This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Global Perspectives and Research (9239) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.
Also referenced as: 9239_s26_ms_12 · 9239/12/m/j/26 ms · 9239/12 May/June 2026 ms
Paper 1: Written Examination — This is Paper 1: Written Examination, worth 45 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Two unseen documents (A and B) on a global issue — e.g. press freedom (9239/11), Bitcoin in El Salvador (9239/12), AI traffic management (9239/13). Q1: identify points from each document (short answers/bullet points, ~15 minutes). Q2: assess strengths and weaknesses of evidence in Document A and explain its impact on the author's argument. Q3: evaluate arguments and perspectives of both authors and judge whether one document is stronger than the other (over half the available marks). Continuous prose required for Q2 and Q3.
This mark scheme corresponds to 9239_s26_qp_12. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.
Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Global Perspectives and Research (9239), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.
