🧠 IB Global Politics IA Guide: Your Step-by-Step Blueprint for Success

Ready to ace your Global Politics IA? This guide breaks down the Engagement Project into simple, doable steps — with student-friendly advice, expert tips, and real examples to help you shine.

🗂️ 1. Title Page & Essentials

  • Title of the Engagement Project
  • IB Candidate Code (e.g., abc123)
  • Final Word Count (max 2,000 words)

✍️ 2. Introduction: Set the Stage (Approx. 150–200 words)

What to Do:

  • Clearly explain your chosen political issue (local/community-based)
  • Describe why it matters to you and to others
  • Briefly outline your engagement method(s)
Pro Tip: Anchor the political issue in one of the four key Global Politics units.

🔍 3. Explanation & Justification (Criterion A – 4 marks)

  • Define the political issue with local/community context
  • Explain its political significance
  • Justify your engagement activities
Example: “I chose to investigate the lack of affordable housing in [City]..."

🧭 4. Process: Your Investigation Journey (Criterion B – 3 marks)

  • Describe your research process
  • Explain your engagement method
  • Show structure and thoughtful planning
Example: “I began by researching local news and policies..."

🧠 5. Analysis & Synthesis (Criterion C – 8 marks)

  • Use political theories and course concepts
  • Analyze power dynamics and stakeholders
  • Compare and synthesize viewpoints
Example: “This frustration, as expressed by two interviewees..."
Example: “While the NGO representative emphasized..."

🪞 6. Evaluation & Reflection (Criterion D – 6 marks)

  • Reflect on learning and challenges
  • Evaluate your assumptions and engagement
  • Discuss ethical dilemmas or barriers
Example: “I originally assumed local politicians were indifferent..."

🗣️ 7. Communication (Criterion E – 3 marks)

  • Clear, organized structure
  • Use headings and concise paragraphs

🎯 8. HL-Only: The Recommendation (Criterion F – 6 marks)

  • Propose a realistic, evidence-based solution
  • Consider implications and resistance
Example: “To address housing inaccessibility..."

💡 Engagement Ideas by Political Issue

Political IssueEngagement Ideas
Climate actionVolunteer at local clean-up or climate strike
LGBTQ+ rightsInterview activists or NGO members
Access to educationTutor underprivileged students
Police accountabilityAttend a police commission meeting
Youth political apathySurvey classmates or assist with voter drives

🎓 Expert Examiner Tips to Stand Out

  • Use niche course concepts
  • Compare theory to reality
  • Back up your points with credible sources
  • Find unique angles on common topics
  • Mix engagement types
  • Weave engagement through your analysis
  • Make HL recommendations realistic and grounded

✅ Final IA Checklist (In Order!)

🔍 Step 1: Choosing & Framing Your Political Issue

  • Real-world issue at the local level?
  • Linked to key course concepts?
  • Current and researchable?
  • Personally and politically significant?

🔗 Step 2: Planning Engagement Activities

  • Clear engagement method?
  • Activities linked to issue?
  • Documentation plan?

📚 Step 3: Conducting Research

  • Mix of primary and secondary sources?
  • Diverse perspectives included?
  • Notes on bias and context?

🧠 Step 4: Writing the Report

  • Clear explanation and justification?
  • Structured research & engagement process?
  • Course concepts used in analysis?
  • Synthesized perspectives?
  • Evaluated learning and challenges?
  • Clear communication throughout?
  • HL: Realistic, linked recommendation?

You've got this! 💪 Turn real-world action into academic achievement — and make politics real in your community. 🌍