📝 Common A-Level GP Essay Pitfalls in 2025 – and How to Avoid Them
📌 Introduction: Why GP Essays Matter in 2025
In 2025, the A-Level General Paper (GP) exam remains one of the most important subjects for JC students in Singapore. It tests your ability to think critically, write persuasively, and analyse global issues. 💬🧠 Whether you’re aiming for a top university or simply want to boost your overall rank points, mastering the GP essay is essential.
But even the best students can fall into common traps 😰. From vague arguments to poor time management, these errors can cost valuable marks. This blog will walk you through the most common GP essay pitfalls in 2025 — and most importantly, how to avoid them like a pro 🚀.
❌ 1. Vague or Generic Arguments
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
Many students fall into the trap of giving surface-level responses that lack clarity and depth. For example:
“Education is important for society.”
This sentence is technically correct — but it’s too broad to be meaningful.
Why It’s a Problem:
Examiners are looking for depth of analysis and clarity of thought. Vague arguments often leave them asking: “So what?” If your essay lacks specific direction or well-supported claims, it becomes forgettable 💤.
What To Do Instead:
✅ Be precise. Instead of saying “Technology is bad for society,” explain why, how, and for whom it is bad:
“The rapid integration of artificial intelligence in the workforce has displaced low-skilled workers, especially in sectors such as retail and manufacturing, widening socioeconomic divides.”
✅ Use topic-specific terminology. For instance, mention “algorithmic bias” or “deepfake misinformation” instead of just “problems with technology.”
✅ Tailor your examples to current affairs (2023–2025). Link your argument to trending topics like AI regulation, climate tech, or TikTok’s societal influence.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I make a clear point?
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Did I explain why this point matters?
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Did I include a current, real-world example?
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Is this example directly linked to the essay question?
⌛ 2. Poor Time Management
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
You’re halfway through your essay when you suddenly realise there’s only 15 minutes left ⏳. Your last paragraphs end up rushed, and your conclusion is one line.
Why It’s a Problem:
Examiners notice when an essay starts strong but fizzles out. It suggests a lack of planning and weak examination skills. You may lose marks for incomplete arguments or lack of evaluation.
How to Improve:
💡 Plan efficiently:
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Spend the first 5–8 minutes brainstorming and breaking down the question.
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Allocate time per paragraph (e.g., 10–12 minutes).
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Reserve the last 10 minutes for proofreading.
📝 Use bullet points during planning:
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Point
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Example
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Counterpoint
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Rebuttal
🔁 Practice under real exam conditions weekly! Use past-year papers from Singapore JC exams to get comfortable.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I allocate time for each section?
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Did I stick to the paragraph plan?
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Did I save time to check for grammar and structure?
🤯 3. Overloading with Examples
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
You’re trying to impress by dropping five examples in a single paragraph 🤓:
“Climate change, overpopulation, poverty, war, and disease are all major global issues.”
While factual, there’s no depth.
Why It’s a Problem:
Examiners care more about analysis than name-dropping facts. Too many examples create a list-like effect, which weakens your argument.
What To Do Instead:
✅ Use the “2-Example Rule”: Limit yourself to 1–2 strong, fully-developed examples per paragraph.
✅ Dive deep:
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Who is involved?
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Why does this matter?
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What does it show?
✅ Use recent case studies. For example:
“Singapore’s mandatory contact tracing via TraceTogether raised privacy concerns, prompting discussions on how much personal freedom citizens are willing to trade for public safety.”
This shows critical insight, not just facts.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I limit myself to 2 quality examples?
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Did I analyse each example thoroughly?
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Did I relate each example directly to the question?
🌀 4. Confusing Structure or Flow
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
Jumping from one idea to another without transitions:
“Technology affects education. The environment is important too. People care about mental health now.”
This feels like topic-hopping 🐸.
Why It’s a Problem:
A disjointed essay confuses readers and makes your argument hard to follow. Poor structure = lost marks for Coherence and Cohesion.
How to Improve:
🔗 Use clear transitional phrases:
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“Furthermore,” “Conversely,” “This illustrates,” “Therefore”
🧱 Use paragraph anchors — topic sentences that clearly state the main point.
🧠 Use PEEL or PEACE structures:
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Point
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Example
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Explanation
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Link
or -
Point
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Evidence
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Analysis
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Counterpoint
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Evaluation
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Does each paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
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Do I use transitions to guide the reader?
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Does each paragraph connect to the main thesis?
📉 5. Misinterpreting the Question
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
You read the question:
“Is censorship ever justified?”
And write about freedom of speech in general, barely mentioning censorship 😬.
Why It’s a Problem:
No matter how good your writing is, if it doesn’t answer the question, you will lose content marks. This is one of the most critical GP essay errors.
