General Paper, being a compulsory subject might be fearful to some students. However, learning to appreciate the subject is rather meaningful. Unlike other subjects, there are no limits to its content. It trains students to develop their critical thinking skills and formulate personal opinions about key issues.

1. Read extensively

While this fact does seem pretty obvious, acing General Paper is all about the consistent reading of current affairs. It is important to read about issues happening all around the world and not just focus on the local context. That way, you would have a broader perspective and more insightful opinions. Through an adequate reading of news, you are able to apply the usage of such examples in your essays to achieve a higher band. However, it is equally essential to be aware of your topics of interest. Not everyone likes the same type of news and it is of great importance to know what kind of news are of interest to you.

Do bear in mind to read a wide range of themes as well. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be in a situation whereby you are limited to choosing essay question types due to insufficient knowledge about certain issues.

2. Learn how to apply content

Many students overlook the importance of this factor. Sometimes, it is not always about absorbing loads of information all the time and have an abundance of content. You have to learn how to apply the skills to maximize your score. Many of us might guilty of just pouring out all the knowledge we know about a particular topic, hoping to impress examiners. However, you have to take a step back and see if you are addressing the question to avoid cases where you are just rambling information.

3. Engage in timed practices

We all understand that it is quite tedious to always write out full essays for General Paper during revision. Hence, write essay outlines and draw out mind maps under timed conditions. Cultivating such a habit is vital in examination situations where time is of the essence. Through this, you can estimate the amount of time you have for planning the essay and subsequently, the remaining time allocated to producing your masterpiece. Well, the most ideal situation would be if you have ample time to practice writing full essays at home during your revision because you will learn to understand the duration that you usually take to complete a particular component. These skills are transferable and reduce the risks of incomplete submission during final examinations.

Our tutors

If you’re struggling to cope with the subject matter or requires more assistance in honing your skills, do not hesitate to engage General Paper tutors. We offer a wide range of tutors from student tutors, to graduate tutors to MOE trained tutors. With extra guidance, getting that A could be within your reach!