SL / HLExam 28 Oct
Biology SL Paper 1 is on Tue 27 Oct
Start its crash courseFor the November 2026 and May 2027 exams
IB crash courses, one paper at a time
The topics your paper tests most, the traps, and the technique that turns them into marks. One paper at a time.
No credit card required · No time limit
01—Inside every course
Everything one paper needs. Nothing it doesn't.
Top topics, ranked
What recent exams tested most
Key facts, fast
Only what this paper needs
Worked examples
Step by step, mark by mark
The traps
Where good students lose marks
Exam tips
How to bank the marks on the day
02—A peek inside
This is a real course.
ESS Paper 1, exactly as students see it: the topics ranked, then each one taught step by step, mark by mark.
ESS Paper 1 crash course
Most-tested topics
- 1Conservation strategiesTop
- 2Threats to biodiversityTop
- 3SustainabilityTop
- 4CommunitiesHigh
- 5Water pollutionHigh
- 6Freshwater availabilityHigh
+ 2 more topics
Topic 5 · 16 Qs · 2021–2025
Water pollution, eutrophication and management
Exam-style question
Outline how the release of excess nutrients into a lake can lead to the death of fish. [4]
Step 1 of 4 · Nutrients wash in
- Excess nitrates and phosphates from run-off enrich the lake, causing a rapid algal bloom1 mark
- The algal mat blocks light, so submerged plants die1 mark
- Dead algae and plants are decomposed by aerobic bacteria whose numbers increase1 mark
- Bacterial respiration consumes dissolved oxygen (raising the biochemical oxygen demand, BOD), oxygen levels fall and fish die of asphyxiation1 mark
The trap
Do not say the algae themselves 'use up all the oxygen' or that fish are 'poisoned by the algae'. The oxygen is consumed by decomposer bacteria respiring on the dead organic matter — missing the decomposition step is the classic error that costs the mark.
Key points, named examples and 7 more topics in the full course
03—The courses
Pick your subject. Pick your paper.
28 courses across 9 subjects, written by our own subject team. Part of Pro.
Group 3
Individuals and societies
SL / HLExam 10 Nov
SL / HLExam 6 Nov
Group 4
Sciences
SLExam 30 Oct
SL / HLExam 4 Nov
SLExam 11 Nov
SLExam 27 Oct
Group 5
Mathematics
SL / HLExam 9 Nov
Math AI
Short questions, big marks — know what to expect
5 papers
Breakdowns: Paper 1 SL · Paper 2 SL · Paper 1 HL · Paper 2 HL · Paper 3 HL
SL / HLExam 9 Nov
Math AA
No calculator — win on clean technique
5 papers
Breakdowns: Paper 1 HL · Paper 2 HL · Paper 3 HL
FAQ
IB crash courses: common questions
- What is an IB crash course on Aimnova?
- A short course built around one exam paper. It ranks the topics that paper has tested most in recent sessions and gives you the key facts, a worked example and the common trap for each, plus the answer technique that earns the marks.
- Who are the crash courses for?
- IB Diploma students sitting the November 2026 and May 2027 exams who want to spend their last weeks of revision on one paper at a time. Pick the course for your subject, level and paper.
- Does a crash course replace my revision?
- No. It is a focused top-up, not a full course. Use it once you have covered the syllabus, alongside your notes, practice questions and mock exams.
- Are these official IB materials?
- No. Aimnova is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate. The courses are written by our own subject team. Topic rankings come from how often topics have appeared in recent exams, so they guide your revision but cannot promise what will be on your paper.
- How do I get access?
- Crash courses are part of Aimnova Pro. Create a free account first, try your first topic for free, and upgrade when you want the courses. The pricing page lists the plans.
Keep going
More ways to prepare
Pick one paper. Start there.
Crash courses, mock exams and marked practice in one place. Your first topic is free.
No credit card required · No time limit