27 Aug IB ESS Exam Format: SL and HL Papers and IA
The IB ESS course first assessed in 2026 uses two external papers and an internally assessed individual investigation. Use the current guide for your level; older course resources can have different requirements.
ESS assessment at SL and HL
| Component | SL | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 hour; 35 marks; 25% | 2 hours; 70 marks; 30% |
| Paper 2 | 2 hours; 60 marks; 50% | 2.5 hours; 80 marks; 50% |
| Individual investigation | 30 marks; 25% | 30 marks; 20% |
Reference: official IB ESS guide, first assessment 2026. Check the guide and your teacher’s current instructions when selecting practice papers.
Paper 1: an unseen case study
The resource booklet presents data in different forms. Questions require analysis and evaluation of the case-study evidence, alongside appropriate ESS knowledge. Read each command term and use the relevant figures; do not force every answer into the same template.
Practise with the Paper 1 resource-booklet guide and SL and HL timing advice.
Paper 2: knowledge, data and structured essays
For the course first assessed in 2026, Paper 2 Section A is worth 40 marks at both levels. At SL, Section B is worth 20 marks: answer one structured essay question from two. At HL, Section B is worth 40 marks: answer two structured essay questions from three. Read the instructions on your actual paper and use the correct level when practising.
For revision, use the ESS essay planning guide. A fixed paragraph count cannot guarantee marks.
IA: an individual investigation
The report has a maximum of 3,000 words and is marked using six criteria. These cover the research question and inquiry, strategy, method, treatment of data, analysis and conclusion, and evaluation. Strategy includes exploring tensions between perspectives on a relevant environmental strategy.
Use the current ESS IA guide for planning context. Follow school guidance about collaboration, authentication and feedback. Your research question, analysis and submitted writing must remain your own.
Choose practice materials carefully
Before starting a timed paper, check the syllabus version, SL or HL level and instructions. Use an older question for an overlapping skill when appropriate, but do not assume its timing or question choices match your current assessment. Record the source and level beside each practice task.
Turn the format into a revision plan
Review a marked practice answer, identify the reason for lost marks and choose a focused task. Balance concept revision with question practice. Grade boundaries are session-specific, and neither an IA score nor a template guarantees a final grade.
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