ENVIRONMENTAL-SYSTEMS-AND-SOCIETIES · IB Diploma Programme
Environmental Systems and Societies Exam Tips
In Paper 1, you are handed a comprehensive Resource Booklet (such as a detailed dossier on a country like Ecuador) and given 60 minutes to extract, interpret, and evaluate ecological and socio-economic data. Successful candidates do not read the booklet word-for-word from page on…
Papers
2
Total marks
100
Time limit
3h
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
A graphic display calculator (GDC) from the IB-approved list is required for most Mathematics and Sciences papers and must be set to examination mode. Note that some papers do not permit a calculator (for example Mathematics Paper 1 and the multiple-choice Sciences Paper 1).
2
Papers
5
Strategies
9
Mistakes
- In Paper 1, you are handed a comprehensive Resource Booklet (such as a detailed dossier on a country like Ecuador) and given 60 minutes to extract, interpret, and evaluate ecological and socio-economic data. Successful candidates do not read the booklet word-for-word from page one. Instead, spend the first 10 minutes performing a structured scan. Identify the core environmental conflict (e.g., pipeline infrastructure versus biodiversity in cloud forests), locate the key species interactions (such as the Mindo harlequin toad and its pathogen threats), and note the economic drivers (such as crude oil, cut flowers, or shrimp exports). When answering, never copy policy details or data values blindly; the examiner wants you to explain the underlying ecological mechanisms or socio-economic trade-offs driving those numbers.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.