IB Global Politics (2026) Exam Structure

Source-based Response

Compulsory source-based paper on the common SL and HL core topics, sat by both levels. Students read four provided sources and answer all four questions: identify what a source tells us about how states exercise power (3 marks), explain with explicit reference to a source and one studied example (4 marks), compare and contrast what two sources reveal (6 marks), and write an evaluative response using at least three sources and their own knowledge (12 marks).

Thematic studies

Answer one extended-response essay from a choice of three, each drawing on the common thematic studies (rights, development, peace and conflict). Each question is worth 15 marks.

Integrating questions

Answer one extended-response essay from a choice of three integrating questions that cut across the thematic studies. Each question is worth 15 marks.

Stimulus-based Response

HL only. Compulsory stimulus-based task on the HL extension (global political challenges). Students read a provided stimulus and answer all questions: distinguish between political processes using examples (3 marks), explain the involvement of actors in a researched case study (4 marks), recommend a course of action (6 marks), and examine the links between at least two HL topic areas (15 marks).