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Geography Extended Essay: Definition, Rubric, And Topics for IB

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by  Antony W

July 18, 2022

how to write an ib geography essay

The IB program requires you to write a 4,000-word extended essay on any subject of your choice. So if you’ve picked Geography as your focus area, you’ll find this guide incredibly helpful.

This guide to Geography extended essay covers the following:

  • Choice of topic
  • Treatment of your selected topic and
  • The assessment criteria

What’s Geography Extended Essay? 

An extended essay in Geography provide students the opportunity to employ a wide variety of abilities and develops an original and in-depth geographic investigation. Spatial focus as well as the application of geographical theories characterize the length of this assignment.

Choosing a Geography Extended Essay Topic

One thing you have to get right before you start writing an extended essay in Geography is topic selection.

1. Pick a Narrow, Focused Topic

The topic you choose should have a geographical focus because you’ll have to ensure the research topic guides you down a route that uses acceptable geographical materials and fosters the application of pertinent geographical concepts, theories, or ideas.  

To be abundantly clear, the topic you choose should not be excessively broad because essays written on broad topics are rarely successful.

Make your topic narrowly targeted to promote in-depth investigation as opposed to a broad one. Additionally, it is essential that you establish the geographical background of the essay early on.

2. Base Your Topic on Local Research

Investigations conducted on a local basis often receive the best grades. This restricted emphasis discourages an excessive dependence on existing information and promotes original research.

Extended essays written on topics known and accessible to the student have a larger probability of success due to the student’s stronger personal connection, which stimulates more in-depth research.

3. Choose a Topic that Encourages Original Research

The cornerstone of a successful geography extended essay is a robust technique that includes the collecting of high-quality facts.

Good data allows the IB learner to conduct the sort of in-depth examination that distinguishes the finest works. It’s unlikely that an essay relying solely on published textbooks will receive a high grade.

How to Treat Your Geography EE Topic

You don’t want to view a geography extended essay as merely an extended piece of fieldwork.

Although there may be parallels in technique, the extended essay doesn’t have to lay a heavy focus on original field data. In other words, you can rely on already existing research ideas on previously published data to get the work done.

When researching the topic you’ve selected, pay more attention on written analysis, interpretation, and assessment, as well as the development of an argument rather than data collection and processing procedures.  

Supporting Your Geography Extended Essay

A geography extended essay must include proper ways for showing information or data. You should include diagrams, sketch maps, tables, and graphs, making sure you acknowledge their origin if you draw them from other sources. 

We strongly recommend the use of maps at the beginning to provide a clear geographical backdrop for the inquiry. Every map must provide an indication of direction and size, as well as a key.

  • As supporting data, the usage of sketch maps and labeled or annotated diagrams is strongly encouraged.
  • You can use computer-generated maps provided you identify the computer software used.
  • Hand-drawn maps should be neat and legible, with appropriate use of color shading, a scale, and a key.
  • If you include photographs in your work, make sure they’re integral to the text and not just decorative.

IB Geography Extended Essay Assessment Criteria Explained

The following is the assessment criteria used for the extended essay in Geography:

Criterion A: Research Question

The research question must be specific, relevant to the topic of geography, provide a geographical context for the essay, and inspire an inquisitive approach.

Many effective essays in geography explore the research issue through the formation of one or more hypotheses. If you include a hypothesis in your work, make sure it’s well constructed, testable, grounded in geographical theory, and incorporate proper investigation channels.

Criterion B: Introduction

It is essential to contextualize the study issue geographically and theoretically. Therefore, the introduction should define the scope and location of the inquiry and illustrate the relevance of the issue to existing geographical knowledge and theory.

There should be an explanation of why you chose the issue and why it merits examination. The introduction of the essay should be simple and straightforward.

Criterion C: Investigation

It is essential that the inquiry utilize a variety of data sources, including those specified in the “Treatment of the issue” section. The materials you pick for the essay must be pertinent to the subject and give the evidence that will support your argument.

The essay must employ adequate qualitative and quantitative data and/or information. For instance, questionnaires must have enough respondents for the results to be reliable.

Adopting a technique that begins with the gathering and selection of relevant material leads to a methodical analysis with legitimate results, interpretation, and conclusions, and concludes with a critical review of the evidence and the strategy used is the correct essay planning.

Criterion D: Knowledge of the Topic

A successful essay requires knowledge and comprehension of the theoretical basis and an awareness of the academic setting.

Using both primary and secondary sources , you should integrate their own ideas with current geographical theory to accomplish this.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

The argument can be personal, but it must also be rational and well balanced. By using proper maps, diagrams, drawings, pictures, and charts/graphs, you can convey evidence in graphical as well as textual format.

If and where applicable, the argument you present should give evidence that leads to the acceptance or rejection of the initial hypothesis. Avoid prejudice in the context of an issue, dispute, or problem inquiry.

Criterion F: Application Analysis & Skill Evaluation

The majority of the evidence supplied to support an argument in a geography extended essay comes from data analysis. This necessitates the application of proper analytical procedures and tests of significance.

The use of interaction and gravity models, network analysis, correlation techniques, dispersion measurements, sampling procedures, and standard error estimates are among the legitimate tools distinctive of geographical investigation.

When analyzing qualitative data, you must employ the right analytic procedures. Your research should demonstrate an understanding of the data’s legitimacy, validity, and limits, as well as the methodologies employed.

It is possible that the outcomes of the study are surprising or do not appear to conform to prevailing trends. This might lead to the absence of data. Even if that’s the case, the essay must nonetheless include a critical examination and evaluation of the material presented.

Criterion G: Language Selection

This criterion examines whether you’ve utilized Geographical terminology and language correctly and consistently throughout the essay.

It is essential to adopt a style that is impartial, avoids long personal assertions and viewpoints, and conveys geographical facts and concepts clearly and precisely.

Criterion H: Conclusion

The conclusion should include a summary of the investigation’s conclusions and quickly recap the pertinent evidence. If and where applicable, you should indicate which hypotheses have been accepted or rejected – and give an explanation. 

The conclusion of your essay should examine the adequacy of the approach and identify any defects or constraints in the investigational procedure.

The conclusion should not be an emotional personal remark about a topic, dispute, or problem, nor should it bring new facts not presented throughout the argument.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers. It is inappropriate to offer an essay without a bibliography or citations.

Essays that remove one of the required extended essay outline get a rating of no higher than good, and those that omit two of them get a rating of subpar.

All graphic material mentioned in the body of the article (maps, pictures, field drawings, charts, and so forth) should be at the appropriate locations, not at the conclusion or in appendices. It should be well organized and utilized to complement the textual material and clarify explanations.

Big data tables, published large maps, transcripts of interviews, and lengthy series of computations go to the appendices. It is not necessary to add field notes as an appendix, but you can include at least one completed questionnaire form.

You need to cite source of any data, diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, and pictures where feasible.

Criterion J: Abstract

The abstract should clearly express the research topic, describe how you conducted the study, the techniques employed, and the types of data collected.

Also, it should provide a concise summary of the findings as stated in the conclusion.

