact of excessive regulation on the ability of AI companies to thrive and innovate within China. Therefore, while regulation aims to ensure safety and ethical compliance, overly rigid frameworks risk undermining the very innovation they intend to guide. Allowing developers sufficient creative freedom is essential for fostering breakthroughs, accelerating solutions to societal challenges, and maintaining global leadership in AI. Regulation must balance safety with flexibility, or the transformative promise of AI may remain unrealised.

Pro Tip: The paragraph has to focus on regulation. A lot of students will end up discussing the benefits of AI and have huge chunks of examples illustrating benefits. These students would also speculate about imaginary regulations and argue that they are obstacles, without actually having discussed any specific regulations. The examples must provide key facts on the kinds of regulation being implemented in various countries.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Big Ocean is a K-pop sensation - the world’s first K-pop boy band composed entirely of hearing-impaired artists. They did not let their disabilities stop them from debuting as an idol group.

• Use of Technology: The group uses vibrating smartwatches to feel the beat and LED visual metronomes to stay in time. AI voice conversion technology helps them enhance vocal clarity and pitch accuracy during performances. These tools allow them to participate fully in K-pop music despite their hearing impairments.

• Musical and Cultural Impact: Their music, described as "free soul pop," incorporates Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL). Songs like Glow, Slow, and Bright convey messages of hope, unity, and inclusivity. Their performances make K-pop more accessible and highlight the cultural power of sign language in music.

• Global Recognition: Big Ocean has received international acclaim, being named "K-Pop Rookie of the Month" by Billboard. They were also included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports list. The group has performed at prestigious events such as the UN AI Summit and is planning a European tour.

• Empowering Fans: Their fanbase, known as "PADO," learns sign language to communicate effectively with the group. This interaction fosters a strong sense of community and inclusivity among fans. The members’ story inspires fans to embrace differences and engage in mutual learning.

• Future Aspirations: Big Ocean plans to collaborate with international artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish. They continue to use their platform to show that disabilities do not limit one’s potential. Their journey emphasises that challenges can lead to unique strengths and perspectives in the arts.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Impact of the Arts: It is interesting to see that the value of art may not just come from the content of it; it is also about the process of creation. Their fans are resonating with the music because they respect the dedication and effort that goes into making music despite the circumstances.

• Value also comes in the form of empowerment and solidarity. To other people with disabilities, their music can be a powerful statement that we can do anything regardless of our disabilities. The music itself, conveying ideas of hope and inclusivity, would also encourage them and make them feel seen.

• Tech and Art: Relating to the previous point, we can see that the process of human creation is something that is also important. This can help explain why AI-generated art cannot truly replace art because it will invariably lack the authenticity and depth in its creation, even if the product may be ostensibly similar.

• Tech is however used in a positive way here to empower the artist to be able to create music in their own ways. It aligns with the argument that tech increases the accessibility of art creation by giving more diverse ways and tools that can facilitate art creation.

• Current Attitudes and Support for the Arts: It is heartening to see their success and popularity. This is a strong example that indicates that people really do care about what the artist has to offer. Beyond the music itself, fans are actually interested in their story.

• The commitment of fans to learn sign language also represents a concrete action to show support, beyond just symbolic gestures.

• Furthermore, the international acclaim and different awards obtained by the group also suggest that global support remains strong for aspiring musicians, even newcomers.

• Success - How: This is a strong example that success comes from diligence and determination. Imagine the odds Big Ocean had to overcome to make music while being hearing impaired. It would have been much more difficult but their resilience paid off.

• We can also celebrate their creativity in finding different ways to overcome impediments, through the different kinds of technology in helping to deliver quality music. It is about working smart, not just working hard.

• Non-conformity and Daring to Dream: Being the first music group entirely comprising hearing-impaired artists is definitely a bold move. It was risky and uncertain but taking the first step is also paving the way for other aspiring artists.

• Of course, it is also an important step for themselves, in having a way to express themselves through music. Remember that non-conformity can be key to having a voice that is different from what mainstream society expects.

• Public figures as Role models + Influence of Society: Big Ocean illustrates how public figures can act as role models through the visibility and influence of their work. By achieving success as deaf and hard-of-hearing artists in the highly competitive K-pop industry, they highlight the importance of inclusion and accessibility in spaces where certain groups are typically underrepresented.

• Their prominence allows them to shape cultural norms, raise awareness about social issues, and show that public figures can use their platforms to represent communities, set standards, and influence societal perceptions in meaningful ways.

