Essay Topics from past papers under the topic area II

II Science, including its history, philosophy, ethics, general principles

and applications; environmental issues; technology and mathematics

1. Evaluate the actions which could be taken to solve the most

serious environmental problem in your country.

Answers are likely to:

• identify the ‘most serious environmental problem’ and justify this choice •
show an understanding of the problem identified and suggest a range of
possible measures
• analyse the economic, scientific, technical and cultural factors involved in
the relative likely success of the proposed actions, and consider the limiting
factors
• make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• a range of potentially serious environmental problems is possible and the

choice will depend on the country in question but the list is likely to include
various forms of pollution, habitat loss and land clearance, disappearance
of species, and waste disposal, as well as more global issues such as
climate change and energy provision. A successful answer, in terms of
evaluating possible actions, will depend greatly on the choice of
environmental problem and the ability to contextualise it against the
candidate’s own country, ideally with specific references
• a range of proposed actions should be outlined and discussed in terms of
their likely success and any limitations. These might be scientific/technical
measures but are also likely to include reference to cost, legislation for
industries and the public, political and social will to change, international
cooperation, cultural beliefs and practices, education and awareness,
media influence, pressure groups and charities, sponsorship by companies,
and individual efforts
• NB The ‘most serious problem’ identified should be local to the candidate
but in evaluating possible actions to solve the chosen problem,
comparisons might usefully be made with other countries.
 2. Modified animal organs could soon be transplanted into
humans. To what extent is this desirable?

Answers are likely to:

• consider the reasons for using organs from animals in this process, for
example pigs
• consider the ethical issues revolving around this process
• make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• there is a shortage of human donors and the metabolism of pigs, for

example is similar to that of humans
• heart valves from pigs, for use by humans, are routine
• gene editing is used to remove threatening viruses from the pig`s DNA,
however, pigs may carry cancer viruses that could be a problem
• the use of pigs may be offensive in some cultures
• it is problematic getting the immune system to accept an organ from a
human donor, the risks from an animal will be greater
• many people will find the process morally repugnant and argue that it is
cruelty to animals.
Evaluate the implications for individuals and society of a world that
depends on information technology.

Answers are likely to:

• consider the extent to which data is kept

• assess the value of computer prediction
• make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and the
argument put forward.

Answers might include discussions and examples such as:

• a recognition that computer data is provided by human agency so is likely

to contain bias and inaccuracies
• the danger of perpetuating inequalities because the data we provide for
analysis may simply corroborate our assumptions, for example crime
statistics or health statistics for the inner city
• the danger of uncritical acceptance of computer results-automated
evaluation based on incomplete information
• information can be skewed in order to get the results wanted
• the need for a legal framework to enforce or prevent disclosure
• arrest records, medical records, postcodes, social networks, income – all
of this data is accessible and could jeopardise an individual's chances in
life.

Scientists can now successfully edit genes in human embryos. Assess the
advantages and disadvantages of this. Answers are likely to: • demonstrate
an understanding of gene editing • consider the advantages and
disadvantages • make a judgement, based on a consideration of the
evidence and argument put forward. Answers might include discussions
and examples such as: • the prevention of genetically inherited diseases for
example, cystic fibrosis, breast cancer • changes to an embryo's DNA may
have harmful side effects • environment or lifestyle may be more important
than genetics in influencing the occurrence of defects • a national genetic
testing system that identifies those carrying harmful genes for example,
breast cancer, may be preferable and cheaper • religious objections •
ethical issues, such as manipulation of nature and effects of genetic
engineering • benefits to research and understanding • ‘slippery slope’ to
cloning, ‘designer babies’ etc.

Discuss whether an individual’s online activity should be monitored in the

fight against crime and terrorism. Answers are likely to: • consider and
show an understanding of types of online activity • analyse whether online
activity should be monitored • make a judgement, based on a consideration
of the evidence and argument put forward. Answers might include
discussions and examples such as: • monitoring may be undertaken by the
authorities in the fight against crime and terrorism • criminal activity can be
facilitated by online activity • relative increase in frequency and severity of
terrorist attacks, context against which the discussion can be measured in
terms of justification of monitoring, ends and means • concept of privacy
versus security and where the balance lies; is lack of internet privacy a
small price to pay for increased security? • financial cost of such measures
versus potential longer-term savings • possible misuse and
misinterpretation of material • limits of what can be detected/how evidence
can be gathered and analysed • data protection versus possible abuse for
commercial or other purposes • sets a potentially dangerous precedent,
especially in states where dissidents or opponents of the ruler(s) may be
persecuted • there are many other methods of detecting criminal behaviour
and solving crime.