Criterion K: Holistic Judgement

For holistic judgment, you need to make sure your Geography extended essay reflects the following characteristics:

  • Intellectual initiative: You can demonstrate this by creating a hard research subject, applying unique or imaginative techniques of data collecting and data analysis, and generating an original work.
  • Understand the topic’s theoretical context and maintain it as the focus of the inquiry.
  • Utilize introspection in the construction of your argument and assessment of your writing.
  • Pick and employ inventive illustrative ways
  • Overcome difficulties that emerge
  • Modify views based on fresh facts.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

  • IB DP Geography concepts
  • Geographic themes [Paper 1]
  • Core: Global change [Paper 2]
  • Higher Level: Global interactions [Paper 3]
  • IB DP Geography Key Terms
  • IB DP Geography Exam style questions
  • IB DP Geography Geographic Skills
  • IB DP Geography Visual Stimulus
  • IB DP Geography Approaches to learning skills
  • IB DP Geography Exam preparation
  • IB DP Geography Revision
  • IB DP Geography Internal Assessment
  • IB DP Geography Extended Essay
  • Developing your extended essay research question
  • Producing an extended essay outline
  • Geography extended essay methodology

Structuring your Geography extended essay

  • Reflections for the Planning and Progress Form
  • Geography extended essay assessment

There is no longer the need to add an abstract - so don't. Try not to put anything in footnotes - other than references (if that is the referencing approach you are taking). Do not put too much 'stuff' in appendices.

This should include:

  • the title of your extended essay
  • the research question
  • subject for which the essay is registered... Geography! (if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilised)
  • your candidate code
  • the word count

There should be no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages

Contents page

All the pages of your EE should be numbered and every graph and map such have a figure number and title. Use the contents page to list the page numbers of the major sections listed below and all of the figures in each section.

Introduction

Here you need to identify and explain the research topic. The purpose and focus of the research needs to be clear.

This section must make it very clear to the examiner that your EE topic and research question in geographical. You must make it clear why your research questions is worth asking.

You should explore the scales applicable to your EE. You may discuss a global or regional issue at a local scale.

Methodology

You need to make it clear that you have used an appropriate range of relevant source(s) and/or method(s) and that these have been selected in relation to the topic and research question.

You need to outline the major sources of secondary data, why you chose to use them and how much you trust the accuracy of the data.

For primary data collection you need to explain the methods used, much like you would have done for your Internal Assessment.

This is the main discussion part of your EE. It can be further broken down with sub-headings. You must be analysing and not just describing. Your analysis must be clearly linked to your research question.

Maps and graphs should be incorporated into your discussion, where they are appropriate. You should not have a separate section for your graphs.

You should develop a focused and reasoned argument.

You should be using geographical terminology and concepts accurately and consistently, effectively demonstrating your knowledge and understanding.

Any labelling should contain the minimum information to ensure the examiner understands the significance of the map, chart, diagram or illustration. It must not include commentary, as this will be considered as part of the essay discussion and thus included in the word count.

The use of photographs and other images is acceptable only if they are captioned and/or annotated and are used to illustrate a specific point made in the extended essay.

This conclusion much be based on your argument and the evidence you have presented. This is not the section to be introducing new content or ideas.

Bibliography

You should have a consistent system of academic referencing throughout your EE. You should have in-text citations. Your bibliography should be a list of all the sources referenced by your in-text citations listed alphabetically by author.

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The Best IB Geography Study Guide and Notes for SL/HL

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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If you're an IB Geography SL/HL student in search of some extra help, you've come to the right place. Whether you're looking for IB Geography notes for a test on a single topic or cramming for the final IB Geography papers, this guide has all the information you need.

We created this IB Geography study guide using the best free and paid online materials for IB Geography and ordered the materials following the IB Geography SL/HL syllabus .

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2022 IB Exam Changes Due to COVID-19

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the IB has decided to extend the adaptations which were put in place for 2021 to 2022. May 2022 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Currently the IB program plans to return to its usual assessment model in 2023. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our IB COVID-19 FAQ article .

How To Use This Article

If you want to study a specific topic, use the Command + F function on your keyboard to search this article for specific IB Geography resources. For example, if you hope to read about Population change, use Command + F to bring up the search function. Type in "Extreme Environments and it will bring up all of the study materials for that topic.

Unfortunately there aren’t many high quality free notes sites that reflect the curriculum changes made to IB Geography in 2019 . Because of that, we’ve compiled three types of resources to help you study: 

  • Notes and Activities: The comprehensive notes are generally 2–4 pages for each individual topic, and are useful if you want a summary or need a recap. Some resources also have video explanations. Some of the notes sites listed here include free notes, while others require a paid subscription. The subscription sites we listed here are sometimes used by schools, so before paying, ask your teacher to make sure you don’t already have a subscription for free through your class! On the other hand, the practice activities we linked to are totally free.
  • Case studies: These case studies for each topic are there to help you better understand that topic using specific real world examples.

If you're looking for summary material to help you study for the IB Geography papers, check out the notes with supporting video for each topic. These notes are brief and great for a quick refresher.

How To Use This Guide Throughout the School Year

Use this guide throughout the school year as a review for in-class quizzes if you need more help learning the material. You need to be mastering the topics throughout the school year and not just waiting to cram before the IB Geography papers.

The activities we list are great for practice during the year. Just click on the main link and use the menu on the right of the page to navigate to the specific topic you want to practice.

The Best Study Practices for IB Geography

Make sure you're practicing related IB Geography past paper questions as you learn each new subject. You can find free IB Geography HL and IB Geography SL past papers here . Also, if you're having difficulty understanding your in-class lesson, you should be reviewing the corresponding chapter in a textbook or this study guide.

Common Study Mistakes IB Geography Students Make

For IB Geography, there are lots of topics to master, so you can't fall behind. Common mistakes students make are:

#1: Trying to avoid the material you didn't learn in class. If you didn't understand it in class, you need to find more help whether through this article or tutoring.

#2: Only studying a week or two before the IB Geography papers. You will not be able to master all of the topics below in only a week or two (after all, the course is spread out over 1 to 2 years). Make sure you are learning the topics as they're taught to you in class, but you can use this article for support in learning the following topics. 

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Part #1: Geographic Themes—60 Hours for SL, 90 Hours for HL

The IB Geography syllabus gives you seven options for study. If you're on the SL track, you'll need to master two subjects; if you're on the HL track, you'll need to master three.

Part #1: Geographic Themes

Option a: freshwater.

  • Comprehensive unit guide
  • Unit notes with video references
  • The 2010 Pakistan Floods
  • The Three Gorges Project in China
  • The Nile and the Mississippi
  • USA/Mexico water conflict (scroll down to bottom of the page)
  • Integrated Drainage Basin Management

Option B: Oceans and Coastal Margins

  • Comprehensive unit notes
  • 1997/1998 El Niño
  • Typhoon Haiyan case study
  • South China Sea conflict (scroll down to bottom of the page)
  • Bimini development case study
  • Oil spills case study

Option C: Extreme Environments

  • Uranium mining in Niger
  • Desertification in Morocco
  • Dust Bowl case study
  • Soil erosion and solutions
  • The Aral Sea
  • Acacia Project in Senegal (scroll down to the bottom of page)

Option D: Geophysical Hazards

  • Comprehensive notes
  • Montserrat volcano (scroll down to the bottom of page)
  • Fracking causes earthquakes (scroll down to the bottom of page)
  • Unit study flashcards
  • The Chernobyl disaster case study
  • Unit notes with video reference s
  • The 2010 Haiti earthquake
  • Anchorage, Alaska earthquake case study
  • Impact of climate change on vulnerable countries
  • Large scale action on climate change

Option E: Leisure, Tourism, and Sport

  • Leisure in China
  • Leisure in the United States
  • The NBA league in North America
  • London Olympics 2012
  • Rio Olympics 2016
  • Ecotourism in Kenya

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Option F: Food and Health

  • Famine case study
  • Global life expectancy
  • Comprehensive list of case study topics

Option G: Urban Environments

  • Habitat for Humanity in Manila
  • Urban deindustrialization (scroll to the bottom of page)
  • Infrastructure growth (scroll to the bottom of the page)
  • Unit SlideShare notes
  • Redlining the New Deal
  • Phoenix, Arizona: The Least Sustainable City in the US

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Part #2: SL and HL Core: Geographic Perspectives (Global Change) —70 Hours SL/HL

Since this is core knowledge, both SL and HL students will be tested over the following material.