Essay Question: ‘No one really cares what the artist has to say.’ What are your views?

Agree Arguments (No one really cares)

1. Audiences often engage with art superficially or for aesthetic pleasure.
Many people are drawn to how a work looks or sounds, not what it means. They may appreciate beauty, novelty, or entertainment value without any interest in the artist’s message. As a result, the deeper intentions of the creator are often ignored. Art can be popular but it is not equivalent to the artist’s message being valued. In fact, when artists address controversial issues and uncomfortable truths, people may then disengage or ignore the work entirely.

2. Audiences prioritise their interpretations over the artist’s intent
Many people engage with art in a highly subjective way, drawing meaning based on their own emotions and experiences. As a result, the original message intended by the artist often becomes secondary or even irrelevant. The audience may confidently impose their own understanding without making any effort to explore the artist’s actual views. Over time, this can lead to misinterpretation or complete erasure of the artist’s voice.

Disagree Arguments (People do actually care)

1. Art is able to prompt reflection, and meaningfully contribute to discourse to shape public opinion.
Art is able to spark important conversations and can have a real impact on shaping public opinion. Many audiences turn to it for insight into social, political, or environmental issues, especially when artists take bold stances. Their work can act as a form of soft power, subtly influencing how people view the world around them. This is reflective of genuine interest where there is thoughtful engagement for what the artist wishes to convey.

2. Audiences actively seek to connect more deeply with artists and understand the larger context.
Viewers often feel a deeper resonance with works that reflect an artist’s personal experiences or emotional struggles. When an artist communicates vulnerability, identity, or loss through their craft, audiences appreciate the courage and humanity behind the work. People routinely watch interviews, read biographies, or analyse lyrics and symbolism to uncover the emotional depth behind a piece of art. There is keen interest to understand the larger context and motivations behind a work.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Disagree 1

Art continues to spark vital conversations and shape public opinion. In today’s saturated media landscape, the mere fact that people stop, reflect, and respond to art is proof that they are not indifferent to the messages it carries. Artists are not simply entertainers or creators of visual pleasure; they are social commentators, often articulating what many feel but cannot express. When their work is rooted in strong ideas or bold critiques, it can resonate powerfully and provoke widespread engagement. A prime example is the elusive British street artist Banksy, whose provocative works regularly ignite debate. His 2015 installation Dismaland—a grim parody of Disneyland—was not just a clever visual stunt. It was a fierce commentary on Western apathy, consumerism, and the refugee crisis. These are difficult and complex issues, yet people are willing to take time to indulge in his work. The exhibition drew over 150,000 visitors in five weeks, attracted global press coverage, and flooded social media feeds with photos, debates, and interpretations. If people truly did not care about the artist’s message, such a strong and sustained public response would not have occurred. Another powerful example is Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, which captivated global audiences not only for its musical quality but for its raw exploration of race, womanhood, and trauma. With striking visuals, poetry, and allusions to African-American history, Beyoncé challenged dominant narratives and sparked nuanced conversations across cultural and academic circles. Her fans were not simply streaming music—they were dissecting metaphors, attending panel discussions, and writing articles unpacking her message. That level of intellectual and emotional engagement makes it clear that the artist’s voice matters deeply to many. Ultimately, people do care what artists have to say, sometimes passionately, sometimes critically, but the response itself is evidence of attention. Art may not always shout, but when it speaks, people listen. In a world oversaturated with noise, the fact that an artist’s message can still cut through and create dialogue is proof enough that their voice still matters.