‘Facial recognition software and similar technologies may threaten the

rights of individuals.’ To what extent do you agree? Answers are likely to: •
show an understanding of facial recognition software and other
technologies • consider how this kind of technology can infringe on the
rights of the individual • make a judgement, based on a consideration of the
evidence and the argument put forward. Answers might include discussions
and examples such as: • identifying airport scanners and voice recognition
software as security devices • facial recognition software is an application
used as a way of identifying a person from a digital image • consider its use
in security systems • facial recognition is designed to operate at a distance,
sometimes without the knowledge or consent of the person identified • the
system is not infallible, as faces can change over time • facial recognition
and other technologies can become invasive and subject to abuse •
benefits can reduce identity theft and prevent terrorism • lack of safeguards
about what happens to the information.

‘Mathematical accuracy is unnecessary in everyday life.’ To

what extent do you agree? Answers are likely to: • consider
reasons why accuracy is necessary and unnecessary in
everyday life • consider what most people's mathematical
experience might be and how this may or may not be useful •
make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence
and the argument put forward. Answers might include
discussions and examples such as: • why estimation is more
useful than accuracy; this might be in the context of making a
quick, initial view of a task or assignment • an insight in to
where precision may not be required initially, but may follow
subsequently • comparison between ignoring precision and
the knowledge and expertise needed to produce accuracy •
consideration of the dangers of inaccuracy as opposed to
precise mathematical calculation; dangers might involve
human safety or financial loss • in schools, mathematics
remains an unpopular subject and many people do not see
the point in using precise calculation methods as their
everyday life does not demand it • we have devices to make
calculations for us, so there is no need for precise mental
arithmetic.

Internet activity can be easily monitored. Examine whether or not this gives
any person or organisation the right to know what other people are doing
online. Answers are likely to: • consider the needs of individuals and
organisations that can be met through monitoring internet activity • consider
the boundaries that should be respected by individuals and organisations •
consider how surveillance is carried out and made possible • make a
judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put
forward. Answers might include discussions and examples such as: • how
internet activity is already monitored • privacy is an outdated concept in our
technological age • the danger of national security being compromised if
internet activity can be freely or easily monitored • invaluable information
could be gained through monitoring; this could lead to the prevention of
crime and terrorism • the extent to which individuals may be vulnerable to
hackers and blackmail • how individuals may object to their online activity
being monitored by the state • health records, which might be stored online,
could be accessed by insurance companies or potential employers, leaving
people vulnerable to higher premiums or rejection of job offers • it could be
perceived that parents and schools have a duty of care and therefore have
the rights to monitor the online activity of their children/students.

Assess whether or not sources of renewable energy offer a necessary and

viable alternative to fossil fuels. Answers are likely to: • define renewable
energy and fossil fuels • consider and show an understanding of the
(relative) benefits and drawbacks of fossil fuels and renewable energy
sources • analyse the scientific, economic, social and cultural factors
involved in alternative energies and the continued use of fossil fuels • make
a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put
forward. Answers might include discussions and examples such as: •
necessity and desirability of replacing fossil fuels relate to the context of
resource scarcity, energy independence due to limits and sources
available, and concerns regarding climate change • viability might depend
on continued research to improve efficiency, reduce costs and, to some
extent, change public and political opinion • viability might depend on
international cooperation and agreement on action to address the rate of
climate change, and the reliance on fossil fuels • effects of the use of fossil
fuels in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and ground level pollution • the
controversial development of alternative and potentially more plentiful
sources of fossil fuels such as gas through fracking, and the exploration for
fresh oil supplies in pristine environments • nuclear alternatives including
issues with waste disposal contrasted with efficiency • a comparison of the
range of renewables at varying levels of development • renewable
alternatives as a growth area for various economies and potential for job
growth • renewable sources may need further development and refinement
to meet growing populations and energy needs • the most viable energy
sources to meet the demands of the rising middle-class population with
increased spending power • the plans of some countries to ban petrol and
diesel cars in favour of electric models, but environmental effects will
depend on how the electricity is generated.

