GP essay question guide
Has technology improved people's lives?
Avoid treating invention as improvement. Judge technology by access, real outcomes, work conditions, autonomy, and whether institutions distribute its benefits.
Topics: Science and Technology, Society and Culture, Economics
Three argument directions
Expand capability
Medical and assistive technologies can directly improve health, independence, and participation.
Qualification: High cost, weak infrastructure, or limited access can keep the benefit narrow.
Create flexible access
Digital platforms can connect people to work and services more quickly.
Qualification: Flexibility can transfer risk and insecurity to workers.
Judge distribution
Technology improves society only when skills, connectivity, and public systems let many people use it.
Qualification: Access alone does not remove bias, poor design, or unequal bargaining power.
Six examples to compare
Singapore Protects Platform Workers
Singapore gave platform workers stronger retirement, injury, and representation protections while retaining a distinct employment category. Student link: first jobs, wages, prices, opportunity, and who gains from growth.
Possible essay use
Technology-mediated work can create flexibility while still requiring updated social protection.
Limitation
Legal coverage does not guarantee that every worker is better off, and higher contributions can reduce take-home pay.
Case or source date: 2025-01-01
Source: Ministry of Manpower
EU Sets Rules for Platform Work
The EU Platform Work Directive introduced rules on employment-status determination and algorithmic management in platform work. Student link: first jobs, wages, prices, opportunity, and who gains from growth.
Possible essay use
The EU Platform Work Directive introduced rules on employment-status determination and algorithmic management in platform work.
Limitation
Common rules still depend on national transposition and enforcement and may affect platform costs or work availability.
Case or source date: 2024-10-14
Source: Council of the European Union
Assistive Tech: Restoring Abilities, Lives
Assistive technologies, like mind-controlled implants, significantly improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities by restoring functions and independence (e.g., Synchron's Stentrode, 2023).
WHO Recommends Injectable Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention
WHO recommended twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir as an additional HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis option in 2025. Student link: AI, school, online life, safety, evidence, and who benefits from innovation.
Possible essay use
WHO recommended twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir as an additional HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis option in 2025.
Limitation
A less frequent medicine can improve choice and adherence, but price, supply, stigma, testing, and health-system access remain barriers.
Case or source date: 2025-07-14
Source: World Health Organization
Digital Gap: Widening Social and Economic Splits
Unequal tech access deepens social and economic gaps, limiting education and job chances for many globally. This affects personal growth and national progress.
Gig Work: Freedom or Fragile Future?
The gig economy offers worker flexibility through platforms like Uber but challenges job security and traditional employee rights, creating new economic debates.