Model ‘A’ Grade Paragraph - Disagree 2

Moreover, real engagement with artists is also evident in the emotional connection many audiences form with artists who offer sincerity, depth, and a clear sense of personal voice. In an increasingly digitised and filtered world, many are no longer satisfied with just consuming beautiful images or catchy content; instead, they are drawn to creators who reveal something genuine about their inner world. A compelling example is Yayoi Kusama, whose Infinity Mirror Rooms are internationally acclaimed for their hypnotic visuals, but whose deeper impact lies in their emotional weight. These rooms reflect Kusama’s lived experience of hallucinations, trauma, and psychological isolation. Once viewers become cognisant of this context, they often engage with her work on a far more intimate level: seeing it not simply as a dazzling installation, but as a visual expression of inner turmoil and longing. Her autobiography and interviews are widely read, with many visitors expressing a deeper appreciation for her work after learning about the suffering and resilience behind it. The global fascination with Kusama is not just about the artwork, but about her. People care about her perspective, her story, and the voice behind the mirrors. Another case in point would be that of Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator behind Studio Ghibli. Although AI-generated images that imitate the “Ghibli style” now flood the internet, many of Miyazaki’s fans reject these imitations, not because they look inaccurate, but because they lack his voice. Miyazaki’s work is admired not just for its aesthetic, but for the spirit of care, nostalgia, and moral nuance he embeds into each frame. Fans who follow his creative process and interviews often cite how knowing his intentions—his reflections on childhood, nature, and humanity—makes the final product far more meaningful. Without that artistic soul, AI imitations feel empty, even if they appear visually similar. This strongly evinces that the audience is not only invested in the aesthetics of art, but also genuinely interested in the authentic voice of the artist that brings these works to life. The artist’s voice, far from being irrelevant, remains central to how art is received, remembered, and valued.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• There were angry reactions across Europe to Elon Musk’s apparent use of a salute banned for its Nazi links in Germany.

• Many condemned it as a malicious provocation or an outreach of solidarity to far-right groups.

• Michael Friedman, a prominent German-French publicist and former deputy chair of the Central Council of Jews in Germany described Musk’s actions as “a disgrace” and that “a dangerous point for the entire free world”.

• Importantly, Musk is also leading Trump’s department of government efficiency.

• The US Anti-Defamation League said Musk’s gesture had not been a Nazi salute and was instead “an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm”.

• However, it is noteworthy that Musk has not apologised for his gestures.

• Activists then went to project the same salute on the outer facade of the electric vehicle factory, Tesla, in Germany (Musk’s company).

• It is noteworthy that at the point of this incident, Elon Musk was still with the US government, which allows us to extrapolate his actions to larger political issues.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Governance and Politicians: While most questions tend to ask what determines a good government, some may be narrower to look at what determines good politicians

• Such questions get us to consider whether politicians are truly serving the country or are they more self-interested.

• This is a negative example of a politician—who has just been given a lot of authority— who is irresponsible, insensitive and probably even dangerous in how he is spreading extreme ideas.

• These ideas can potentially catalyse great injustice and oppression, and no politicians who truly mean well for the people should be perpetuating such ideas.

• Democracy and Rights: Democracy has its pros and cons. The most obvious issue is that freedom is a double-edged sword.

• On the one hand, freedom of expression implies that we allow for a diversity of opinion and we celebrate the voices and views of others, hoping to instill more empathy for different ideas.

• On the other hand, when taken to the extreme, malicious actors can use the facade of this freedom to instead communicate hateful and inflammatory ideas.

• The problem with democracy is also that such public figures can sometimes even use their popularity as justification for their actions.

• Freedom: This is similar to the point above. Over here, it is more generally thinking about the ideas of freedom. Does freedom mean that there are no limits to what we can do?

• The insightful argument would be to explain the freedom must not at the same time violate or threaten the freedom of others.

• In other words, when we make hateful remarks and subscribe to discriminatory ideologies, it is tantamount to undermining the safety of others.

• In such a case, freedom is problematic. Hence, there needs to also be some form of regulation around freedom.

• Leadership and Public Figures: This does not only apply to political leaders. Often, many public figures make controversial remarks or engage in controversial behaviour.

• Questions may get us to consider whether it is fair to hold them accountable and hold them to higher standards.

• A common argument would be since these public figures often have a huge influence and impact on society, it is far to expect them to exercise that power with discretion.

• Activism and Accountability: The response to Musk’s actions can be easily construed as supporting him instead. It is intended to be a satire (something that mocks him). But, the police were investigating the incident.

• It then begs the question of whether such a form of activism is productive and does it end up causing more harm than good since it ironically amplifies the hateful message that was originally being publicised.

• This is very similar to our essays on the Arts too when we look at how certain shocking works are often thought-provoking, albeit highly contentious. It really depends on how we want to argue it!

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Andrew Tate has been banned from major social media sites but still has an online presence.

• This kickboxer who became an influencer is currently awaiting trial for alleged crimes of human trafficking and rape.

• He has amassed millions of followers despite sharing very controversial misogynistic views.

• Tate has suggested rape victims “bear some responsibility” for being attacked, said women “belong in the home” and referred to women as “property” of men, while advocating for violence against women (accused of cheating).

• Tate was banned from Facebook and Instagram in for violating Meta’s policies on “dangerous individuals”.