How to Avoid It:
🔍 Unpack the keywords:
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Define “censorship”
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Identify the scope: Is the question asking “ever,” “always,” or “to what extent”?
📌 Rephrase the question before writing:
“This question asks if censorship can ever be acceptable, and under what conditions.”
🎯 Constantly refer back to the question in each paragraph. Use phrasing like:
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“This shows that censorship may be justified when…”
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“However, such justification may fail when…”
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I address every keyword in the question?
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Did I rephrase the question in my introduction?
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Did every paragraph relate back to the essay question?
💬 6. Lack of Personal Voice or Insight
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
An essay that sounds like it was copied from a textbook or Wikipedia 🤖:
“The United Nations was formed in 1945 after the Second World War.”
Why It’s a Problem:
GP essays aren’t history papers. Examiners want your opinions, insights, and critical thinking. Robotic writing = boring and unoriginal.
How to Avoid It:
💬 Use phrases that signal your voice:
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“It is arguable that…”
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“From my perspective…”
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“One could suggest that…”
🧠 Incorporate your local experiences. For example:
“As a JC student in Singapore, I’ve noticed that social media creates both connectivity and anxiety among teens.”
Show you are thinking, not just regurgitating facts.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I include personal observations or insights?
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Does my essay sound human and thoughtful?
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Do I offer unique angles or perspectives?
🧱 7. Weak Introductions and Conclusions
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
A generic intro like:
“This essay will discuss whether technology is good or bad.”
And a conclusion like: “In conclusion, technology has pros and cons.”
🥱 That’s not going to cut it.
Why It’s a Problem:
The introduction sets the tone; the conclusion is your final impression. Weak openings and endings drag your marks down.
How to Improve:
💡 Introduction Must-Haves:
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Hook (fact, quote, rhetorical question)
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Context (why this issue matters)
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Thesis (your stand)
🎓 Conclusion Formula:
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Reiterate thesis
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Summarise arguments
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Leave the reader with insight or implications
🔮 Example:
“In an age where information is currency, the ethics of censorship will define the balance between security and liberty in the digital era.”
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did my intro grab attention?
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Did my conclusion leave a strong impression?
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Did I summarise the essay effectively?
🗺 8. Overusing Jargon or Bombastic Vocabulary
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
Trying to impress by saying:
“The dichotomous paradigm of techno-dystopia vis-à-vis utopian futurism delineates existential ambiguity.” 😵
Just… no.
Why It’s a Problem:
Using fancy words without purpose confuses readers and makes you sound insincere. Clarity is key in GP writing.
How to Avoid It:
📝 Choose simple, powerful language:
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Use “divide” instead of “dichotomy”
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Use “uncertain” instead of “ambiguous”
📚 Use words appropriately. Vocabulary should enhance, not overshadow, your point.
🧪 Read model essays and highlight clear, elegant sentences to emulate.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Is every big word necessary?
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Can I say this more clearly?
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Would a 17-year-old understand this?
🧠 9. Ignoring Counterarguments
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
Writing an essay full of only your side, without acknowledging the opposing view ❌.
Why It’s a Problem:
GP is about balanced, critical thinking. A one-sided essay appears biased and shallow.
How to Improve:
⚖️ Use counterarguments to show balance, even if you ultimately disagree.
Structure:
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Introduce the opposing view
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Acknowledge its strengths
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Refute with evidence or logic
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Reinforce your stand
📝 Example:
“While some argue that cancel culture promotes accountability, its mob-like nature often sidelines due process and stifles open dialogue.”
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I acknowledge a counterpoint?
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Did I evaluate it fairly?
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Did I return to my thesis?
📚 10. Not Practising Enough
What This Pitfall Looks Like:
Reading notes but writing only 1 essay the entire year 😅.
Why It’s a Problem:
Writing is a muscle — it only improves with practice! You can’t improve your structure, timing, or style without frequent writing.
How to Improve:
🗓 Set a weekly goal: 1 timed essay, 1 paragraph practice, 1 peer review
✍️ Join GP tuition classes (like Sophia Education! 😉) to get regular feedback and model answers.
📖 Read opinion pieces, The Economist, The Guardian, or Today Online to expose yourself to current issues and writing styles.
Mini Checklist 🧾:
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Did I write at least 1 essay this week?
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Did I review my mistakes and improve?
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Did I get feedback from someone experienced?
🌟 Extra Tips from GP Tutors in Singapore
At Sophia Education, our team of experienced GP tutors has helped hundreds of JC students across Singapore turn their essays from mediocre to distinction-worthy 🥇. Beyond avoiding common pitfalls, it’s also about mastering the finer nuances that give you the edge over other candidates. Here are exclusive tips shared by our GP tutors to help you shine in your essays and Paper 2 comprehension.
