In the words of my favorite geography teacher, Sam Laurence, “Revision starts in week 1.” While overly ambitious, the intention is right. IB revision does start earlier than ‘revision week’. IB DP Geography, be it at higher or standard level, is very intense in terms of the content that needs to be absorbed into your IB TOK and IB Maths filled brain. The essence of these recommendations is to achieve two things. Firstly, it is to better prepare yourself for the content, and secondly, to make it as easy as possible for the IB examiner to dish you grades like they’re Oprah on her Christmas specials.
In true IB fashion, here is a list of exam and pre-exam tips to get that 7 (or hopefully something close to it):
Glossary page for definitions: IB DP Geography is a definition-packed subject, therefore having a glossary section at the end of each chapter (that you’ve put together) is crucial for your revision as the IB exam approaches. Most IB DP essay questions will require numerous definitions either in the introduction or as you propose new ideas in the body of the text. If you’re feeling spicy, why not get some flash cards and use them to ace your definitions.
Extra reading: while often overly encouraged by IB teachers, its one addition to my IB Geography course that I found the most useful. Reading a few articles every week from news networks, such as The Economist or the Financial Times, can expand your IB case study understanding, allowing you to incorporate more relevant examples into your IB exam answers. Don’t be too worried if you can’t remember the figures or specific data, simply understanding and explaining a relevant case shows the IB DP examiner that you’ve gone above and beyond (I’m sorry I had to say that. I hate that phrase too).
Timed practice paper: a recurring complaint you hear outside the IB exam hall is that “I was not able to finish my last paragraph.” This tends to be the case for a lot of IB DP students. I highly recommend completing past IB exam papers in timed conditions in order to better understand how to manage the workload and ensure the maximum number of points.
Highlight key terms: this may appear obvious but is crucial. Take 10 seconds once you’ve read a question to highlight the key terms and the command words (e.g., Analyze, Describe or Evaluate). This will provide the necessary foundation for your answer.
Write out a brief structure under the question: prior to writing out the dozens of ideas you learnt 33 minutes before the exam, take 3-5 minutes to write a brief structure entailing the key points of your argument. Remember, whileIB essays should be descriptive, the IB examiners are looking for well thought out answers that address the proposed statement from different angles. The structure will allow you to note down any ideas you get while writing and provide a point of reference to ensure you’re on track.
Structured arguments: when writing your essay answers for an IB exam, focus on adopting the infamous Point, Evidence and Analysis approach. This will strengthen the structure (previously discussed) and allow the IB examiner to dish those much-needed IB grades.
Diagrams, Diagram, Diagrams… and some graphs: this feels very niche to IB Geography, but arguably makes the subject much more fun (the beauty of coloring pencils). Diagrams are super important in your essays. While they do not appear as often as they used to in the IGCSE or Pre-IB, they can push your answer a grade up as it makes the IB examiner’s job easier.
Assume your IB mocks are the real thing: IB DP Mocks are critical. Not only for your predicted IB grades, but it allows you to better understand the gaps in your knowledge. Additionally, the notes you make prior to the IB mocks can be used towards your final IB exams. Win-win if you ask me. Point is, take your time in revising for the mocks as it will be the much-needed foundation for your final IB DP exams.
For anyone reading this, I truly hope it isn’t the night before your IB exam. And if it is, don’t sweat it! Focus on what you know and focus on the structure points listed above. But PLEASE, do not leave IB DP Geography to the last minute. Unfortunately, a 2-year degree cannot be crammed into 6 hours so start as EARLY as possible.