IB Geography SL
IB Geography SL explores geographic themes and global interactions — populations, resources, and development — combining physical and human geography with fieldwork.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
49%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May & November, annually
Papers 1–2 + Internal Assessment
1–7 scale (IB)
4 = passing | 6–7 = excellent
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Geographic Themes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 option topics | 35% |
| Paper 2 — Global Change | 1 hour 15 minutes | Structured + essay | 40% |
| Internal Assessment (Fieldwork) | Coursework (2,500 words) | 1 fieldwork report | 25% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
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 Themes (options), giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of Population Distribution, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Global Climate & Change 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 SL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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