Biology

The IB Biology course can feel unpredictable if you’re not fully aware of what it includes. This guide is designed to walk you through the course step by step, making everything easier to understand. We’ll cover the major components of both the internal and external assessments, along with useful advice for writing a Biology Extended Essay if you choose to do your EE in biology.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Biology Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Syllabus –&nbsp;IB Biology helps students understand the complex systems and processes that define living organisms. The course encourages students to explore biological concepts and apply them through practical lab work. Students study topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, human physiology, and molecular biology. For a full overview of the IB Biology syllabus and a breakdown of the topics in each unit, check out <a href="/blog/ib-biology-syllabus-topics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Textbooks – To succeed in IB Biology, students need a thorough understanding of the course concepts. A good textbook is essential to improving your understanding of IB Biology, as it can clearly explain biology theory and provide practice questions to help you develop your skills. Our recommended list of IB textbooks can be found <a href="/blog/best-ib-biology-textbooks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Grade boundaries &nbsp;– Although the IB Biology grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-biology-grade-boundaries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>General difficulty – IB Biology is considered a mildly challenging science course, as it is easier than both IB Physics and IB Chemistry. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB Biology is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-biology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Biology, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-biology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assessment overview –&nbsp;The IB Biology course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the section below. For a summary of the IB Biology <a href="/blog/ib-biology-exam-assessment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">assessment</a> and the IB Biology <a href="/blog/ib-biology-paper-weighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paper weighting</a>, click the links in blue.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Paper 1 – This paper is split into 2 parts. Part A consists of multiple-choice questions, while Part B is data-based with 4 questions targeting all syllabus themes. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-biology-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 2 –&nbsp;This paper consists of data-based, short-answer and extended response questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-biology-paper-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Define", "Outline", "Comment", and "Predict" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-biology-command-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.&nbsp;</li><li>Formula booklet – While there is no official IB Biology formula booklet, we have compiled a list of formulas that could be useful when doing past papers or studying for the exam. You can access our suggested IB Biology formula booklet <a href="/blog/ib-biology-formula-booklet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Study tips – When studying for exams, you should make use of flashcards, practice past papers, and diagrams. To read some of our top tips on how to study for IB Biology exams, read this post <a href="/blog/how-to-study-for-ib-biology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Biology IA allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. A Biology IA involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. Many topics can be explored in the Biology IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/biology-ia-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. If you need some help getting started, check out <a href="/blog/how-to-start-writing-the-biology-ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a> on how to start the Biology IA.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The Biology IA is scored against 4 main criteria, such as research design, data analysis, conclusion, and evaluation. For a detailed list of the IB Biology IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/biology-ia-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format and word count – Biology IAs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, <a href="/blog/ib-biology-ia-conclusion" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">conclusion</a>, and <a href="/blog/ib-biology-ia-evaluation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">evaluation</a>, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Biology IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/biology-ia-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>. The Biology IA should be a maximum of 3000 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/biology-ia-word-count-and-page-limit-2025-updated" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Mistakes – Common errors such as incomplete background information, poor data analysis, or limited conclusions can prevent you from getting full marks. Check out our guide to the <a href="/blog/top-10-mistakes-in-biology-ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top 10 mistakes</a> students make in the Biology IA so you can avoid making the same errors in your IA.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The EE is a 4000-word investigation that allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. Most often, a Biology EE involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. There is a wide variety of topics you can choose to investigate for your Biology EE. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/biology-ee-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, presentation and engagement. For a detailed list of the IB Biology EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/biology-ee-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Biology EEs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, evaluation, and conclusion, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Biology EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/biology-ee-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Science Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Physics –&nbsp;IB Biology is considered more memorization-based and much less math-heavy than IB Physics. IB Biology is often considered one of the easiest sciences, while IB Physics is one of the most difficult. IB Biology focuses more on wet labs, while the labs in IB Physics can be more practical (e.g. ball rolling down a ramp, dropping a parachute, etc.). For a detailed overview of IB Physics and IB Biology, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-physics-vs-ib-biology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Chemistry – IB Biology is considered more memorization-based and less math-heavy than IB Chemistry. IB Biology is often considered one of the easier sciences, while IB Chemistry is moderately challenging. Both subjects place a strong emphasis on laboratory skills. For a detailed overview of IB Biology and IB Chemistry, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-biology-vs-ib-chemistry-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Biology. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_o_e06933ce-c82a-4ed3-a339-e3d3fd233256_0.png

hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_o_e06933ce-c82a-4ed3-a339-e3d3fd233256_0.png

A detailed guide to IB Biology. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Biology, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Biology Guide