Topic A: Population Distribution—Changing Population

  • Unit notes with video reference
  • Internal migration in Mongolia
  • Population distribution in China (scroll down to bottom of page)
  • Forced migration in Syria (scroll down to bottom of page)
  • Life expectancy in Japan

Topic B: Global Climate — Vulnerability and Resilience

  • List of potential case study topics
  • How climate change affects agriculture
  • Geoengineering

Topic C: Global Resource Consumption and Security

  • The rise of the global middle class
  • Illegal flows
  • Circular economy case study

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Part #3: Geographic Perspectives: Global Interactions—HL Only, 60 Hours

If you're HL, you'll also be tested over the following three topics.

Topic A: Power, Places, and Networks

  • Global power players (bottom of page)
  • The narcotics trade
  • World's most isolated places
  • Multi-governmental organizations (European Union case study)

Topic B: Human Development and Diversity

  • Additional unit notes
  • Cambodian indigenous minorities fight tide of development
  • List of case studies with videos
  • Anti-immigration movements

Topic C: Global Risks and Resilience

  • Global supply chain risks
  • Comprehensive list of case studies with video

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Part #4: Internal Assessment: SL and HL Fieldwork—20 Hours

In order to do well on the internal assessment, students have to meet the following criteria (which we've taken directly from the IB Geography syllabus):

#1: Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content #2: They must demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding #3: Students must demonstrate synthesis and evaluation #4: Students have to select, use, and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques

With that in mind, here are two study guides for internal assessments:

  • This guide walks you through each step of the Internal Assessment and provides guidance on how to structure your essay and what types of data you need to collect
  • This site includes sample cover pages, booklets that go over data collection, and even a PowerPoint introduction to the assignment

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What's Next?

Learn more about IB Geography:

  • Every IB Geography Past Paper Available: Free and Official

Learn more about other IB Classes:

  • Every IB English Past Paper Available: Free and Official
  • Every IB Math Studies Past Paper Available: Free and Official
  • Every IB History Past Paper Available: Free and Official
  • Every IB Economics Past Paper Available: Free and Official

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how to write an ib geography essay

Extended Essay

Hints and tips.

If you can, base your EE on a geographical model e.g. Bradshaw model. The examiners really want to see that your title is tightly related to the subject of Geography and models or a direct link to theorists will help this.

Show that your EE has a clear spatial element. A location map and saying where you are studying no longer seems good enough. You need to now say why you have chosen a particular area and why there may be differences within that area. If you can, then follow that up by using some sort of  map to show your results would be great. Also, try and say why your particular issue e.g. crime, gun ownership or flooding is an important issue for geographers to study.

The examiners now seem to want you to try and incorporate some form of statistical analysis to show that you have collected enough data and can prove there is a correlation, especially if this is a primary data focused EE.

Useful Resources

Campus des Nations - EE Website

Campus des Nations - Reflective Project Website  

Suggested Structure

While you will be given lots of help from the librarian and the EE coordinator the EE can still be daunting to start. Here are a few suggestions of how you could structure your EE - do be aware though that this is not the only way that you can do it.

how to write an ib geography essay

Potential Structure

Use subheadings to divide up the different sections of your EE. Suggested subheadings:

1.0 - Introduction - Why is this an important issue to study? How does it fit in the context of the discipline(s) of 'Geography (and another)'. State your research question - 1 paragraph - this is short as you will expand on it in 1.1 and 1.2.

1.1 - The Global Context - Why is this an important issue on the global scale? It would be good to include evidence such as a graph to illustrate the importance. For example, increase in population and more migration has impacted the growth of urban areas, which has lead to increased pollution in cities, consider the graphs that would show this on a  global scale.  - 2 paragraphs

1.2 - Area of Research - geographical theory. What models can you use to put the focus of your EE into context? For example, rise of the middle classes, the nexus, land use models, climate change, etc.

1.3 - The Focus - Restate your rsearch question. Put your research question it in to context of why it is important at the local scale.

2.0 - Background

2.1 - Locational Context -  What location are you focusing on? Why are you focusing on this area? Graphs and maps are useful here to help you to illustrate your points.

3.0 - Methodology - How are you collecting your information? Think of it like a recipe as the idea is someone could replicate your study in a different area. Why is this a valid way to undertake the research? Justify why you have chosen the methods behind your research or primary data collection. For the different websites or reports you are using how reliable are these sources? Remember this could be primary or secondary data EE.

4.0  - Discussion - As you do for a 10 or 16 mark EAQ you need to create an argument. So the inital part of your discussion will need to discuss to what extent your ascertain is correct and then you need to suggest other factors that may have impacted the results you have found. Use further subheadings to break up this section. You must include graphs and maps in this section. (Remember if you can't map or graph it it probably shouldn't be a Geography related EE.)

5.0 - Conclusion - Summarise your findings and relate it back to the global setting. How could this inform us of how to deal with the issue on a global scale?

6.0 - Bibliography - MLA format.

how to write an ib geography essay

Formal Presentation

Size 11 or 12 font.

Double spaced

Font - Times New Roman/ Lato/ Tahoma

Create a header and write the subject (Geography) and your candidate code on the right.

Insert page numbers on every page.

Front Cover needs to include:

The Subject

The Research Title

The Research Question

Your Candidate Code

Include a contents page.

Footnotes for intext citations.

Bibliography for all our sources including any images, maps or graphs that you are using - do this as you write your essay as it is hard to go back and refind all of your sources. MLA format.

Reflections

Reflections - The first and second reflection should be no more than 150 words and they need to show how you are engaging with the EE e.g. things that you have learnt, evolved or been encouraged to read from the initial investigations.

How to Reflect From the IBO

Extended Essay Writing Reflections - A how to with examples including sentence starters.  

how to write an ib geography essay

JK Geography - Extended Essay Help

Geography - Checklist

how to write an ib geography essay

Examples of Geography Extended Essays

It sometimes difficult to know where to start when it comes to the EEs. It is always good to have a look at what the style and structure of an EE is like for our subject. Click on the link below for IBO assessed Geography EEs.

Useful Resource

Geography EEs - Recommend read example B - 32/34

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IB Geography: Complete Guide

Charles Whitehouse

Comparing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Geography course with A-Level Geography can help students make informed decisions on which curriculum best suits their academic needs and future plans. Both are globally recognised qualifications but have different areas of emphasis and assessment methods.

The IB Geography courseis diverse and dynamic, combining physical, human, and environmental geography. It's renowned for its holistic approach, requiring students to understand the interconnectedness of geographical phenomena at different scales. Additionally, the Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Geography provides hands-on experience in conducting fieldwork and writing a comprehensive report. This could provide students with a more practical understanding of geographical issues.

In contrast, A-Level Geography is more traditional in its focus. Though it does explore human and physical geography, its approach is more compartmentalised compared to the integrated approach of the IB. A significant portion of the A-Level course is also assessed via written examinations, with less emphasis on coursework.

In terms of exam performance in a recent session, 19.9% of IB Geography HL students achieved a score of 7/7, compared to 27.2% of A-Level Geography students achieving the top grade of an A*, illustrating that A-level Geography may be comparatively easier to achieve top marks in.

When choosing between IB and A-Level Geography, it's essential to consider university requirements. Some universities may favour one qualification over the other, depending on the course. For instance, the University of Cambridge explicitly mentions both A-Levels and IB as suitable entry qualifications for its geography course.

Thus, the decision should be based on individual preferences, university requirements, and long-term career aspirations. For more information on the differences between these two qualifications, read our article comparing the IB and A-levels .

