Part 1 of IB World Religions SL is the Introduction to world religions. It introduces the academic study of religion and examines five of nine specified religions through three fundamental questions.
The content of Part 1
Students first consider how religion can be studied objectively and empathetically. This includes insider and outsider approaches, the interpretation of religious sources, religious experience, and forms of religious language such as myth, ritual, symbolism and metaphor.
A school then selects five religions, including at least one from each syllabus section:
| Paper 1 section | Religions |
|---|---|
| Section A | Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism |
| Section B | Judaism, Christianity, Islam |
| Section C | Taoism, Jainism, Bahá'í Faith |
Each selected religion is studied through the same three fundamental questions:
- What is the human condition?
- Where are we going?
- How do we get there?
These questions connect beliefs to lived behaviour. For example, Buddhism identifies craving as a cause of dukkha, or unsatisfactoriness, and teaches the Noble Eightfold Path as a route towards nibbana. Sikhism explains how haumai, or ego-centredness, prevents awareness of the divine, while practices such as nam japna and sewa help a believer become gurmukh.
Part 1 must also recognize internal diversity. Where applicable, students should apply at least two denominational or school-based interpretations rather than writing broad claims such as “all Christians believe” or “all Buddhists practise.”
This structure is specific to IB DP World Religions SL. Other examination boards may organize world religions by themes or ethical issues rather than these three questions.
Exam technique
Part 1 is assessed in Paper 1. You answer five stimulus-based questions, with at least one from each section. For part (b), the command term is always Explain, so link the stimulus to accurate beliefs, practices and terminology rather than merely describing it.