Chemistry

The IB Chemistry course can seem overwhelming if you are unsure what it comprises. This post is here to provide you with a detailed IB Chemistry guide to help you navigate your way through the course. In this post, we'll discuss key elements of both internal and external assessments of the IB Chemistry course, as well as tips for the Extended Essay, should you choose to complete your EE in Chemistry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Chemistry Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Syllabus –&nbsp;IB Chemistry is designed to help students understand the principles that govern chemical reactions. The course blends theory with practical investigation, encouraging students to learn chemical concepts and apply them in a laboratory setting. Throughout the course, students explore topics such as atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, and organic chemistry, while also developing essential skills in data analysis, evaluation, and scientific communication. For a full overview of the IB Chemistry syllabus and the topics covered in each section, check out <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-syllabus-topics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Textbooks – To succeed in IB Chemistry, students need a thorough understanding of the course concepts. A good textbook is essential to improving your understanding of IB Chemistry, as it can clearly explain chemistry theory and provide practice questions to help you develop your skills. Our recommended list of IB textbooks can be found <a href="/blog/best-ib-chemistry-textbooks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Grade boundaries &nbsp;– Although the IB Chemistry grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-grade-boundaries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>General difficulty – IB Chemistry is considered a moderately challenging science course, as it is easier than IB Physics but more difficult than IB Biology. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB Chemistry is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-chemistry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Chemistry, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-chemistry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assessment overview –&nbsp;The IB Chemistry course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the section below. For a summary of the IB Chemistry <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-exam-assessment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">assessment</a> and the IB Chemistry <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-paper-weighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paper weighting</a>, click the links in blue.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Paper 1 – This paper is split into 2 parts. Part A consists of multiple-choice questions, while Part B consists of data-based and experimental questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 2 –&nbsp;This paper consists of short-answer and extended response questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-paper-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Analyze", "Discuss", "Calculate", and "Explain" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-command-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Chemistry IA allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. A Chemistry IA involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. Many topics can be explored in the Chemistry IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/chemistry-ia-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. If you need some help getting started, check out <a href="/blog/how-to-start-writing-chemistry-ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a> on how to start the Chemistry IA.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The Chemistry IA is scored against 4 main criteria, such as research design, data analysis, conclusion, and evaluation. For a detailed list of the IB Chemistry IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/chemistry-ia-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format and word count – Chemistry IAs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-ia-conclusion" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">conclusion</a>, and <a href="/blog/ib-chemistry-ia-evaluation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">evaluation</a>, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Chemistry IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/chemistry-ia-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>. The Chemistry IA should be a maximum of 3000 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/chemistry-ia-word-count-and-page-limit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Mistakes – Common errors such as incomplete background information, poor data analysis, or limited conclusions can prevent you from getting full marks. Check out our guide to the <a href="/blog/top-10-mistakes-in-chemistry-ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top 10 mistakes</a> students make in the Chemistry IA so you can avoid making the same errors in your IA.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The EE is a 4000-word investigation that allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. Most often, a Chemistry EE involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. There is a wide variety of topics you can choose to investigate for your Chemistry EE. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/chemistry-ee-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, presentation and engagement. For a detailed list of the IB Chemistry EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/chemistry-ee-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Chemistry EEs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, evaluation, and conclusion, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Chemistry EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/chemistry-ee-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Science Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Physics –&nbsp;IB Physics and Chemistry are two of the more math-heavy sciences. However, the math in IB Chemistry is simpler to understand than that in IB Physics. IB Chemistry is more application-based, while IB Physics is more theoretical. For a detailed overview of IB Physics and IB Chemistry, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-physics-vs-ib-chemistry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Biology – IB Biology is considered more memorization-based and less math-heavy than IB Chemistry. IB Biology is often considered one of the easier sciences, while IB Chemistry is moderately challenging. Both subjects place a strong emphasis on laboratory skills. For a detailed overview of IB Biology and IB Chemistry, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-biology-vs-ib-chemistry-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Chemistry. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_b509ca40-7664-4c26-80d7-e4096e77d138_3.png

hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_b509ca40-7664-4c26-80d7-e4096e77d138_3.png

A detailed guide to IB Chemistry. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Chemistry, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Chemistry Guide

