Global Politics · IB HL
IB Global Politics HL — papers & markbands
Stimulus-based source analysis (Paper 1) and essays across power, rights, development and peace (Paper 2), plus the engagement project — with an HL global political challenges extension. Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Global Politics HL chapters
11 topics · free- 1.1Power, sovereignty and international relations
- 1.2Human rights — frameworks and debates
- 1.3Development - meanings and measurement
- 1.4Peace, conflict and violence
- 2.1Writing the Global Politics essay
- 2.2Global actors — states, IGOs and NGOs
- 2.3Globalization and political interdependence
- 3.1The engagement project — design and reflection
- 4.1Global political challenges — case study method
- 4.2Environment and sustainability as a political challenge
- 4.3Security, borders and technology as challenges
Papers in Global Politics HL
- Paper 1HL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Global Politics HL?
- IB Global Politics at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, plus internal assessment. Stimulus-based source analysis (Paper 1) and essays across power, rights, development and peace (Paper 2), plus the engagement project — with an HL global political challenges extension.
- How is IB Global Politics marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Global Politics HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Global Politics HL exam series on our IB Global Politics past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Global Politics course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Global Politics course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Global Politics resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.