Answering Question 3 (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Question 3 - the extended essay

• Question 3 is a 15-mark extended analytical essay

• It asks you to analyse a specific global political challenge using evidence from your own research

• You are expected to draw on your prepared case studies to support your argument

• Question 3 should take approximately 45–50 minutes, including planning time

What the examiner is looking for

• A clear, sustained argument in response to the question

• Specific, detailed evidence from one or more case studies

  • Named actors, dates, statistics, and outcomes

• Analysis

  • Explanation of why things happened

  • What the political consequences were

  • How different actors responded

• Evaluation

  • Consideration of different perspectives

  • Acknowledgement of counter-arguments

  • A balanced conclusion

• Cross-topic connections

  • Demonstrating how the challenge connects to other HL topic areas

The mark bands

Planning your essay

• Allow 5–8 minutes to plan before writing

• A strong plan includes:

  • Your central argument - what is your answer to the question?

  • Your main points (2–3) and the specific evidence you will use for each

  • The cross-topic connections you will incorporate

  • Your counter-argument and how you will address it

Essay structure

Introduction (approximately 100 to 150 words)

• Define the key concept or challenge in the question

• State your central argument clearly

• Briefly indicate the case study or studies you will draw on

Body paragraphs (2–3 paragraphs, approximately 150–250 words each)

• Each paragraph makes one clear, focused point

• Evidence

  • Specific details from your case study - named actors, dates, figures, outcomes

• Analysis

  • Explain why this evidence supports your argument

• Evaluation

  • Acknowledge a complication, limitation or counter-argument

Conclusion (approximately 100 to 150 words)

• Restate your argument in light of the evidence you have presented

• Note any remaining tensions or unresolved questions

• Do not introduce new evidence in the conclusion

Using your case study effectively

Common mistakes

• Spending too long on question 1 and question 2, leaving insufficient time for question 3

• Writing a descriptive account of a case study rather than an analytical essay

• Ignoring the specific wording of the question

  • The argument must address exactly what is asked

• Failing to evaluate

  • Strong essays acknowledge complexity and counter-arguments

• Using only one case study when a second could strengthen the argument