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Geography Study Notes and IB Geography Questions , developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

What level of Geography should you choose in the IB?

Choosing between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) in IB Geography is a significant decision that will depend on your interests, aspirations, and academic strengths. Both levels offer a solid understanding of the subject, but the depth and breadth of study vary.

HL Geography is more intensive and covers additional topics under the theme 'Global Interactions', such as cultural diversity, economic interdependence, and globalisation. If you have a keen interest in Geography or plan to pursue it or a related field at university, HL Geography could be a great choice.

On the other hand, SL Geography offers a comprehensive overview of key geographical concepts and issues but involves a lesser workload. If you enjoy Geography but are not considering it as a major focus for further study, SL could be a good fit.

The International Baccalaureate Organization states that IB students must choose three subjects at HL and three at SL. Balancing your overall subject choice considering your strengths, workload, and university requirements is crucial.

It's also worth noting that some universities might have specific requirements. For example, the London School of Economics specifies that at least two HL subjects are needed for most of their undergraduate courses. Therefore, researching and consulting with your school counsellor can also be beneficial in making this decision.

Below is an overview of the grades achieved in each level in 2021, giving interesting insights into HL which attained higher mean grades.

Number of IB Geography SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

Number of IB Geography SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

Understanding the IB Geography grading system

The grading system of IB Geography , like other IB subjects, follows a 7-point scale, with 7 being the highest attainable score. The grade is a reflection of a student's overall performance in the course, including both external assessments (written examinations) and internal assessments (fieldwork report).

The IB Geography Guide details how these components contribute to the final grade. For Standard Level (SL), external assessments count for 75% and the Internal Assessment (IA) 25%. Higher Level (HL) students have 80% of their grade derived from external assessments and 20% from their IA.

The external assessments consist of two or three papers, depending on whether you are an SL or HL student. Paper 1 covers core themes, Paper 2 examines optional themes, and Paper 3 (only for HL students) explores the 'Global Interactions' theme.

The IA, a fieldwork report, allows students to investigate a local geographical issue or question. Students collect data, analyse it, and write a 2,500-word report.

Each component of the assessment is marked against specific criteria, with an emphasis on understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation of geographical concepts.

While understanding the grading system is important, it's equally crucial to approach the subject with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. A grade is ultimately a measurement of learning, but the real value lies in the knowledge and skills acquired along the way.

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IB Geography exam format

The final IB Geography grade is significantly determined by written exams, which follow a specific format as per the IB Geography Guide. Understanding this format is crucial for students aiming for high scores.

For Standard Level (SL) students, there are two papers.

Paper 1, focusing on core themes, is divided into two sections: Section A, where you answer short-answer questions on each of the two topics studied, and Section B, where you write an extended response to one of the topics.

Paper 2, assessing optional themes, follows a similar format: Section A requires short-answer responses on each of the two studied topics, and Section B demands an extended response on one of these.

For Higher Level (HL) students, there is an additional Paper 3, focusing on the 'Global Interactions' theme. Here, students respond to two extended response questions.

The duration of each paper is 1.5 hours for SL and 2.5 hours for HL. Paper 1 and Paper 2 each contribute to 35% of the SL final grade, whereas Paper 1 contributes 25%, Paper 2 contributes 35%, and Paper 3 contributes 20% to the HL final grade.

Preparing for these exams requires a firm understanding of the syllabus content and good exam technique, including time management and understanding of command terms. Practice papers, such as those available on IB Past Papers , can be useful for familiarising oneself with the format and refining these skills.

What is a good IB Geography score?

In the context of the International Baccalaureate, a score of 7 is the highest achievable grade, and is generally regarded as excellent. However, what constitutes a 'good' IB Geography score can vary depending on the perspective.

From a university admissions viewpoint, a good score would be one that meets or exceeds the entry requirements for your chosen course. For example, the University of Oxford generally requires a score of 6 or 7 in Geography HL for its Geography course.

Lastly, from a personal standpoint, a good score could be one that reflects your best effort and the mastery of the subject's key concepts. It's also important to remember that the IB, with its emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge, values the learning process just as much as the final grade.

In any case, achieving a 'good' score typically involves a combination of consistent study, understanding the syllabus, and effective exam technique.

How to revise and get a 7 in IB Geography?

Achieving a 7 in IB Geography requires a strategic approach to revision that incorporates understanding the syllabus, consistent practice, and effective study techniques.

1. Start early and create a study plan: Consistency is key in studying. Break down your study material into manageable chunks and spread your revision over several weeks or months before your exam. Remember, last-minute cramming is generally not effective for long-term retention.

2. Understand the assessment criteria: Familiarise yourself with the IB Geography assessment criteria. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills required to excel in the exams and internal assessments.

3. Practice past papers: Familiarise yourself with the exam format by practicing past papers. This will help you become comfortable with the style of questions and improve your time management skills. Analyse the mark schemes to understand the expectations of examiners.

4. Engage in active learning: Instead of passively reading or highlighting, actively engage with the material. Summarise information in your own words, teach concepts to others, or engage in group discussions to reinforce your understanding.

5. Seek support: Collaborate with classmates, form study groups, or seek guidance from your teacher or IB Geography tutor . Exploring different perspectives and discussing challenging topics can enhance your learning experience.

6. Utilise online resources: Take advantage of online resources specifically tailored to IB Geography revision. Websites like IB Geography Revision and IB Documents offer study materials, revision guides, and practice questions.

This is what Isabella Grayson shared with us about her experience successfully completing IB Geography:

"Securing a high score in the IB Geography exam was no overnight success. My approach was multifaceted: I consistently reviewed the syllabus, making sure I understood the core concepts. Weekly revision sessions helped me keep the information fresh in my mind. Using flashcards for quick recall and group discussions to explore different perspectives were my go-to techniques. Most crucially, I dedicated time to complete and review past papers, which gave me a clear understanding of the exam format and the types of questions asked. It's a journey that demands dedication, but the outcome is more than rewarding!"

Ultimately, the path to achieving a 7 in IB Geography hinges on a deep understanding of the subject matter, rigorous revision, and employing effective exam strategies, all of which can be significantly enhanced with the assistance of IB tutoring . Remember that patience and consistency are key in this journey, and integrating regular sessions with an IB tutor can provide tailored guidance and reinforce your understanding. Alongside this, don't forget the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid burnout, ensuring a balanced approach to your studies.

Overview of IB Geography Internal Assessment

The Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Geography is a crucial component of the course, contributing to 25% of the final grade for SL and 20% for HL students, according to the IB Geography Guide . The IA is an independent investigation where students conduct fieldwork and produce a 2,500-word report.

The IA process starts with selecting a suitable geographical question. This question should be linked to the syllabus, but also be narrow enough to allow for an in-depth investigation.

The second phase involves planning and conducting fieldwork. This could involve primary data collection methods such as surveys, observations, and experiments, or secondary data collection like research from books, databases, and online resources. It's important to ensure data is collected ethically and with appropriate permissions.

Next is the data presentation and analysis phase. Here, students are expected to present their data effectively using appropriate geographical tools (like graphs, charts, and maps) and thoroughly analyse their results, identifying patterns and relationships.

Finally, students must conclude their report by answering the research question and evaluate their methodology, acknowledging any limitations and suggesting improvements.

The IA requires students to apply the geographical knowledge and skills they've acquired throughout the course, demonstrating understanding and critical thinking. IB Geography IA examples can be helpful for students to understand the requirements and expectations better.

Top resources for IB Geography preparation

In your journey to conquer IB Geography, reliable resources can be a significant asset. Here are some of the top resources that can assist in your revision and preparation:

1. The Official IBO Geography Guide : This guide should be your starting point as it contains the complete syllabus and assessment criteria.

