From the rising focus on global diplomacy to the ongoing debate over technology’s role in society, this article offers a high-level breakdown of what schools are testing.
Want to know how you can best prepare for similar themes in your exams? Read on.
Key Trends in 2025 GP Prelim Essay Questions
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Social Issues: Navigating Values and Societal Change
Several schools explored how societies deal with change, flexibility, and social cohesion. Rather than targeting specific minority groups, the focus shifted to broader societal values, mirroring real-world discussions around adaptability in a fast-evolving world.
Questions that captured this trend included:
Catholic Junior College (CJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Examine the view that in all areas of life, flexibility is key.
Dunman High School (DHS) 2025 Prelim Question
Assess the argument that your society does not embrace change enough.
- Economic Issues: Understanding the Impact of Commercialisation
The commercialisation of industries was a recurring theme — especially in sports and healthcare. The underlying questions asked whether the pursuit of profit has compromised values or effectiveness in traditionally non-profit-driven sectors.
Schools approached this through questions like:
St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Assess the view that the commercialisation of sport has undermined its original values.
Anglo Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Does the pursuit of profit undermine the healthcare industry?
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Personal Issues: Loneliness and Human Experience
General questions about the individual’s place in society — often difficult to prepare for — appeared across schools. Loneliness, despite increased connectivity, stood out as a particularly resonant theme.
One notable example:
Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 2025 Prelim question
Despite living in an interconnected world, people are lonelier than ever.
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Environment: Challenges in Saving Our Planet?
The most recurring theme across all papers. The impossibility of saving the planet was explored through angles of ability and willingness, with some papers even highlighting vulnerable groups like the poor or youth. Existential despair? Possibly. Essential prep? Definitely.
A representative question:
Jurong Pioneer Junior College (JPJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Examine the view that environmental efforts are futile as long as a materialistic society exists.
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Global Issues: Diplomacy vs Deterrence in a Complex World
Diplomacy emerged as an unexpected hot topic this year. Schools explored soft vs. hard power, international cooperation, and foreign aid — topics that echo real-world geopolitical tensions. Students who were not prepped on these could have been caught off guard.
Notably, both HCI and Raffles Institution (RI) placed significant emphasis on global issues, with HCI implicitly addressing conflict through warfare technology and crisis management questions, while RI set questions on foreign aid effectiveness.
Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 2025 Prelim Question
(‘to what extent is technological advancement in warfare a cause for concern today?’ and ‘our world needs to move from managing crises to preventing them in the first place‘)
Raffles Institution (RI) 2025 Prelim Question
(‘Is foreign aid ultimately more damaging than beneficial to the countries it aims to support?‘).
This means both HCI and RI are putting a lot of eggs in the global issues basket.
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Media: Trust, Influence, and Responsibility
While less convergent in focus, schools tackled issues like media reliability, social media influence, and the media’s role in democracy or activism. These nuanced shifts in focus show that GP is no longer just asking “what is media” but questioning how it shapes our beliefs and systems.
Examples of this trend included:
Raffles Institution (RI) 2025 Prelim Question
To what extent does the media today undermine rather than support democracy?
TMJC 2025 Prelim Question
It is dangerous to place our faith in social media influencers.
Eunoia Junior College 2025 prelim Question
How far can we trust what we see in the media today?
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Culture & Tradition: Relevance in the Digital Age
From traditional values to institutions like schools and museums, many questions dealt with whether old structures still matter in the modern world. The inclusion of religion, supernatural beliefs, and cultural spaces shows a shift toward testing students’ ability to argue on abstract yet grounded topics.
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Science & Tech: Looking Beyond the Hype
A wide spectrum of questions, from AI regulation to overreliance on science, and even data-driven decision-making. The core issue? Whether science and tech are over-promising and under-delivering, and whether ethics are being ignored along the way.
Representative questions included:
Temasek Junior College (TJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Consider the view that science and technology promise more than they deliver.
Yishun Innova Junior College (YIJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Human values are overlooked when decisions are based on data.
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The Arts: Exploring Relevance, Value, and Protest
Despite music featuring in the 2024 A-Level GP, art and its societal role remained a favourite in 2025 prelims. From whether it’s valued, to its use in protest or causing offence, schools tested how students view the evolving function of art in the digital, globalised age.
Schools framed this through questions such as:
Yishun Innova Junior College (YIJC) 2025 Prelim Question
Are artists still relevant in an age dominated by digital tools?
