Understanding the IB Geography Exam
- The Structure of the IB Geography Exam Papers
- Making Use of IB Geography Exam Resources
- Exam Technique for the IB Geography Exam Papers
- Example of a Strong IB Geography Response
- Example of a Weak IB Geography Response
- Studying for the IB Geography HL Exam Paper
- How a BartyED Geography Tutor Can Support Students with the IB Exams
The Structure of the IB Geography Exam Papers
IB geography is a diverse, interdisciplinary course. The programme integrates both human and physical geography, examining issues from a wide range of disciplines on both local and international scales. The structure of the IB geography exam reflects the varied and expansive nature of the IB geography course.
There are two papers for Standard Level (SL) geography students and three papers for Higher Level (HL) geography candidates. IB geography Paper 1 focuses on optional themes, with SL students studying two of these themes and HL students studying three. These optional themes are as follows:
Freshwater, Oceans and Coastal Margins
Extreme Environments
Geophysical Hazards
Leisure, Tourism and Sport
Food and Health
Urban Environments
IB geography Paper 2 covers three core topics which are mandatory for both SL and HL candidates (Population Distribution, Changing Populations, and Resource Consumption). Finally, IB geography HL students will also be required to sit a third exam. This exam, Paper 3, requires students to write two critical essays responding to a question on global interactions. The structure of the IB geography exam papers requires a combination of both analytical skills and comprehensive geographical knowledge from both SL and HL candidates.
Making Use of IB Geography Exam Resources
One of the first resources those studying IB geography should make use of is the IB geography subject brief. This will allow candidates to familiarise themselves with the IB syllabus, including their core and optional themes. The IB geography subject brief also provides an overview of the type of assessments students will sit, as well as the format of these assessments, and the assessment objectives they will be marked against. A review of the subject brief will give candidates an outline of their IB geography course and details of what is expected of them throughout. Once familiar with the subject brief, past papers and mark schemes are an invaluable resource for exam preparation. Through past paper practice, IB geography students can familiarise themselves with the exam’s structure and question types, as well as improve their time management and build confidence for the real exam. IB geography mark schemes will also be an exceptionally useful resource for helping both SL and HL IB students to understand exactly what the examiners are looking for. In addition to IB resources, there are also a plethora of revision websites, video tutorials, case studies, and sample questions for students to access online.
Exam Technique for the IB Geography Exam Papers
To succeed in their IB geography exams, students should have an in-depth understanding of the content they have covered. This includes a detailed knowledge of relevant geography case studies that will support their claims and strengthen their responses. Once this knowledge is consolidated, IB learners should focus on developing strong essay writing skills. For Paper 3’s extended response questions, it is often that students utilise the PEEL paragraph structure (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) in order to achieve a well-structured approach with clear critical analysis. When crafting their response, it is also important that IB candidates understand the exam question’s command terms. For instance, terms such as ‘describe’, ‘explain’, ‘analyse’, or ‘evaluate’ will dictate both the depth and format of their response. Finally, it is imperative that students are familiar with the IB geography assessment criteria in order to fully understand what is required of them and how their response will be marked.
Example of a Strong IB Geography Response
For HL students, Paper 3 of their IB geography exam will require them to produce two extended response essays. One essay is worth 12 marks and the other is worth 16 marks. To gain top marks, candidates must accurately apply both their knowledge of the core IB units as well as the HL extension topics. Below is an excerpt from a strong response to a 12 mark question on the impact of globalisation:
Globalisation is a term used to describe how the world has become increasingly connected and integrated. It has been made possible by the reduction of barriers to international trade, the development of transportation, and the advancement of information and communication technologies. Its impact on societies, economies, and cultures has been both positive and negative. One of the primary positive effects of globalisation is the growth in global trade economic development. In Vietnam, for example, globalisation has contributed to an increase in the prices for rice, lifting many poor rice farmers out of poverty. This, in turn, has transformed the country from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing and export-driven hub. As the standard of living increased, more children of poor families have left work and attended school, leading to poverty reduction and a burgeoning middle class. According to the World Bank, Vietnam's real GDP per capita has grown from under $700 in 1986 to almost $4,500 in 2023. However, for some countries, globalisation has brought negative economic consequences. In Bangladesh, globalisation has resulted in the downfall of local industries and a dependence on foreign investment. The pressures of globalisation have also led to social environmental problems, including the exploitation of workers—particularly in the garment sector—and a decline in social discipline and human values. Overall, globalisation has had a profound impact on the world, bringing both benefits and challenges. Economically, it has spurred growth but also deepened inequalities.
