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 knowledgeand 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