Global Perspectives Exam Structure
LINK TO SELECTION OF PAST PAPERS AND MARK SCHEMES
Structure of the Exam (70 marks)
Students answer four compulsory questions based on source material. Students write all their answers in the space provided on the question paper. The source material will be printed on the question paper Insert. Students are expected to read and study the sources carefully before attempting the questions. The number of sources may vary from examination to examination. The source material will present claims, arguments and evidence from different perspectives on a global issue drawn from the following topics
Demographic change |
Employment |
Globalisation |
Migration |
Education for all |
Fuel and energy |
Law and criminality |
Transport systems |
The exam paper is broken down into 4 questions for which you will have 75 minutes to complete all of them. Marks are awarded as per below.
Allow yourself about ONE MINUTE per mark given for each question.
|
|
Question |
Overview |
1 |
Question 1 (12 marks) could be based on statistical information. Candidates may be asked, for example, to describe patterns and trends shown in the statistical information. |
2 |
Question 2 (14 marks) might ask candidates, for example, to suggest ways to test claims. |
3 |
Question 3 (20 marks) might ask candidates, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of arguments, making a judgement about which is the most convincing. |
4 |
Question 4 (24 marks) comprises an extended answer requiring candidates to respond to source material. Candidates might, for example, be asked to use the source material to make a case to support a personal opinion or perspective. |
QUESTION 1
Question 1 (12 marks) could be based on statistical information. Students may be asked, for example, to describe patterns and trends shown in the statistical information. (Short answer questions).
Also, have to identify causes and consequences of an issue. For example: Explain one global and one local consequence of…
|
|
QUESTION 2
Question 2 (14 marks) might ask candidates, for example, to suggest ways to test claims.
Part A (6 Marks) You will be given a source or extract that has been written by an author and you must determine how well he uses the evidence to argue his/her point. What do I need to do to get full marks? Clearly reasoned, credible and structured evaluation; two (or more) developed points clearly linked to the issue. Evaluation is clearly focused on the evidence, its strengths and/or weaknesses, and the way it is used to support the claim. Finish with an overall assessment or conclusion. |
|
PRACTISE QUESTIONS
Review the questions below and highlight what the STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES are for each?
How well does the author use evidence to support the claim that fossil fuels should be immediately phased out?
|
How well does the author use evidence to support the claim that a university eduction can cripple graduates financially?
|
How well does the author use evidence to support the claim that illegal immigration is a burden on the host country?
|
"We must phase out polluting energy sources that destroy people and the planet. The question is no longer if we should transition to renewable energy, but when. To prevent greater harm to communities and ecosystems and avert catastrophic climate change, we need to start this transition today... Wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and small-scale hydroelectricity are clean, renewable sources of energy and are among the world's fastest growing technologies. With the potential to decentralize energy production, renewable energies offer communities the chance to reclaim self-sufficiency and rebuild localized economies while providing cheaper, cleaner energy solutions...
Coal, nuclear and other fossil-fuel power plants are outdated, dangerous and unnecessary sources of energy. We can end our dependence on fossil fuels, curb climate change, protect our environment, and build healthier economies and communities by switching to clean, proven renewable energy options. It's time to get out from under the thumb of corporations whose only concern is economic self-interest. It's time to start an energy revolution by greening the grid." |
"As of June 2016, about 42 million Americans owed $1.3 trillion in student debt, and 45% of people with student loan debt said college was not worth it. 10% of students graduate with over $40,000 in debt and about 1% have $100,000 in debt. The average student borrower graduated in 2014 with $28,950 in debt. In June 2016, undergraduate college graduates had an average of $37,173 in loan debt. According to the US Congress Joint Economic Committee, approximately 60% of 2011 college graduates have student loan debt balances equal to 60% of their annual income.
Missing or being late for loan payments often results in a lower credit score and additional fees, thus escalating the debt problem and potentially jeopardizing future purchases and employment. As of Dec. 31, 2016, about 8 million people who owed $137 billion in student loan debt were in default (meaning no payment had been made in at least 270 days)." |
"Many undocumented immigrants pay taxes, use government services and collect benefits. Most importantly, undocumented immigrants contribute to the economy. Labor economists agree that there are net gains to having a larger labor supply. Some groups benefit more than others do - and some may even be hurt by the millions of undocumented immigrants. In 2012, researchers at the Cato Institute estimated that a mass deportations policy would reduce economic growth by around $250 billion per year. Those costs would not be evenly distributed: Those at the very bottom of the income distribution, particularly those without a high school diploma, may even earn higher wages in the absence of undocumented immigrants. But in total, undocumented immigrants benefit the economy."
|
PART B (8 Marks):
The second part of question 2 focus on how you would go about testing a claim. You will be given a statement and you must then show how you could go about testing the validity of it? To do this you must consider the following:
|
What do I need to do to get full marks?