2. IB Past Papers : These are vital for getting used to the format of the exams and for practising under timed conditions. Websites like IB Past Papers have extensive collections of past papers.

3. IB Geography Textbooks : These provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus content. Notable examples include 'Geography for the IB Diploma' by Garrett Nagle and Briony Cooke and 'Planet Geography' by Stephen Codrington.

4. Online platforms : Websites like Geography All The Way offer extensive resources, including IB Geography Q&A Revision Notes , case studies, and interactive quizzes.

5. News Websites : Stay updated with current global events relevant to your syllabus. Websites like BBC , The Guardian , and National Geographic are good starting points.

Remember, these resources are tools to supplement your classroom learning. Use them strategically, and don't overwhelm yourself by trying to use all of them at once.

Exploring career opportunities with IB Geography

With a grounding in IB Geography, an array of exciting career opportunities opens up. Here are a few potential paths you could consider:

Urban Planning and Development : Geography helps you understand spatial relationships and environmental implications, making you well-suited for careers in urban planning and development. This could involve designing urban spaces, planning housing projects, or managing public utilities. Information on this career can be found at the Urban Land Institute .

Environmental Management : With climate change becoming an increasing concern, there's a growing need for professionals who can manage and protect our natural resources. A career in environmental management might involve creating sustainability plans, conducting environmental assessments, or working on conservation projects. More information can be found at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment .

GIS Specialist : Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly growing field, and geography students, with their understanding of spatial data, are well-positioned to enter this industry. A GIS Specialist might create maps, analyse spatial data, or develop GIS software. More details can be found on the Esri website .

Teaching and Research : If you're passionate about the subject, why not consider a career in teaching or academic research? Inspiring the next generation of geographers or contributing to the academic field could be highly rewarding. Check out the British Educational Research Association for further insights.

Remember, the skills and knowledge you gain from IB Geography, such as data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are transferable and highly valued across many sectors.

In conclusion, IB Geography offers a comprehensive and exciting exploration of our ever-evolving world. Not only does it equip you with a nuanced understanding of key global issues, but it also hones transferable skills highly prized in the modern job market. The subject offers a broad spectrum of potential careers, including urban planning, environmental management, and GIS. When properly armed with the right resources and a strategic revision plan, achieving a top score in IB Geography becomes an attainable goal. Dive into the intriguing world of geography, and you'll find it's not just about places but about understanding the intricate dynamics of our world.

What textbooks are recommended for IB Geography?

The top textbook recommended for IB Geography is "Geography for the IB Diploma" by Paul Guinness and Garrett Nagle. This book not only comprehensively covers the core and optional units of the IB Geography syllabus but also offers a wealth of case studies, maps, diagrams, and fieldwork opportunities. It seamlessly integrates theoretical concepts with practical examples, encouraging students to explore and think critically about geographic phenomena. Moreover, the book comes with digital resources and quizzes, which can help reinforce understanding and retention.

Can I take both HL and SL Geography in IB?

When it comes to choosing between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) in the IB program, it's not an either-or situation. You select one level for each subject, including Geography. The key differences lie in the depth of content, number of study hours, and the complexity of the internal assessment. HL is more demanding and comprehensive, requiring an in-depth exploration of two additional themes.

How many hours of study does IB Geography require?

According to the International Baccalaureate Organisation, SL Geography students should anticipate a minimum of 150 classroom teaching hours, while HL students should prepare for at least 240. However, these are merely the formal teaching hours and do not include the time students may need to invest in self-study, revision, and internal assessments. Personal study hours can differ greatly based on an individual's grasp of the subject and study habits.

Does IB Geography include fieldwork?

Yes, fieldwork is an integral component of IB Geography. It forms the basis of the Internal Assessment, providing students an opportunity to develop and apply their skills in a real-world context. Fieldwork allows students to conduct primary research, collect and analyse data, and draw conclusions based on their findings. The skills learnt through fieldwork are not just relevant to geography but can also be transferred to a host of other disciplines and future careers.

Are there online resources for IB Geography revision?

Plenty of online resources can assist you with IB Geography revision. Websites such as IBO and GeoRevision offer a wide range of study materials, including revision notes, study guides, flashcards, and past papers. YouTube also provides a plethora of video tutorials that can help visual learners. Moreover, there are online forums where you can interact with fellow IB Geography students worldwide and share study tips and resources.

Is there a difference between IB Geography SL and HL?

Yes, while SL and HL Geography share a common core syllabus, HL students have to study two additional optional themes and have a higher word limit for their Internal Assessment. This means HL students delve deeper into certain geographical issues, enhancing their understanding and breadth of knowledge. The decision between SL and HL largely depends on your interest in the subject, the number of study hours you can dedicate, and your future academic or career plans.

How is the IB Geography Internal Assessment marked?

The Internal Assessment, a crucial part of IB Geography, is marked on a scale of 25. The evaluation is based on a variety of factors like your research question's quality, the appropriateness of your methodology, the accuracy and analysis of your data, and your overall presentation and conclusion. Preparing a structured and thorough IA can significantly enhance your final IB Geography score.

How can I effectively manage time during the IB Geography exam?

Effective time management is pivotal for success in the IB Geography exam. One technique is to practice answering past papers in a timed setting to get a feel for the exam's pace and structure. For essay-based questions, allocate a few minutes at the start to plan your answer and structure your thoughts. Remember to keep an eye on the clock and avoid spending too much time on one question at the expense of others.

Are past papers useful for IB Geography revision?

Past papers are an invaluable resource for IB Geography revision. They offer an understanding of the exam's format and the types of questions that can be asked. Moreover, by timing yourself while answering these papers, you can improve your time management skills. Past papers also serve as a practical means to apply your knowledge, helping identify gaps in understanding that you can then work on.

How do universities view the IB Geography course?

Universities globally recognise the rigor and comprehensive nature of the IB Diploma Programme, including the Geography course. The critical thinking skills, research methodology, and understanding of global issues that IB Geography students develop are highly valued in a range of university courses and disciplines. Particularly for courses in disciplines like Urban Planning, Environmental Science, and International Relations, IB Geography provides a strong foundation.

Can IB Geography aid in understanding global issues?

Absolutely, IB Geography is renowned for its emphasis on understanding and analysing global issues. It provides students with a solid understanding of pressing concerns like climate change, sustainable development, population dynamics, and resource management. The course encourages students to consider these issues from various perspectives, fostering an appreciation for diversity and global interconnectedness. Hence, if you have an interest in global affairs, IB Geography could be a valuable subject for you.

Is there a specific calculator recommended for IB Geography?

While mathematical calculations in IB Geography are not as intensive as other subjects like Physics or Mathematics, having a scientific calculator could be beneficial for statistical analysis and data interpretation. The choice of calculator is not strictly defined for Geography and mostly depends on the individual's comfort and requirement. Some commonly used models are the Texas Instruments TI-30 series or the Casio FX series.

Does IB Geography involve a lot of essay writing?

Yes, a significant part of the IB Geography assessment involves essay writing. This not only includes essays in your final exam but also the Internal Assessment, which is an independent investigation presented in an essay format. Developing clear and cogent essay-writing skills is therefore crucial to succeeding in IB Geography.

Can IB Geography be self-taught?

While it's technically possible to self-teach IB Geography, it can be quite challenging given the course's complexity and the high level of self-discipline required. Having an experienced teacher can be tremendously helpful in navigating the syllabus, understanding intricate concepts, and receiving feedback on assessments. However, if you're considering this route, ensure you have a solid study plan, access to resources, and perhaps a mentor for guidance.

How is geography relevant in the 21st century?

