IB Global Politics HL
IB Global Politics HL analyses power, sovereignty, human rights, development, and peace and conflict through real-world case studies and an engagement activity.
Difficulty
Very Hard
Popularity
52%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May & November, annually
Papers 1–2 + coursework
1–7 scale (IB)
4 = passing | 6–7 = excellent
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Source Analysis | 1 hour 15 minutes | 4 source questions | 20% |
| Paper 2 — Extended Essays | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 essays | 40% |
| Engagement Activity | Coursework (2,000 words) | Field-based report | 20% |
| HL Extension — Global Challenges | 2 video presentations | Case studies | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Elite
Popularity score
Student Poll
1 votesHow tough is this class, really?
Tap an option to vote and see live results.
Study Tips
- 1
Every claim needs specific evidence — names, dates, statistics, events. Vague generalizations score poorly.
- 2
Practice planning an essay in 5 minutes: thesis, three arguments, counter-argument, conclusion.
- 3
For source questions, always analyze origin, purpose, and audience — not just content.
- 4
Past papers with mark schemes are the single best IB revision resource — learn exactly how marks are allocated.
- 5
Do not neglect your Internal Assessment: it is a significant chunk of your grade that you control before exam day.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of Power, Sovereignty & International Relations, giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of Human Rights, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Development was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
- ✕
Ignoring the command word — "evaluate" demands a judgement, not a description.
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IB Global Politics HL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
Ask Sage · your AI tutor
Ask anything about IB Global Politics HL — or upload your notes.
Ask anything, or attach your notes / past questions and I'll tutor you on them.