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What is Paper 1?
What is Paper 1?
Paper 1 is the first External Assessment of the GloPo Course - it generally takes place at the very end of your IB2 year after you have completed all other elements of the course. The Paper 1 Exam has a time limit of 1:15, and is worth 30%(SL) and 20%(HL) of your final IB mark. The key differentiating factor between Papers 1 and 2 is that Paper 1 encompasses four distinct types of questions all relating to a given set of evidentiary documents. I believe Paper 1 to be more difficult than Paper 2 because more specialized knowledge of how to take the test is required.
The following page will outline, as best as possible, how to prepare for the test and what to expect on the testing day itself.
Paper1Guide.pdfUnderstanding the Test More Deeply
Understanding the Test More Deeply
The complete Paper 1 Guide is attached at left - please review the entire document.
All four questions are worth an ascending amount of marks, and should all ask for the application of different skills.
Due to the ascending marks from questions 1-4, each question must be given an amount of time proportional to its mark value.
The four sources may encompass a range of perspectives and outlets (including cartoons, maps, and graphs), but they all focus on a single topic from one of the four main units of study.
While the test relies less heavily on prior knowledge than Paper 2, you absolutely do need to know theory and cases from the course for question 4.
Question 1
Question 1
The first question will ask you to identify information about one of the four given sources. This is a simple question asking for a simple answer. It is asking if you understand what the source is saying. Save this for last or get it out of the way quickly.
Example: 'With reference to Source A, identify three ways in which non-state actors can influence global politics.'
Time - 5 Minutes
Marks - 3
Format - Short sentence and/or bullet points
The obvious answer is right
Start: According to Source ___.....
Question 2
Question 2
The second question tests your knowledge regarding the content of one of the given sources. You are expected to identify key concepts within the source and make connections to key theories and case examples. You should primarily use the source itself as evidence (paraphrasing) - but you can also bring in other content from the course.
Example: 'Using Source C and one example you have studied explain the reasons why international cooperation might be difficult for some states.'
Time - 10 to 15 minutes
Marks - 4
Format - 1 or 2 Paragraphs (2 preferable)
Use the language of the question in your response
Try to precisely paraphrase or quote the source at least once
Question 3
Question 3
The third question will ask you to compare and/or contrast two of the given sources. If you are asked to compare OR contrast, then follow those instructions - do not do both in that case. Try to develop at least four points that you can precisely back with evidence. The Paper 1 Bible is particularly helpful in addressing this question. Use the strategies coded therein.
Example: 'Contrast what Source B and Source D reveal about international cooperation on global issues.'
Time - 15 to 20 minutes
Marks - 8
Format - 2 Paragraphs
Remember to look at the language of the question
Where possible, directly cite the sources as evidence - avoid generalities
Question 4
Question 4
The fourth question is quite similar to a Paper 2 essay, while also relying on the provided source material. Your goal here is to write a complete essay - You must have an introduction and supporting evidentiary paragraphs. A conclusion is great, but is not required. In order to succeed on this question (and in Paper 2), you must be familiar with the potential command terms. Each Question 4 will have a different command term, and each term is asking for a slightly different response.
As you can see at left, the command terms of synthesis and evaluation are relevant for Question 4. Even within synthesis and evaluation though, a 'discuss' essay is very different from a 'justify' or 'to what extent' essay. While the former is asking you to merely present the available information, the latter is asking you to take a much more argumentative approach. In the former you are presenting evidence equally, in the latter you are proving a case.
Example: '"The challenge of addressing complex global issues is changing the relationships of power amongst actors in global politics". With references to Sources A and D, and your own knowledge, to what extent do you agree with this claim?'
Time - 35-40 minutes
Marks - 10
Format - Essay with Intro and Topic Sentences
Try to use all source
You must bring in alternate case examples and theories from the course
You must explore multiple perspectives or counterclaims
Paper1Report.pdfPaper 1 Report
Paper 1 Report
The report at left, developed by the IB, highlights students' strengths and weaknesses on the assessment. Some themes:
Be very careful with the compare and contrast terms in Question 3
Be sure to include a variety or perspectives and counterclaims in Question 4
The balance of source analysis vs. outside course content should be 50/50 in Question 4
If you have time after - go through and highlight your thesis, key claims, and counterclaims. You are allowed to do this, and it will make your grader's life easier - and hopefully encourage them to award higher marks.
Samples and Marks
Samples and Marks
GloPo Paper 1 SAMPLE A.pdfSample A
GloPo Paper 1 SAMPLE B.pdfSample B
GloPo Paper 1 SAMPLE A ANNOTATED.pdfMarks Sample A
GloPo Paper 1 SAMPLE B ANNOTATED.pdfMarks Sample B
GloPo Paper 1 SAMPLE A MARKS & COMMENTARY .docxMarks Sample A Cont.
GloPo Paper 1 Sample B MARKS & COMMENTARY.docxMarks Sample B Cont.
Other Resources
Other Resources
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