This is an example of a well-structured response. It is clearly focused on the economic impacts of globalisation and maintains a critical perspective, using well-chosen evidence to detail both the positive and negative impacts of globalisation.
Example of a Weak IB Geography Response
Below is an example of a weak IB geography response, referring to the same question on the impacts of globalisation.
Globalisation is a term used to describe how the world has become increasingly connected and integrated. It has been made possible by the reduction of barriers to international trade, the development of transportation, and the advancement of information and communication technologies. One of the primary positive effects of globalisation is the growth in global trade economic development. Globalisation has also had positive cultural impacts, promoting cultural exchange, understanding, and tolerance, as well as leading to new and diverse forms of art and entertainment. Finally, globalisation has also promoted a greater awareness of environmental issues, prompting international cooperation on issues such as our current climate crisis.
Though this response has detailed the economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of globalisation, none of their arguments have been justified with supporting evidence or relevant case studies. Additionally, the student has not considered alternate perspectives or contrasting views, meaning they are unable to demonstrate a compressed understanding of the topic. Finally, they have not concluded with a synthesis of their main points.
Studying for the IB Geography HL Exam Paper
IB HL geography students are required to sit an additional Paper 3. This paper consists of two sections. Section A involves evaluating an issue based on a pre-released case study while Section B assesses a student’s understanding of fieldwork and its application. To perform well in this paper, IB geography students must have an in-depth understanding of the core HL Global Change units, as well as the HL extension units on Global Interactions. Candidates are also expected to build a strong collection of relevant case studies, which—combined with their comprehensive knowledge of geographical concepts—can be applied to all three papers.
How a BartyED Geography Tutor Can Support Students with the IB Exams
BartyED tutors play a crucial role in supporting IB students with their exams, from clarifying core concepts to building exam technique. With expert knowledge of both the demands of SL and HL geography, BartyED’s experienced IB geography tutors can cement a student’s foundational geographic knowledge, break down complex topics into manageable parts, and systematically target any areas of weakness. Additionally, BartyED tutors maintain a strong focus on improving a student’s essay writing skills. By devising model answers for students to revise, practising past papers, and offering detailed feedback,our tutors develop the skillset and confidence that students need to produce accurate, well-structured, and detailed responses. BartyED tutors have regularly supported students with their geography Internal Assessments (IA)—a fieldwork-based report worth almost a quarter of their grade. This support can involve initial guidance in devising an appropriate research question, assisting students with their data collection methods and formatting, and providing comprehensive feedback on any drafts. Overall, through individual support and a holistic teaching approach, a BartyED geography tutor can provide invaluable support for IB students.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED IB tutor, contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017), by email (enquiries@bartyed.com), or through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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SL students must complete two exam papers, while HL students are required to sit three IB geography exam papers. In addition, there is also a coursework component called the IA, or Internal Assessment.
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For SL students, Paper 1 is worth 35% of their overall grade, and Paper 2 is weighted at 40%. In the case of HL learners, Paper 1 amounts to 35% while Paper is worth 25% of the total grade for the subject.
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This differs slightly between SL and HL students. For those taking IB geography SL, the IA is worth 25% of their total grade. For HL candidates, the IA is weighted at 20%.
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IB tutors guide students through their revision of the subject, ensuring knowledge retention, as well as offering assistance with regard to coursework. Moreover, an experienced tutor can develop a student's writing skills and exam technique.