Click here to explore thousands of examiner marked IA, EE and TOK exemplars!
Paper 1 is the first examination you'll encounter in your IB Social and Cultural Anthropology assessments. In this post, we will provide a thorough breakdown of IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Paper 1, exploring the questions you may encounter and offering valuable tips on how to tackle them effectively.
IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Paper 1
- For SL, Paper 1 contributes 40% to the overall subject grade, while for HL, it accounts for 30%.
- SL students have 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the assessment. HL students have 2 hours.
- For both SL and HL, Paper 1 is made up of three questions based on unseen text as well as one question from 6 “big questions”.
- For HL, students additionally answer one question on anthropological ethics based on one of two stimuli.
The three unseen text questions may look the following way:
Answer question 1 and question 2.
(1) Define the term self and describe how it is understood in the context of the young people in California described in the passage. [4]
(2) Explain how the key concept of social relations helps you understand the ethnographic data presented in the passage. [6]
Answer either question 3 or question 4.
(3) Compare and contrast the way in which the key concept of power or belief and knowledge is evident in this passage with how it is evident in one other ethnographic example you have studied. Make reference to theory in your answer. [10]
(4) Compare and contrast the approaches to research adopted by the anthropologist in this passage to the approaches to research used by another anthropologist you have studied. Make reference to concepts, ethnographic material and theory in your answer. [10]
Answer question 5.
(5) What does it mean to be a person? Discuss with reference to at least two sources of ethnographic material and examples from the passage. [10]
A typical HL extension may look the following way
With reference to either stimulus A or stimulus B and your own knowledge, discuss the defining features of anthropological ethics. [10]
How to succeed in Paper 1?
To succeed in IB Social and Cultural Anthropology Paper 1, it is essential to understand the structure of the exam and the skills it tests. As mentioned, Paper 1 consists of three questions based on an unseen text and one essay chosen from the six “Big Questions.” HL students must also answer an additional question on anthropological ethics, based on one of two provided stimuli.
For Paper 1, mere memorisation will not be enough. The paper demands on-the-spot analysis and flexibility. The unseen text questions require you to quickly interpret unfamiliar material and apply anthropological theories and concepts effectively. Consistent practice with past papers is the best way to build these skills and to get comfortable analysing new material under timed conditions.
In the Big Questions section, you must develop a structured argument supported by relevant theories and ethnographic examples. Practising full essay plans and responses to past Big Questions will help you learn to structure your ideas clearly and respond flexibly, referring to the different provided passages.
For HL students, the additional ethics question also relies heavily on being able to analyse a new stimulus quickly. Again, past paper practice is critical. The ability to read critically, identify key ideas, and make clear links to course themes is crucial.
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify.
The Fast Track To Your
Best IB Coursework & College Essays
All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.