What the Examiner is Looking For (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Introduction to assessment

• Understanding how your answers are marked is one of the most powerful tools you have in preparing for Paper 3

• This page explains exactly what examiners are looking for in each question, and what you need to do to move up the mark bands

Question 1

• Question 1 uses an analytical markscheme written specifically for each exam session, so the exact criteria will vary, but the underlying logic is always the same

• You are typically asked to distinguish, explain or analyse a concept from the stimulus using at least two examples

Question 2

Part a

• This question asks you to explain the involvement of three types of actors or stakeholders in a political issue from one of your case studies

• If you only identify two types of actors, or you list three but don't explain how they are each involved in the political issue, the maximum you can score is 2 marks

• Make sure all three actors are clearly linked to the issue.

Part b

• This question asks you to recommend a course of action to increase the influence of a specific non-state actor, based on the political issue you identified in part a

• Strong answers often refer to

  • Similar cases where a comparable approach has been tried

  • Existing frameworks, treaties or organisations that could support the recommendation

  • Relevant political theories that explain why this approach might succeed

Question 3

• This is the extended response and carries more than half the total marks for the paper

• It requires a well-structured essay that examines the links between at least two HL topic areas through one of your case studies

Success in question 3

Description vs analysis

• At the lower bands, answers describe what happened

• At the higher bands, answers explain why things happened, what they mean, and how they connect

• Every paragraph should be making an argument, not telling a story.

How well you use your examples

• There is a clear progression in how examples should be used:

  • Mentioned (4–6 band)

    • "For example, the Syrian refugee crisis..."

  • Partly developed (7–9 band)

    • Brief explanation of what the example shows

  • Adequately developed (10–12 band)

    • The example is explained and clearly linked to the argument

  • Effectively developed (13–15 band)

    • The example is explored in depth, with specific detail, and used to support a justified and evaluated claim

Diverse perspectives

• Higher band answers do not just present one side of an issue

• They identify that different actors (states, NGOs, individuals, international organisations) may see the same situation very differently, and they explore why

Evaluation

• The difference between 10–12 and 13–15 is evaluation

• This means weighing up the strength of different arguments, considering counterarguments, and reaching a reasoned judgement

• It is not enough to say something is complicated - you need to explain how and why, and decide what that means for your overall argument