• He had 4.7 million followers before his official account was deleted.

• He was also banned from YouTube for breaching hate speech rules.

• TikTok even barred him from having an account but content posted under the hashtag Andrew Tate has been viewed billions of times.

• More than 100 TikTok accounts frequently promote Tate’s content, with a total of 250 million video views and 5.7 million followers.

• Twitter (X) also banned him previously but reinstated his account following Elon Musk’s takeover.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Impact of Social Media: Social media gives a voice to individuals, acting as a mouthpiece to help convey their views and allow it to gain traction.

• It is a double-edged sword because the same function could also be used to propagate problematic and harmful views.

• User-generated content, with a lack of actual fact-checking procedures, mean that any content can be posted regardless of its veracity and impact.

• Worse still, such content could become viral and even allow these nefarious individuals to gain fame and become a media personality (without having the usual responsibility expected of a public figure).

• This can also go on to perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination, further exacerbating this social injustice that already exists.

• Toxic masculinity is a trend that has unfortunately gained popularity through such social media content, and it has gone on to poison the minds of young men.

• Censorship and Regulation: Freedom of speech should not be abused to become a freedom to offend and disparage others

• Censorship can be important to ensure that opinions are regulated such that extremist content is weeded out.

• This is especially important for protecting impressionable minds (young teenage boys in this case) who may lack the discernment to properly evaluate content they come across.

• Another important perspective is to understand that media platforms and technological giants have an important role to play in managing the climate of their platform (related news: Telegram CEO being arrested for lack of proper moderation).

• Negative Example: Many public figures are often positive figures that exhibit virtues that we aspire to. This is an example of an awful individual who is dangerous and problematic. It adds to the variety of examples that we have.

• Success and Happiness: A lot of definitions of success and happiness come from external standards dictated by society.

• Often times, these standards are being reinforced by public figures who espouse a particular view (e.g. how men should behave or what behaviour is considered desirable in men).

• However, these external benchmarks may be problematic and uncritical. True success and happiness may require the individual to critically sieve out the right advice to follow and to navigate through such complexities to find their own paths, rather than blindly adopt certain values.

• Non-conformity and Freedom: Non-conformity is usually a good trait because of how it encourages change and breaking out of comfort zones.

• However, it can also become dangerous if it represents radical views. Sticking to the mainstream can sometimes be helpful because it represents some level of stability and established norms.

• In trying to be different, some public figures could exploit non-conformity to convey very controversial opinions as a way to differentiate themselves and gain followers (Tate, Trump etc.).

• Activism: The existence of such viewpoints and their popularity would indicate a harrowing reality that many in the world still subscribe to problematic discriminatory opinions (and this can extend to any issue - gender, race, sexuality, religion, nationality, disability etc).

• Activism exists as a necessary pushback against such opinions to ensure that the struggles of the marginalised do not go unnoticed.

• It also becomes an edifying force to ensure that society is informed and cognisant of the realities, rather than irresponsibly disseminating falsehoods.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Book Beyond Borders is a social enterprise in Singapore started by Randall Chong.

• They collect and sell second-hand books to raise funds for children’s education in Nepal.

• A great community of volunteers also actively supports the enterprise and many others contribute by donating their books or by visiting the store.

• As of 2025, Books Beyond Borders has sold more than 14,000 books and raised more than $37,000.

• All profits are invested in local Nepalese oragnisations and partners that are helping students learn and read in rural public schools.

• They also come in the forms of grants in Nepal to start literacy projects like setting up school libraries, funding scholarships, and providing classroom materials.

• Randall also says that with funds raised, Books Beyond Borders becomes a sustainable effort that allows him to pay bills, employ a small team, and fund new projects in Nepal without relying on cash donations.

• In response to discovered needs, BBB launched its sister brand “Two Storytellers”, which sells handmade crafts by Nepali women artisans—aimed at empowering households economically and creating sustainable income streams alongside educational grants.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Success: Businesses are never easy to run because a lot of effort is needed to ensure that the idea takes off and is sustainable. This becomes an interesting case study to discuss what contributed to its success. Possible ideas: the cause, leveraging on social media, relying on community help, having a clear vision

• Selflessness/Kindness: This is an excellent case study of how this virtue can be seen in Singapore because it is not only about Randall, but also the community support that makes this possible. That being said, Randall is still important given that he is the founder and leader. Kindness is important to uplift marginalised communities and to create a better world; it also allows for doing meaningful work which can contribute to personal happiness.

