The Ultimate IB Exam Preparation Guide
Introduction
IB exams are a huge part of your final score. Whether you sit in May or November, success comes from smart revision strategies. Here's how to prepare effectively.
Start With the Syllabus
Every exam question comes from the syllabus. Make it your checklist and ensure you can explain every dot point in your own words.
Tip:
Print the syllabus for each subject. Highlight what you know well in green, need review in yellow, and don't understand in red. Focus your time on the yellow and red sections.
Prioritise Past Papers
Nothing beats practising with real IB exam questions. Focus on timing, structure, and using command terms properly.
- Start with questions by topic, then move to full papers
- Time yourself strictly — build exam stamina early
- Focus on command terms like "analyse," "evaluate," and "discuss"
- Practice until you can structure responses automatically
Use Active Recall
Summarising notes isn't enough. Test yourself constantly through questions, quizzes, and explaining concepts aloud.
Active recall methods that work:
- Create flashcards for key terms and concepts
- Quiz yourself without looking at notes
- Explain topics to a friend or family member
- Write practice answers from memory, then check
Learn From Mark Schemes
Examiners want precision. Review marking criteria to understand the exact phrases and structures that earn marks.
Download mark schemes from past papers and study them carefully. Notice the specific language examiners use and mirror it in your practice responses.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Practise with full papers under timed conditions. Build exam stamina so you're confident on the real day.
- Use the exact time limits from real exams
- Sit at a desk, remove distractions
- Practice with the calculator you'll use in exams
- Take breaks at the same intervals as exam day
Final Thought
IB exam success is about consistent revision, smart practice, and understanding how examiners think. Build these habits, and you'll go into exams confident and prepared.
Remember: IB exams test your ability to apply knowledge under pressure. Practice regularly, use active recall, and simulate exam conditions to build confidence.
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