IB SEHS Paper 1: How to Revise and What to Expect
IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) explores the impacts of physiology, biomechanics, and psychology on the human body and its performance, combining both academic study and the acquisition of practical skills.
What Is IB SEHS Paper 1?
IB SEHS Paper 1 is an external assessment, accounting for 36% of both an SL and HL student’s final grade. The paper is divided into two sections: Paper 1A contains multiple choice questions; Paper 2B consists of data-based and experimental design questions, demanding analytical skills and graphical analysis. All students are required to complete both sections within a single sitting. SL learners will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete Paper 1, whereas those taking SEHS at HL will have 1 hour and 45 minutes due to additional questions that require greater depth. Candidates must note that within Paper 1, there is no assessment of practical sports performance. Instead, their understanding of scientific ideas and concepts are tested.
IB SEHS Paper 1 routinely catches students off guard despite the seemingly straightforward multiple choice component. As a result, understanding what each portion of the exam is looking for is imperative for effective preparation.
IB SEHS Paper 1A: Multiple Choice
Paper 1’s multiple choice questions test core IB SEHS syllabus themes: exercise physiology and nutrition of the human body; biomechanics; and sports psychology and motor learning. Across all three themes, students will be examined on their application of scientific terminology, concepts, and techniques. Paper 1A is designed with a strict time limit, leaving candidates just over a minute to answer each question. A common trap is for examiners to utilise distractor answers, where more than one choice appears to be correct. It is, therefore, important that students read each question carefully.
For IB HL candidates, Paper 1 typically requires longer and more demanding questions. Below is an example of past papers questions for both SL and HL papers, evidencing an increased level of difficulty and content application.
SL Question:
Which are the major glycogen storage sites?
A. Muscle and liver
B. Muscle and adipose tissue
C. Skin and liver
D. Skin and adipose tissue
HL Question:
The hamstrings relax when the quadriceps femoris contracts during the upward phase of a squat.
Which statement explains this?
A. Antagonist contracts by a reflex action of the sympathetic nervous system
B. Agonist contracts upon stimulation by motor neurons
C. Antagonist relaxes upon stimulation of acetylcholine
D. Agonist relaxes under voluntary control during reciprocal inhibition
After completing all multiple-choice questions of Paper 1A, both SL and HL learners progress immediately to Paper 1B. Here, they must apply an entirely different type of thinking.
IB SEHS Paper 1B: Data-Based and Experimental Questions
The demands of IB SEHS Paper 1B are closely linked to Assessment Objectives that require students to analyse, evaluate and synthesize experimental procedures; primary and secondary data; and trends, patterns and predictions. For example, questions requiring learners to identify trends within graphs, scatter plots, or frequency tables or evaluate whether provided experimental results will either support or refute a given scientific claim. The practical work and scientific investigation required the SEHS Internal Assessment will feed directly into a candidate’s Paper 1B performance by developing the analytical skills needed to interpret unfamiliar data sets and critique methodologies under exam conditions.
How to Revise for IB SEHS Paper 1
There are several techniques that students can incorporate in order to revise effectively for their IB SEHS Paper 1. Initially, candidates are encouraged to map revision across all core themes, ensuring that challenging topics and areas of weakness are not neglected within the syllabus content. A core revision strategy that learners often find effective is to incorporate active recall over passive re-reading. This can include the use of flashcards, timed topic drills, or self-quizzing on terminology. Rotating IB SEHS topics, rather than just studying one area for days, can help prevent burnout and mental fatigue, as well as improve long-term memory by forcing the brain to retrieve past information and reset its focus. After mastering core definitions and broad factual recall, students should apply their knowledge to timed practice and past paper questions. Though a strong understanding of content is imperative for success, what is done in the exam room is equally important.
Exam Technique Tips for Paper 1
IB SEHS Paper 1 requires effective exam techniques in order for students to maximise their scores.
For Paper 1A, pacing and time management are essential. With roughly one minute per question, students are advised to flag and return to uncertain questions, rather than stalling and losing valuable time. There is also no negative marking, so candidates should never leave an answer blank. If uncertain, it is recommended to use a process of elimination and cross-out obviously incorrect or distractor answers.
For Paper 1B, students are advised to carefully read the provided data before its corresponding question. This can help them to understand overall trends, figures, or datasets before narrowing their focus, helping to improve comprehension and avoid misinterpretations. For Paper 1B, learners should also match the depth of their answer to the marks available. For example, a 1-mark state question requires one clear point, whereas a 3-mark discuss question necessitates a structured response. This method requires a strong understanding of command terms: IB students should know precisely what is expected of them when a question asks them to analyse, evaluate, outline, or discuss.
Get Expert Support From a BartyED IB SEHS Tutor
At BartyED, our expert IB tutors are here to guide students through the rigorous syllabus of IB SEHS. From training exam techniques to support with data interpretation and complex theoretical principles, one-to-one tutoring tailored towards Paper 1 preparation can make all the difference for both SL and HL students looking to achieve top marks in their final exams.
To benefit from the support of a BartyED IB SEHS tutor, contact us today by via phone, email, or WhatsApp, or by filling out the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
For Paper 1, HL SEHS undoubtedly requires a greater volume and depth of knowledge. For example, questions that focus on specific physiological details and complex applications, rather than more basic definitions. Nevertheless, with consistent syllabus revision, timed practice, and past paper review, many HL students have mastered the multiple choice strategies and data-based experimental analysis needed to succeed in SEHS Paper 1.
-
The questions on Paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.