Economics

Are you looking for more details about the IB Economics course? This guide breaks down the syllabus, assessments, and key skills you need to succeed, helping you confidently navigate the course and make informed decisions to ensure success in IB Economics.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Economics Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Syllabus –&nbsp;IB Economics is designed to help students understand how individuals, firms, and governments make choices in a world of scarce resources. The course combines economic theory with real-world examples and contemporary issues, encouraging students to apply economic models to practical situations. Students explore topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, and development economics, while developing skills in analysis, evaluation, data interpretation, and the use of economic terminology to construct well-reasoned arguments. For a full overview of the IB Economics syllabus and the topics covered in each section, check out <a href="/blog/ib-economics-syllabus-topics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Grade boundaries &nbsp;– Although the IB Economics grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-economics-grade-boundaries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Economics, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assessment overview –&nbsp;The IB Economics course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the sections below. For a summary of the IB Economics <a href="/blog/ib-economics-paper-weighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paper weighting</a>, click the link in blue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Key concepts – There are 9 key concepts in IB Economics, including scarcity, choice, efficiency, equity, economic well-being, sustainability, change, interdependence, and intervention. These key concepts are embodied throughout the course, including in the internal and external assessments. For more details and examples of each key concept, check out <a href="/blog/ib-economics-key-concepts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>General difficulty – IB Economics is considered a moderately challenging Group 3 subject, as it requires an in-depth understanding of complex economic theories and concepts, relative to other easier Group 3 subjects such as IB Business and Management or IB Geography. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB Economics is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Paper 1 – This is an extended response paper based on all syllabus units. Each question is made up of two parts. In Part A, students must explain a concept, while in Part B, they must evaluate the given concept using real-world examples. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-economics-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 2 –&nbsp;This is a data response paper based on all syllabus units. Students must answer around 8 short questions and 1 extended-response question. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-economics-paper-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 3 – This paper is only completed by HL students and is based on quantitative skills. Students must apply economic theory through calculations and data analysis. Paper 3 focuses on problem-solving questions, primarily from microeconomics and macroeconomics, requiring accurate use of formulas, logical working, and clear interpretation of results. More information about the structure, time limit, and weighting of Paper 3 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-economics-paper-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Construct", "Describe", "Draw", and "Explain" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-economics-command-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.&nbsp;</li><li>Real-world examples – Click the links in blue to explore some real-world examples for each syllabus unit within <a href="/blog/ib-economics-real-world-examples-microeconomics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">microeconomics</a>, <a href="/blog/ib-economics-real-world-examples-macroeconomics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">macroeconomics</a>, and <a href="/blog/ib-economics-real-world-examples-the-global-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the global economy</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Economics IA involves analyzing news articles using relevant economic theories and concepts. A wide range of topics can be explored, including market behaviour, government intervention, global trade, and development. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/economics-ia-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Choosing an article –&nbsp;Students must complete 3 commentaries as part of the IB Economics portfolio. Each commentary must be based on a separate syllabus topic (microeconomics, macroeconomics, the global economy) and key concept. To learn more about what articles are suitable for the Economics IA, click <a href="/blog/economics-ia-articles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. For help with choosing articles for your Economics IA, read <a href="/blog/how-to-choose-an-economics-ia-article" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The Economics IA is scored against 6 main criteria. For a detailed list of the IB Economics IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/economics-ia-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format and word count – Economics IAs should include sections such as a cover page, article, and main commentary. For a full guide to the format and structure of an Economics IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/economics-ia-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>. Each Economics commentary should be a maximum of 800 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/economics-ia-word-count-and-page-limit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent investigation that allows you to explore a focused research question in depth. &nbsp;In IB Economics, the EE typically involves an in-depth analysis of a real-world economic issue using economic theories, models, and supporting data. For a detailed list of Economics EE topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/economics-ee-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, presentation and engagement. For a detailed list of the IB Economics EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/economics-ee-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Economics EEs should include sections such as an introduction, research question, methodology, analysis, conclusion and evaluation, and bibliography. For a full guide to the format and structure of an Economics EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/economics-ee-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Business and Management –&nbsp;IB Business and Economics are two quite popular Group 3 IB subjects. However, the theory and calculations in IB Economics are more complex than those in IB Business. IB Business is more application-based and has more case studies, while IB Economics is more focused on theory. For a detailed overview of IB Business and IB Economics, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-vs-economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Economics. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

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hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_of_a_mountain_with_a__8f18154b-3e65-4e3f-ac81-dc9ff3f5c245_0 (1).png

A detailed guide to IB Economics. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Economics, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Economics Guide

