IB Geography HL
The Higher Level of IB Geography. Explores geographic themes and global interactions — populations, resources, power, and development — combining physical and human geography with fieldwork and an HL global-interactions extension.
Difficulty
Very Hard
Popularity
52%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May & November, annually
4 hours 30 minutes
1–7 scale (IB)
4 = passing | 6–7 = excellent
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 – 1¼ hours | Source / stimulus analysis | 20% |
| Paper 2 | 1½ – 2¼ hours | Structured essays | 25% |
| Paper 3 (HL only) | ~2½ hours | Extended essay / HL extension | 30% |
| Internal Assessment | Coursework | Individual investigation / project | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Elite
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Organize your knowledge by themes (politics, economy, society, foreign policy), not just chronology.
- 2
Every claim needs specific evidence — names, dates, statistics, events. Vague generalizations score poorly.
- 3
Practice planning an essay in 5 minutes: thesis, three arguments, counter-argument, conclusion.
- 4
Past papers with mark schemes are the single best IB revision resource — learn exactly how marks are allocated.
- 5
Do not neglect your Internal Assessment: it is a significant chunk of your grade that you control before exam day.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of Geographic Skills & Fieldwork, giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of Population & Migration, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Climate & Resources was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
- ✕
Narrating events chronologically instead of building an argument that answers the question.
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IB Geography HL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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