‘Not enough is being done to tackle the problems of waste disposal.’ To

what extent is this the case in your country? Answers will be focused on
one country with which the candidate identifies or to which they direct their
answer. Answers are likely to: • show understanding of the fact that waste
comes in many forms, not just domestic refuse • consider recycling of
waste in a broad sense: both domestic and industrial • indicate an
awareness of local and national issues of waste disposal that may be
caused by inefficient processing, households or poor government choices
Answers may include: • an assessment of local procedures for waste
disposal; this may include consideration of waste being exported for
recycling (or the sensitive issue of nuclear waste) • some reference to
industries and the effect that their waste has on the environment; this might
include the siting of landfill or the dangers of dumping waste in the sea • the
question of the volume of waste relative to the land available for disposal
and what other options are available such as recycling methods at specially
built plants • how far the population is being educated about the need for
careful and considerate waste disposal; some people at particular risk from
e-waste as this is a way of generating income; those involved in this form of
disposal fail to understand the dangers they face from toxic elements found
in digital waste • consideration of the emphasis the government is placing
on a cleaner, greener environment; on the investment that is placed in
public awareness schemes; and on making populations more pro-active in
the safe disposal of waste

‘The overuse of antibiotics has made them less effective.’ To what extent is
this a serious threat to health? Answers are likely to: • consider the use and
misuse of antibiotics • consider the alternatives to using antibiotics • make
a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and argument put
forward Answers might include discussions and examples such as: •
antibiotics may not always be used appropriately, for example, they may
not be required, or the antibiotic, specific for the task is not given •
resistance to antibiotics is growing due to overprescribing and the use of
them in animal farming • antibiotics can kill good bacteria, for example in
intestines • alternative treatment can be transplanting ‘good bacteria’ from
fecal matter, and herbal remedies are being considered, though not
scientifically validated as yet • healthy eating and keeping fit are a way of
keeping well • the environment one lives in contributes to avoiding
diseases, clean water, less pollution and access to general medical care •
scientific research into new medicines and alternatives

Assess whether or not mobile phones have improved human

communication. Answers are likely to: • consider and show an
understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of mobile phones in terms of
improving human communication • analyse the scientific, social and cultural
factors involved in the growing use of mobile phones in all areas of life and
the effects on communication • make a judgement, based on a
consideration of the evidence and argument put forward Answers might
include discussions and examples such as: • a means by which to
converse with friends and family all around the world • smartphones now
offer improved and instant access to social media and news as it evolves,
and a wide range of opinions and views from around the world • enables
users to give and receive information and opinions instantaneously • role of
mobile phones in poor countries or areas in terms of developing business
opportunities and making connections with the wider world • role of citizen
journalism via smartphone messages and photos, for example from war
zones otherwise inaccessible to media sources, and in giving a more
personal and primary account of events, even bringing to light previously
unknown injustices and occurrences • in reality, people are not
necessarily/always using these devices to access such news and opinion
but rather to take and post selfies, trade insults by trolling or cyber-bullying,
post and view trivial information etc. • huge amounts of time can be spent
using such devices • effects on language, both written and spoken, by use
of abbreviations, text speak, emojis and emoticons

To what extent should television and radio be independent of government

control in your country? Answers will be focused on one country with which
the candidate identifies or to which they direct their answer. Answers are
likely to: • consider the role of a government in providing information and
the extent to which television and radio should remain impartial • the
advantages and disadvantages of having a controlled television and radio
network with reference to a specific country • a personal view based on the
activities of one or more networks Answers may include: • television and
radio being regarded as a way of promoting political views • the extent to
which television and radio should allow different political parties to have
equal access to the media without any bias • propaganda being
disseminated by unskilled persons with no consideration of the quality of
broadcasts or their level of bias; there could be too much interference from
government appointed officials with little media experience • reference to
matters of censorship or national security as the control exercised could
promote moral and cultural values • the reliability and importance of
passing on information to the population particularly when there is a
national emergency such as an earthquake, flood, forest fire or armed
conflict • that controlled broadcasts would be more likely to uphold
standards of morality and respect as the output of programme makers and
broadcasters would be more closely monitored; at the same time, there
may be a stifling of free speech and self-expression • the cost of
broadcasting would be met by the state (or the population through taxation)
rather than being commercially funded • being independent allows more
commercial exploitation and the possibility of releasing ‘fake’ news and
sensational stories.