Business and Management

The IB Business and Management course can feel complex without a clear roadmap. This guide breaks down the syllabus, assessments, and key skills you need to succeed, helping you confidently navigate the course and make informed decisions to ensure success in IB Business and Management.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Business and Management Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Syllabus –&nbsp;IB Business and Management is designed to help students understand how businesses operate in a dynamic global environment. The course blends theory with real-world case studies, encouraging students to apply business concepts in practical contexts. Students explore topics such as organization and strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, while developing skills in analysis, evaluation, decision-making, and effective business communication. For a full overview of the IB Business syllabus and the topics covered in each section, check out <a href="/blog/ib-business-and-management-syllabus-topics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Textbooks – To succeed in IB Business and Management, students need a thorough understanding of the course concepts. A good textbook is essential to improving your understanding of IB Business, as it can clearly explain the theory and provide practice questions to help you develop your skills. Our recommended list of IB textbooks can be found <a href="/blog/best-ib-business-management-textbooks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Grade boundaries &nbsp;– Although the IB Business and Management grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-grade-boundaries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Business and Management, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-business-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assessment overview –&nbsp;The IB Business and Management course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the sections below. For a summary of the IB Business and Management <a href="/blog/ib-business-and-management-exam-assessment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">assessment</a> and the IB Business and Management <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-paper-weighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paper weighting</a>, click the links in blue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Key concepts – There are 4 key concepts in IB Business and Management, including change, creativity, ethics, and sustainability. These key concepts are embodied throughout the course, including in the internal and external assessments. For more details and examples of each key concept, check out <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-key-concepts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Paper 1 – This paper is based on a pre-released statement that specifies the context and background for an unseen case study. Students must apply business theories, tools, and models to answer the case study questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 2 –&nbsp;This paper is more focused on quantitative questions and is split into two parts. Part A requires medium-length answers, while Part B requires longer and more detailed answers. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-paper-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 3 – This paper is only completed by HL students and is based on an unseen stimulus about a social enterprise. Students must describe a human need, challenges faced by a business trying to meet this need, and recommendations for a plan of action for the business to overcome these challenges. More information about the structure, time limit, and weighting of Paper 3 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-paper-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Comment", "Identify", "Justify", and "Explain" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-business-and-management-command-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.&nbsp;</li><li>Formula sheet – A formula sheet will be provided to you during your IB exams, which is especially important for Paper 2 since it is a quantitative paper. Our annotated formula booklet can be viewed and downloaded <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-formula-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>. We have provided some notes on common mistakes and key things to remember when using each formula.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Study tips – When studying for exams, you should effectively manage your time, practice past papers, and understand the requirements outlined in the past paper mark schemes. To read some of our top tips on how to study for IB Business and Management exams, read this post <a href="/blog/how-to-study-for-ib-business-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Business and Management IA allows you to investigate a focused research question based on a real business issue. The Business IA involves analysing an organisation using business tools, concepts, and supporting data. A wide range of topics can be explored in the Business IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/business-management-ia-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The Business IA is scored against 7 main criteria. For a detailed list of the IB Business IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/business-and-management-ia-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format and word count – Business IAs should include sections such as an introduction, analysis, conclusion, and supporting documents, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Business and Management IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/business-management-ia-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>. The Business IA should be a maximum of 1800 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/business-and-management-ia-word-count-and-page-limit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent investigation that allows you to explore a focused research question in depth. In IB Business, the EE typically involves analysing a real organisation using business tools, concepts, and data. There is a wide range of possible research topics you can investigate, from marketing strategies to financial performance and operations. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/business-and-management-ee-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, presentation and engagement. For a detailed list of the IB Business and Management EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/business-and-management-ee-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Business EEs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, methodology, analysis, conclusion and evaluation. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Business EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/business-and-management-ee-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Economics –&nbsp;IB Business and Economics are two quite popular Group 3 IB subjects. However, the theory and calculations in IB Business are simpler to understand than those in IB Economics. IB Business is more application-based and has more case studies, while IB Economics is more focused on theory. For a detailed overview of IB Business and IB Economics, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-business-management-vs-economics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Business and Management. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

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A detailed guide to IB Business and Management. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Business and Management, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Business and Management Guide

