2020 A-Level General Paper (GP) Paper 1 Essay Questions

The 2020 A Level GP essay questions was seen by students as unusual: there were quite a number of miscellaneous questions and questions that were a hybrid of multiple themes. We predicted several topics accurately for our students this year, including sports, science and morality, democracy and technology as well as free speech.

1. How reliable are statistics as a guide for planning the future?

2. To what extent is human life in general about the survival of the fittest?

3. ‘Individuals achieve sporting success, not nations’. Discuss.

4. ‘We shape our buildings, but then our buildings shape us.’ To what extent is this true of your society?

5. To what extent can any society claim to be great?

6. Examine the view that the scientist is concerned only with knowledge, not morality.

7. Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

8. Should politicians pursue the popular viewpoint or their own convictions, if they conflict?

9. Is modern technology a benefit or a threat to democracy?

10. ‘An appreciation of music is vital for a fully rounded education.’ How true is this of your society?

11. ‘In a free society, there should be no restrictions on freedom of speech.’ Discuss.

12. How far can prosperity and uncontrolled population growth go hand in hand?