Question 1: Part A
Can students use bullet points to list their three responses?
While the markscheme does not specifically forbid bullet points, it is strongly recommended that students write in full sentences. This encourages clarity, explanation, and better development of ideas—skills that are essential, particularly in later questions.

Question 2: Value and Limitation
Do students need to identify one value and one limitation for each of origin, purpose, and content to earn full marks?
No. The response does not need to be structured as six separate points (one value and one limitation per OPC). Instead, students should aim to provide well-developed comments on the value and limitations of the source, using origin, purpose, and content where relevant. Full marks can be achieved with a more integrated approach.

Can students mention translation as a limitation of origin?
Not usually. Stating that a source is translated is not enough on its own to count as a limitation unless the translation process itself introduces bias or interference—for example, if the translator is also the publisher or was directly involved in the events. Otherwise, translated sources are common in Paper 1 and should not automatically be seen as a weakness.

Question 3: Comparison and Contrast
How many comparisons and contrasts are needed to get full marks?
The focus should be on quality over quantity. Although it’s helpful for students to aim for multiple links (ideally six) in case some are invalid, full marks can be earned with fewer if the points are well explained. A common pattern is two strong comparisons and two strong contrasts, or a mix such as three comparisons and one contrast.

Should students include comparisons of origin for this question?
No. The comparison and contrast question is about what the content of the sources reveals. Students should avoid discussing origin, purpose, or provenance in their response to Question 3.

Question 4: Mini-Essay and Use of Sources
Do students have to include all four sources in their essay?
The markscheme states that at least two sources must be used effectively. However, including all four—where possible—helps students show breadth and develop stronger analysis. Teachers should encourage students to practise integrating all four sources during exam preparation.

What if a student only uses their own knowledge and ignores the sources?
If the response is focused on the question and includes accurate, relevant own knowledge, it may still earn up to 5 marks. However, since source use is required for the top markband, failing to reference the sources will cap the score well below full marks.

General FAQs
What happens if a student doesn’t finish their answer due to time constraints?
Even incomplete answers are marked positively. Any relevant content will be credited according to the markbands. Students are not automatically given zero for partial responses.

Are students permitted to use bullet points in Paper 1?
No. Although the markschemes are written in bullet form for the benefit of examiners, students must write in full sentences. Bullet points typically lack the level of development needed to meet higher markbands, particularly when analysing or synthesising source material.

Summary of Paper 1 Structure
Paper 1 is a source-based exam lasting one hour, focused on one of the five prescribed subjects. Students answer four structured questions using a mix of source material and their own knowledge:

• Q1a (3 marks): Comprehension of a single source.

• Q1b (2 marks): Further comprehension of the same source.

• Q2 (4 marks): Analysis of the value and limitations of a source based on its origin, purpose, and content.

• Q3 (6 marks): Compare and contrast what two sources reveal about a specific aspect of the case study.

• Q4 (9 marks): An evaluative essay using at least two sources and relevant own knowledge.

The exam is worth 24 marks total and carries a weighting of 30% for SL and 20% for HL students.

If you’re teaching Paper 1 and want proper lessons that cover the case studies and source work without spending hours planning, click here to take a look.