Introduction to Paper 2: The Prescribed Text

Welcome to the guide for Paper 2! In this part of your IB Philosophy journey, you move away from the broad "big questions" of Paper 1 and focus your magnifying glass on one specific philosophical work. Think of Paper 2 as a deep-dive conversation with a single great thinker. Whether you are studying Plato, Simone de Beauvoir, or Lao Tzu, the goal is the same: to show that you understand the author's arguments inside and out, and that you can think critically about them. Don't worry if the text feels heavy at first—this chapter will give you the roadmap to navigate the exam successfully.

The Exam Structure: What to Expect

Paper 2 is the same for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. Here are the "fast facts" you need to know:
  • Time: 1 hour.
  • Weighting: 25 marks (25% of SL grade / 20% of HL grade).
  • Format: You will see two questions for each prescribed text. You choose one question.
  • Parts: Every question is split into Part A and Part B. You must answer both.
  • The "Open-Book" Rule: You are allowed to bring a clean, non-annotated copy of your prescribed text into the exam. You can highlight or tag it during the exam, but it must be "clean" when you walk in!

Note: For other exam skills like essay writing for optional themes, see the chapter on "Optional theme essay writing (Paper 1, Section B)".

Mastering Part A: The "Explain" Task

Part A focuses on your AO2 (Knowledge and Understanding) skills. The command term is usually Explain, which means you need to give a detailed account of a specific concept, issue, or argument from the text.

How to succeed in Part A:

  1. Be Precise: This isn't the time for generalities. If the question asks about Descartes’ "Cogito," explain the steps he took to get there.
  2. Use Textual References: Since you have the book with you, use it! You must make explicit references to the text. This doesn't mean just quoting long passages; it means identifying where the author makes the point and explaining it in your own words.
  3. Focus on "Why" and "How": Don't just say what the author thinks; explain why they hold that position and how they argue for it.
Quick Tip: Think of Part A as being a "Philosophy Teacher." Your job is to make the examiner understand exactly what the author meant, without adding your own opinion yet.

Mastering Part B: The "Discuss" Task

Part B moves into AO3 (Evaluation and Synthesis). The command term is Discuss, which requires a "considered and balanced review."

Key strategies for Part B:

  • Don't Repeat Part A: This is a common mistake! Part B should build on your explanation, not repeat it. If Part A explained the argument, Part B asks: "Is this argument actually good?"
  • Critically Evaluate: Weigh up the strengths and limitations. Does the author make a logical leap? Is their view still relevant today? Does their theory contradict itself?
  • Build an Argument: Even though you are discussing multiple sides, you should lead the reader toward a clear conclusion or "considered review."
  • Stay Connected: Your discussion must stay focused on the specific concept or argument raised in Part A.

The 12 Prescribed Texts

You will have studied one of these texts in class. Ensure you are familiar with the specific sections required by the syllabus:
  • A.J. Ayer: Language, Truth and Logic
  • Simone de Beauvoir: The Second Sex (Volume 1 Part 1, Volume 2 Part 1 and Part 4)
  • Confucius: The Analects
  • René Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy
  • Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Masks
  • John Stuart Mill: On Liberty
  • Friedrich Nietzsche: The Genealogy of Morals
  • Martha C. Nussbaum: Creating Capabilities
  • José Ortega y Gasset: The Revolt of the Masses
  • Plato: The Republic (Books IV–IX)
  • Charles Taylor: The Ethics of Authenticity
  • Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching

The "Open-Book" Strategy

Having the book in the exam is a huge advantage, but it can be a trap if you aren't careful.

Dos and Don’ts for the Open-Book Exam:

  • DO use the book to find specific terminology or to double-check the flow of an argument.
  • DO use it to find short, impactful paraphrases or references that support your explanation.
  • DON'T spend 20 minutes flipping through pages looking for a specific quote. You only have 60 minutes for the whole paper!
  • DON'T simply copy out chunks of the book. The examiners want to see your understanding and your critical voice.
Memory Trick: Think of the book as a "Safety Net," not a "Cheat Sheet." You should know the "shape" of the arguments before you walk in, using the book only to catch the specific details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; many students make these mistakes in their first few practice runs:

  • The "Iceberg" Mistake: Only explaining the surface of the argument. In Part A, you need to go deep into the reasons the author gives.
  • The "Opinion" Mistake: Giving your personal opinion in Part A. Save your critical thoughts for Part B!
  • Ignoring the Context: Forgetting that the author was writing in a specific time or reacting to a specific problem.
  • Poor Time Management: Spending 45 minutes on Part A and only 15 minutes on Part B. Since Part B is where the heavy "evaluation" marks are, try to split your time fairly (e.g., 25 mins for Part A, 35 mins for Part B).

Quick Review: Paper 2 Success Checklist

  • Part A: Did I explain the argument clearly? Did I refer to the text? Did I avoid giving my opinion?
  • Part B: Did I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses? Did I avoid repeating Part A? Is my conclusion clear and balanced?
  • Overall: Did I use my 1 hour wisely? Did I focus on the specific question asked?

Key Takeaway: Paper 2 is about demonstrating depth over breadth. Master your one chosen text, understand the "Explain vs. Discuss" distinction, and use your open-book resource as a tool to sharpen your evidence, not as a substitute for preparation.