Crime and Punishment:

1. ‘Juvenile delinquents are not criminals – they are simply misunderstood teenagers.’ How
far do you agree?
2. Most criminals need help rather than punishment. To what extent do you agree with this
statement?
3. Are Criminals in your society treated fairly?
4. Every Criminal deserves a second chance. What is your opinion?
5. The powerful always get away with crime’. Discuss.
6. There is no place for the death penalty today.’ Comment
7. To what extent should a society be held responsible for criminal behaviour?
8. ‘In an age of technology, it is easier than ever before to commit crime.’ Do you agree?
9. Is capital punishment ever justifiable?
10. How far should public opinion matter when meting out punishments in criminal cases?
11. ‘It is a mistake to give criminals a second chance.’ Is this view valid?
12. Can breaking the law ever be justified?
13. The death penalty is actually an act of torture rather than being a part of a responsible
justice system. Do you agree?
14. To what extent does the law ensure that justice has been served?
15. Crime is a social problem

Sub-topic
Fairness: to different groups of people (juveniles, mentally ill,
Culture:
1. Evaluate the claim that a more connected world has resulted in greater
divisions.
2. To what extent is it acceptable for religious authority to be involved in governance today?
3. How important is it for your society to keep the elderly in the workforce today?
4. Does the concept of gender have any relevance in today’s society?
5. How far would you agree that immigrants are necessary for a society to be successful
today?
6. ‘The solution to all environmental problems is more regulation, not education.’ Do you
agree?
7. ‘The world will be more peaceful without religion.’ What is your view?
8. Should historical monuments and objects be preserved when such an undertaking is
very
expensive or even a source of unhappiness?
9. ‘The hallmark of a great country is not how prosperous it is, but how inclusive its people
can
be.’ Should your country work towards this ideal?
10. 'Appealing but of little value.' Is this a fair description of the arts in your society?
11. ‘In your society, how effective have government efforts been in promoting a healthy
lifestyle?
12. Is there a place for the arts in this technological age?
13. The arts exist for the sole purpose of keeping us entertained. Do you agree?
14. It has become increasingly difficult for a country to preserve its culture nowadays in the
face of increasing globalisation? What is your opinion?
15. How fair is it to say that your society is an inclusive one?
16. ‘Rights for men and women should always be equal.’ What is your view?
17. ‘An ageing workforce is an opportunity, not a burden.’ Is this true of your society?
18. To what extent are the arts a platform for social change?
19. Can migration be justified when it creates social problems?
20. ‘As a society progresses, there is little value in preserving its heritage.’ How true is this of
your society?
21. For a country to progress it is important for diversity be embraced. Discuss.
22. Consider the view that the study of history is important in establishing a national identity
in your society.
23. Consider the view that the study of history is important in establishing a national identity
in your society.
24. Many developed countries are paying increasing attention to the needs of women. How
far is this true in your society?
25. Should the concerns of minority groups influence policies in a country?
26. How far do you agree that religion is a unifying force today?
27. Do young people in your society have what it takes to ensure that the nation remains
successful?
28. ‘Much has been lost with the passing of the older generation.’ To what extent is this true
of your society?
29. Can foreigners really integrate with locals in your society today?
30. How fair is it to say that the Singaporean society is an inclusive one?
31. Assess the view that globalisation has only resulted in more inequality in the world.
32. ‘Art is not meant to instruct or influence; it is only meant to be enjoyed.’ Do you agree
with this viewpoint?
33. In your society, how well are the needs of the young and the old balanced?
34. Examine the claim that globalisation creates equal opportunities for all.
35. ‘Cultural and heritage sites have lost their relevance.’ How far is this true of your society?
36. To what extent is it possible to alleviate poverty when discrimination exists?
37. How effective has your country been in creating a national identity?
38. It is now more crucial than ever for people in your society to have a sense of community..
Do you agree?
39. There should be limits to freedom of expression. Comment
40. In our increasingly globalised world, the threats far outstrip the opportunities for the
young people of today. Is this a fair statement?
41. The grievances of women are a thing of the past. Do you agree?
42. What are some of the Challenging problems in unifying a culturally diverse society like
Singapore? Discuss with specific examples to support your view.
43. Is equality an impossible dream?
44. In your society, how far is racial harmony a reality?