Geography's relevance in the 21st century is unparalleled. With globalisation, climate change, urbanisation, and social inequality being some of the significant issues of our time, geographical understanding is more critical than ever. Geography provides the tools and methodologies to understand these challenges, develop sustainable solutions, and promote a more equitable world. It also nurtures a global outlook, crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.

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Filter exemplars, to what extent does the quality of services in shopping malls in vilnius affect their spheres of influence based on akropolis and mada, to what extent can the difference in quality of life between poznaƄ and zielona góra in 2023 be interpreted as a consequence of shock therapy in poland from the 1990s, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent zhagalau neighborhood of astana, kazakhstan is environmentally sustainable in 2023, to what extent is it possible to predict the results of the eurovision song contest based on observable geopolitical and cultural patterns, to what extent are the nutrition transition and epidemiological transition models applicable to studying the spatial variation of noncommunicable diseases in new york city and jakarta, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, what are the main causes and impacts affecting portugal’s transition to renewable energy during the 21st century, to what extent have the smart initiatives implemented in punggol has enhanced the liveability of its residents, how has the construction of masianokeng lifestyle shopping centre impacted the lives of masianokeng community and other neighboring communities, to what extent is frankfurt involved in sustainable urban development, analyzing the areas of riedberg and praunheim, to what extent do socio-economic factors, in particular, accessibility, land costs, geographical location, and availability of resources, influence the location of industries in the gdansk metropolitan area, to what extent can models and concepts described in the geography of transport systems by jean-paul rodrigue explain the relatively low traffic numbers at mostar international airport, flooding in the sumas prairie: to what extent is the sumas prairie at risk of a flood with magnitude of the 2021 november event, to what extent can the mangroves on st.john’s island benefit from restoration techniques used in other locations in singapore, to what extent can the increase in crime through ashaier divisions in the city of hebron from 2014 to 2021 be attributed to socioeconomic and geographical concentrated disparities, how has the revitalization of jurong lake gardens improved the quality of life of local residents and visitors, to what extent has south africa’s agrarian land reform programme been successful at promoting socio-economic development within the country’s agricultural sector, how does the upper course of the savegre river influence the local temperature (micro-climate) during the month of january, “to what extent can ecotourism at the can gio mangrove biosphere reserve, ho chi minh city,vietnam be considered successful”, spatio-temporal analysis of high-risk dengue clusters in bedok and jurong areas of singapore, to what extent does mountain biking affect the ecological health of mount fromme, to what extent does the standard of living within nur-sultan differentiate between the neighborhoods esil and baikonur in 2021, to what extent did transportation time, effect x gymnasium’s students’ academic performance, during the school year of 2020-21, before quarantine, how has tourism economically and environmentally affected the community of ‘muela, in what ways is greening the areas of warsaw a sustainable way of improving the standard of life in the city, to what extent does the life expectancy, education, and gross national income (gni) per capita influence the effectiveness of healthcare services in maseru, lesotho during the covid-19 pandemic, to what extent is traffic congestion a problem in maseru cbd, the effect of covid-19 on the tourism income of athens, to what extent are apartment prices affected by the quality of public services in different districts of lodz, to what extent has air pollution from the transportation sector decreased between 2005 and 2017 in paris, france due to the implementation of mitigation strategies for global climate change, contemporary study of the influence of the education and employment of women on the fertility rates in singapore, the classification of dulwich college singapore’s microclimate: an inquiry into the institution’s degree of urban and nature reserve microclimatic character.

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  • Model Essays

This page includes 25 model essays from across the IBDP Geography course, including all the optional themes and SL&HL Core components. The resources are presented as either complete essays or as an essay exercise. Further essay resources such as essay frameworks and introduction and lead sentence frameworks can be found in the teacher assessment maps for the different sections of the course.

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Tips for IB Geography (SL/HL)

Maya Saldanha

IB Geography was definitely my favourite subject! Its interdisciplinary nature was fascinating to explore, and I learnt so many new skills from modelling statistical representation for the IA, to analyzing maps and graphs and writing more succinctly. 

Although some Reddit users may say that IB Geography is one of the easiest Group 3 subjects, I think it is important to remember that this is only true if you have the right attitude towards the subject, study the content thoroughly, and develop your skills throughout the 2 years.

Content for all 3 papers shouldn’t be crammed the night before exams, and hopefully these tips will help you understand how to study the subject a bit better, as well as give you some advice on how you can improve your scores!

1. Understand the command terms

Before you start practicing past paper questions, it is imperative to understand what each command term means to figure out what kind of answer the examiner is looking for. For example, if the question in Paper 2 asks, ‘Describe what is meant by “embedded water”?’ for 2 marks, you are expected to give a detailed account of what embedded water is. Your response could be ‘Water resources that are used to produce food and manufacture goods in one country [1] that are transferred to other, often water-scarce, countries via trading [1].’ 

When asked to describe a term, it is important to remember that the examiner is not looking for specific examples or knowledge of a case study, but rather a definition that shows how well you understand the meaning of the term. If you went beyond the description and discussed examples, you would only be wasting time that you could use to answer the rest of the paper. I fell into this trap many times! Eventually, I was urged by my teacher to study this list of command terms and their definitions thoroughly, in order to determine what my answers should and shouldn’t include. While this is not an official IB resource, I found their detailed definitions really helpful. If you want to go through the official IB syllabus for Geography , page 14 and 15 discuss command terms.

While mixing up command terms in the short-answer sections of Paper 1 and 2 might not get you into a lot of trouble, confusing the command term ‘Examine’ with ‘Evaluate’ or ‘To what extent’ might lose you a lot of time in the essay sections of the Papers! While their definitions might sometimes overlap, the best way to learn how to approach each of these command terms is by practicing as many questions as you can. This leads me onto my next tip


2. Practice past paper questions and use mark schemes

I think one of the study methods that helped me the most with IB Geography was my approach to practicing past questions. When my exams were still a couple months away, I would solve past papers without putting any time pressure on myself. I would always get nervous when timing myself and as a result, I would make silly mistakes when analysing graphs or infographics. This method allowed me to gain more confidence in my ability to answer questions. 

Once I was more confident in my ability to apply my knowledge, I would start to time myself and reflect on where I needed the most time. As a result, during the exams, I was less worried about running out of time since I could estimate how long I would take to answer each section. For example, in Paper 3, I would give myself 20 minutes to answer the 12-marker, and 40 minutes to answer the 16-marker. Therefore, even if I needed an extra 5 minutes to finish my conclusion for my first answer, I wouldn’t be worried about running out of time as I had practiced and timed myself multiple times before. 

Practicing past questions not only helps you improve your writing stamina and tests your ability to think under pressure, but questions can sometimes get repeated or the same question can be asked in a very similar way. This means that the more you practice, the more familiar you get with the question styles and types, and if you’re lucky you may even come across similar questions in your exam!

3. Choose case studies that are relevant to you

Case studies relevant to you could include case studies about events or policies that have happened in your own country, or even local area! In Paper 1, one of the required case studies for Option G: Urban Environments is on the topic of ‘Traffic congestion patterns, trends, and impacts’ and we are asked to learn a ‘Case study of one affected city and the management response’. Rather than finding a generic case study online, about a random city that didn’t really have much relevance in my life, I chose to study the traffic management of New Delhi, which is the capital of my country, India. I have experienced their traffic first-hand and have heard so much about the odd-even rule they implemented. So even chatting about the news over dinner with your family can help you when learning case studies! Since I chose to discuss a place and policies relevant in my own life, I knew I would be less likely to forget all the names of the policies, statistics, and trends that I needed to know. 

