Exam skills
Paper structures, command terms, marking criteria and proven exam techniques for every IB subject. Pick yours below.
Free IB exam preparation. No account needed to read.
01—Subjects
Every subject has its own paper structure, its own command terms and its own way of losing marks. Start with yours.
Group 1—Studies in Language & Literature
Group 3—Individuals & Societies
Group 4—Sciences
02—Technique
Two students with identical knowledge can score very differently. The difference is almost always exam technique: reading the question, structuring the answer, and allocating time correctly.
A 4-mark “Explain” question needs a different structure to a 4-mark “Describe”, even at the same marks. IB examiners mark against a specific mark scheme and reward the right structure as much as correct content.
03—Command terms
Every IB exam question starts with a command term. Learn what each one demands and you stop losing easy marks.
| Command term | What it means | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Define | Give a precise meaning | 1–2 |
| Describe | State features or characteristics | 2–4 |
| Outline | Give a brief account of main points | 2–4 |
| Explain | Give reasons or causes | 3–6 |
| Suggest | Propose a plausible explanation or answer | 2–3 |
| Analyse | Break down and examine in detail | 4–6 |
| Evaluate | Make a reasoned judgment based on evidence | 6–9 |
| Discuss | Consider multiple perspectives | 6–9 |
04—Universal skills
Master these before your exam. They apply in ESS, Business Management, Economics, and every other IB subject.
"Define", "Evaluate", "Discuss" — each word tells you exactly how many marks are available and what structure to use. Getting this wrong costs marks every time.
IB marks are worth roughly 1 minute each. A 6-mark question gets 6 minutes. Running out of time is one of the most preventable ways to lose marks.
PEEL paragraphs (Point → Evidence → Explanation → Link) for essays; structured data-reading for case studies. Examiners reward format as much as knowledge.
IB mark schemes are specific. Learning to write with the mark scheme in mind — using the right terminology and covering the expected points — is the fastest way to improve.
05—The right order
Most students study in the wrong order and wonder why their grades do not improve. Follow this sequence for every topic.
Cover each micro-topic with free notes. Aim to understand — not just memorise.
ESS NotesSpaced repetition locks definitions and concepts into long-term memory.
ESS FlashcardsApply knowledge under timed conditions. Use mark schemes to self-assess.
Practice QuestionsCheck command terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme language. Small changes in technique = big mark gains.
Exam Skills Guide06—Free tools
Calculate your final IB grade based on historical boundaries.
Plan your revision with the official 2026 exam schedule.
Practice IB-style past-paper questions across every subject.
Spaced-repetition flashcards for every topic and subject.
Free syllabus-aligned notes for every subject, by topic.
Full AI-graded mock exams under timed conditions.
Evidence-based revision techniques, plans and timetables.
07—Questions
IB command terms are specific verbs used in exam questions that tell you exactly what type of response is expected. Common terms include Define (1–2 marks, give a precise meaning), Describe (state the features), Explain (give reasons), Analyse (break down and examine), Evaluate (make a judgment with evidence), and Discuss (consider multiple perspectives). Each term corresponds to a specific answer structure and marks allocation.
IB ESS is assessed through two external papers and one internal assessment. Paper 1 (1 hour SL / 2 hours HL, 35–70 marks) tests data-based and short-answer questions across the syllabus. Paper 2 (2 hours SL / 2.5 hours HL, 60–80 marks) includes short answer and essay questions covering all units. The Internal Assessment is an individual investigation worth 25% (SL) or 20% (HL) of the final grade.
IB Business Management SL is assessed through Paper 1 (1.5 hours, pre-released case study, 30 marks) and Paper 2 (1.5 hours, structured questions, 40 marks). HL adds Paper 3 (1 hour 15 minutes, unseen stimulus, 25 marks). All exams require application of business tools like SWOT, PEST, and financial ratios to real scenarios.
IB Economics SL is assessed through Paper 1 (1 hour 15 minutes, extended response, 25 marks, 30%) and Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes, data response, 40 marks, 40%), plus an IA portfolio worth 30%. HL adds Paper 3 (1 hour 45 minutes, policy paper, 60 marks, 30%) and adjusts the weighting: Paper 1 (20%), Paper 2 (30%), Paper 3 (30%), IA (20%). Diagrams and real-world application are essential across all papers.
The fastest improvements come from: (1) learning command terms so you know exactly what each question asks for, (2) practising with real mark schemes to understand examiner expectations, (3) timed practice under exam conditions, and (4) reviewing common mistakes specific to your subject.
Expert practice questions, flashcards, and topic quizzes with instant AI feedback. All free to start.