Actually, no, it isn't. The General Paper ('GP') seeks to inculcate "maturity of thought, independent thinking and the proficient use of language". See http://www.seab.gov.sg/aLevel/2013Syllabus/8807_2013.pdf. Doing well in GP takes a little more than having fancy vocabluary and organized paragraphs. The GP presumes you have moderate knowledge about relevant contemporary issues, and, on the premise of that assumption, asks you to (1) identify the call of the question, (2) synthesize arguments both supporting and opposing a hypothetical position, and (3) write an analytical and persuasive discussion of the issue. If you can do all these (and under time constraints), you are ready for the exam.
● I don't have much "general" knowledge, can I do Paper 1?
There are several questions with different topics to choose from. Although it helps to have more than one topic to write about. We suggest you read one or two news articles each day to be aware of current events.
During the examination, some of your peers will be sweating while trying to figure out which of the given composition questions best allows them to regurgitate that model composition they memorized the night before. This is a dangerous game to play. Examiners are very good at spotting a memorized composition. Your results affect a considerable part of your foreseeable future. Instead, you should be thoughtfully formulating your arguments, putting pen to paper, and walking out of the examination hall knowing you have 'done it'. You have just submitted a genuine A-grade composition.
● What GP materials are best?
In general, utilizing the materials (compositions and assignments) that you have been issued to work with by your GP teacher is a good way to start. We also use the 10 year series (now 6-year series) extensively, espeically for weaker students. For stronger students, we use the "KS Bull" essays, the RJC Examiners' Reports, and FBP's "General Paper Topical Studies Sample Essays".
We have also found the following to be effective and affordable learning materials:
GP Matters (Vol 1 & 2) by Robert Wilks, 2006, ISBN:981-00-4105-5
New Edition GP Power by Robert Wilks, 2007, ISBN:981-00-9494-9
The Essential GP Companion (1 & 2), Strategies to tackle General Paper by Mervyn Blake, ISBN:981-242-746-5