Temasek Junior College (TJC) 2025 Prelim Question
There is not enough support for the arts
Some schools also discussed specific subtypes of art
- EJC discussed architecture
- DHS discussed comics
- RVHS discussed films
with all 3 curious about their roles, either in today’s world or Singaporean society.
2025 GP Prelim Questions by Schools
- To what extent are the arts able to encourage constructive dialogue in your society?
- Assess the view that scientific progress is always worth the risks it poses.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your society’s efforts in promoting a sporting culture.
- ‘The news should do more than just inform.’ How far do you agree?
- ‘It is better to be feared than loved.’ How true is this of leadership today?
- Do you agree that people should always be given second chances?
- ‘We are too quick to abandon tradition today.’ Discuss.
- Does the pursuit of profit undermine the healthcare industry?
- ‘Diplomacy, not deterrence, is the key to preventing international conflicts.’ How far do you agree?
- In this digital age, are museums still relevant?
- To what extent are efforts to promote healthy living effective in your society?
- How far is it acceptable for the rights of individuals to be violated for the greater good of a society?
- To what extent can the regulation of artificial intelligence be justified?
- ‘In today’s world, tourism inevitably harms the environment.’ Discuss.
- In an increasingly volatile world, is the pursuit of self-interest always bad?
- ‘Given the limited resources each country has, funding should only be channeled to sports that perform well.’ Discuss.
- “Environmental conservation is a futile endeavour.” To what extent is this true?
- Assess the value of staging major entertainment events in your society.
- To what extent is the management of infectious diseases the most pressing global issue today?
- “Modern technology will mean the end of education.” Is this a fair statement of your society?
- “Small countries should be taken seriously today.” How far do you agree?
- “Sport is the most powerful tool a nation has to inspire pride.” Discuss.
- “The Arts have lost their significance today.” How far do you agree?
- Examine the view that in all areas of life, flexibility is key.
- To what extent should local businesses be prioritised over foreign ones?
- Consider the argument that cooperation among countries is only motivated by self-interest.
- To what extent can climate change be addressed without sacrificing the comforts of modern life?
- Assess the argument that your society does not embrace change enough.
- Consider the view that comics or their screen adaptations hold little educational value today.
- ‘Our use of technology has narrowed, rather than broadened, what we experience.’ Discuss.
- How far does religion influence national policies?
- To what extent does your society really accept people with disabilities?
- Assess the view that in today’s world, migration is essential for countries to thrive.
- Consider the view that buildings in your society should be beautiful and not merely functional.
- ‘A lot of talk and very little action’. To what extent is this true of international organisations?
- Evaluate the claim that modern technology has only made inequality worse.
- To what extent should individuals be concerned with world affairs, when they have little ability to influence them?
- ‘Competition does more harm than good.’ How true is this of your society?
- ‘Artists should ensure that their works do not cause offence.’ How far do you agree?
- How far can we trust what we see in the media today?
- To what extent is technological advancement in warfare a cause for concern today?
- ‘Environmental sustainability is an unattainable goal for the poor.’ Comment.
- ‘Strong ambition, weak execution.’ Is this a fair description of governance today?
- ‘Despite living in an interconnected world, people are lonelier than ever.’ Discuss.
- ‘Our world needs to move from managing crises to preventing them in the first place.’ (Antonio Guterres) To what extent do you agree?
- Should young people in your society be encouraged to follow their passions?
- How important is diplomacy in today’s world?
- Has your society done enough to promote the arts?
- ‘The individual wields more power than the government.’ To what extent is this true today?
- Examine the view that environmental efforts are futile as long as a materialistic society exists.
- ‘The media distracts us from meaningful pursuits.’ Discuss.
- Consider the view that science solves all problems.
- Is an understanding of the past still a reliable guide for the present?
- ‘We have too many choices today.’ How far is this true?
- ‘Tradition stands in the way of progress.’ To what extent is this true in your society?
- To what extent is the local arts scene valued and supported in your society?
- ‘Boundaries no longer matter.’ Is this claim valid in today’s world?
- ‘The promotion of the arts is nothing more than an economic endeavour.’ To what extent is this true of your society?
- Can the government ever balance national interest and individual freedom?
- ‘We are less concerned about environmental issues than ever before.’ Is this true of your society?
- Assess the view that nothing in the media can be trusted today.
- Are physical bookstores still relevant?
- ‘Politicians should receive harsher punishments for their crimes than ordinary citizens.’ Discuss.
- Given the increasing uncertainties today, is global cooperation still feasible?
- Does a belief in the supernatural still have a place today?