‘Free medical care is a fundamental right of all citizens in every country.’ To

what extent do you agree? Answers are likely to: • define ‘free medical
care’ and ‘fundamental right’ • display some knowledge of countries where
medical care is free and where it is not • consider the cost involved in
provide free care balanced against other national priorities • examine the
advantages and disadvantages of free care with some personal
perspective Answers may include: • the concept of ‘cradle to grave’ in that
a national health care system can be used throughout a person’s life •
increased safety for people as there will be nationally agreed standards of
care that can be monitored and maintained at government expense •
medical care will be available to all people whether rich or poor; there will
be no discrimination irrespective of age • the reduction and control of
serious diseases and epidemics as everyone can be treated through
vaccination programmes to combat common diseases and illnesses • free
medical care is not free; it is paid for indirectly by taxation • people have no
real understanding of their individual cost to the service • concern over
people who are non-residents gaining access to free care as well as health
tourism • problems arising from people taking greater risks and less care of
themselves as they know their medical care is free should something
happen to them • discussion over which aspects of health care should be
free

Assess whether it is important that areas of natural beauty should be

preserved and protected in your country. Answers should be focused on
one country with which the candidate identifies or to which they direct their
answer. Answers are likely to: • name and describe areas of natural beauty
that may be important for tourism, national identity or perhaps an important
resource • focus on key sites and features that are of national and
international interest to conservationists, scientists and the public • consider
the process of preservation and protection, and the challenges that these
pose. Answers may include: • outlining the challenges faced by
conservationists in these areas that can be vast in size, such as matters of
security or difficulties encountered due to climate change (such as the
erosion of landscapes) • specific reference to what is unique and special
about these areas; a debate about why it is important to preserve and
conserve for scientific, historic or even economic reasons; for example, the
generation of green energy by placing wind turbines on high ground; this
can also have the opposite effect of making the landscape less attractive
and creating a source of tension between authorities and the people that
live there • the impact that careful and consistent attention to saving these
areas can have on the country’s international image and reputation, and
the positive effect on tourism or negative effect if there is neglect • the
balance of cost involved set against other priorities of the country; to
maintain an area of natural beauty can involve extensive financial
investment; this is sometimes provided by agencies and companies who
stand to benefit most from preservation in the way of sponsorship •
education of the nation’s young people to make them aware of the
importance of these areas and their responsibility • the involvement of
organisations.

‘It is difficult to justify spending money on space exploration while poverty

exists.’ To what extent do you agree? Answers are likely to: • consider the
potential benefits and importance to humanity of space exploration as well
as its disadvantages and limitations • analyse the scientific, social and
cultural factors involved in the continued funding of space exploration •
make a judgement, based on a consideration of the evidence and
argument put forward. Answers might include discussions and examples
such as: • mankind’s thirst for knowledge and the inherent human desire to
expand our literal and metaphorical horizons to understand our place in the
universe, the origins of life and the wider systems which facilitate life • the
international space station is an excellent example of international
cooperation • technical developments from the solving of problems relating
to space travel and exploration, such as LEDs, robotics, various long-
distance communication devices, smartphone cameras and advanced
harvesting of solar energy • scientific benefits of the ISS, Hubble telescope
(to be replaced shortly), probes and rovers • many media, GPS, weather
forecasting and mobile communications benefit from the vast number of
satellites in orbit • potential to explore the possibility of sustaining human
life on other planets • possible cultural objections; space exploration
offering alternative explanations for the beginnings of life on planet Earth •
cost of space programmes in light of global poverty, NASA’s budget being
in excess of $19bn, at around 0.5.% of the federal budget total; other
funding priorities, including relief of poverty at home and abroad • many
other arguably ‘inessential’ projects are funded by governments.

‘Social media is now one of the main forms of communication.’ Assess the
impact of this on society today. Answers are likely to: • consider the
implications of this statement • consider the effect of this form of
communication on human development • make a judgement, based on a
consideration of the evidence and argument put forward. Answers might
include discussions and examples such as: • used by all generations, but
particularly the young, sharing information, ideas and career information •
in many ways, teenage life has changed with less speaking face-to-face,
possibly reducing the ability to interact with others whilst also increasing the
number of people individuals are able to communicate with • the ability to
hide behind a screen and the use of text mean there is a lack of emotional
connection and the risk of seeing a distorted, false image – at the same
time this allows for increasing levels of computer literacy • many users of
social networks can make hurtful remarks; it is so much easier to do so
behind a barrier • people can be so involved in social media, they lose
contact with friends and family • it might be argued that writing a letter on
paper and posting it is far more personal and can mean more to the
receiver • social media allows a much more rapid exchange of ideas and
allows companies to operate on a global scale • Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs), which are often free or low cost, can rely heavily on
social media and therefore provide access to many who would otherwise
be excluded from higher education.