Paper 2 Guide Notes

IB Global Politics Paper 2 Guide

1. Paper 2 is an essay-based paper where:
   1. Same for SL and HL
   2. Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
   3. Marks: 30
   4. Weighting:
      1. 40% (SL)
      2. 30% (HL)
   5. Format: Extended essay responses.
2. These questions require conceptual understanding, evaluation of political issues, and the use of relevant examples.

Structure

1. Two Sections:
   1. Section A → Questions from each of the thematic studies
      1. Rights & Justice
      2. Development & Sustainability
      3. Peace & Conflict
   2. Section B → Integrating questions.
      1. Require connections across the three themes + the core topic (Power, Sovereignty & International Relations).
2. Answer one question from each section.

What’s Assessed

1. Conceptual understanding of key political ideas
2. Ability to synthesize, justify, and evaluate arguments
3. Use of examples, counterclaims, and political theory
4. Marks are awarded for:
   1. Relevant political concepts and prescribed content
   2. Examples (real-world or theoretical)
   3. Justified arguments
   4. Balanced structure and evaluation of counterclaims

Command Terms to Know

1. Describe: Give a detailed account
2. Define: Give the precise meaning
3. Identify: Provide an answer from options
4. Outline: Give a brief summary
5. Analyze: Break down key elements
6. Distinguish: Highlight differences
7. Explain: Give reasons or causes
8. Suggest: Propose a solution or idea

Structure of an Essay

1. Introduction
   1. Define key terms
   2. Identify the question type and core concept
   3. Brief outline of argument
2. Main Body - Use PEEL in each paragraph:
   1. Point: Clear topic sentence
   2. Evidence: Real-world examples, theories, or case studies
   3. Explanation: Why/how your point supports your thesis
   4. Link: Connect to next paragraph or main question
3. Include counterclaims to strengthen your argument:
   1. Use phrases like:
      “On the other hand…”, “An alternative to this is…”, “It must be admitted that…”
   2. Then argue against them with evidence
   3. Reassert your claim
4. Conclusion
   1. Clearly answer the question
   2. Weigh claims vs. counterclaims
   3. Leave the reader with a clear judgment

Markbands for Paper Two

0 Marks

1. The work does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.

1–5 Marks

1. Limited understanding of the demands of the question.
2. Poorly structured or lacks a clear essay structure.
3. Minimal focus on the task.
4. Little relevant knowledge, examples are lacking or irrelevant.