Using case studies effectively is one of the most important skills in IB Global Politics. Case studies provide real-world evidence to support theoretical arguments, but many students lose marks by using them incorrectly. Examiners are not looking for storytelling or factual recall; they want analytical application that directly answers the question.
The first rule is that case studies must serve the argument, not replace it. A strong essay begins with a clear claim or point, grounded in the question. The case study is then used as evidence to support or challenge that claim. Students who start paragraphs by narrating events often drift away from the question and lose focus.
Effective case study use means being selective, not exhaustive. You do not need to explain everything that happened. Instead, choose specific details that are directly relevant to the concept or issue being discussed. For example, when discussing power, focus on how power was exercised, by whom, and with what consequences. Irrelevant detail wastes time and marks.
Case studies should be explicitly linked to key concepts. Simply mentioning a country or event is not enough. You must explain how the case demonstrates concepts such as sovereignty, legitimacy, human rights, development, or security. This shows conceptual understanding rather than memorisation, which is essential for higher markbands.
Another key feature of effective case study use is evaluation. Case studies should not only support arguments but also reveal limitations. For example, you might show how a policy succeeded in one context but failed in another. This demonstrates awareness of complexity and avoids overly absolute claims. Evaluation can include unintended consequences, context-specific outcomes, or alternative interpretations.
Students should also avoid using too many case studies. One or two well-developed examples per main argument are usually sufficient. Overloading essays with multiple shallow examples reduces depth and clarity. Examiners prefer depth of analysis over breadth of examples.
Accuracy matters, but perfect detail is not required. Examiners reward relevant and accurate application, not dates or statistics. Minor factual errors are less damaging than weak analysis. However, major inaccuracies can undermine credibility, so case studies should be well understood.
Another common mistake is using pre-learned case study paragraphs that are poorly adapted to the question. Case studies must be flexible. The same example can be used to answer different questions, but only if it is framed differently each time. Tailoring case studies to the question is essential.
For IB Global Politics students, effective use of case studies means treating them as analytical tools, not content to memorise. High-level essays integrate case studies smoothly into arguments, link them clearly to concepts, and use them to evaluate rather than describe. When used properly, case studies strengthen arguments and significantly improve marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many case studies should I use in an essay?
Usually two to three well-developed case studies are enough. Quality matters more than quantity. Each case should clearly support an argument.
Should case studies be in every paragraph?
Most main body paragraphs should include a case study. However, short evaluative or conceptual paragraphs may not need one. Relevance is key.
Do I need detailed facts for case studies?
No. Accurate and relevant explanation is more important than detailed facts. Focus on analysis rather than memorisation.
Can I reuse the same case study in different essays?
Yes, but it must be adapted to the question. Using the same framing every time limits marks. Flexibility is essential.
How do examiners judge case study use?
Examiners look for relevance, application, and evaluation. Case studies should strengthen arguments, not distract from them.
