External Exams
External: written exams marked by IB examiners
The IB paper syllabus is the blueprint for every exam and coursework component in the Diploma and Middle Years Programmes. It defines what students need to know, how they will be assessed, and the weight of each paper toward the final grade.
The IB paper syllabus serves as the official curriculum framework that outlines the knowledge, skills, and understanding students must demonstrate in each subject. It is published by the International Baccalaureate Organization and updated on a regular review cycle to reflect current academic standards and pedagogical research. Each subject syllabus contains a detailed content guide, assessment model, and grade descriptors that together define the scope and depth of learning. Teachers use the syllabus to design their course delivery, while examiners use it to set examination papers and mark schemes.
For students and families, the syllabus is the single most important reference document for planning the two-year Diploma Programme or the final years of the Middle Years Programme. It tells you exactly which topics are examinable, how many papers exist for each subject, the duration and format of each paper, and the percentage each paper contributes to the final subject grade. Reading the syllabus overview at the start of the programme helps you see the big picture before diving into daily lessons.
The syllabus also distinguishes between Standard Level and Higher Level requirements where applicable. Higher Level courses cover additional topics, require greater depth of analysis, and often include an extra examination paper or extended response questions. Understanding these differences early allows students to make informed subject choices and manage workload expectations across their full programme.
Each subject has a defined set of examination papers
Papers vary in format: multiple choice, short answer, essay
Weightings show each paper's contribution to final grade
Higher Level often includes extra papers or topics
Specialised papers test subject-specific skills
External: written exams marked by IB examiners
Internal: teacher-marked coursework moderated by IB
Internal assessment typically forms a substantial minority of grade
Internal work requires sustained independent effort
External papers need timed practice and broad coverage
Command terms signal required response type
Glossary groups terms by assessment objective
Recall terms: define, state, list, identify
Reasoning terms: explain, analyse, compare
Judgement terms: evaluate, discuss, justify
Mark schemes align points to command terms
The syllabus is the most reliable tool for building a revision timeline. Start by listing every topic in the syllabus content guide for each subject. Cross-reference with the assessment model to see which topics appear in which papers and their approximate weightings. This mapping reveals high-priority topics that appear across multiple papers or carry heavy weighting. Allocate more revision sessions to these areas while ensuring every listed topic receives at least one focused review.
Create a calendar working backward from examination dates. Block time for each subject based on paper weightings and personal confidence levels. Use the syllabus learning outcomes as checklists: can you explain this concept, apply it to a new context, and evaluate its limitations? Tick outcomes off as you master them. Schedule regular mixed-practice sessions using past papers to build stamina and integrate knowledge across topics.
Build in buffer weeks for unexpected delays and for revisiting weak areas identified through practice papers. The syllabus also highlights connections between topics; use these to design interleaved revision that strengthens conceptual links. Finally, align internal assessment deadlines with the revision calendar so coursework completion does not clash with intensive examination preparation.
Textbook coverage does not equal syllabus coverage
Option topics and case studies are examinable
Allocate revision time by weighting, not preference
Identify command terms in every practice question
IA topics must fit scope and criteria requirements
EE research questions need sharp focus and analysis
The official syllabus documents are published on the IB Programme Resource Centre, which is accessible through your school's IB coordinator. Teachers provide students with the relevant subject guides at the start of the course. Always use the current version for your examination session, as syllabuses are updated on a review cycle.
The syllabus content guide lists all topics and indicates which are assessed in which paper. The assessment model section shows the paper structure, duration, and weighting. Cross-referencing these two sections gives a clear map of topic-to-paper alignment. Past papers also reveal patterns in topic coverage over recent sessions.
Higher Level includes all Standard Level content plus additional topics, greater depth in shared topics, and often an extra examination paper or extended response questions. The syllabus clearly marks HL-only material. Students should confirm their registration level with their coordinator to ensure they are preparing the correct content.
Internal assessment typically contributes a substantial minority of the final subject grade, though the exact proportion varies by subject. The subject syllabus states the precise weighting. The remaining majority comes from external examination papers. Both components are essential for a strong overall result.
The syllabus defines the entire pool of examinable content. Any listed topic may appear in any relevant paper. While past papers show trends, the IB does not publish advance information on specific topics for upcoming sessions. Comprehensive coverage of the syllabus is the only reliable preparation strategy.
Before writing an answer, identify the command term and recall its definition from the IB glossary. Outline a response structure that matches the term's requirements: recall, reasoning, or judgement. After completing the answer, compare it to the mark scheme to see if you addressed each marking point linked to that command term.
Understanding the IB paper syllabus is the first step toward confident, focused study. If you would like support mapping syllabus requirements to a personalised revision plan or aligning your coursework with assessment criteria, our subject