Paper 1 Topics: Science and Technology (Cambridge (CIE) AS English General Paper): Revision Note
Exam code: 8021
Paper 1 essay summary
Paper 1 of the CIE AS English General Paper is the essay component
You will select one question from a list of ten options to write an essay of approximately 600-700 words
The questions concern contemporary issues
Here, we will focus on the theme of science and technology, which falls into the topic area of science, environmental issues, technology and mathematics. The theme can include:
Science, application and ethics
Scientific research
Drug testing, manufacturing and provision
Diet, health education and healthcare
ICT, including topics such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
These questions are designed to promote argument and evaluation rather than mere description.
Why science and technology matter in Paper 1
Many General Paper science and technology questions ask you to analyse, evaluate and discuss contemporary issues, ethics and impacts related to these fields.
The exam is not testing your specialist knowledge, but rather your ability to think critically, write clearly and use examples effectively, which are all part of the Assessment Objectives.
To achieve a Level 5 essay, you will need to:
Select and apply relevant information and examples (AO1)
Analyse and evaluate arguments from more than one perspective (AO2)
Communicate fluently and accurately in a formal style (AO3)
Remember, your essay on any topic is rewarded for balanced thinking. Avoid one-sided answers, as examiners look for essays that weigh different points of view before drawing a conclusion.
Paper 1 exam-style essay questions on science and technology
1. Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence should be welcomed not feared. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
To answer this question, you can draw heavily on the information contained in the revision notes indicated below on the capabilities and potential of artificial intelligence.
Arguments for welcoming AI could include its potential to improve health services and reduce anxiety and suffering. AI can grant freedom by performing a range of mundane tasks. Well-designed AI can provide targeted support to learners anywhere. Furthermore, it can provide an accurate prediction of various threats, protecting human lives. In healthcare specifically, AI applications can improve diagnostics and treatment. AI tools may also help address radiologist shortages and improve efficiency in breast cancer screening.
Counter-arguments highlighting the fear of AI could discuss the concerns that our own creations might turn on us. Other fears include the manipulation of data leading to misjudgement and injustice. AI development raises moral dilemmas regarding issues such as accountability, privacy, job displacement, and social inequality. The automation of tasks raises ethical concerns about job displacement and the potential loss of livelihood for workers. There is also the threat of algorithmic bias in decision-making processes, leading to discrimination.
You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:
2. Surveillance
To what extent is surveillance in public places essential in your country?
To answer this question, you can draw heavily on the information contained in the revision notes indicated below on the ethical and social implications of monitoring behaviour and surveillance.
Arguments supporting the essential nature of surveillance could stress its use to detect and prevent crime in public places, as well as its role in preventing terrorist attacks. Recorded footage is crucial in helping law enforcement catch criminals, generating evidence and limiting unlawful online and anti-social activities. The general public often holds the view that “only the guilty” need fear surveillance. Surveillance is also valuable for other purposes, such as weather forecasting and disaster response.
Counter-arguments could focus on the threats posed to privacy and freedom. Ethical concerns arise when censorship/security measures rely on invasive surveillance and monitoring of online activities, infringing on the fundamental right to privacy. Tracking people through devices can be seen as an invasion of an individual's privacy. Furthermore, surveillance can give too much power to the government, creating a 'big brother' aspect of control. CCTV in public places can be seen as an intrusion of personal freedom.
You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:
3. Medicines
Clinical trials for new medications should always be ethical. Discuss.
To answer this question, you can draw heavily on the information contained in the revision notes indicated below on medical and scientific advances and their ethics.
Arguments for adhering strictly to ethics include the fundamental principle that ethical considerations must be central to the practice of clinical trials. The rights and safety of the trial subjects are the most important consideration. Trials must test for toxicity, efficacy, and dose. Clear and detailed protocols are essential to ensure the success of an ethical trial. Furthermore, risks must be weighed against the anticipated benefits before a trial begins.
Counter-arguments exploring situations where ethics might be challenged include recognising that during an outbreak, the risks may not be clear, making risk-benefit analysis difficult. Strict protocols and procedures consume valuable time when humanity may be faced with a crisis. In a crisis scenario, the argument could be made that the needs of the many supersede those of the individual.
You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:
4. The impacts of science
To what extent has science made the lives of people easier?
To answer this question, you can draw heavily on the information contained in the revision notes indicated below on technology, general principles and applications.
Arguments supporting that science has made life easier include how science and technology have made work easier through mechanisation and automation. People can travel and communicate with greater ease. Technology also eases accessibility to knowledge in different ways. Advances in medicine, such as the development and mass production of penicillin, the widespread use of vaccination, and modern surgery techniques (like keyhole surgery and robotic surgery), have led to better health outcomes and greater life expectancy.
Counter-arguments suggesting science complicates life include the view that some scientific theories and technological advances make the world more complex. The pace of scientific research and development creates a need for constant training and re-education to understand new discoveries and technology. Furthermore, some developments in science bring side-effects and problems that often require complex solutions. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to resistance and the evolution of “superbugs”, and the increasing reliance on computers exacerbates the digital divide.
You can read more about this topic in the following revision notes:
For an example of a full, top-scoring model answer for this topic, please see our Science and Technology Model Answer.
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