All the case studies can become overwhelming, so another way I tried to remember all the information was through watching YouTube videos. One of the case studies we are required to learn under Unit 1: Changing Population is ‘The consequences of megacity growth for individuals and societies—One case study of a contemporary megacity experiencing rapid growth.’ When you get tired of reading and rereading your textbooks, watching a video like ‘The World’s Fastest Growing MEGACITY’ might help you learn the content better, especially if you are a visual or auditory learner like me! Just make sure you don’t spend ALL your study time browsing YouTube!

4. Go through the syllabus during each study session

Although our teachers can be a wonderful resource, sometimes, especially during online learning, they might skip out on teaching some of the content. They might ask you to self-study it, or you might only realise you have no idea what new-Malthusian views really are, the day before your exam! I think a great way to avoid nasty surprises like that is by printing out the IB syllabus, and adding a tick mark next to each topic when you’ve finished studying it. This will help you keep track of what you know and what you don’t and also give you the satisfaction of knowing the content you wanted to go over that day. The syllabus is your personal checklist, and the more you go over it, the easier it will be to remember what feedback loops and global dimming are!

I hope these tips help you to get the grade you deserve! I believe that if you can approach the subject with curiosity and an open-mind, you will do well. Learning all the definitions, case studies, command terms, and processes might take a lot of time and energy, but I think it’s worth it to gain the skills of analytical writing, critical thinking, and much more!

You may also like…

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World Studies Extended Essay: Global Themes

  • Introduction
  • Getting Started
  • Global Themes
  • Interdisciplinary Research
  • What Makes Up a "Discipline"?
  • Evaluating the Insights of Academic Disciplines
  • Multiple Forms of Integration
  • Evaluating Your Essay
  • Common Stumbling Blocks
  • Examples of Globally Conscious Students

World Studies Global Themes

Globe - Britannica ImageQuest

Conflict, peace, and security Culture, language, and identity Environmental and/or economic sustainability Equality and inequality Health and development Science, technology and society

Conflict, peace, and security

The media's role in conflict Israel and Palestine Global politics, geography, history, language and literature
Politics and the arts Post-apartheid South Africa Theatre, global politics
International justice Charles Taylor and Sierra Leone Philosophy, history, global politics
Revolution and social media Arab Spring in Egypt Global politics, ITGS (Information technology in a global society)
Geopolitics and aid in regional conflicts The Georgia conflict post-2008 Geography, global politics, economics
The ethics of intervention in national or regional conflicts by the international community Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan Global politics, philosophy, social and cultural anthropology

Culture, language, and identity

Preservation of heritage languages or indigenous languages Specific examples of groups striving to protect their language Language, psychology, social and cultural anthropology
Minority group rights issues Specific examples of groups campaigning for equal rights or recognition of their status Psychology, social and cultural anthropology, visual arts, global politics, literature
Issues around reclaiming cultural heritage Particular indigenous groups or countries wishing the return of cultural artifacts from other countries Visual arts, social and cultural anthropology, global politics, psychology
The onslaught of globalization and the maintenance of national identities Specific examples of the effects of globalization on identities Economics, global politics, social and cultural anthropology, psychology, language
The impact of “street art” in protests against discrimination and persecution Specific examples of where art has been used in relation to civil protest Visual arts, global politics, social and cultural anthropology
Racism: inherent psychological traits or sociopolitical forces Examination of the reasons for racism within a particular cultural/societal context Global politics, psychology

Environmental and/or economic sustainability

Sustainable wind power as an offshore or onshore project Comparison of the viability of two case studies Business management, physics, economics, ESS (environmental systems and societies), geography
Global warming and the fish industry Local case study of the effects of climate change on the fishing industry ESS, business management, geography
Transit systems and economic/environmental sustainability Case study of the Bandra Worli sea link in Mumbai ESS, economics, geography
Commercialization of heritage sites Comparison of local case studies for and against government intervention in the commercialization of heritage sites Social and cultural anthropology, global politics, business management, ESS, geography
For-profit social ventures Local case studies of the business viability and social responsibility of these ventures within a particular locality Business management, economics, global politics, social and cultural anthropology, philosophy
Governmental and aid agency support for technology in dealing with agricultural issues on particular areas Kenya: the use of technology in coping with draught Geography, ESS, economics, global politics

Equality and inequality

Women’s rights and microfinancing Women in Bangladesh Economics, global politics, social and cultural anthropology
Child labor and industry Business in West Africa Global politics, economics, business management
Religion and women’s rights Comparison of women in Yemen and Denmark World religions, social and cultural anthropology, economics
Minority rights Caste in Madras, India History, psychology, global politics
Social entrepreneurship and social change Specific example of where social entrepreneurship has been used as a vehicle for social change Global politics, business management, history
The rights of domestic workers Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong Global politics, history, economics, philosophy

Health and development

HIV/AIDS and equitable access to education Specific examples for particular countries Economics, geography, biology, global politics
Climate change, global health and malaria Specific examples for particular countries Environmental systems and society, biology, geography
Population density and levels of cell-tower radiation Specific examples for particular countries Physics, geography
Impact of socio-economic factors on the prevalence of particular infections Specific example of an infection in a particular country or comparison between two countries Biology, geography, economics
Rise of obesity in affluent countries Specific focus on a group in a particular country or comparison between two countries or regions within a country Biology, psychology, global politics, economics
Link between educating females and increased basic health improvements within the family Specific country focus or comparison between two countries or regions within a country Social and cultural anthropology, biology, global politics, psychology

Science, technology and society

Nuclear power and public perception Nuclear power station in Munro, Michigan Physics, psychology, politics
Language development and new technology Schools in Lyon using Google translate™ translation service Information technology in a global society (ITGS), language acquisition, geography
Internet consumption and education Youth education issues in New Delhi, India ITGS, economics, psychology
Role of social media in civil protests Specific example of where social media has been used in protests and demonstrations within a specific country ITGS, global politics
The use of technology in predicting natural disasters The use of new technologies in predicting earthquakes, floods, etc. within a specific region ITGS, physics, economics, geography, ESS, design technology
The use of new technologies in the learning of languages The effectiveness of new technologies in the mastery of second languages among school children within a specific country ITGS, language, economics

WSEE Documents

WSEE Subject Guide and worksheets

  • IB EE Subject Guide - World Studies, 2018
  • Making Meaningful Connections Use this worksheet to help you think about your research plans: the concepts or methods your will be using, the global topic you're focusing on, and the academic disciplines you will be using.

RRS (Researcher's Reflection Space)

  • Sample Prompts for the WSEE RRS What should you write in your RRS? Use these questions and prompts to help you think through the various stages of the research for your WSEE: your initial ideas, your thoughts and reflections during the process, and your conclusions.
  • RRS Example B - World Studies

RPPF (Researcher's Planning and Progress Form) examples:

  • RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
  • RPPF Example 7 - World Studies

IB Extended Essay Guide & Timeline

Check the Extended Essay guide for specific guidance on completing the various steps in the research and writing process of the EE, and  these documents:

how to write an ib geography essay

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how to write an ib geography essay

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Methodology.

Once you have a clear picture of what you know and what you want to know (see KWL diagram ), it's time to think about how you will conduct your research. Methodology is the term used to describe the ways in which you gather data and acquire knowledge. Before you finalise your research question , you will need to know which methods are most appropriate for exploring it. Here is an overview, by group, of common data-gathering methods. Consult this overview before filling out an EE proposal form. Note that the IB's website on the Programme Resource Centre (PRC) offers much more detailed guidance on methodology per subject. 

Subject group Data-gathering methods Points to consider
1 Studies in Language and Literature
2 Language Acquisition
3 Individuals and Societies surveys observation
4 Experimental Sciences
5 Mathematics
6 The Arts

How is knowledge traditionally gatthered in your field of research? Under which Area of Knowledge (AOK) does your subject fall and learn more about its knowledge framework to learn ore about traditional methods of doing research in this subject.

