Click here to explore thousands of examiner marked IA, EE and TOK exemplars!
Paper 1 is the first Geography assessment you will encounter during your exam session. In this post we will break this paper down so you know what to expect and set yourself up for success.
IB Geography Paper 2
- At SL Paper 2 accounts for 40% of the student's final subject grade while for HL it accounts for 25% of the student's final grade.
- Both SL and HL students have 1 hour 15 minutes to complete Paper 2.
- Paper 2.
- Paper 2 tests knowledge on the core units of the IB Geography syllabus. As such, there is no distinction between SL and HL.
- Paper 2 is made up of 3 sections – A, B, and C.
- Section A is made up of three structured questions, each focusing on one unit from the core.
- Section B consists of structured questions based on a provided infographic/visual stimulus.
- In Section C, students answer one out of the two provided extended response questions.
Section A
A typical Section A question may look the following way:
Changing population
Refer to the map on page 3 of the accompanying resource booklet. The map shows the projected megacities of 2030 and their predicted growth rate between 2014 and 2030.
(a) (i) Identify the minimum population size needed for an urban area to be classified as a megacity. [1]
(ii) Identify the two nations that are predicted to have the greatest number of megacities in 2030. [1]
(b) Suggest two possible reasons for the projected population change in Tokyo. [2]
(c) Explain two possible negative consequences for the cities projected to experience very rapid growth. [2+2]
(d) Explain one reason why a country could experience a demographic dividend. [2]
Section B
A typical Section B question may look the following way:
Refer to the infographic on pages 4 and 5 of the accompanying resource booklet. The infographic shows the generation of electricity in Africa.
(a) State the number of locations that:
(i) have future plans for nuclear power. [1]
(ii) already have hydroelectric power. [1]
(b) Suggest one way in which the bar graph depicting electricity generation and population by region could be improved. [2]
(c) Evaluate two ways in which Africa is portrayed negatively in this infographic, other than in the bar graph. [3+3]
Section C
A typical Section C question may look the following way:
Answer one question:
(a) “Climate change will eventually become the main reason for human migration.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? [10]
(b) “Energy security is the most important aspect of resource security for nations.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? [10]
How to succeed in Geography Paper 2?
To do well in IB Geography Paper 2, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly for all three core topics, as the paper will test each of them. Make sure you have a solid collection of case studies that can support the main concepts from each topic – these are crucial for backing up your answers. You should also focus on developing your analytical and critical thinking skills, especially for the infographic question. It’s important to be able to spot key details and nuances, and to look at the infographic from a critical perspective. Be aware of any potential biases or inaccuracies and think about where they might come from. For Section C, strong essay writing skills are key. The best way to build these is by practicing past paper questions under timed conditions. Remember to always take a few minutes to plan your essay before you start writing – this will allow you stay organized and produce a clear, structured response.
We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify.
The Fast Track To Your
Best IB Coursework & College Essays
All content on this website has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. International Baccalaureate and IB are registered trademarks owned by the International Baccalaureate Organization.