• Activism and Community Efforts: Activism can take many forms, it need not always be violent or confrontational. It can also be found in this because it is about making a positive difference and trying to improve status quo. Social enterprise is a good perspective that adds to the scope - the benefit is of course positive social change

• Arts (Support for it - in Singapore): This is only possible because there are many people willing to buy books. It means that there a lot of attention and value given to literature in Singapore where people genuinely find time to read amidst hectic lifestyles (Context: Singapore has one of the highest working hours in the world)

• The issue with the arts is often whether people recognise its value and are giving it enough attention and importance. A book-driven social enterprise being able to make a real impact demonstrates that both are evident in Singapore.

• In terms of AQ, we can also use this as a strong case study of a business / public figure caring for a marginalised group, and finding creative ways to include Singaporeans in their efforts to make a difference.

• Stakeholders and Solution: Questions often get us to consider how different stakeholders can play a part in sustainability efforts. Here, we see grassroots initiatives to create a more circular economy where we create a supply and demand of pre-loved items.

• It gives second-hand books a new life, reducing waste and promoting conscious consumption. This sustainability-driven mission aligns with growing global concerns about environmental responsibility and ethical retail practices.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• AI-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli have recently gone viral, with people using OpenAI’s latest image generator to recreate everyday scenes in Ghibli’s distinctive hand-drawn aesthetic.

• Studio Ghibli is known for its meticulous hand-drawn animation, soft pastel colors, and deeply human storytelling.

• Hayao Miyazaki has openly condemned AI-generated art, calling it an “insult to life itself” and expressing deep disgust at the idea of machines replicating animation.

• A clip from an NHK documentary, where Miyazaki critiques an AI animation prototype, has resurfaced amid the AI-generated Ghibli trend, reigniting debates on traditional versus AI-assisted artistry.

• Miyazaki links AI-generated animation to a lack of human empathy, recalling a friend with a disability and arguing that AI creators fail to understand the emotional depth behind real movement.

• As AI-generated content grows, discussions continue on whether it complements or undermines traditional art forms, with Miyazaki standing firmly against its integration into animation.

• It is important to realise that viral trends for AI-generation would also take its toll on the environment because of the energy consumed in the process.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Tech and Art: Is AI-generated art considered art? This is a very heated debate currently and we should know all the various perspectives. In fact, this is a very likely A Level question because it has not been tested before ever since it became a norm in our world.

• Positive :) = AI-generated art enhances the accessibility of creating art where any individual can create something meaningful to them, to partake in artistic expression even if they are not professionally trained. This is similar to how social media has democratised user-generated content (away from established media agencies). This empowers even an ordinary individual to be able to let their creative vision come to life.

• Positive :) = AI-generated art, albeit being based on existing artworks, can still create some remarkable pieces that are mind-blowing. It increases the diversity of artworks available. Even though it is re-using existing content but the limitless ways in which AI can mix, combine, and edit, can produce a lot of new works that evoke different reactions.

• Negative :( = AI-generated art is seen as stealing the work of artists without consent—a blatant form of copyright infringement. Machine learning to train AI models inevitably feed on a lot of existing data that comes from other artists. It can also lead to the displacement of artists, rendering them obsolete.

• Negative :( = AI-generated art may undermine the overall quality of art. It shifts the focus away from the thoughtful and drawn out process of creating art where time and effort is required. Art is reduced to merely a few prompts. The ease of it could be seen as cheapening art itself. Art now lacks the personal touch and story of the human creator that traditionally shapes the process of art creation.

• Miyazaki’s response is a very good case study (because he is incredibly renowned), to understand the artist's perspective in how insulted and disgusted they feel towards AI-generated art. Many students tend to outline such a perspective without having a concrete evidence, but this is a good way to substantiate.

• Impact of AI and Regulations: Questions would also get us to assess the impact of AI and, of course, AI-generated content can be one specific type of eg we discuss.

• It aligns closely with other typical pros and cons for AI, including: empowers us with new possibilities, displaces jobs and exacerbates inequality, causes ethical concerns, creates a reliance and lower our skills etc.

• The intersection of AI and art is particularly interesting because a field that we traditionally thought as irreplaceable is now jeopardised. Many understand art as something sophisticated with a unique human touch, and yet today AI can replicate a lot of that, at least superficially.

