9239_s26_qp_13 — 2026 May-June Global Perspectives and Research 9239 Question Paper 1 Variant 3 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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.

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.

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.