IB Philosophy SL
IB Philosophy SL examines what it means to be human alongside an optional theme, developing philosophical analysis, argumentation, and the skill of "doing philosophy" on unseen stimuli.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
46%
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 — Core & Stimulus | 1 hour 45 minutes | Stimulus-based essays | 50% |
| Paper 2 — Prescribed Text | 1 hour | 1 text-based essay | 25% |
| Internal Assessment | Coursework (2,000 words) | Philosophical analysis of non-philosophical material | 25% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Define every key term precisely — many exam marks come from accurate use of subject terminology.
- 2
Apply concepts to real-world scenarios; application questions dominate modern exams.
- 3
Work through past papers under timed conditions — familiarity with question style is half the battle.
- 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
Define the key terms associated with Being Human (core) and explain why they matter in this subject.
Apply the concept of Ethics (option) to a realistic scenario, explaining your reasoning step by step.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Philosophy of Religion, using evidence to support a clear, balanced conclusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Memorizing definitions without practicing application to scenarios.
- ✕
Ignoring the marks allocated per question — a 2-mark answer doesn't need a paragraph.
- ✕
Never practicing under timed conditions before the real exam.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IB Philosophy SL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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