• Apart from issues mentioned above, a major concern is on how Large Language Models (LLMs) are drastically detrimental for the environment due to the large amount of energy being consumed (often from non-renewable sources). This further exacerbates the state of climate change by increasing carbon emissions

  • Water Usage – Data centers rely on water for cooling systems, straining local water resources, especially in drought-prone areas.

  • E-Waste – The production and disposal of high-performance GPUs and other hardware contribute to electronic waste and resource depletion.

• Trends like this going viral would further normalise and encourage consumption of AI-generated content. Many activists have also stepped up to express their concern over the potential exponential growth of LLMs.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Bangladesh experienced days of nationwide unrest and deadly clashes between police and demonstrators.

• Students, frustrated by shortages of good jobs, have been demanding an end to a quota.

• The quota reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971.

• The government previously halted it in 2018 following mass student protests, but the high court reinstated the quotas which then set off a new round of protests.

• The situation was further complicated by many other ongoing issues, like the government's inability to manage a prolonged economic downturn, reports of rampant corruption and human rights violations, and the absence of democratic channels for initiating changes.

• Universities have been closed, the internet has been shut off (by forceful government intervention) and the government has imposed an extreme ‘shoot on sight’ curfew.

• Interestingly, the government claimed that the “anarchists” were instead responsible for the disruption because they vandalised broadband cable and data centres.

• The protests turned deadly and violence continued to escalate as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets and hurled smoke grenades.

• The death toll stood at 138 and protest leaders were demanding that the government take responsibility for them.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Governance Criteria: Effective governments have to balance the needs of different groups in society because there are always trade-offs and tensions present in every policy decision. In this case, the favouring of one group over others has contributed to wide furore.

• Economic well-being would also be a key indicator because these directly affect the basic standard of living and would be considered the most immediate and pressing concern for most individuals. Governments cannot be considered effective when they have fallen short of this objective indicator.

• Restrictions: Restriction of rights are often most salient during clashes between the government and the people. In such times, the government would step in to severely curtail freedoms using the pretext of national security.

• It is up to us to evaluate whether the government is justified to do so. On the one hand, it can be argued that the government is self-serving and simply trying to stifle dissent. This view is more salient over here because cutting off the internet in today’s digital age is a gross violation of a basic human right to communicate.

• On the other hand, it can be seen as a valid response that matches the scale of the crisis, as a bid to restore stability to the country.

• Democracy’s Effectiveness: This is highly dependent on the government being receptive to feedback from the masses. Often, dissent is shut down forcefully in a dictatorial fashion, which completely negates the point of democracy where the people are supposed to have a voice.

• This example also shows that many authoritarian and even dictatorial governments out there masquerade as democracies where they pay lip service to elections but do not actually respect the freedoms democracy enshrines.

• Success: When we examine dire economic situations, it reminds us that success does not only depend on individual traits. It would also greatly hinge upon larger external and environmental factors, such as whether opportunities exist for individuals to attain success.

• The frustration experienced by the youths stand testament to the hopelessness they feel and the mounting financial failure they are met with after graduation. This trend of youth disillusionment is one that is common across many countries in the world, and it is worth looking into.

• Happiness: Given that happiness and material well-being are inextricably linked, basic needs would need to be met for happiness to be reality.

• This again brings up the idea of the locus of control where it seems to be more external, since the individual is susceptible to larger forces.

• Activism: Activism is a powerful expression of the voices and concerns of the people, as well as a strong catalyst for social and political change. It allows these views to gain traction and directly pressure the government.

• Activism may not always be successful in the short-run, evident from how the court went back on its earlier 2018 decision regarding the quota. Yet, it still matters because it is a perpetual fight for change.

• Activism can also be regarded negatively due to the violence that is often associated with it, where there is substantial deaths and destruction.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Outcry over mural of a Samsui woman with cigarette. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) initially wanted the artist to remove the smoking cigarette.

• The URA cited an anonymous complainant who compared the depicted woman to a “prostitute” and called the mural “offensive”.

• The URA had also determined “the depiction of smoking on the unauthorised mural is “not aligned with Singapore’s anti-smoking policy”.

• Singapore-based American artist Sean Dunston was scrambling to modify his work with the deadline.

• Online commenters, including a popular Reddit thread, cited archival sources and defended it as being historically accurate.

• Many also said the mural was a recognition of Samsui women’s labour and lives, and erasing the cigarette amounted to historical revisionism.

