General Paper Flashcards

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

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

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.

What is 'populism' in political science?

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

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.

Why is biodiversity important?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

What is 'brain drain' and what are its consequences?

Answer: The emigration of highly educated and skilled individuals from developing countries to wealthier nations, depriving their home countries of talent

Brain drain occurs when talented professionals leave developing nations for better opportunities abroad, reducing human capital in source countries and potentially reinforcing global inequality.