17 Apr How to Structure a High-Scoring ESS IA
Practical work in IB ESS continues to be a central aspect of the ESS course. Practical scheme of work allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject content and associated concepts and that provides opportunities to develop a wide range of skills. The practical scheme of work should be broad and balanced to give students the opportunity to experience a wide range of tasks—from closed to open inquiry, and from hands-on experimentation through to the use of cartographic analysis, surveys, and questionnaires—mirroring the diverse skills needed for success and aligning with best practices like those outlined in How to Structure a High-Scoring ESS IA.
Starting in the May 2026 session, the Internal Assessment (IA) of the IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) course will contribute 25% towards the final grade for Standard Level (SL) students and 20% for Higher Level (HL) students. Students are required to conduct an individual investigation into a chosen environmental issue, applying interdisciplinary approaches that encompass both scientific and socio-economic perspectives. This project gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge in a practical context.
How to Structure a High-Scoring ESS IA
The ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies) Internal Assessment (IA) is a crucial component of your IB assessment. It requires you to demonstrate the scientific inquiry process, focusing on a topic related to environmental systems. Here’s the typical structure you should follow for your ESS IA:
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Data collection and processing
- Discussion
- Conclusion
Read about ESS IA format and structure HERE.
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