• Arts Nominated MP Usha Chandradas also told Straits Times that “this particular work speaks to the migrant worker experience in Singapore, which is very much a contemporary concern”.

• While the mural was “completed without prior approval”, the URA emphasised that they were re-evaluating their stance in the light of recent feedback.

• In the latest update (2025), an anti-smoking message plaque has been added to it, alongside a write-up that explains the intentions of the piece.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Value and Function: The arts have an invaluable role in capturing historical intricacies - Singapore’s history of being a diverse immigrant state and also the difficulties of migrant labour in the past.

• It makes history come alive because it can imbue it with emotions and life, instead of it being just described as a fact

• In this case, the mural’s perspective in how it frames the Samsui woman, invites the audience to focus on a uniquely different aspect of their lives, remembering that they are still humans who struggle.

• The other purpose is discussed by Usha Chandraras - the art’s ability to reflect and start a discourse on contemporary issues.

• For instance, looking at how we treat migrant workers and even sex workers. Do Singaporeans actively consider their struggles? Are we quick to degrade sex work?.

• Value (Country scale): Murals and street art can contribute to the vibrancy of a city and render it a more attractive destination for tourism.

• It also encompasses the country’s unique heritage and culture because these themes are elegantly woven into art.

• Restrictions and Censorship: The argument for censorship here is that the art is “offensive” and does not align with the moral and social values of Singapore

• The arts often push boundaries and also depict what may be ugly and uncomfortable truths, which means that not everyone will be receptive to it.

• On the other hand, the argument against censorship would point to the importance of having an honest conversation through art and allowing it to fulfil its function of being some form of social commentary and catalyst for meaningful discourse.

• Impact of Social Media: Once again, we see the power of social media in being a mouthpiece of the people, and allowing them to contribute their views to issues, especially controversies.

• These opinions can quickly gain traction and serve as a significant pressure on the government to review their policies and decisions.

• Social media can also be platforms that facilitate deep and complex conversations about issues - in this case, what is the true history of Singapore and how migrant workers should be represented.

• This is a strong example that can be extrapolated to understand the complexity of the arts in Singapore including its restrictions and how restrictions can come from an anonymous complain, which means that artworks that are even bolder and subjectively offensive are often subjected to the same treatment.

• At the same time, while Singaporeans may not seem to care enough about the arts, the outpouring of support for this piece of work reflects that there is a fair bit of independent thinking and opinion in defending certain cherished works.

• Social media remains a powerful platform for feedback and forms of change in Singapore because these opinions can go on to influence policy outcomes.

• The history behind this piece also evinces the rich history that Singapore has despite its young state and once again emphasises the importance of art in helping to capture that zeitgeist and preserve our heritage.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Donald Trump falsely claimed that Taylor Swift endorses him

• He posted fake images on social media of the singer and her fans supporting him

• Many were AI-generated falsehoods

• The post sparked a backlash among “Swifties”, who accused Trump of spreading disinformation

• The singer has not endorsed anyone in 2024 (during the time of this incident) but previously backed the Democrats in 2020 and also criticised Trump while he was president

• Notably, the existing polls were unfavourable to Trump and he is desperate to shift public opinion

• Taylor Swift replied on X: “After stoking the fires of white supremacy and racism your entire presidency, you have the nerve to feign moral superiority before threatening violence? We will vote you out in November.”

• Unfortunately, we know now that Trump eventually got elected despite resorting to such despicable tactics to manipulate voters and undermine democracy.

  

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• AI-generated Content: AI has been exacerbating the problem of fake news. It has reached a point where it has inundated society and is nearly impossible to stop

• Even when we recognise and confront it, often the damage has been done. It would have been disseminated quickly, especially when shared by a public figure with substantial influence

• AI-generated content is particularly pernicious because of how real it can seem, and to the more impressionable individuals it can be highly misleading

• Traditionally, visual content served as evidence because it was hard to create realistic visual content (as compared to textual or verbal). Currently, this is no longer the case

• Fake News: Like we have discussed previously, we live in a era of rampant disinformation where there is a deliberate attempt to engineer fake news and then masquerade it as real.

• This renders the problem of fake news much more intractable, and much harder to address.

• Media & Politics, Role of Social Media: Politicians can have a huge control over the internet. Apart from censorship (commonly used in traditional media), they also turn the internet into their mouthpiece.

• Social media aggravates the problem because it is a platform facilitating user-generated content, which means content that does not undergo the usual fact checking procedures.

