English General Paper
Cambridge International AS Level General Paper challenges students to think critically and argue persuasively about global contemporary issues. Unlike other A-Level subjects, GP rewards broad awareness, logical reasoning, and clarity of written argument above subject knowledge.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
60%
Past questions
3
Study tips
6
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
3 hours total across 2 papers
A* A B C D E grades
E = minimum pass | A/A* demonstrates exceptional critical thinking
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Essay | 1 hour 45 minutes | 1 essay from 25–30 choice questions across 7 themesAssessed on: argument, relevant content, awareness, expression | 60% |
| Paper 2 — Data Response & Comprehension | 1 hour 15 minutes | 3 compulsory questions on 2 passagesTests inference, summary, vocabulary in context, and evaluation | 40% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Read a quality newspaper or news site daily — Cambridge GP requires current, global awareness that cannot be crammed.
- 2
Spend 10 minutes planning before you write: clear introduction, 3–4 structured arguments, balanced counter-argument, strong conclusion.
- 3
For Paper 2 comprehension: never copy sentences from the passage. Use your own words and demonstrate inference, not retrieval.
- 4
A strong essay has a clear, arguable thesis — not a description of a topic. "Social media is a double-edged sword" is NOT a thesis.
- 5
Cover all 7 themes in your revision: you cannot predict which will appear, and theme overlap is common.
- 6
Manage your time: 1 hour 35 minutes for your essay leaves enough time for planning and checking.
Past Exam Questions
"Social media has done more harm than good to political discourse around the world." Discuss.
To what extent is economic growth compatible with environmental sustainability? Use evidence from different countries to support your argument.
Paper 2: (a) State in your own words two reasons the writer gives for the decline of public trust in science. (b) Explain what the writer means by "a post-truth world" (line 14). (c) How effective is the writer's use of statistics to support their argument?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Quoting without commenting — evidence only earns marks when it is analyzed.
- ✕
Writing without a clear, arguable thesis, so the essay drifts.
- ✕
Poor time management that leaves essays unfinished.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for English General Paper — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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