General+Paper+Topics













=Topic and Issues= In General Paper, we discuss and read about issues on which people have different, usually contradicting views, and examine the basis for these opinions. The topic areas listed in the syllabus for the exam in 2009 are: A list of online resources for information on specific issues is found at the bottom of this page. The website for the Cooperative Research Centre for Innovative Dairy Products (Australia) has a good guide for the study of issues in its GenEd section, which allows copying for educational use. The more relevant information is collated with some modification below and on the Analyzing Issuespage.
 * Historical, social, economic, political and philosophical topics
 * Science including its history, philosophy, general principles, current developments and applications
 * Mathematical and geographical topics
 * Literature and language
 * Arts and crafts
 * Topics of local interest and national concern

An issue is a matter or topic of concern that might arise from a significant event, development or process and about which there are differing views or perspectives. It is useful to transform the topic from a statement to a question as this can help you to identify different responses.
 * What's the Issue?**

For example: Topic
 * Statement of Issue || Issue as a question ||
 * Cloning || Cloning in beef cattle || Should cloning of beef cattle be permitted? ||
 * Transformation (GMO’s) || Insertion of foreign genes into sugar beet to convey herbicide tolerance || Should sugar beet be genetically modified to become herbicide tolerant? ||

Analyzing issues
Click here for an extensive guide on how to analyse issues.

Global Issues - Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All Helpful links can be found on this textbook site for 'Becoming a Critical Thinker' by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero
 * Online Resources**



**Socratic Seminar Topic Ideas**
1. Should English be designated the official language of the United States? 2. Should kids pick their own punishments? 3. In our country, does education dominate the direction of our lives? 4. Is the United States' reliance on exploiting foreign workers beneficial or crippling? __**Group 2:**__ 1. Despite its noted medical uses, should stem cell technology be banned? 2. Do the economic benefits of off-shore drilling outweigh the damage it is currently doing to our ecosystem? 3. Would American society function more efficiently if it were no longer democratic? 4. With the Soviet Union gone and austerity challenging security, should we disband NATO? __**Group 3:**__ 1. Can celebrity 'ambassadors' who get involved in diplomacy or antipoverty efforts do more harm than good? 2. With the Soviet Union gone and austerity challenging security, should we disband NATO? 3. Should English be designated the official language of the United States? 4.Is there a point at which nations should no longer strive to grow? What would be a better goal? __**Group 4:**__ 1. Should HAARP weather machines be restricted from government use? 2. Should human soldiers be replaced by armed drones in military warfare? 3. Is animal testing justified if it is used to develop cures for diseases? 4. Do people with terminal illnesses have the right to die? __**Group 5:**__ 1. Would American society function more efficiently if it were no longer democratic? 2. Is capitalism the most effective economic system? 3. Are the economic benefits of deforestation more important than the harm it wreaks on the environment? 4. Is there a point at which nations should no longer strive to grow? What would be a better goal? __**Group 6:**__ 1. Should marriage be an institution that is defined by the government? 2. Is it morally acceptable to experiment on animals? 3. Should the U.S. become more or less involved in the diplomatic affairs of other countries? 4. Do people with terminal illnesses have a right to die?
 * Group 1:**