IB past paper analysis

Geography SL
May 2026 · Paper 1

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  • 14questions
  • 210marks
  • 45question parts
  • 29micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Option A: Freshwater - drainage basins14%
  • Option B: Oceans and coastal margins14%
  • Option C: Extreme environments14%
  • Option D: Geophysical hazards14%
  • Option E: Leisure, tourism and sport14%
  • Option F: The geography of food and health14%
  • Option G: Urban environments14%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.Water quality and pollution10 marks
  2. 2.Flooding and flood mitigation10 marks
  3. 3.Coastal processes and landforms10 marks

Question types

examine: 27%explain / justify: 22%write down / state: 20%outline: 16%0%
  • examine27%
  • explain / justify22%
  • write down / state20%
  • outline16%

0% of parts are show / prove.

  • Paper 1
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Questions in this paper

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Where to go next

Good to know

Can I download Geography SL May 2026 Paper 1 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 Paper 1?

Option A: Freshwater - drainage basins 14% (typical 10%), Option B: Oceans and coastal margins 14% (typical 10%), Option C: Extreme environments 14% (typical 10%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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All Geography SL past papers