Geography is, in its broadest sense, the study of the Earth. The study of the natural environment is referred to as physical geography, and humanity’s interactions with the environment are referred to as human geography. Overall, the study of geography helps us understand the world we live in and the different ways that people and places are connected.
The IB DP Geography course integrates both physical and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio-economic methodologies.
IB Geography is an interesting course in that it draws on a wide variety of subjects and disciplines. This enables students to evaluate global issues from multiple perspectives. The subject also considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local and regional to national and international.
IB Geography teaching requirements
Standard Level (SL): 150 hours of teaching
Higher Level (HL): 240 hours of teaching
IB Geography assessment structure
The IB Geography course is assessed through both internal and external assessments (listed below).
Paper 1 – Geographic Themes (HL and SL)
2 hr 15 min exam
HL - 60 marks – choose three topics from the seven options
SL - 40 marks – choose two topics from the seven options
The seven topics are as follows:
- Freshwater
- Oceans and coastal margins
- Extreme environments
- Geophysical hazards
- Leisure, tourism and sport
- Food and health
- Urban environments
Each topic has a structured question and one extended answer question from a choice of two.
Paper 2 – Geographic Perspectives - Global Change (HL and SL)
1 hr 15 min exam
This contains three structured questions, based on each SL/HL core unit. Students are usually expected to respond to an infographic or visual stimulus. There is also one extended answer question from a choice of two.
Section A contains a mixture of short answer questions and data response.
The topics include:
- Changing Population
- Global Climate (Vulnerability and Resilience)
- Global Resource Consumption and Security
Section B contains short answer questions based on the resource booklet provided.
Section C contains essay style questions. The application of relevant case studies is expected.
Paper 3 – Global Interactions (HL only)
1 hr exam
Students select from a choice of three extended answer questions, with two parts, based on each HL core extension unit.
Two essay responses are expected, and the questions are based on the following themes:
- Power, Places and Networks
- Human Development and Diversity
- Global Risk and Resilience
Internal Assessment (IA)
This consists of a 2500 word coursework document based on a geographic field study connected to a suitable syllabus topic. Students will conduct a fieldwork exercise first, and the IA document is essentially the write-up of each student’s findings, including a detailed analysis and evaluation of the results.
What are the key concepts of IB Geography?
Outlined below are the main topics of IB Geography:
Geographic themes (SL and HL)
- Freshwater
- Oceans and coastal margins
- Extreme environments
- Geophysical hazards
- Leisure, tourism and sport
- Food and health
- Urban environments
Geographic perspectives—global change (SL and HL)
- Population distribution—changing population
- Global climate—vulnerability and resilience
- Global resource consumption and security
Geographic perspectives—global interactions (HL only)
- Power, places and networks
- Human development and diversity
- Global risks and resilience
How difficult is the IB Geography HL?
A common question that students have is about the difficulty of IB Geography HL. The true answer is based on your individual skills and your desire to learn and improve in the subject. Think about your strengths and interests and whether they match up to the demands of the course.
If you are genuinely unsure about whether to pursue HL geography, first bear in mind that geography is comprised of two broad components: human and physical. If you have an interest in socioeconomics and humanity’s interactions with the world, you’ll be geared more towards human geography. If you prefer to learn about the natural environment, physical will be of more interest.
However, even though you will likely have a preference, there is no escaping both sides of the course. If you absolutely hate science, for example, then you may find the physical aspects of the course quite tiresome. You don’t need a high level of skill in the sciences to do well in geography, but a moderate interest and a basic understanding is very helpful.
Should I take SL or HL IB Geography?
If you are split between the SL and HL course, here are some other factors to consider:
- HL students are required to sit an additional hour-long exam (paper 3) that requires a demonstration of essay writing skills.
- The learning demands of HL are greater, both in terms of volume of teaching and the expected depth of knowledge from students. If you don’t have a natural interest and a desire to read beyond the subject, HL may not be advisable.
How to write an IB Geography Essay
Follow the marking criteria for IB Geography. See below:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specified content
- Students will be expected to learn and understand the core content of the syllabus
- Students will need to demonstrate this knowledge in their responses to questions. This may include: referring to key geographic concepts, keywords and case studies.
- Students aiming for the top grade band will need to go above and beyond the textbook with their own independent research.
2. Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge and understanding
- Students must apply and analyse geographic concepts and theories
- Students will need to identify and interpret geographic patterns and processes in unfamiliar information, data and cartographic material
- Students will need to demonstrate the extent to which theories and concepts are recognized and understood in particular contexts.
3. Demonstrate synthesis and evaluation
- Students will examine and evaluate geographic concepts, theories and perceptions
- In their writing, they will use geographic concepts and examples to formulate and present an argument
- It will be necessary to evaluate materials using methodology appropriate for geographic fieldwork
- At HL only, students will need to demonstrate synthesis and evaluation of the HL extension: global interactions.
4. Select, use and apply a variety of appropriate skills and techniques
- Students will use and apply prescribed geographic skills in appropriate contexts
- Students must refer to techniques and skills that are appropriate to a geographic research question.
- They must produce well-structured written material, using appropriate terminology.
How do I get a Level 7 in IB Geography?
As is the case with any IB subject, you will need to go the extra mile for a level 7. This means that, in addition to following the guidelines above and those provided by your teacher, you will need to engage in additional independent study.
Here are some tips:
- Look through past examiners reports and marking criteria and pick out some key findings. Bear in mind that different question types will have different examiner expectations.
- Complete your own independent research to enhance your case studies. Reference legitimate news sources and academic articles in your work. Use podcasts and YouTube news reports to help make this process more enjoyable.
- Find revision strategies that enable you to recall vast amounts of case study detail and geographic concepts. Examples might include: mind maps, a keyword glossary for each topic, acronyms, and a memory palace/journey.
- Practice essay writing. The essay style questions are the highest tariff questions, and where the most marks are gained or lost. A poor score on an essay question can really hurt your overall exam score. It is important to have a clear, balanced structure to your essays, and the only way to improve on that is through doing. Completing more practice questions than your classmates will help you stand out. Having someone to hold you accountable (such as a Keystone IB Geography tutor) can be really motivating.
IB Geography Resources and Past Papers
Official past papers are notoriously difficult to source for IB Geography. In the first instance, source past papers directly from your teacher where possible.
Once those papers have been exhausted, then you can consider looking online. Unfortunately, many websites that offer past papers conceal them behind a (sometimes costly) paywall. It’s also difficult to assess the legitimacy of these sites, since none of them are officially IB endorsed. However, if you do your due diligence, you may be able to find legitimate sites that offer a good selection of past papers for a reasonable fee.
Think IB has some good sample questions to get you started.
IB Geography tutors
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching IB Geography. The tutors we work with can ensure students think broadly about the subject they are focusing on, considering all angles and approaches carefully. Tutors will follow guidelines set out by the exam boards and therefore will be unable to directly review, edit or provide written feedback on their IB Geography work.