Physics

The IB Physics course can feel intimidating when you’re not entirely sure what it includes. This guide is designed to walk you through the course in a clear and approachable way. We’ll break down the major components of both the internal and external assessments, and also share helpful advice for tackling a Physics Extended Essay if you decide to pursue one.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Physics Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Syllabus –&nbsp;IB Physics helps students understand the fundamental laws that govern the physical world. The course connects theoretical concepts with hands-on experimentation, encouraging students to apply physics principles in practical settings. Students learn about topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, thermal physics, and modern physics, while also strengthening key skills in data analysis and scientific communication. For a full overview of the IB Physics syllabus and a breakdown of the topics in each unit, check out <a href="/blog/ib-physics-syllabus-topics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li>Textbooks – To ensure success in IB Physics, students need to have a thorough understanding of course concepts. A good textbook is essential to improving your understanding of IB Physics, as it can clearly explain physics theory and provide practice questions to help you develop your skills. Our recommended list of IB textbooks can be found <a href="/blog/best-ib-physics-textbooks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Grade boundaries &nbsp;– Although the IB Physics grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-physics-grade-boundaries" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>General difficulty – IB Physics is considered one of the most challenging science courses, as the theory and calculations are more complicated to grasp than those in IB Chemistry or IB Biology. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB Physics is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-physics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Physics, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-physics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Assessment overview –&nbsp;The IB Physics course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the section below. For a summary of the IB Physics assessment and the IB Physics <a href="/blog/ib-physics-paper-weighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">paper weighting</a>, click the link in blue.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Paper 1 – This paper is split into 2 parts. Part A consists of multiple-choice questions, while Part B consists of data-based questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-physics-paper-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Paper 2 –&nbsp;This paper consists of short-answer and extended response questions. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-physics-paper-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Analyze", "Describe", "Calculate", and "Evaluate" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-physics-command-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.&nbsp;</li><li>Study tips – When studying for exams, you should effectively manage your time, practice past papers, and understand the requirements outlined in the past paper mark schemes. To read some of our top tips on how to study for IB Physics exams, read this post <a href="/blog/how-to-study-for-ib-physics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The Physics IA allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. A Physics IA involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. Many topics can be explored in the Physics IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/physics-ia-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The Physics IA is scored against 4 main criteria, such as research design, data analysis, conclusion, and evaluation. For a detailed list of the IB Physics IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/physics-ia-criteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format and word count – Physics IAs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, <a href="/blog/ib-physics-ia-conclusion" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">conclusion</a>, and <a href="/blog/ib-physics-ia-evaluation" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">evaluation</a>, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Physics IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/physics-ia-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>. The Physics IA should be a maximum of 3000 words. For a guide on how many words each section should approximately be, read this post <a href="/blog/physics-ia-word-count-and-page-limit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Mistakes – Common errors such as incomplete background information, poor data analysis, or limited conclusions can prevent you from getting full marks. Check out our guide to the <a href="/blog/top-10-mistakes-in-physics-ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top 10 mistakes</a> students make in the Physics IA so you can avoid making the same errors in your work.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Topic ideas – The EE is a 4000-word investigation that allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. Most often, a Physics EE involves conducting your own experiments and writing a formal lab report. There is a wide variety of topics you can choose to investigate for your Physics EE. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/physics-ee-topic-ideas-examples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, presentation and engagement. For a detailed list of the IB Physics EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/physics-ee-criteria-and-checklist" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Physics EEs should include sections such as an introduction, background information, results, evaluation, and conclusion, etc. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Physics EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/physics-ee-format-and-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Science Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Chemistry –&nbsp;IB Physics and Chemistry are two of the more math-heavy sciences. However, the math in IB Physics is more difficult to understand than that in IB Chemistry. IB Chemistry is more application-based, while IB Physics is more theoretical. For a detailed overview of IB Physics and IB Chemistry, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-physics-vs-ib-chemistry" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Biology – IB Biology is considered more memorization-based and much less math-heavy than IB Physics. IB Biology is often considered one of the easiest sciences, while IB Physics is one of the most difficult. IB Biology focuses more on wet labs, while the labs in IB Physics can be more practical (e.g. ball rolling down a ramp, dropping a parachute, etc.). For a detailed overview of IB Physics and IB Biology, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-physics-vs-ib-biology" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Physics. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

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A detailed guide to IB Physics. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Physics, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Physics Guide

