ib ESS revision page

Various pieces of materials will be found here to help you with your IBESS Exam. Some of the information references IB Biology, but is very useful 

​​I also recommend that you check out the Guide to Exam Success page

A really good review by Dan Darby

Bring to the exam: a calculator, ruler, pens (black and or blue)!!! You must write in pen for the exam 

EXAM CONTENT

 All the IB expectations. These can be found at the beginning of each chapter in the textbook or on the IB ESS Guide

• Note: the content from all the categories is fair game (understanding, nature of science, applications, skills)

Paper 1 /35 marks
Duration: 1 hour
Weighting: 25%

• Students will be provided with a range of data in a variety of forms relating to a specific, previously unseen case study.
• Questions will be based on the analysis and evaluation of the data in the case study.
• All of the questions are compulsory.
• The questions test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Paper 2:  /65 markDuration: 2 hours
Weighting 50%

• Paper 2 consists of two sections, A and B.
• Section A (25 marks) is made up of short-answer and data-based questions.
• Section B (40 marks) requires students to answer two structured essay questions from a choice of four. Each question is worth 20 marks.
• The questions test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
• The final part of each essay in section B (9 marks) will be marked using markbands.

The aim is to find the descriptor that conveys most accurately the level attained by the student's work, using the best-fit model. A best-fit approach means that compensation will be made when a piece of work matches different aspects of a markband at different levels. The mark awarded will be one that most fairly reflects the balance of achievement against the markband. It is not necessary for every single aspect of a level descriptor to be met for that mark to be awarded.

Marks Level descriptor

• 0 The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below and is not relevant to the question.
• 1–3 The response contains:
  • minimal evidence of knowledge and understanding of ESS issues or concepts
  • fragmented knowledge statements poorly linked to the context of the question
  • some appropriate use of ESS terminology
  • no examples where required, or examples with insufficient explanation/relevance
  • superficial analysis that amounts to no more than a list of facts/ideas
  • judgments/conclusions that are vague or not supported by evidence/argument.
• 4–6 The response contains:
  • some evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts
  • knowledge statements effectively linked to the context of the question
  • largely appropriate use of ESS terminology
  • some use of relevant examples where required, but with limited explanation
  • clear analysis that shows a degree of balance
  • some clear judgments/conclusions, supported by limited evidence/arguments.
• 7–9 The response contains:
  • substantial evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts
  • a wide breadth of knowledge statements effectively linked with each other, and to the context of the question
  • consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology
  • effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples, where required, showing some originality
  • thorough, well-balanced, insightful analysis
  • explicit judgments/conclusions that are well-supported by evidence/arguments and that include some critical reflection.

Section A – This is the Data Base and Short Answer Section. You must answer all the questions in this section.

1. Data Base: Expect multiple Data Base questions (or one long one with multiple diagrams). In the 2014 exams, 15 marks came from data base alone and it went on for 7 pages. Remember to answer what the question is asking (look for key words, like “identify” or “describe”  or  “compare”)
2. Short Answer: You may be also be asked to label and or annotate diagrams here, complete punnet squares.

Section B – This is the Long Answer Response Section with choice.

• You will be presented with 4 questions (with multiple parts to them). Choose 2 questions to respond to.
• Each questions is worth 20 marks 
• There is an additional 1 mark per question for quality and clarity. 
• This is where you might see “draw and label” questions. See the home page for possible "draw and label" questions.

Quality and Clarity Marks

• Write neatly and clearly and in a size that does not require a magnifying glass to read  
• Do NOT ramble. Be concise. 
• Stay on topic and focused (do not just starting talking about everything you know about the general topic)
• Your answer should have a logical flow. The examiner should only have to read your answer ONCE.

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Other Exam Notes....

• Write in the boxes. Sometimes the exams are photocopied and sent to various markers. If you write out of the boxes, some of that info may not get passed on. You can ask for additional paper if your response is lengthy 
• You may write in point form, however, make sure you complete your thoughts!!!!
• ex: Don't say " Substrate- level phosphorylation is indirect and oxidative phosphorylation is direct". What does that mean????? Indirect what? Direct what?
•  IB does not award half marks, so be complete in your answer (especially in comparison questions)
• Even though they don’t award half marks, sometimes questions are worth half a mark. For example a question asking you to draw and label the digestive system may only be worth 5 marks, meaning they want you to label 10 items. If you correctly identify 8 items, you would receive a 4 out of 5. If you identify 9 items, you would still only receive a 4 out of 5.
• Make T-charts in comparison questions and make your points line up.
• Don't ramble, however, if you know you are supposed to make 4 points about something make 5, just in case they don't accept one of your points.  Do not contradict yourself.
• Don't be afraid to draw diagrams.
• Review the command terms before the exam.

Here's a fun ASAP video with 9 study tips.