One of the Approaches to Learning refers to self-management skills. When thinking about your methods of research, consider how long they will take. How much time do you need to read a novel, organise a survey or run an experiment? What if this takes longer then usual? Consider methodology when planning. 

Are you assessed on your methods? Yes! Criterion A: Focus and methods clearly states this. Criteria B and C also refer to the quality of research. For example: You may write an excellent essay about your lab results. But if your experiement was pedestrian, you will not score well on Criteria A-C. Ask your supervisor about the appropriateness of your methodology to get a sense of what it expected. Note that some methods are allowed but not recommended, such as data analysis in the sciences. Talk to your supervisor for more advice.

Get the Reddit app

This is the unofficial subreddit for all things concerning the International Baccalaureate, an academic credential accorded to secondary students from around the world after two vigorous years of study, culminating in challenging exams. This subreddit encourages questions, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge and resources among IB students, alumni, and teachers. Note that the subreddit is not run by the International Baccalaureate.

GEOGRAPHY HL 16 Mark Essay

For the geography 16 mark essay, what does it consist of? The teacher left the school and we don’t have anyone to guide us. Long story short, I am lost. What could I practice or what are some important ideas to mention in essays like that. If anyone has a level 7 scoring essay, please share.

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IMAGES

  1. IB Geography: How to write a 10 mark essay from a Level 7 student

    how to write an ib geography essay

  2. IB Geography Revision

    how to write an ib geography essay

  3. IB DP Geography Extended Essay

    how to write an ib geography essay

  4. How to write an essay in Geography 1

    how to write an ib geography essay

  5. How to Write a Stunning Geography Essay: Great Tips from Know-It-All

    how to write an ib geography essay

  6. Essay Examples on Geography Free Essay Example

    how to write an ib geography essay

COMMENTS

  1. PDF IB Geography Essay Writing Plan

    The essay must be fixed at all times to the command word and based on the subject. This is achieved by frequently tagging the subject into your argument. The argument must be balanced. This means a critical awareness of different perspectives and interpretations of evidence. This does not mean that all perspectives have equal importance ...

  2. IB Geography Revision

    đŸ—ș IB Geography Revision How to Score a 7 in Geography Essays đŸ§‘â€đŸ« Today's class on "How to score a 7 in Geography Essays" is relevant for both standard ...

  3. Geography Extended Essay: Definition, Rubric, And Topics for IB

    The cornerstone of a successful geography extended essay is a robust technique that includes the collecting of high-quality facts. Good data allows the IB learner to conduct the sort of in-depth examination that distinguishes the finest works. It's unlikely that an essay relying solely on published textbooks will receive a high grade.

  4. The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, Ideas

    Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia; ... How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips. Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

  5. Structuring your Geography extended essay

    This should include: the title of your extended essay. the research question. subject for which the essay is registered... Geography! (if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilised) your candidate code. the word count. There should be no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers ...

  6. Revision

    IBDP Geography Revision. IB Geography Examinations. There are two examination papers for SL students (Paper 1 & 2) and three for HL students (Paper 1, 2 & 3) Paper 1 - Themes. This exam is based on the optional themes that you have chosen to study. The first section of each optional question is worth 10 marks and contains a series of structured ...

  7. The Best IB Geography Study Guide and Notes for SL/HL

    For IB Geography, there are lots of topics to master, so you can't fall behind. Common mistakes students make are: #1: Trying to avoid the material you didn't learn in class. If you didn't understand it in class, you need to find more help whether through this article or tutoring. #2: Only studying a week or two before the IB Geography papers.

  8. IB Examination Guidance

    4 sets of questions one on each of the core units (compulsory you need to answer all of them). Spend no longer than 45 min on this section that means approximately 10-12 min for each question. Section B. Essay based section. You will need to answer one 15 mark essay from a choice of 3. You will need a good 45 min to plan and write this essay.

  9. Extended Essay

    1.0 - Introduction - Why is this an important issue to study? How does it fit in the context of the discipline (s) of 'Geography (and another)'. State your research question - 1 paragraph - this is short as you will expand on it in 1.1 and 1.2. 1.1 - The Global Context - Why is this an important issue on the global scale?

  10. IB DIPLOMA: GEOGRAPHY EXTENDED ESSAY ADVICE

    Clear advice / pointers on how to write a good IB Extended Essay in Geography based on reflections of more than a decade of supervising Geography EEs!

  11. IB Geography: A Complete Guide

    Yes, a significant part of the IB Geography assessment involves essay writing. This not only includes essays in your final exam but also the Internal Assessment, which is an independent investigation presented in an essay format. Developing clear and cogent essay-writing skills is therefore crucial to succeeding in IB Geography.

  12. Examples

    These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International BaccalaureateÂź (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays. Some examples are: "An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character". "A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery ...

  13. Extended essay

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International BaccalaureateÂź (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...

  14. IB Geography: How to write a 10 mark essay from a Level 7 student

    IB Geography: How to write a 10 mark essayMy advice but obviously not the only way to go about writing the essay :))

  15. IB Geography EE examples

    Advertise with Clastify. "To what extent can ecotourism at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam be considered successful?". EE Geography B. Spatio-Temporal Analysis of High-Risk Dengue Clusters in Bedok and Jurong Areas of Singapore. EE Geography A. To what extent does mountain biking affect the ecological health ...

  16. DP Geography: Model Essays

    Model Essays. This page includes 25 model essays from across the IBDP Geography course, including all the optional themes and SL&HL Core components. The resources are presented as either complete essays or as an essay exercise. Further essay resources such as essay frameworks and introduction and lead sentence frameworks can be found in the ...

  17. Tips for IB Geography (SL/HL)

    1 Commenton Tips for IB Geography (SL/HL) IB Geography was definitely my favourite subject! Its interdisciplinary nature was fascinating to explore, and I learnt so many new skills from modelling statistical representation for the IA, to analyzing maps and graphs and writing more succinctly. Although some Reddit users may say that IB Geography ...

  18. World Studies Extended Essay: Global Themes

    A guide to the research and writing process required for students completing the IB World Studies Extended Essay. ... physics, economics, geography, ESS, design technology: The use of new technologies in the learning of languages: The effectiveness of new technologies in the mastery of second languages among school children within a specific ...

  19. World Studies Extended Essay

    The process of researching and writing the world studies extended essay develops international-mindedness and specifically the concept of global consciousness. This concept encompasses three distinct strands: global sensitivity - a sensitivity to local phenomena and experiences as expressions of developments on the planet. global understanding ...

  20. IB Geography Exams

    Paper 1 HL/SL - 07/01/2013. Your exam will be split into four sections. Total time 1 hour 30 minutes. Pt.1 - Populations in Transition. Pt.2 - Disparities in Wealth and Development. Pt.3 - 15 Mark Essay Question. Note in the real exam in May 2013 you would have the two units that we have not completed yet: Pt.4.

  21. Extended essay: Methodology

    IB requirements Cat 1 - Studies of works in target language; Cat 2 - Compare a target-language work to a work in translation ... For example: You may write an excellent essay about your lab results. But if your experiement was pedestrian, you will not score well on Criteria A-C. Ask your supervisor about the appropriateness of your methodology ...

  22. GEOGRAPHY HL 16 Mark Essay : r/IBO

    For the geography 16 mark essay, what does it consist of? The teacher left the school and we don't have anyone to guide us. Long story short, I am lost. ... exams. This subreddit encourages questions, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge and resources among IB students, alumni, and teachers. Note that the subreddit is not run ...