• Normally, we would expect public figures to be accountable in their discourse. However, the current political climate has seen many politicians blatantly spreading falsehoods because people buy into this.

• Social media also engenders echo chambers where users have confirmation bias and only consume content that they agree with, and having their views affirmed and echoed makes it even more entrenched.

• Political polarisation has become a very key issue in how the internet has impacted politics.

• Democracy: The state of democracy today is quite bleak. Fake news have greatly undermined how democracy works.

• Democracy thrives when the population is informed, educated and enlightened. Fake news directly undermines this, which means that individuals are voting poorly and it may not be for the best candidate that would be best for the country.

• Democracy is defined by populism where politicians can say anything to garner support and gain votes, and there are no consequences as long as they have a huge backing behind them.

• This manipulation of information is interestingly similar to what dictators and more authoritarian regimes would do when they spread propaganda or silence dissent. Essentially, the benefits of democracy have been very much invalidated.

Feeling stuck for GP? Always lacking examples in essays? Read the news but unsure of what's useful? The GP Repository (personally created by Mr Zach) is a whole compilation of the latest useful examples for GP that you can easily use in your essays.

The best part? I will evaluate the example to show exactly how we can turn this into an argument. Facts don't score, arguments score :)

What’s Up? [Example Facts]

• Artists score major win in copyright case against AI art generators in the US.

• The case found that Stable Diffusion, has been built to a significant extent on copyrighted works.

• The lawsuit, revolves around the LAION data set, which was built using 5 billion images.

• These were allegedly scraped from the internet and utilised by Stability and Runway to create Stable Diffusion.

• It implicated Midjourney, which trained its AI system using the model, as well as DeviantArt for using the model in DreamUp.

• The lawsuit was brought by Karla Ortiz, an artist who has worked on major films like Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War.

• The main contention is that the artists whose works have been used, did not provide permission and were also not paid.

• This example can help us understand some of the complexities behind the controversies over AI, where some may celebrate its possibilities while others criticise the unregulated use.

How can we apply this to GP? [Arguments and Evaluation]

• Restrictions: One perspective ties to the larger argument that some artworks should be removed or rejected because of the lack of quality.

• Tech and Art: AI is, of course, one of the biggest technologies that have a huge impact on the arts at the moment. Remember, if questions ask for Tech then the scope is broader than just AI. AI, can however, be one of the main examples in such an essay.

• AI-generated art done by a few prompts, and built upon the works of other human artists, is perceived to be cheap, unoriginal and lacks skill in the process. This is due to the process of machine learning where it needs to scrap through tons of data, and data for art basically comes from existing artworks.

• These artists have not consented to their works being used, but they ultimately have little power against tech giants because it is the same phenomenon across different industries and the advent of AI is not something that can be stopped.

• Another perspective looks at the more practical problem of copyright infringement where artists have their livelihood threatened and are also not rewarded for their efforts.

• Sci & Tech: The use of AI in art can be one example discussed for essays in this Topic, among many other tools.

• AI in art, like many other applications of AI, presents unprecedented challenges and ethical complications. AI represents a relatively radical change and paradigm shift across many sectors. While we celebrate its possibilities, we must also be keenly cognisant of its pitfalls, especially new problems that humanity is not familiar with.

• Restrictions on Tech: This example can also help us understand that legal frameworks often play a catch-up game with technology. It takes time for regulations to catch up to the new challenges, but they usually do eventually.

• As aforementioned, copyright infringement is a huge problem because machine learning inherently required extensive amounts of data, and these would be taken off the internet rather than paid for.

• This can be seen as a negative development because of how it could render human artists and creativity obsolete, and it enables the exploitation of labour.

• Selflessness vs Speaking Up: Selflessness can easily be exploited by others for their self-serving benefit.

• Imagine if the artists quietly accepted their fate and believe they are helping the greater good, contributing to public data that can be used to train AI.

• That would directly result in the demise of their career and companies would not hesitate to take advantage of that for their own profit.

• Selflessness needs to also consider the context and the value of the sacrifice being made.

• Non-conformity: We can also use art to think about issues of conformity. Should art conform to existing standards of what it considered art?

• Conformity might be helpful in situations of drastic change because it provides some stability and anchor in helping us decide how to navigate the issue.

• In this case, conformity could mean respecting the norms of how artists are being valued for their individuality. AI art is a direct threat to that since it infringes on copyright and can potentially replace artists as a cheaper alternative.