History

The IB History course can seem overwhelming if you are unsure of what it comprises. This post is here to provide you with a detailed IB History guide to help you navigate your way through the course. In this post, we'll discuss key elements of both internal and external assessments of the IB History course, as well as tips for the Extended Essay, should you choose to complete your EE in History.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB History Guide</h2><h2 style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview</h3><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><ul><li data-list-item-id="e91279c931b1620f16d12a6edb30b5252">Syllabus – IB History is designed to help students understand the past through a comparative and multi-perspective approach. The course blends factual knowledge with historical evaluation, encouraging students to analyze historical events and apply critical thinking skills to socio-political contexts. Throughout the course, students explore prescribed subjects such as military conflicts, the rise of authoritarian states, wars, and regional history options, while also developing essential skills in source analysis, historical synthesis, and structured essay writing. For a full overview of the IB History syllabus and the topics covered in each section, check out <a href="/blog/ib-history-syllabus-topics">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e920da79c4728cca8cb8e7797f9f3caa3">Grade boundaries – Although the IB History grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-history-grade-boundaries">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e66444b8931f6883f2e01dc6cfc403ac4">Key concepts – The IB History course is centred on six fundamental concepts of causation, consequence, change, continuity, significance, and perspectives. These key concepts provide an analytical framework for exploring historical content and evaluating diverse case studies across varied temporal and regional contexts. To learn more about the IB History key concepts, click <a href="/blog/ib-history-key-concepts">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="edcf9021630bb74e8338d03373d99aef6">Options – The IB History syllabus teaches about diverse regional pathways through its structural options. All students cover one source-based Prescribed Subject for Paper 1 and two World History Topics for Paper 2, exploring global themes like authoritarian states or 20th-century wars. Higher Level (HL) students take an additional regional option for Paper 3, which requires a deep dive into the history of a specific geographic area, such as Europe or the Americas. To learn more about the IB History options, check out <a href="/blog/ib-history-options">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e075be96eafeeed10d52676ac8fbc7c8e">General difficulty – IB History is considered a challenging individuals and societies course, as it requires a large volume of content memorization and stong essay writing skills compared to other Group 3 subjects. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB History is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-history">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="ed2237ef378a130f21a42ec5c4bc635a8">Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB History, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-history">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="ef557de8cf9c7c5577fe927a0fceab8c9">Assessment overview – The IB History course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the section below. For a summary of the IB History <a href="/blog/ib-history-exam-assessment">assessment</a> and the IB History <a href="/blog/ib-history-paper-weighting">paper weighting</a>, click the links in blue.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="efaf3404cd9f92d2c0104e48c66954de9">Paper 1 – This paper is a source-based exam focusing on a specific prescribed historical subject. It consists of four source-based questions that require students to evaluate primary and secondary sources for historical validity, utility, and perspective. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-history-paper-1">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e51c048cb2666d66f6626c8a8cd457c7b">Paper 2 – This paper consists of essay questions based on world history topics, such as authoritarian states or causes and effects of 20th-century wars. Students must write two analytical essays chosen from different topics. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-history-paper-2">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e1e2a3f2bf0c466ab83867c6176fd0dc6">Paper 3 – This paper is a Higher Level (HL) exclusive study focusing on one specific geographic region selected by your school. It consists of a two-hour exam where students must write two analytical essays chosen from a wide variety of regional sections and historical periods. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and essay rubric requirements for Paper 3 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-history-paper-3">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e0ba578ff1614968e761da6109da2f653">Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Evaluate", "Discuss", "To what extent", and "Compare and contrast" all have different meanings and require you to structure your historical arguments in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-history-command-terms">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e9d5ff172347ab30759ef1366bcfff2d5">Topic ideas – The History IA allows you to explore a specific historical research question in depth. A History IA involves a three-part historical investigation, including a critical source evaluation, a formal historical analysis, and a structural reflection. Many topics can be explored in the History IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/history-ia-topic-ideas-examples">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e2f624cb239d312093ff678e0ae97441a">Criteria – The History IA is scored against 3 main criteria, such as source evaluation, historical investigation, and critical reflection. For a detailed list of the IB History IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/history-ia-criteria">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e1bbc74a13002f06b09cdf284d23673bb">Format and word count – History IAs should include sections such as an evaluation of sources, a structured historical investigation, and a personal reflection on the methods used by historians. For a full guide to the format and structure of a History IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/history-ia-format-and-structure">this guide</a>. The History IA should be a maximum of 2200 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/history-ia-word-count-and-page-limit">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="ea3e5436e8e8e31fdbc971f135b483985">Topic ideas – The EE is a 4000-word investigation that allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. Most often, a History EE involves a deep dive into secondary literature and archival documents to construct a complex historical thesis. There is a wide variety of topics you can choose to investigate for your History EE. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/history-ee-topic-ideas-examples-1">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="eb7b560283131fae173792175e569edaf">Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as the framework for the essay, analysis, and evaluation. For a detailed list of the IB History EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/history-ee-criteria">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ebbdf11db9d190b626589fbeb97401708">Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. History EEs should include sections such as an introduction, localized historical context, thematic or chronological body arguments, historiographical evaluations, and a conclusion. For a full guide to the format and structure of a History EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/history-ee-format-and-structure">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Individuals &amp; Societies Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e97ea058a08bbc978ac364f27d2535de8">Economics – IB Economics and History are two of the more analytical subjects in Group 3. However, the analysis in IB History focuses on qualitative socio-political evaluation and source bias rather than quantitative market models. IB History is heavily text-based and narrative-driven, while IB Economics relies on diagrams and structural calculations. For a detailed overview of IB Economics and IB History, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-history-vs-ib-economics">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e1b637a7ad48b53da026eef40ad63d0a3">Psychology – IB Psychology is considered more empirical and scientifically experimental compared to IB History, which relies on narrative synthesis and historical data tracking. IB History is often considered to have a broader chronological memory load, while IB Psychology is more structured around evaluating specific research methodologies and biological or cognitive frameworks. Both subjects place a strong emphasis on evidence evaluation. For a detailed overview of IB Psychology and IB History, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-vs-ib-history">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB History. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_d6892d4c-1d17-45eb-91bd-f11cdd356f61_1.png

hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_d6892d4c-1d17-45eb-91bd-f11cdd356f61_1.png

A detailed guide to IB History. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB History, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB History Guide

Psychology

The IB Psychology course can seem overwhelming if you are unsure what it contains. This post is here to provide you with a detailed IB Psychology guide to help you navigate your way through the course. In this post, we'll discuss key elements of both internal and external assessments of the IB Psychology course, as well as tips for the Extended Essay, should you choose to complete your EE in Psychology.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB Psychology Guide</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">General Overview</h3><h3 style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;</h3><ul><li data-list-item-id="e01f9b3ad6b874d962c605e621f46b3f7">Syllabus – IB Psychology is designed to help students understand the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors influencing human behaviour. The course blends theory with research, encouraging students to learn psychological concepts and apply them to real-world contexts such as health and well-being, human development, human relationships, and learning and cognition. This integrated approach aims to develop psychological literacy and critical thinking skills. For a full overview of the IB Psychology syllabus and the topics covered in each section, check out <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-syllabus-topics">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e9148f8cce043a59164965f72e889bdea">Key concepts – The IB Psychology course is centred on six fundamental concepts: bias, causality, change, measurement, perspective, and responsibility. These key concepts provide a framework for exploring psychological content and research across varied real-world contexts. To learn more about the IB Psychology key concepts, click <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-key-concepts">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e0cf5f9ab9beccceac2205cd0918b1106">Contexts – In IB Psychology, students explore four major contexts: health and well-being, covering holistic mental and physical health; human development, studying behaviour changes across the lifespan; human relationships, investigating social influences and group dynamics; and learning and cognition, examining how humans acquire knowledge. For a more detailed look at the IB Psychology contexts, check out <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-contexts">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e1fa985fa6243d95ef6537ead02774080">Grade boundaries – Although the IB Psychology grade boundaries change from session to session, it is important that you are familiar with what the approximate range of values can be. This can help you, especially when practicing past papers, as it can show you what grade category you fall into depending on the number of marks you obtain. The latest IB grade boundaries can be found <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-grade-boundaries">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e55e67b923f87ea89a9c001f124137ce1">General difficulty – IB Psychology is considered a moderately challenging individuals and societies course, as it requires less pure data manipulation than Economics but carries a heavier reading and essay-writing load than Business Management. For a more in-depth view into how hard IB Psychology is, check out <a href="/blog/how-hard-is-ib-psychology">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ee0447334f982fb6d5f9ee5aa20cb215d">Getting the maximum score – The ultimate goal of any IB student is to get the highest score possible. To ensure your success in IB Psychology, we have compiled some tips to help you get a 7. You can read our suggestions in <a href="/blog/how-to-get-a-7-in-ib-psychology">this post</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="ed7377ed73247990a0b400965bc285307">Assessment overview – The IB Psychology course consists of both external exams and internal assessments, which will be outlined in more depth in the section below. For a summary of the IB Psychology paper weighting, click <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-paper-weighting">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">External Assessments - Exams</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e2c0799026dd0f24acbbdcf2b108463aa">Paper 1 – This 90-minute exam integrates concepts, content, and contexts. Section A features compulsory short-answer questions on the core approaches. Section B requires applying content to unseen situations within specific contexts. Finally, Section C asks students to write one concept-based extended response. It accounts for 35% of the total grade at SL and 25% at HL. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 1 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-paper-1">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e902e537d6198d7adc3b35ed807f24cf7">Paper 2 – Also lasting 90 minutes, Paper 2 focuses on applying psychology to research contexts. Section A contains four compulsory questions specifically about the class practicals that students conducted during the course. Section B tasks students with evaluating an unseen research study using designated concepts. This paper carries a 35% weighting for SL and 25% for HL. More information about the structure, time limit, weighting, and differences between SL and HL for Paper 2 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-paper-2">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e053f06a942d5618130c6c95d2b63beaa">Paper 3 - This 1-hour and 45-minute paper is dedicated to the HL extensions: culture, motivation, and technology. Students are provided with a resource booklet containing quantitative and qualitative findings from several sources. They must answer four source-based questions that test their ability to interpret graphs, analyze data, discuss research considerations like credibility or bias, and synthesize information to evaluate a claim. More information about the structure, time limit, and weighting for Paper 3 can be found <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-paper-3">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="efcfb61e0c3b8ddd5068a62de67bad89c">Command terms – To succeed in the exams, you must understand what each question type is asking you to do. Command terms such as "Evaluate", "Discuss", "To what extent", and "Explain" all have different meanings and require you to structure your answer in a certain way. Browse through our <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-command-terms">list of command terms</a> to understand what each one means.