Media:
1. ‘The news today deals with what is popular, rather than what is important.’
How far do you agree with this statement?
2. To what extent is the media responsible for the perception of truth in the world today?
3. Consider the claim that the purpose of the media is not simply to convey the truth, but to
make it interesting.
4. ‘We can no longer trust the media.’ Is this a fair comment?
5. The evils of the media have been grossly exaggerated. To what extent do you agree?
6. A country is only as free as its press. Do you agree?
7. “There should be less control over the use of new media” Discuss this in relation to your
society
8. Advertising: Information or Manipulation?
9. Social networking sites have no value due to the inherently shallow nature of
communication. To what extent do you agree with this view?
10. ‘The media today has made society less open.’ What is your view?
11. Evaluate the claim that the regulation of technology is a desirable, but unrealistic, goal.
12. How far is it true that people today will believe anything the media presents?
13. ‘Tackling fake news mainly the responsibility of the government.’ Do you agree?
14. Discuss the view that it is only fair that dissenting voices should be censored in our
society in order to maintain peace and order.
15. Do you agree that freedom of speech should never be denied even though it can be
abused?
16. ‘People will believe anything they read, hear, or see in the media.’ Is this statement
reflective of the situation in your country?
17. Consider the view that what is posted online is all talk and no action.
18. “Social media is an advertisement for the superficial extroverted self.” - Hozier.
What do you think?
19. How far do you agree that social media activism is ineffective?
20. “In an age of information overload, it is more important than ever for the youth to
understand and take a stand on issues that shape their world.” –Mr. Heng Swee Keat. What are
your views? v
21. Discuss the impact of social media on leadership.
22. Social media has made us more densely networked than ever. Yet for all this
connectivity we have never been lonelier or more narcissistic. Do you agree with this comment?
23. “Social media is an advertisement for the superficial extroverted self.” - Hozier.
What do you think?
24. Mankind’s inherent biases are the greatest obstacle to objective media reporting.
Comment.

General
1. ‘Misunderstood and underestimated.’ Is this an accurate description of youth in your
society?
2. Consider the claim that young people in Singapore today are better educated, but no
wiser.
3. ‘The real threat for humans in the 21st century is indifference rather than ignorance.’ Is
this true?
4. There is no room for creativity in a society that prizes efficiency.’ Discuss this with
reference to your society.
5. ‘Public figures today are overly concerned about what people think of them.’What is your
view?
6. ‘Freedom is not about doing whatever you want, but is about doing what is right.’
Discuss.
7. ‘Young people in today’s society lack a sense of adventure.’ How true is this of your
society?
8. ‘The government is not doing enough to support local sportsmen in your society.’ What is
your view?
9. Do you agree that only parents should be allowed to discipline their children?
10. ‘The world today values appearance over substance.’ Is this a fair comment?
11. To what extent can Singapore be optimistic about the future given her limitations?
12. ‘The right to die should be respected as much as the right to live.’ To what extent do
you agree?
13. “We cannot expect individuals to save the environment.” Do you agree?
14. Are the youth in Singapore prepared for future challenges?
15. Is the term ‘spoilt generation’ a fair description of today’s youth?
16. No one dares to be different. Is this true of your society?
17. “We cannot expect individuals to save the environment.” Do you agree?
18. How far do you agree the society frowns upon those who feel sad for themselves and
others?
19. “Tolerance condemns the oppression or persecution of others.” – John F. Kennedy.
Do you agree?
20. It is now more crucial than ever for people in your society to have a sense of community..
Do you agree?
21. Is the term ‘spoilt generation’ a fair description of today’s youth?
22. “While pursuing higher living standards, we have overlooked the quality of life.”
How far is this true of our society today?
23. Teenagers have to grapple with added social pressures in a more digitally connected
world today. What do you think?