- Should governments prioritise individual freedoms over the security of the country?
- ‘Today’s youth are too pragmatic.’ To what extent is this true of your society?
- ‘Mind your own business.’ Is this good advice for world leaders today?
- ‘We are powerless against climate change.’ Discuss.
- ‘Not enough has been done for animal welfare.’ Is this true of your society?
- ‘To what extent should governments regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence?
- ‘Never trust what you read and whom you meet online.’ Is this sound advice?
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government efforts to enhance people’s quality of life in your society.
- Is foreign aid ultimately more damaging than beneficial to the countries it aims to support?
- Should the value of a person’s work be measured solely by monetary compensation?
- ‘It is never justifiable to disregard ethical concerns for the sake of scientific or technological progress.’ Discuss.
- ‘There is a decline in the appreciation of traditional art forms today.’ How far is this true in your society?
- To what extent does the media today undermine rather than support democracy?
- ‘Developed nations should shoulder a greater burden in addressing climate change.’ To what extent do you agree?
- Is it right for a leader to place national interests above global responsibilities?
- Is being compassionate always desirable?
- To what extent is technology an effective solution for human loneliness?
- How desirable is it to have a minimum wage in your society?
- Is modern day politics nothing but a series of empty promises?
- Do cinemas still have a role to play in an age of digital streaming?
- ‘Social media has changed who we admire today.’ To what extent does this bring more harm than good?
- ‘Harsh laws make peaceful societies.’ Discuss.
- Do people in your society care too much about what is happening in other countries?
- Should societies still hold on to tradition in the face of modernisation?
- Assess the view that the commercialisation of sport has undermined its original values.
- ‘Art can be an effective form of protest.’ Comment.
- Should young people in your society be more involved in shaping national policies?
- To what extent is social media effective in enhancing climate activism?
- Can history be truly objective?
- ‘Smart cities will only bring us more problems than benefits.’ Discuss.
- How far is economic success an accurate reflection of a country’s overall well-being?
- ‘New media is a boon to democracy.’ Comment.
- How far do you agree that young people in your society can be hopeful about the future?
- ‘There is value in doing nothing’. What is your view?
- Consider the view that science and technology promise more than they deliver.
- Examine the importance of play in education.
- ‘Big businesses are a force for good’. Discuss.
- ‘There is not enough support for the arts.’ How true is this in your society?
- Is consensus always desirable?
- Has society become too dependent on data to make decisions?
- Evaluate the claim that foreign aid does more to benefit the donor than the recipient.
- Can young people make a real impact on environmental conservation in your society?
- ‘It is dangerous to place our faith in social media influencers.’ What is your view?
- ‘A popular leader is a good leader.’ Discuss.
- Consider the impact of commercialisation on sports today.
- ‘The pursuit of perfection is both unrealistic and harmful.’ Discuss.
- To what extent should cultural heritage be prioritised over economic development in your society?
- Should societies still hold on to tradition in the face of modernisation?
- Assess the view that the commercialisation of sport has undermined its original values.
- ‘Art can be an effective form of protest.’ Comment.
- Should young people in your society be more involved in shaping national policies?
- To what extent is social media effective in enhancing climate activism?
- Can history be truly objective?
- ‘Smart cities will only bring us more problems than benefits.’ Discuss.
- How far is economic success an accurate reflection of a country’s overall well-being?
- Are artists still relevant in an age dominated by digital tools?
- ‘Human values are overlooked when decisions are based on data.’ Evaluate this claim.
- Evaluate the measures taken in your society to promote social cohesion.
- Is environmentalism today more about image than impact?
- Is science always reliable?
- Consider the view that online outrage has done more harm than good.
- ‘The responsibility for the well-being of the population lies with the government.’
- ‘Education has failed us.’ How far is this true in your society?
How Schools Are Approaching Prelims
The 2025 prelim questions reveal a clear pattern: schools are moving toward contemporary, real-world issues that demand balanced perspectives. Questions are no longer purely academic exercises but reflect ongoing global conversations.
What this means for your preparation:
- Build robust arguments for major clusters: Environment, technology, diplomacy, and media dominated question papers.
- Connect abstract topics to current affairs: Questions on art, tradition, or culture require grounding in contemporary examples.
- Stay updated with news: Many questions are inspired by recent developments in global politics, technology, and society.
At Indigo, we understand that staying ahead of these trends is crucial to GP success. That’s why Indigo students receive weekly current affairs updates, model essays, and thematic essay drills built precisely around these question trends, giving them the edge they need to excel.
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