Paper 1: Core theme and optional themes

Paper 1A Markbands (SL and HL)

0

• The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1-5

• The response is poorly structured, or where there is a recognizable essay structure there is minimal focus on the task.
• The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus material is implied but not explicitly identified. There is minimal or no explanation of how the issue relates to the stimulus material or links to the question of what it is to be human.
• There is little relevant knowledge demonstrated, and the explanation is superficial.Philosophical vocabulary is not used, or is consistently used inappropriately.
• The essay is descriptive and lacking in analysis.

6-10

• There is some attempt to follow a structured approach, although it is not always clear what the answer is trying to convey.
• The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus material is implied but not explicitly identified. There is some limited explanation of how the issue relates to the stimulus material or links to the question of what it is to be human.
• Knowledge is demonstrated but lacks accuracy and relevance, and there is a basic explanation of the issue. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.
• There is some limited analysis but the response is more descriptive than analytical. There is little discussion of alternative interpretations or points of view. Few of the main points are justified.

11-15

• There is a clear attempt to structure the response, although there may be some repetition or a lack of clarity in places.
• The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus material is explicitly identified. There is a basic explanation of how the issue relates to the stimulus material and to the question of what it is to be human.
• Knowledge is mostly accurate and relevant, and there is a satisfactory explanation of the issue. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.
• The response contains analysis, but this analysis lacks development. There is some discussion of alternative interpretations or points of view. Many of the main points are justified.

16-20

• The response is structured and generally organized, and can be easily followed.
• The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus material is explicitly identified. There is good justification of how the issue relates to the stimulus material and to the question of what it is to be human.
• The response contains accurate and relevant knowledge. There is a good explanation of the issue. Philosophical vocabulary is mostly used appropriately.
• The response contains critical analysis. There is discussion and some assessment of alternative interpretations or points of view. Most of the main points are justified..

21-25

• The response is well structured, focused and effectively organized.
• The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus material is explicitly identified. There is a well-developed justification of how the issue relates to the stimulus material and to the question of what it is to be human.
• The response contains relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge. There is a well-developed explanation of the issue. There is appropriate use of philosophical vocabulary throughout the response.
• The response contains well-developed critical analysis. There is discussion and assessment of alternative interpretations or points of view. All, or nearly all, of the main points are justified. The response argues from a consistently held position about the issue.

Paper 1B Markbands (SL and HL)

0

• The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1–5

• The response is poorly structured, or where there is a recognizable essay structure there is minimal focus on the task. The response lacks coherence and is often unclear.

• The student demonstrates little relevant knowledge of philosophical issues arising from the optional theme. Philosophical vocabulary is not used, or is consistently used inappropriately.

• The essay is mostly descriptive. There is no discussion of alternative interpretations or points of view. Few of the main points are justified.

6–10

• There is some attempt to follow a structured approach, although it is not always clear what the answer is trying to convey.

• The student demonstrates knowledge of philosophical issues arising from the optional theme, but this knowledge lacks accuracy and relevance. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.

• There is limited analysis but the response is more descriptive than analytical. There is little discussion of alternative interpretations or points of view. Some of the main points are justified.

11–15

• There is a clear attempt to structure the response, although there may be some repetition or a lack of clarity in places.

• Knowledge of philosophical issues arising from the optional theme is mostly accurate and relevant. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.

• The response contains analysis, but this analysis lacks development. There is some discussion of alternative interpretations or points of view. Many of the main points are justified.

16–20

• The response is structured and generally organized, and can be easily followed.

• The response contains accurate and relevant knowledge of philosophical issues arising from the optional theme. Philosophical vocabulary is mostly used appropriately.

• The response contains critical analysis. There is discussion and some assessment of alternative interpretations or points of view. Most of the main points are justified.

21–25

• The response is well structured, focused and effectively organized.

• The response contains relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge of philosophical issues arising from the optional theme. There is appropriate use of philosophical vocabulary throughout the response.

• The response contains well-developed critical analysis. There is discussion and assessment of alternative interpretations or points of view. All, or nearly all, of the main points are justified. The response argues from a consistently held position about the issue.