How to Prepare for IB ESS Paper 1 (SL and HL Guide)
What Is IB ESS Paper 1?
The IBDP’s Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course combining sciences and individuals and societies; Paper 1 reflects that unique character.
Ultimately, Paper 1 is a case study paper. Students receive previously unseen data in a variety of forms and answer compulsory questions based on their analysis and evaluation of that data. Many students assume that because the information is provided in the inset booklet, that makes Paper 1 ‘easier’ compared to a traditional content-recall paper, but that’s a misconception. Unseen case studies are tricky, as the emphasis is on skills and applications rather than definitions. ESS Paper 1 is harder than it looks. Understanding what is being assessed is the sensible place to start.
How SL and HL Paper 1 Differ
Firstly, it’s important for students to realise that the SL and HL Paper 1 assessments are very different.
For SL students, ESS Paper 1 lasts an hour, and it is worth 25% of their final grade. In the exam, learners are expected to apply knowledge from their course to analyse and evaluate the issues in the case study.
Meanwhile, the HL version of the exam is 2 hours long, and worth 30% of the final grade. In addition to the required application of content from the ESS course, Paper 1 candidates must also examine questions through the use of the HL lenses. These consist of environmental law, ecological economics and environmental ethics.
The fact that ESS Paper 1 is so short (for both SL and HL students) implies that students are expected to move efficiently through the paper. Exam timings, in this instance, are essential. Without them, students are liable to fall behind and risk not completing the exam. Learners should make sure to get adequate practice with ESS Paper 1-style questions to time.
What Does IB ESS Paper 1 Actually Test?
As noted above, ESS Paper 1 is concentrated on the application of knowledge to analyse explanation, data, models, and arguments. This means that a thorough understanding of Assessment Criterion B is essential.
Similarly, the analytical thinking required in Assessment Criterion C is also needed for Paper 1 top scorers. This requires students to evaluate and synthesise arguments, propose solutions, and demonstrate an awareness of political, economic, ethical and sociocultural contexts. Whether you’re an SL or HL student, you need to have a good understanding of all of the above.
Typically, students are expected to link the three key course concepts (perspectives, systems, sustainability) to the questions being asked. The final question on the exam paper is typically an extended response, requiring students to demonstrate a balanced argument and take multiple factors into account. This allows learners to showcase their engagement with the concepts.
Paper 1 tests interdisciplinary and analytical thinking, not factual recall. That distinction is what separates high scorers from everyone else.
To show how questions develop across parts, see the below example of a real Paper 1 question from the May 2022 exam season:
(a) Outline reasons for the changes in the forested areas over the period shown in Figure 7(a).
(b) Outline how the change in the area of forest cover since 1987 may contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
While both question parts require students to “outline” something, what is interesting is that part (b) requires a deeper degree of inference and analysis. Students need a solid grasp of the concepts in the ESS course but, as this demonstrates, what matters most is the ability to apply them. Let what is being tested shape how you revise.
How to Revise for IB ESS Paper 1
ESS students should be prepared to build topic fluency across the eight syllabus topics. This means that, no matter the topic associated with the Paper 1 case study, you’ll be able to apply knowledge from the course to answer the questions.
Practice applying the tools from the ESS course, including differentiating between experimental techniques, technology, and systems and models. This will be essential for acquiring those all-important Crit. B marks.
Past case studies are a useful resource for practicing the skills needed to succeed in Paper 1. Parsing data and identifying relevant information will help you come exam day. Most of all, examining past case studies will allow you to develop your systems thinking skills. How do these systems function? How can they exhibit better flows within an unfamiliar context?
Knowing the content is simply the first step, and revision shouldn’t stop there. After all, how you perform on the day is what matters most.
Exam Technique Tips for Paper 1
The first thing a student should do once the exam begins is to read the case study data before the questions. This will give you an idea of the information available to you before committing to any answers. It’s essential that you apply the three course concepts explicitly in responses: perspectives, systems, and sustainability. Remember, there are no points available for perfectly concise answers. A bit of repetition to reassure yourself that you’ve included all required elements is acceptable.
HL students should also make sure to bring in the relevant HL lens material where appropriate. This includes references to environmental law, ecological economics, and environmental ethics. While it’s important to identify opportunities to use this material, students should bear in mind that not every HL question will require a reference to a lens. Use sound judgement when composing your responses.
Finally, there are the standard exam tips that are important for any assessment: command terms and exam timing. Make sure that you have a very clear understanding of each command term, and how the IB is expecting you to apply them in the context of ESS Paper 1. As for timings, whether you are an HL or SL student, Paper 1 is infamous for its tight time restrictions. Students typically have about a minute per mark available, and all questions are compulsory. Attempt, as far as possible, to keep the pacing on track and try not to overwrite on low-mark questions.
If you're finding Paper 1 preparation difficult, a good IB ESS tutor will cut straight to what is costing you marks.
Get Expert Support From a BartyED IB ESS Tutor
BartyED’s ESS tutors have extensive experience in coaching all aspects of the IBDP syllabus, both for SL and HL. This includes Paper 1 and skills development. Whether you are looking to refine your exam technique, or develop a stronger understanding of how to apply the HL lenses, BartyED can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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ESS Paper 1 for the IB Diploma is an external exam designed to test a student's analytical skills, taken at the end of the course. In Paper 1, candidates are given an unseen case study and are required to answer questions analysing it and applying various concepts from throughout the ESS syllabus. This exam is primarily skills-based, rather than focused on content recall.
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While ESS Paper 1 is focused on the application of concepts and skills developed throughout the course, Paper 2 has a different focus. ESS students must both apply concepts and recall subject-specific knowledge to successfully complete Paper 2.
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It can be challenging to prepare adequately for Paper 1, given that it is focused on skills acquired throughout the ESS course. A key tip is to ensure that you are using unseen case studies, and practice extracting relevant information from them. Then, given the strict timings of ESS Paper 1, it’s essential that you practice responding to questions efficiently, within a strict time limit.
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The length of ESS Paper 1 depends on whether the student is taking the HL or SL version of the course. For Standard Level students, Paper 1 is one hour. For Higher Level students, it lasts two hours. HL students should also bear in mind that they are expected to apply the HL lenses to their responses where appropriate.