Top 5 Tips to Maximise Your Study Score in Global Politics

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Global Politics is a unique subject full of variables. In order to maximise your score there are a few methods to follow, and it’s important to get on top of them early in order to remain competitive in this fairly tough subject.

1.   Have impressive case-studies
Case studies are the life blood of this subject. If you’re able to have impressive, somewhat niche case study that takes your examiner by surprise, you’re in a great position to achieve a high study score. These case studies are often hinted at by your teacher, so make sure you’re listening closely. The best case-studies are those that link between multiple parts of your course, because you’ll be able to utilise them in the area that sits them best in the exam. Make sure your knowledge of these case studies is deep, so you’ll be able to answer any question VCAA throw at you.

2.   Know your definitions
Definitions are a basic part of the course yet one that many students struggle with. By working consistently on getting to know the definitions of the key terms of the course you’ll be able to pick up a few extra marks in the essay section as well as certainly in the short answer section. Cue cards are the best way to learn definitions, and I’ve got a (somewhat old) set of flashcards that I used in year 12 available here: https://quizlet.com/123766824/vce-34-global-politics-flash-cards/.

3.   Complete practice exams
Practice exams, as with all subjects, are the best way to study. The structure of the Global Politics exam is fairly strange, and it’s good to get in early to complete some practice exams to gain an understanding of what VCAA wants out of you. Complete these under timed conditions and get your teachers to mark them if they’re willing. And make sure you’re reading the examiner’s report! These are so useful, and aren’t the most boring read in this subject.

4.   Have a breadth of knowledge
Global Politics is a subject where extra knowledge can never go astray. Making sure you’re actively watching news covering global issues, and trying to discuss this with friends and your class helps to ensure you’re on top of any possible case studies, and are able to provide brief contemporary examples in your work. This shows the examiner/your teacher that you’re taking an interest in the subject and can only work to help your mark.

5.   Ask questions
Finally, the very self-explanatory ‘ask questions’. Global Politics teachers are generally very knowledgeable about their subject and won’t mind if you pester them with questions. Whilst breadth of knowledge is important, so is depth of knowledge, and it is important that you’re trying to understand the entirety of the concepts that you are being taught rather than just understanding them at a base level.

If you’d like any clarification on any of these points let me know, but hopefully this has given you a bit of direction for the year. Good luck with the Global Politics course!