IB Revision Guide: How to Prepare for May & November Exams Without Stress

1. Start With the Syllabus

Every exam question comes from the syllabus. Forget random notes - the syllabus is your checklist.

• Highlight areas of weakness
• Turn dot points into questions
• Revise actively, not passively

2. Make a Revision Timetable

Divide your study into:

• High-priority subjects (your weaker ones)
• Medium-priority subjects (need steady revision)
• Low-priority subjects (your strengths - just polish them)

Use calendar blocking to avoid cramming and protect time for rest.

3. Use Active Recall and Practice Papers

Don't just reread notes. Test yourself.

• Do past papers under exam conditions
• Write short timed responses
• Use flashcards for definitions

With Study Marker, you can auto-generate quizzes from syllabus points - saving hours of time.

4. Learn From Mark Schemes

Examiners reward specific things. After every practice, read the mark scheme:

• What keywords do they look for?
• How do they structure high-mark answers?
• Are your answers too long or vague?

5. Balance Revision With Wellbeing

IB exams are a marathon. Sleep, exercise, and breaks are non-negotiable. Better to do 4 hours of focused study than 10 hours of half-distracted work.

Final Tip

The secret to IB exam success isn't studying harder - it's studying smarter. With structured revision, active practice, and the right tools, you can go into May or November exams confident and prepared.