9239_s26_qp_11 2026 May-June Global Perspectives and Research 9239 Question Paper 1 Variant 1 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9239_s26_qp_112026 May-June Global Perspectives and Research 9239 Question Paper 1 Variant 1

This is the official Cambridge AS & A Level Global Perspectives and Research (9239) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 9239_s26_qp_11 · 9239/11/m/j/26 qp · 9239/11 May/June 2026 qp

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.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (9239_s26_ms_11). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Global Perspectives and Research question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Global Perspectives and Research (9239).

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Same paper, other years

Global Perspectives and Research (9239) Question Paper 1 (Variant 1) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Written Examination

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2024)

1

Paper 1 Q2 — stating evidence is strong/weak without explaining the impact on the author's argument

Explanations for why a piece of evidence was strong or weak was often limited to 'more trustworthy', 'expert' or 'can't be fact checked'. More development is required for an explanation to be credited under AO1b. There was a specific requirement in the question to explain the impact of the evidence on the author's argument or claim.9239 Paper 1, May/June 2024

How to fix: Use the examiner's 5-step structure for every piece of evidence: (1) identify a type of evidence (AO1a), (2) give an example from the document (AO1a), (3) clearly state if it is a strength or weakness (AO1b), (4) explain WHY it is a strength or weakness in developed prose (AO1b), (5) evaluate the impact on the argument, the author's claim or the reader (AO1c). End each paragraph with the impact sentence.

2

Paper 1 Q2 — generic answers without examples or quotes from the document

For AO1a – identify evidence – candidates were expected to give examples from the document to illustrate the types of evidence rather than providing a general answer that could apply to any document. Without examples candidates could not gain more than half marks.9239 Paper 1, May/June 2024

How to fix: Never describe a type of evidence in the abstract. For every claim about statistics, sources, expert opinion or first-hand experience, quote the exact wording or figure from the document. Pattern: 'The author uses [type of evidence], for example [direct quote with figure or name from document].' Without examples, you are capped at half marks for AO1a.

3

Paper 1 Q2 — unbalanced answer focusing only on strengths or only on weaknesses

Candidates seemed better able to address strengths accurately and so answers can be unbalanced. In many cases, evidence later in the answer had less discussion.9239 Paper 1, May/June 2024

How to fix: Plan two strengths AND two weaknesses before you start writing. Allocate roughly equal length to each — if your strengths section is twice the length of your weaknesses section, you have lost marks. End with an overall judgement that weighs strengths against weaknesses, not just a list of one side.

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Global Perspectives and Research Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents