The needs of the

majority always
outweigh the needs
of the minority.
Planning Exercise for General Paper Essay
Needs refer to all the things that are
required for survival in the modern world
such as
(1) basic necessities
(2) opportunities to earn a living and
progress (through education, employment
& business)
(3) avenues to voice ones views especially
to seek redress
(4) the need to be included in society
CLARIFY : What do we mean by needs ?
The word outweigh suggests that the
needs of the majority are more important
than the needs of the minority, and so
more effort and resources are put into
fulfilling the formers needs instead of the
latters.
CLARIFY :
What do we mean by outweigh?
Possible Points (1)
Those who say that the needs of the majority
outweigh the needs of the minority have several
arguments :
1. Apply the utilitarian principle for the sake of
efficient resource allocation
2. To deliver on promises made to the majority,
because the majority have helped leaders get or
retain power during elections
3. If the elite minority manipulates or oppresses
the majority, then it is right for the needs of the
majority outweigh the needs of the minority
Possible Points (2)
Reasons why the needs of the majority do not
(and should not) always outweigh the needs of
the minority :
1. Equal respect and attention is given to all
cultures because all cultures have intrinsic
worth.
2. Minority groups should receive equal
opportunities or even be given added attention
or help so that they can integrate into
mainstream society and not be so far left behind
(to prevent severe inequality & to build an
inclusive society)

Possible Points (3)
Reasons why the needs of the majority do not (and
should not) always outweigh the needs of the
minority :
3. To prevent social unrest or foreign interference (by
other governments or global watchgroups), the rights
of the minority have to be addressed. The idea is to
promote equality rather than favouring the majority
at the expense of the minority.
The absence of unrest is good for the majority too. So
caring for the needs of the minority to preserve stability for
everyone is an effort that marries both the needs of the
minority and the majority.


Thesis Statement
The needs of the majority do not always
outweigh the needs of the minority because
both groups may actually have the same
needs to survive and progress. Giving more
attention to the majority to the extent of
denying the minority the opportunities to
fulfil their needs would go against the
principle of equality among men.