Academic International Certificate of Education (AICE) General Paper

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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Sample Paper and Mark Scheme

12. 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.

13. 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