Clearly reasoned, credible and structured explanation of a range of ways to test the claim. The response contains three (or more) developed points, and you should try and write a point on each of the above three areas. You must ensure that your response is clearly and explicitly related to testing the claim.
Clearly reasoned, credible and structured explanation of a range of ways to test the claim. The response contains three (or more) developed points, and you should try and write a point on each of the above three areas. You must ensure that your response is clearly and explicitly related to testing the claim.
SAMPLE QUESTION
The below statement is a claim that you need to test. How could you go about testing the validity of it?
The below statement is a claim that you need to test. How could you go about testing the validity of it?
‘Instagram is the most harmful social network for mental health’
Testing the claim
Possible types of information:
|
Possible sources of information:
|
Possible methods:
|
What does a developed point look like?
In order to test the claim that Instagram is the most harmful form of social media for mental health, we should look for some recent studies that have been undertaken by a reputable organisation. It would be best that this is a third party organisation that has no links to the health or technology industry so that it does not show any bias towards its outcomes. The data that they collect should canvas a wide range of age groups and be extensive in nature with regards to the number of individuals that is targets. A survey of this nature would hopefully produce both qualitative and quantitative data and evidence.
Another way to test this claim would be...
Another way to test this claim would be...
‘It now costs less to travel long distances than the past’
Model Answer
This claim can be tested in many ways. Firstly, statistics from the past need to be collected. Probably from up to 25 years ago because before that currency was of very different values and international travel was not as important.
Secondly, we have to collect these statistics from reliable sources like the American aviation authority which would provide reliable information on flight prices as they are experts in this industry. We also need to collect statistics not just of flights but all types of transport. For example, we must take into account cars and fuel prices for this distance or average prices of tickets for ships. We could collect these statistics through databases or reliable online sources. We could also contact global companies who would give us an idea of the changes in costs for their companies and compare this with prices now.
Last, to make this data more reliable, we need to define ‘long distance’ as this will ensure that the data is more reliable. These methods will help us to collect valid statistics about the cost of travel over long distances over a period of time. We could present the results in a bar graph while will show the changes that have occured and then make a fair judgement relating to the claim.
This claim can be tested in many ways. Firstly, statistics from the past need to be collected. Probably from up to 25 years ago because before that currency was of very different values and international travel was not as important.
Secondly, we have to collect these statistics from reliable sources like the American aviation authority which would provide reliable information on flight prices as they are experts in this industry. We also need to collect statistics not just of flights but all types of transport. For example, we must take into account cars and fuel prices for this distance or average prices of tickets for ships. We could collect these statistics through databases or reliable online sources. We could also contact global companies who would give us an idea of the changes in costs for their companies and compare this with prices now.
Last, to make this data more reliable, we need to define ‘long distance’ as this will ensure that the data is more reliable. These methods will help us to collect valid statistics about the cost of travel over long distances over a period of time. We could present the results in a bar graph while will show the changes that have occured and then make a fair judgement relating to the claim.
PRACTISE QUESTIONS
The below statements are claims that you need to test. How could you go about testing the validity of them?
The below statements are claims that you need to test. How could you go about testing the validity of them?
- The consumption of meat is one of the greatest causes of climate change
- Using fluoride in toothpaste can have a negative impact on your health
- Dim Sum is the most favoured food in Hong Kong
- Elephants will become extinct within 20 years
- France is a more popular holiday destination than Italy
- Nike is the most popular sports shoe brand
- Qantas is the safest airline in the world
- Malaria has been the biggest killer in Africa over the last decade
QUESTION 3
Question 3 might ask students, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of arguments, making a judgement about which is the most convincing. There are some important key terms that you must know.
KEY TERMS
Throughout the paper you will be asked to identify part of the text based on certain Key terms these question make up a total of 5 marks. Ensure that you know the definition of each of these terms and can identify them in a text. |
|
Key Term |
Definition |
Opinion |
An opinion is generally defined as an individual’s point of view or belief which is not necessarily shared by others/supported by evidence. |
Fact |
A fact is something which can be checked or proved; something that is true and which can be verified from experience and observation; a piece of information |
Value Judgment |
A value judgement is a particular type of opinion. It is a subjective assessment based on a code of values concerning what is right and wrong; a decision based on moral principles or beliefs; an opinion based on an individual’s beliefs or views of what is desirable, important or highly regarded and not upon facts which can be checked or proved. We can’t check if value judgements are true but we can think about whether they are reasonable and whether we accept them and why. |
Bias |
Inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair. |
Vested Interest |
If you have a personal stake in something which causes you to be biased toward it, you have a vested interest in it. |
Prediction |
A prediction is generally defined as a statement suggesting something which is likely to happen in the future. |
PRACTISE QUESTION
Review the article below and see if you can find examples of all of the above key terms.
Review the article below and see if you can find examples of all of the above key terms.
Question 3 - Part D (15 Marks):
For this question you must analyse two people perspective on an issue and decide whose argument is more convincing. Your argument should consider BOTH arguments. This means that when you write each point you should be explicitly referring (copying from the source) to both arguments and making comparisons, NOT just focusing on one of them throughout. You should consider the following:
For this question you must analyse two people perspective on an issue and decide whose argument is more convincing. Your argument should consider BOTH arguments. This means that when you write each point you should be explicitly referring (copying from the source) to both arguments and making comparisons, NOT just focusing on one of them throughout. You should consider the following:
- The strengths of their reasoning
- Their use of language
- Different types of evidence
Strength of reasoning
|
Use of Language
|
Evidence
|
What do I need to do to get full marks?
Your answer should contain the following:
Your answer should contain the following:
- 3 or more developed evaluative points.
- Each point must offer a structured evaluation of BOTH arguments and make comparisons. Therefore every point you make you need to discuss it from the points of view of both individuals.
- Must support your answer with quoted evidence from the source.
- A clear judgment is reached in your conclusion.
ANSWER STRUCTURE
Point 1: Write in a PEEL format P: State whose argument is more convincing and why E: Explicitly state from the source evidence to support your argument.
L: Link back to the next point you plan to discuss |
Point 2: Repeat Above |
Point 3: Repeat Above |
Conclusion: Give a clear judgment as to which person you feel offers a better argument and reiterate this by repeating the major points that you have looked at above. |
SAMPLE QUESTION
Read Source 4 and answer the below question. Which argument is more convincing, Miguel’s or Donna’s? Your answer should consider both arguments (balanced), and you should support your point of view with their words (explicitly quote the source). You should consider the follow:
|
Model Answer
I think Donna’s argument is more convincing. Donna considers and accepts the view that the castle is interesting but then goes on to make her point. This is strong as the audience knows that Donna is also considering a second perspective. Miguel on the other hand does no acknowledge a second perspective. His argument is purely about how great the castle is and is trying to persuade people to go there.
Donna and Miguel both back their claims up with personal experiences focusing on what they have seen. For example, Miguel says he learnt that pirates were very common and Donna says roads around her house are blocked. However, Donna’s argument is stronger because she has mentioned a second source; a tour guide. Although, Miguel does have a second source, it is not strong enough as he states ‘my mother thinks that the castle is great too’ which is not as reliable as the opinion of the tour guide who is likely an expert in this industry and thus a stronger source.
Donna mentions a range of ways in which tourism is ruining the castle. She mentions what people do that harms the castle directly and also includes a discussion of the effect on local people. Miguel on the other hand does not provide an additional information to support his claim.
In conclusion I believe that it is Donna’s acknowledgement of a second perspective, her use of a reliable source and her discussion of the effect not just on the castle physically but also the locals in the area that makes her argument more convincing.
I think Donna’s argument is more convincing. Donna considers and accepts the view that the castle is interesting but then goes on to make her point. This is strong as the audience knows that Donna is also considering a second perspective. Miguel on the other hand does no acknowledge a second perspective. His argument is purely about how great the castle is and is trying to persuade people to go there.
Donna and Miguel both back their claims up with personal experiences focusing on what they have seen. For example, Miguel says he learnt that pirates were very common and Donna says roads around her house are blocked. However, Donna’s argument is stronger because she has mentioned a second source; a tour guide. Although, Miguel does have a second source, it is not strong enough as he states ‘my mother thinks that the castle is great too’ which is not as reliable as the opinion of the tour guide who is likely an expert in this industry and thus a stronger source.
Donna mentions a range of ways in which tourism is ruining the castle. She mentions what people do that harms the castle directly and also includes a discussion of the effect on local people. Miguel on the other hand does not provide an additional information to support his claim.
In conclusion I believe that it is Donna’s acknowledgement of a second perspective, her use of a reliable source and her discussion of the effect not just on the castle physically but also the locals in the area that makes her argument more convincing.
PRACTISE QUESTIONS
Whose answer is more convincing Rachel or Richards?
Your answer should consider both arguments (balanced), and you should support your point of view with their words (explicitly quote the source). You should consider the follow:
Your answer should consider both arguments (balanced), and you should support your point of view with their words (explicitly quote the source). You should consider the follow:
- The strength of their reasoning and evidence
- Their use of language
- Different Types of information
RACHEL: "Animal testing has contributed to many life-saving cures and treatments. The California Biomedical Research Association states that nearly every medical breakthrough in the last 100 years has resulted directly from research using animals. Experiments in which dogs had their pancreases removed led directly to the discovery of insulin, critical to saving the lives of diabetics. The polio vaccine, tested on animals, reduced the global occurrence of the disease from 350,000 cases in 1988 to 27 cases in 2016. Animal research has also contributed to major advances in understanding and treating conditions such as breast cancer, brain injury, childhood leukemia, cystic fibrosis, malaria, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, and many others, and was instrumental in the development of pacemakers, cardiac valve substitutes, and anesthetics. Chris Abee, Director of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's animal research facility, states that "we wouldn't have a vaccine for hepatitis B without chimpanzees," and says that the use of chimps is "our best hope" for finding a vaccine for Hepatitis C, a disease that kills thousands of Americans annually."
|
RICHARD: "Animal testing is cruel and inhumane. According to Humane Society International, animals used in experiments are commonly subjected to force feeding, forced inhalation, food and water deprivation, prolonged periods of physical restraint, the infliction of burns and other wounds to study the healing process, the infliction of pain to study its effects and remedies. The Draize eye test, used by cosmetics companies to evaluate irritation caused by shampoos and other products, involves rabbits being incapacitated in stocks with their eyelids held open by clips, sometimes for multiple days, so they cannot blink away the products being tested. How can we let these companies use these barbaric methods for the sole purpose of making a profit? We must all stand up and fight these corporations as they are taking over the world!"
|
Whose answer is more convincing Jack or James?
Your answer should consider both arguments (balanced), and you should support your point of view with their words (explicitly quote the source). You should consider the follow:
Your answer should consider both arguments (balanced), and you should support your point of view with their words (explicitly quote the source). You should consider the follow:
- The strength of their reasoning and evidence
- Their use of language
- Different Types of information
JACK "Obesity meets the definition of disease. The American Medical Association's 2013 "Council on Science and Public Health Report" identified three criteria to define disease: 1. "an impairment of the normal functioning of some aspect of the body;" 2. "characteristic signs and symptoms;" and 3. "harm or morbidity." Obesity causes impairment, has characteristic signs and symptoms, and increases harm and morbidity. Scott Kahan, MD, MPH, Director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness and Preventative Medicine Physician at Johns Hopkins University, stated obesity "satisfies all the definitions and criteria of what a disease and medical condition is... The one difference is that people who have obesity have to wear their disease on the outside."
|
JAMES: "Obesity is a preventable risk factor for other diseases and conditions, and is not a disease itself. Like smoking is a preventable risk factor for lung cancer and drinking is a preventable risk factor for alcoholism, obesity is a preventable risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancers (like endometrial, breast, and colon), high cholesterol, liver and gallbladder disease, respiratory problems (like asthma), complications during pregnancy and birth defects, and mental health conditions. Obesity is simply the result of eating too much. The average American restaurant meal portion size is four times as large as portions in the 1950s and 96% of entrees at chain restaurants exceed dietary guidelines for fat, sodium, and saturated fat, with some almost exceeding daily intakes in one meal.
|
QUESTION 4
Question 4 (24 marks)
This comprises an extended answer requiring candidates to respond to source material. Candidates might, for example, be asked to use the source material to make a case to support a personal opinion or perspective.
|
|
What must I do to get full marks?
You must off a clear and well supported reasoning about the recommended course of action. You should consider different arguments and perspectives and make comparisons between points. Your response contains a wide range of clearly reasoned points and/or evidence to support the views expressed, with four (or more) developed points.
You must off a clear and well supported reasoning about the recommended course of action. You should consider different arguments and perspectives and make comparisons between points. Your response contains a wide range of clearly reasoned points and/or evidence to support the views expressed, with four (or more) developed points.
QUESTION STRUCTURE
Point 1: Write in a PEEL format P: State your first point as to why this action should be taken E: Explicitly state evidence from the source and elaborate with your own knowledge (case studies, statistics, dates, names, etc).
L: Link back to the next point you plan to discuss |
Point 2: Repeat Above |
Point 3: Repeat Above |
Point 4: Repeat Above |
Point 5: Repeat Above |
SAMPLE QUESTION
A government report concludes that a historical site is being destroyed by tourists. The following actions are being considered to protect the site for the future:
- restrict the number of tourists visiting the site;
- increase the cost of transport and entry to the site;
- close the site completely and create a protected area.
- state your recommendation;
- give reasons to support your choice;
- use the material in the Sources and/or any of your own ideas;
- consider different arguments and perspectives.
MODEL ANSWER:
The government should close the site completely and create a protected area because, firstly, the castle is a historical site and is important to the people in the community. It is preservation that matters most to the people. Tourists that scratch their names on the walls only ruin the site.
Additionally, natural factors such as light and moisture causes damage to historical paintings and documents. By closing off the site, the government can prevent a lot more damage from occurring.
I understand that the castle represents the history of Northern Africa and its trade, is very educational and local customs, crafts and dances are popular but these things can be taught outside the castle. It is possible that a museum outside the castle could create a display of the artefacts found inside the castle and thus protect the site from damage.
Furthermore, if a museum were built, the educational benefits of the castle could be transferred here and exhibitions could be moved to another location where local customs, dances and crafts can still be displayed. History can still be taught. The only disadvantage of this is that the actual physical castle cannot be seen. However, through images, videos and modern day virtual reality the experience can be similar. Additionally, bits and pieces can be recreated for display. This helps to preserve the building as well as creates a cheaper, more accessible place where no one has to be worried about damage to a historic site.
Thirdly, people in the community and the castle will feel relieved. The busy atmosphere will no longer have a negative effect on people like Donna as the roads will not be blocked to her house. The amosophere will not be spoiled by the traffic. While this does has disadvantages economically due to reduced tourism and possible reduced job opportunities in the community.
The other solutions offered by the government are not suitable for numerous reasons. Restricting the number of tourists does reduce damage to the castle but it is is only a short-term solution. In the future, it will eventually still suffer the same damage. Increasing the cost of transport and entry to the site will also not improve the situation because as stated in Source 1 people are becoming wealthier which means that a large number of tourists will not be deterred by the increase in price.
In conclusion, the preservation of the site and the reduction in impact on local resident are the main reasons that the site should be closed. A better alternative to rising the entry fees or reducing the number of tourists would be to create a museum at a different location that still allows for the educational benefits of the site to be presented to tourists and other potential visitors.
The government should close the site completely and create a protected area because, firstly, the castle is a historical site and is important to the people in the community. It is preservation that matters most to the people. Tourists that scratch their names on the walls only ruin the site.
Additionally, natural factors such as light and moisture causes damage to historical paintings and documents. By closing off the site, the government can prevent a lot more damage from occurring.
I understand that the castle represents the history of Northern Africa and its trade, is very educational and local customs, crafts and dances are popular but these things can be taught outside the castle. It is possible that a museum outside the castle could create a display of the artefacts found inside the castle and thus protect the site from damage.
Furthermore, if a museum were built, the educational benefits of the castle could be transferred here and exhibitions could be moved to another location where local customs, dances and crafts can still be displayed. History can still be taught. The only disadvantage of this is that the actual physical castle cannot be seen. However, through images, videos and modern day virtual reality the experience can be similar. Additionally, bits and pieces can be recreated for display. This helps to preserve the building as well as creates a cheaper, more accessible place where no one has to be worried about damage to a historic site.
Thirdly, people in the community and the castle will feel relieved. The busy atmosphere will no longer have a negative effect on people like Donna as the roads will not be blocked to her house. The amosophere will not be spoiled by the traffic. While this does has disadvantages economically due to reduced tourism and possible reduced job opportunities in the community.
The other solutions offered by the government are not suitable for numerous reasons. Restricting the number of tourists does reduce damage to the castle but it is is only a short-term solution. In the future, it will eventually still suffer the same damage. Increasing the cost of transport and entry to the site will also not improve the situation because as stated in Source 1 people are becoming wealthier which means that a large number of tourists will not be deterred by the increase in price.
In conclusion, the preservation of the site and the reduction in impact on local resident are the main reasons that the site should be closed. A better alternative to rising the entry fees or reducing the number of tourists would be to create a museum at a different location that still allows for the educational benefits of the site to be presented to tourists and other potential visitors.
PRACTISE QUESTION
Read Source 1-3 and answer the below question.
A government committee has been set up to examine whether there should be increased global surveillance networks. Three actions are being considered by the government:
In your answer you should:
MUST GIVE AT LEAST 4 DEVELOPED POINTS AND A FEW UNDEVELOPED POINTS
|
Points to consider when answering Question 4
|