Assessment

Standard Level Written Papers (2¾ hours)

1 Paper 1 (1¾ hours) 50%
This paper consists of two sections: Section A, based on the Core Theme, and Section B,
based on the Optional Themes. It is recommended that candidates divide their time equally
between the questions on this paper.
1.1 Section A
. Candidates must answer one of the two structured questions based on the Core
Theme.
. Each question will be based on stimulus material which could take the form of a
short extract from a text, or a visual stimulus such as a picture, a cartoon or an
advertisement.
. Each structured question is in three parts.
First part (approximately 50 words): candidates are asked to identify a central
philosophical concept or issue raised by the stimulus material.
Second part (approximately 250 words): candidates are required to compare and
contrast the philosophical concept or issue they have identified in the first part of
the question with another issue related to the Core Theme.
Third part (approximately 500 words): candidates must undertake a critical
discussion of a philosophical concept or issue related to the Core Theme.
. This section is worth 30 marks.

1.2 Section B
. The purpose of this section of the paper is to assess candidates. knowledge and
understanding of the Optional Themes. The questions will also assess the ability
of candidates to identify and analyse material relevant to the specific question
posed, and their ability to use language appropriate to philosophy as they
develop arguments and counter-arguments.
. Two essay questions will be set on each of the Optional Themes. Candidates are
required to answer one question. In order to develop their argument fully candidates
should write approximately 1000 words in response to the question chosen.
. Questions may take the form of a direct question, a quotation or a statement.
. This section is worth 30 marks.

2 Paper 2 (1 hour) 30%
2.1 This paper consists of essay questions based on the Prescribed Texts. One question
will be set on each text.
2.2 The purpose of this paper is to assess candidates. knowledge and understanding of
the Prescribed Texts. The questions will also assess the ability of candidates to
identify and analyse material relevant to the specific question posed on the text, and
their ability to use language appropriate to philosophy as they develop arguments and
counter-arguments.
2.3 Candidates are required to answer one question. In order to develop their argument fully
candidates should write approximately 1000 words in response to the question chosen.
2.4 Questions may take the form of a direct question, or a quotation or a statement.
2.5 The question chosen is worth 30 marks.

Higher Level

For first examinations in 2002

External Assessment 80%
Written Papers 4½ hours
Two written papers, externally set and externally assessed.

Paper 1 2½ hours 40%
Two compulsory sections, A and B.
Section A
Two structured questions based on the Core Theme.
One question to be answered.
Section B
Two essay questions based on each of the Optional Themes.
Two questions to be answered, each based on a different Optional Theme.

Paper 2 2 hours 40%
One essay question based on each of the Prescribed Texts.
Two questions to be answered.

Internal Assessment (Coursework) 20%
Two philosophical exercises, 1000.1200 words each, to be internally assessed
by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
. A critical analysis of non-philosophical material
. A philosophical dialogue