</li></ul>&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Internal Assessment (IA)</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="e5a5bb3186f715a0a12fe021801234a05">Topic ideas – The Psychology IA allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. The IA is a written report where students design a hypothetical research proposal to investigate a population of interest. Unlike previous syllabi, students do not actually conduct the experiment. Instead, they must justify their methodological choices, such as using an experiment, interview, observation, or survey to address a real-life problem. It is worth 30% for SL and 20% for HL. Many topics can be explored in the Psychology IA. For a detailed list of topic ideas and examples, read our post <a href="/blog/psychology-ia-topic-ideas-examples">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="eb189c89b68c22a168414dfc41b7cd794">Criteria – The Psychology IA is scored against 4 main criteria, such as introduction, research methodology, data collection, and discussion. For a detailed list of the IB Psychology IA criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of a 7, check out our guide <a href="/blog/psychology-ia-criteria">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="eb5ed2fd164e08de3fbc3e1469e628c39">Format and word count – Psychology IAs should include sections such as an introduction, exploration, analysis, and evaluation. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Psychology IA, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/psychology-ia-format-and-structure">this guide</a>. The Psychology IA should be a maximum of 2200 words. For a guide on how many words each section should be, read this post <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-ia-word-count">here</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Extended Essay (EE)</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="efe891a926e7a082822c33ae8caa6bbbd">Topic ideas – The EE is a 4000-word investigation that allows you to explore a certain research question in depth. Most often, a Psychology EE involves conducting a literature-based review using secondary sources to analyze a specific human behaviour. There is a wide variety of topics you can choose to investigate for your Psychology EE. For a detailed list of topic ideas and associated examples, read our post <a href="/blog/psychology-ee-topic-ideas-examples">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e7642eded7a2a868ebeee4b7eef337482">Criteria – The EE is scored against 5 criteria that target different aspects of your investigation, such as critical thinking, analysis and evaluation. For a detailed list of the IB Psychology EE criteria and a checklist of what to include to maximize your chances of an A in the EE, check out our guide <a href="/blog/psychology-ee-criteria-and-checklist">here</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e8c525bc3e3c38d11f32fdceb18f5be94">Format – A well-presented EE can drastically improve your score. Psychology EEs should include sections such as an introduction, methodology, analysis, evaluation, and conclusion. For a full guide to the format and structure of a Psychology EE, including what each section should contain, see <a href="/blog/psychology-ee-format-and-structure">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="text-align:justify;">Comparison to Other Individuals &amp; Societies Subjects</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li data-list-item-id="ef95621e0932979b176ab9cad7db382a4">Economics – IB Economics and Psychology are two of the more analytical subjects in Group 3. However, the analysis in IB Psychology focuses on human behaviour and study evaluation rather than market models. IB Psychology is more essay-heavy, while IB Economics relies more on diagrams and quantitative data. For a detailed overview of IB Economics and IB Psychology, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-vs-ib-economics">this guide</a>.&nbsp;</li><li data-list-item-id="e73dabdb161aaecd5082e1fc0556eb3e4">History – IB History is considered more factual and memorisation-based compared to IB Psychology, which relies on scientific studies and evaluation. IB History is often considered to have a heavier writing volume, while IB Psychology is more structured around specific scientific criteria. Both subjects place a strong emphasis on source evaluation. For a detailed overview of IB History and IB Psychology, including a comparison of course content, who should take these courses, and applicable university majors, read <a href="/blog/ib-psychology-vs-ib-history">this guide</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this post has helped you learn more about IB Psychology. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

thumbnail_hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_d0f79184-0561-4417-a193-51dd6ac21863_1.png

hq_76488_A_minimalist_hand-drawn_doodle_sketch_illustration_c_d0f79184-0561-4417-a193-51dd6ac21863_1.png

A detailed guide to IB Psychology. Read this post to learn more about the different aspects of IB Psychology, such as exam papers, internal assessments, and extended essays. 

IB Psychology Guide

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