Paper 1 Guide Notes

IB Global Politics: Paper 1 Guide on How to Succeed

Why Paper 1 matters

1. Paper 1 is where you show your skills with sources, not just your memory. Unlike Paper 2 or the engagement activity, it isn’t about long essays or case studies. Instead, it tests how well you can:
   1. Read and interpret sources quickly (text, charts, images).
   2. Apply political theories and concepts to real material.
   3. Think critically under time pressure.
2. Paper 1 is a source-based assessment lasting 75 minutes, and it is a compulsory exam for both SL and HL students. The paper focuses on one of the four core units:
   1. Power, Sovereignty and International Relations
   2. Human Rights
   3. Development
   4. Peace and Conflict
3. You will be presented with four different sources, which may include written texts, images, diagrams, or graphs.
4. These will be accompanied by four questions, each targeting a distinct assessment objective (AO). You must answer all four questions.

Key Exam Strategy: Read with Purpose

1. Before reading the sources, read through all four questions. This helps you:
   1. Know what to look for in each source
   2. Read critically with the assessment objectives in mind
   3. Save time and avoid confusion later on

Question 1: Knowledge and Understanding (AO1)

1. Marks: 3
2. Suggested time: 5 minutes

Skills required:

1. Show understanding of key political concepts and global issues.
2. Show understanding of source material.

Common command terms:

1. Describe: Give a detailed account
2. Define: Give the exact meaning of a term or concept
3. Identify: Choose the correct answer from a list of options
4. Outline: Give a brief summary

Question 2: Application and Analysis (AO2)

1. Marks: 4
2. Suggested time: 15 minutes

Skills required:

1. Apply political concepts to analyse the issue in context
2. Use evidence from the source and your own knowledge
3. Present an argument with support

Common command terms:

1. Analyze: Break down and explain the key elements
2. Distinguish: Highlight differences between concepts
3. Explain: Give reasons or causes
4. Suggest: Propose a reasoned solution or hypothesis

Question 3: Synthesis and Evaluation (AO3 + AO4)

1. Marks: 8
2. Suggested time: 20 minutes

Skills required:

1. Compare, contrast, and evaluate multiple sources and perspectives
2. Examine bias, reliability, and relevance
3. Structure a logical and coherent response

Common command terms:

1. Compare and contrast: Highlight similarities and differences
2. Contrast: Focus on differences
3. Compare: Focus on similarities

Question 4: Extended Response (AO3 + AO4)

1. Marks: 10
2. Suggested time: 35 minutes

Skills required:

1. Construct a mini-essay using source material and background knowledge
2. Evaluate arguments and counterarguments
3. Demonstrate the ability to use sources to support your analysis

Common command terms:

1. Discuss: Provide a balanced review with multiple perspectives
2. Evaluate: Weigh up strengths and limitations
3. Examine: Explore assumptions and interrelationships

Final Reminders: