A-Level General Paper 3

Question 1

In GP essay writing, what is the function of a 'counter-argument'?

Accepted Answer

To show awareness of opposing views, which when rebutted strengthens your overall argument

Answer

A counter-argument acknowledges the opposing view, demonstrating intellectual maturity. When followed by a rebuttal, it strengthens your case by showing you have considered and can defeat opposing perspectives.

Question 2

What is 'populism' in political science?

Accepted Answer

A political approach claiming to represent ordinary people against a corrupt elite, often simplifying complex issues

Answer

Populism pits 'the pure people' against 'the corrupt elite', appealing to common folk through simplified narratives. It can be left-wing or right-wing and often exploits social divisions.

Question 3

Why is biodiversity important?

Accepted Answer

It underpins ecosystem services (food, clean water, medicine, climate regulation) and is intrinsically valuable for ecological stability

Answer

Biodiversity provides ecosystem services essential to human survival — food security, clean water, medicine, climate regulation, and resilience. Reduced biodiversity weakens ecosystems and threatens these services.

Question 4

What role does technology play in modern warfare, according to current affairs debates?

Accepted Answer

Technology (drones, cyber weapons, AI) transforms conflict — reducing some risks for technologically advanced nations while creating new ethical dilemmas and escalation risks

Answer

Modern warfare technology raises issues: drone strikes reduce risk for operators but lower the threshold for conflict; cyberwarfare enables non-state attacks; AI weapons raise accountability questions; arms races intensify.

Question 5

What is the difference between 'equality' and 'equity' in social policy?

Accepted Answer

Equality gives everyone the same; equity gives people what they need based on their circumstances to achieve fair outcomes

Answer

Equality treats everyone identically (same resources, same rules). Equity recognises different starting points and provides differentiated support to achieve fair outcomes — e.g., Singapore's differentiated school support for disadvantaged students.

GCE A-Level Practice Test

GCE A-Level Practice Test

A-Level General Paper 3