📖 Tip #1: Master the Most Likely GP Essay Themes for 2025
One of the most effective strategies our students use is prioritisation. Instead of trying to cover every possible GP topic, focus on the themes most likely to appear in 2025 — based on global trends, past-year papers, and MOE’s focus on critical issues.
🔮 Top GP Essay Themes to Prepare for in 2025:
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Technology & Ethics – AI, data privacy, automation, digital addiction
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Mental Health & Society – youth mental health, social media influence, stress culture
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Media & Information – fake news, censorship, cancel culture, media bias
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Climate Change & Sustainability – environmental justice, green innovation, climate migration
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National Identity & Globalisation – culture, immigration, multiculturalism
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Education & Meritocracy – streaming, tuition culture in Singapore, global competitiveness
📝 Pro Tip: Prepare 2–3 examples for each theme and update them with 2024–2025 news and events. You can rotate these examples to fit multiple essay questions.
🧠 Tip #2: Train Yourself to Think Like a GP Marker
Understanding what examiners want is half the battle. GP tutors at Sophia Education often reverse-engineer essay assessments to show students what actually earns marks.
Here’s what GP markers look out for:
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🎯 Clear stance and thesis
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🔗 Logical flow and transitions
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📚 Relevant, current examples
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💬 Balance of arguments and counterarguments
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🧠 Critical insight and original thinking
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✍️ Language accuracy and sophistication
🧾 Try this: After writing a paragraph, pretend you’re the examiner and ask:
“Did this paragraph develop a clear point? Is the example analysed or just dropped in?”
🗓️ Tip #3: Create a Weekly GP Study Routine
GP should be treated like any other subject — with regular study sessions, not last-minute cramming 📚⏳.
Our GP tutors recommend the following routine:
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Monday – Read 1 GP article or watch a documentary
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Tuesday – Build a theme sheet (e.g., Technology + Examples + Arguments)
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Wednesday – Write a short paragraph (PEEL format)
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Thursday – Review model essays and highlight structure
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Friday – Practice Paper 2 summary or AQ
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Weekend – Write and submit a full timed essay for marking
🎯 Stick to this and you’ll be miles ahead by Prelims!
✨ Tip #4: Customise Your Examples for the Singapore Context
Cambridge markers are familiar with Singaporean issues, and referencing local examples shows depth of understanding and personal relevance. Our GP tutors encourage students to localise global themes to boost relatability and originality.
🇸🇬 Examples of Singapore-Centric Arguments:
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Meritocracy: Discuss Singapore’s education system, PSLE reforms, or Direct School Admissions (DSA)
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Surveillance: Mention SafeEntry, TraceTogether, and Singapore’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Social Cohesion: Explore racial harmony, CMIO model, and inter-religious dialogue
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Media Influence: Reference media regulations by IMDA, public trust in Straits Times, etc.
📝 Quote public figures, local campaigns (e.g., SG Green Plan 2030), and government policies where relevant.
🔄 Tip #5: Use the “Loop Back” Technique in Essays
One technique that our high-performing students use is looping back to the question at the end of each paragraph. This keeps your essay focused and shows consistent engagement with the question.
For example:
“Thus, while media censorship may protect social harmony in multicultural nations like Singapore, it also raises critical concerns about freedom of expression — highlighting the delicate balance that must be struck in deciding if censorship is ever justified.”
💡 This reinforces your stand while tying the example directly to the question — a trick examiners love.
📈 Tip #6: Mark and Rewrite – Not Just Write
A common mistake is writing essay after essay without reviewing them. GP tutors at Sophia Education emphasise the power of rewriting ✍️🔁.
Here’s a 3-step approach to smarter writing:
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Write one full essay per week (timed)
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Highlight weak arguments, unclear topic sentences, or underdeveloped examples
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Re-write only those paragraphs to strengthen clarity and analysis
🎯 Quality over quantity. 3 solid essays with rewrites > 10 unreviewed drafts.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Mastering GP in 2025
GP may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can definitely conquer it 💪💯. Avoiding these common pitfalls is half the battle — the other half is consistent practice, timely feedback, and staying updated on world affairs 🌍🗞️.
If you’re looking for expert guidance, our General Paper tuition at Sophia Education offers tailored, result-proven methods to help you excel 🏆. Our small group and 1-to-1 sessions are ideal for JC students aiming for distinction in GP.
🥇 Ace GP in 2025 with Sophia Education!
Want personalised feedback on your GP essays? 📝
Book a trial GP tuition session with Sophia Education today — Singapore’s most trusted tuition centre for academic excellence in 2025! 🚀
📍 Located across Singapore
🎓 Trusted by top-performing JC students
📈 Proven track record of A-grade results
👉 Visit www.sophiaeducation.sg to get started!
