IB past paper analysis

Philosophy SL
May 2026 · Paper 1 · TZ1

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  • 16questions
  • 400marks
  • 16question parts
  • 16micro-topics

What this paper tests

Mark distribution

  • Being human13%
  • Aesthetics13%
  • Epistemology13%
  • Ethics13%
  • Philosophy of religion13%
  • Philosophy of science13%
  • Political philosophy13%
  • Social philosophy13%

Hardest areas (by marks)

  1. 1.What is consciousness?25 marks
  2. 2.Consciousness and the world25 marks
  3. 3.Aesthetic experience25 marks

Question types

evaluate: 88%explore: 13%0%
  • evaluate88%
  • explore13%

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 Philosophy SL May 2026 TZ1 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 TZ1 Paper 1?

Being human 13% (typical 5%), Aesthetics 13% (typical 5%), Epistemology 13% (typical 5%).

How do I practise this paper without the paper?

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