Guidance for external assessment

Paper 2: Data response

Time

1 hour 45 minutes

Weighting

Standard level 40%; higher level 30%

Structure

• The text or data used and the questions may be the same at standard level (SL) and at higher level (HL).

• Students answer one question from a choice of two.

• The questions are each subdivided into seven parts: (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f ) and (g). Parts (a) and (b) both have subparts: (i) and (ii).

Content

Questions in this paper are drawn from the four units of the syllabus. There will be a few quantitative questions.

Students may use a calculator. A scientific calculator is sufficient.

Assessment objectives

(See the “Relevant AOs in more detail” section in this document for more detail.) Answers should demonstrate the following assessment objectives (AOs).

AO1—Knowledge and understanding (part (a) answers have this objective only; it applies in all other

parts) 

AO2—application and analysis

AO3—synthesis and evaluation (only for part (g) answers) AO4—use and application of appropriate skills

Overall advice

• During the five-minute reading time, aim to choose which of the two questions to answer. It is more efficient to look at the questions asked rather than to spend a lot of time reading the text. In particular, look at the 15-mark question. It is more important to be able to answer that question rather than the questions for parts (a) and (b).
• Look at the command terms, which indicate the depth required, in each question. The marks allocated also indicate the depth required. (See the list of command terms in this “Specific recommendations for each part” section.)
• Draw and use fully labelled diagrams. However, titles are not necessary. Use a ruler to draw the axes.
• References to the text or data must be made where appropriate, and particularly when answering part (g).