Academic International Certificate of Education (AICE) General Paper Syllabus #8004

Format Three sections of five questions each Must answer two questions, each from a different section Each answer must be 500 – 600 words

Aims To promote rational thought, analysis, interpretation and evaluation To promote maturity of thought and clarity of expression To promote understanding and appreciation of individual, societal and cultural diversity

What the exam is not… Test of general knowledge Candidates are expected to draw upon knowledge and understanding gained in relation to other subjects they have studied.

What it is… A chance to show your ability to make cross-curricular connections A chance to show your ability to express arguments, ideas and opinions in a reflective and academic manner A chance to show your knowledge of local, national, and international issues

Three areas of consideration Historical, social, economic, political and philosophical topics Science, including its history, philosophy, general principles and applications; geographical and mathematical topics Literature and language, arts and crafts

Historical, social, economic, political and philosophical topics. the role of history and war; terrorism; the role of the individual in society - the family, marriage, peer pressure, class; cultural changes - youth and drug culture; education and welfare; sport, leisure, international competition; wealth; changes in work practice; the importance and impact of tourism on a country – implications for the economy, employment; public transport, environmental concerns; aid provision; the State and its institutions; development of State, democracy post imperialism, nationalism; minority groups, pressure groups; freedom of speech, action, thought; judiciary; matters of conscience, faith, tolerance, equality.

Science, including its history, philosophy, general principles and applications; geographical and mathematical topics. medical dilemmas and issues of research and ethics; concept of progress in science; drug manufacture and provision; diet, health education; old and new industries; spin-offs from space industry; weaponry; information and communications technology; the Internet; environmental concerns; renewable energy resources; climate change; migration; population dynamics; feeding the global population; farming techniques for the twenty-first century; public transport and travel; the uses and applications of mathematics in everyday life.

Literature and language, arts and crafts. literature – biography, diary, science fiction; language – heritage, tradition, dialect; the global media - tv, radio, satellite; influence and controls; effects on lifestyle, culture and habits; cultural dilution and diversification; advertising; role models; censorship; privacy; the right to know; freedom of the press, etc. uses and abuses; traditional arts and crafts; creativity; national heritage/preservation; effects of tourism; architecture; painting; fashion; photography; sculpture; music; heritage; etc.

Mark Scheme Use of English –Paragraphs used consistently –Appropriate tone and fluency –Few errors –Evidence of extensive vocabulary –Sound sentence structure Content –Material that is relevant, interesting and thoughtfully presented –Clear evidence, well illustrated –Coherent arguments with balance, sensitivity, and awareness

Sample Paper and Mark Scheme

Final Pointers Choose two questions making sure they are from different sections. Pre-write ideas and organize them. Make sure to include local, national, and international references. Make sure to think about cross-curricular ideas. Write 500 – 600 words for each question.

Date and Time and Place Wednesday, November 5, 2008 Auditorium Arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. for completing paperwork. The exam will be begin promptly at 8 a.m. You will be excused from classes until the exam ends at 10 a.m. You have two hours to complete this exam You must remain for the entire testing time