IB papers are the written examination components that sit alongside internal assessment in every IB subject. Each paper has a defined format, weighting and set of command terms that shape how you demonstrate knowledge and skills. This guide breaks down paper structures by subject group, common question types, marking principles and practical ways to use past papers in your revision.
IB papers are the externally assessed written examinations that form part of the final grade in each IB subject. They complement internal assessments such as investigations, oral work and portfolios, which are marked by teachers and moderated by the IB.
Every subject typically has two or three papers, each with a distinct focus, duration and weighting. Together they test breadth and depth of the syllabus under timed conditions.
Papers are set and marked by IB examiners using published markschemes. Raw marks from all papers and internal assessment are combined, then converted to the 1–7 grade scale through subject-specific grade boundaries.
Test breadth of knowledge and quick discrimination between plausible options. They reward secure recall and the ability to eliminate distractors under time pressure.
Assess interpretation of stimulus material, application of concepts to unfamiliar contexts and concise communication. Command terms such as “analyse”, “evaluate” and “calculate” signal the depth required.
Require sustained argument, structured use of evidence and engagement with the question’s key terms. They test synthesis across topics and the ability to write clearly within a strict time limit.
Involve multi-step reasoning, selection of appropriate methods and clear presentation of working. Marks are often awarded for method as well as the final answer.
Start with untimed practice using the markscheme alongside the question paper to learn how marks are awarded for each command term. Progress to timed full-paper attempts under exam conditions to build stamina and pacing.
After each timed attempt, mark your work honestly using the markscheme. Note where marks were lost: missing key terms, incomplete working, misreading command terms or time pressure. Group these errors by topic and skill to prioritise further study.
Look for recurring question patterns across sessions. Many subjects revisit core concepts in predictable formats. Building a personal bank of model answers for frequent question types improves speed and confidence.
Schedule past-paper sessions regularly in the months before mocks and final exams, increasing frequency as the exam period approaches.
Progress to timed full-paper attempts under exam conditions to build stamina and pacing. Regular sessions in the months before mocks and final exams, increasing frequency as the exam period approaches.
One-to-one tutoring targets the specific papers and question types where a student loses the most marks. Tutors use markschemes to model examiner-standard responses and give immediate feedback on practice attempts.
Sessions can focus on command-term drills, timed mini-sections, and structured debriefs of past-paper attempts. This creates a tight feedback loop that accelerates improvement in exam technique.
Tutors also help students build personalised revision plans that align with the academic calendar, ensuring paper-focused practice intensifies at the right moments relative to mocks and final exams.
Tutors also help students build personalised revision plans that align with the academic calendar, ensuring paper-focused practice intensifies at the right moments relative to mocks and final exams.
The consultation process begins with a conversation about the student’s subjects, levels and the specific papers they find most difficult. This information is used to match the student with a tutor who specialises in those papers.
An initial diagnostic using recent past-paper attempts or mock results helps the tutor design a focused plan. The plan sets clear short-term goals for each paper and schedules regular check-ins to track progress.
Families can start by submitting the consultation form on the website. The team then arranges a suitable tutor match and outlines the first steps for paper-specific preparation.
Most IB subjects have two or three written papers. The exact number, duration and weighting are set out in the current subject guide for each course and level (SL or HL).
Paper numbers denote different examination components with distinct formats. For example, in Sciences Paper 1 is often multiple-choice, Paper 2 data-response and short-answer, and Paper 3 covers option topics. The pattern varies by subject group.
Papers are marked externally by IB examiners using published markschemes. Raw marks from all papers and internal assessment are combined, then converted to the 1–7 grade scale through subject-specific grade boundaries set each session.
Begin with untimed, markscheme-supported practice once syllabus coverage is underway. Move to regular timed full papers from January of the final year, increasing frequency as mocks and final exams approach.
Yes. One-to-one tutoring can target individual papers, question types and command terms. Tutors use markschemes to model examiner-standard answers and build timed practice into a calendar-aligned plan.
Submit the consultation form to match with a tutor who specialises in the IB papers you need most support with. We’ll design a plan aligned to your exam timeline.