IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Examinations Guide
This page explains how assessment works in the International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies (IB ESS) course. It is designed for students, teachers, and parents who want a clear and accurate overview of the IB ESS examination structure, including Standard Level (SL), Higher Level (HL), and the Internal Assessment (IA).
The information below is based on the official IB Environmental Systems and Societies guide (first examinations 2026).
Overview of IB ESS Assessment
Assessment in IB Environmental Systems and Societies is divided into two parts:
- External assessment (final examinations)
- Internal assessment (individual investigation)
The balance between exams and coursework depends on whether students take ESS at Standard Level or Higher Level.
Standard Level (ESS SL)
- External assessment (exams): 75%
- Internal assessment (IA): 25%
Higher Level (ESS HL)
- External assessment (exams): 80%
- Internal assessment (IA): 20%
External assessment consists of two written examination papers taken at the end of the two-year course.
IB ESS Examination Structure
Both SL and HL students complete two examination papers, but the length, mark totals, and weighting differ.
Paper 1 — Case Study Examination
What is Paper 1?
Paper 1 is based on a previously unseen environmental case study. Students are provided with data in multiple formats, such as:
- graphs and tables
- maps and diagrams
- photographs or satellite images
- written extracts
Students must analyze, interpret, and evaluate this information using ESS concepts and environmental understanding.
All questions in Paper 1 are compulsory.
| Component | SL Paper 1: 35 marks | HL Paper 1: 70 marks |
| Duration | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| Weighting | 25% of final grade | 30% of final grade |
| Skills assessed | – data analysis – application of environmental concepts – interpretation of unfamiliar information | Greater depth of analysis and extended responses expected |
HL students encounter more complex data sets and are expected to demonstrate deeper evaluation skills.
Paper 2 — Short Answers and Structured Essays
Paper 2 assesses understanding across the entire ESS syllabus and includes both data-response and extended writing questions.
Section A — Data-Based and Short-Answer Questions
Students respond to structured questions using provided data and their knowledge of environmental systems and societies.
Skills assessed include:
- explanation of environmental processes
- interpretation of data
- application of course concepts
- use of correct scientific terminology
Section B — Structured Essay Questions
Students write structured extended responses addressing complex environmental issues. These questions typically require:
- balanced analysis of environmental decisions
- consideration of sustainability
- evaluation of environmental strategies or perspectives
| Component | SL Paper 2: 60 marks | HL Paper 2: 80 marks |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Weighting | 50% of final grade | 50% of final grade |
| Section A | short-answer and data-based questions (40 marks) | short-answer and data-based questions (40 marks) |
| Section B | one structured essay from two options (20 marks) | two structured essays from three options (40 marks) |
HL students write more extended responses and are expected to demonstrate deeper evaluation and synthesis of environmental issues.
What IB ESS Exams Assess
IB ESS examinations do not reward memorization alone. Instead, students are assessed on their ability to:
- apply knowledge to unfamiliar environmental contexts
- analyze and interpret data
- evaluate environmental decisions and trade-offs
- communicate balanced arguments using evidence
- understand the interdependence of environmental and human systems
Many exam questions involve real-world environmental issues where multiple solutions are possible.
Key Differences Between ESS SL and ESS HL Exams
| Feature | ESS SL | ESS HL |
| Weighting | 75% | 80% |
| P1 length | 1 hour | 2 hours |
| P1 marks | 35 marks | 70 marks |
| P2 length | 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| P2 marks | 60 marks | 80 marks |
| P2 essays | 1 of 2 choices | 2 of 3 choices |
Higher Level students are expected to demonstrate deeper analysis and engage with environmental issues through ethical, economic, and legal perspectives introduced in the HL course.
Preparing for IB ESS Examinations
Success in IB ESS examinations comes from developing skills rather than memorising facts. Effective preparation includes:
- practicing data analysis and interpretation
- learning how to structure evaluation responses
- using real-world case studies
- applying ESS concepts across multiple topics
- writing balanced, evidence-based arguments
Throughout this website and on my YouTube channel, I provide exam-style explanations, case studies, and guidance on how to approach ESS examination questions effectively.
Part of your exam prep study plan should be copying my digital Quizlet flashcards onto physical flashcards like these. Assigning each ESS topic a different color card will help you make connections and remember more easily.
You can also download my free exam prep guide here!
Good luck on your exams, and happy learning!
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