IB past paper analysis

ESS
May 2026 · Paper 2 · TZ3

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  • 6questions
  • 80marks
  • 25question parts
  • 23micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Ecology29%
  • Foundations of ESS19%
  • Biodiversity and Conservation16%
  • Human Population and Urban Systems11%
  • Land10%
  • Natural Resources9%
  • Water4%
  • Atmosphere and Climate Change3%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Global population growth and projections9 marks
  2. 2.Values and conservation choices9 marks
  3. 3.Ecological footprints7 marks

Question types

explain / justify: 48%outline: 16%write down / state: 8%find / solve: 8%0%
  • explain / justify48%
  • outline16%
  • write down / state8%
  • find / solve8%

0% of parts are show / prove.

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Questions in this paper

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Where to go next

Good to know

Can I download ESS May 2026 TZ3 Paper 2 here?

No. The paper and its mark scheme belong to the IB and are not reproduced. This page gives the structure of every question (marks, command term, micro-topic, the skill tested), the exam analysis, and practice questions we wrote to test the same skills. Subscribers can also open our summary of how each part's marks are awarded.

Which topics dominate May 2026 TZ3 Paper 2?

Ecology 29% (typical 20%), Foundations of ESS 19% (typical 17%), Biodiversity and Conservation 16% (typical 14%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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