Gp H1 8806

8806 H1 GENERAL PAPER (2011)

GENERAL PAPER
HIGHER 1 (Syllabus 8806)
INTRODUCTION
1. The syllabus and examination are intended for all candidates who follow the General Paper course of study at the H1 level examination. It continues to underscore maturity of thought, independent thinking and the proficient use of language.

AIMS
2. The syllabus aims to enable candidates to achieve the following outcomes: 2.1 Understand better the world in which they live by fostering a critical awareness of continuity and change in the human experience 2.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the nature of knowledge by appreciating the interrelationship of ideas from across disciplines 2.3 Broaden their global outlook while enabling them to remain mindful of shared historical and social experiences both within Singapore and regionally 2.4 Develop maturity of thought and apply critical reading and creative thinking skills 2.5 Develop the skills of clear, accurate and effective communication 2.6 Develop the skills of evaluation of arguments and opinions 2.7 Promote extensive and independent reading and research.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES AND SKILLS
3. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate: 3.1 A broad and mature understanding of a range of subject matter from the humanities and culture as well as science and technology, including some issues of significance to Singapore. This includes the ability to: acquire knowledge and understanding of diverse topic areas through extensive reading and independent study analyse and evaluate issues across disciplines, showing awareness of their significance and implications for the individual and society express understanding as well as critical and creative thinking through informed personal responses formulate cogent arguments. 3.2 Comprehension, interpretation and application of a range of subject matter. This includes the ability to: comprehend the text in detail and as a whole infer relevant information summarise information evaluate information make observations of patterns and relationships apply understanding and interpretation in a task derived from the text(s). Effective communication and proficient use of language appropriate to candidates at this level. This includes the ability to: use the accepted conventions of spelling, punctuation and grammar use a variety of linguistic styles and expressions appropriate to the context, task and audience use and demonstrate understanding of a range of vocabulary present information clearly.

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8806 H1 GENERAL PAPER (2011)

ASSESSMENT MODE
4. Candidates are tested on two papers. Paper 1 and Paper 2 will be taken at separate sittings within the same day. Table of Specifications Paper Paper 1 Essay Description Paper comprises a total of 12 questions Topic Areas: • Issues drawn from across disciplines • Issues of local interest and national concern Text comprises one or two passages. Questions cover • Understanding, including literal comprehension and inference (10–15 marks) • Vocabulary (5–7 marks) • Summary (8–10 marks) • Application (7–10 marks) [Total marks: 35] TOTAL Do any one out of a total of 12 questions. 500–800 words Range of Marks Content: 30 Use of English: 20 Weighting 50% Duration 1 hr 30 mins.

Paper 2 Comprehension

Do all questions. Questions will be set on one or two different passages that allow comparative analysis. Length of text(s) will be about 1200 words in total. Line numbers will mark the text(s).

Content: Total 35 Use of English: 15 (A separate but holistic score based on the entire script.)

50%

1 hr 30 mins.

100

100%

3 hours

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8806 H1 GENERAL PAPER (2011)

5. Paper 1: Essay 5.1 In this paper, 12 questions will be set to give candidates the opportunity to read extensively and express an informed, critical, creative and relevant response to issues relating to the topic areas given below. The questions will not be set in any particular order. 5.2 The suggested topic areas are: • 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. 5.3 Questions will not necessarily be set on every topic area. They will be general in nature and require candidates to draw on their knowledge from across disciplines as well as to show an awareness of current, global and significant local/national issues. The ability to convey a sustained and well thought-out argument will be credited. 6. Paper 2: Comprehension 6.1 One or two passages of continuous prose will be set. The passage(s) should allow for comparative analysis. 6.2 There will be a range of questions on the text(s), requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to comprehend, explain, infer, evaluate and summarise. 6.3 Candidates will also be required to synthesise information and respond to concepts or ideas conveyed. They will apply their response, based on their understanding and interpretation of the text(s) as a whole, to a task derived from the text(s).

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