IB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IB facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is absolute zero on the Kelvin temperature scale? → 0 K
2. What is the SI unit of electrical resistance? → Ohm
3. Which literary concept is most central to the 'Intertextuality: connecting texts' area of exploration in IB English Language and Literature? → The way texts reference, echo, or respond to other texts
4. In order to induce a non-spontaneous reaction to occur, electrolysis needs energy input. False or true? → True
5. The IB History course at both SL and HL requires study of a minimum of how many Paper 2 world history topics? → Two
6. In IB English Language and Literature Paper 1, students are asked to: → Produce a guided literary analysis of an unseen text
7. What does the area under a velocity–time graph represent? → Displacement
8. When light passes from air into glass, which wave property changes? → Speed and wavelength
9. Which of the following is a prescribed subject option for IB History Paper 1? → Rights and protest
10. A DNA mutation known as a ___________ alters the DNA sequence but does not modify the amino acids in a protein. → Silent mutation
11. What phrase describes a transition from a solid to a gas quickly? → Sublimation
12. Which IB History Paper 2 topic covers the causes, practices, and effects of war? → Topic 2
13. Which of the following subjects is classified under Group 3: Individuals and societies? → Psychology
14. A supervisor is guiding a student through the Extended Essay. Which of the following actions represents an acceptable level of support from the supervisor? → Giving oral feedback on one complete draft of the essay.
15. What is the maximum score achievable in IB History at the Diploma Programme level? → 7
16. At the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, what is true about the velocity? → Only vertical component is zero
17. What value of gravitational field strength (g) is given in the IB Physics data booklet? → 9.81 m/s²
18. In the context of IB History, 'historiography' refers to: → The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time
19. Which of the following are the five official stages of the CAS process as outlined by the IB Diploma Programme? → Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, Demonstration
20. The location of protein synthesis is which of the following? → Ribosomes
21. In TOK, the concept of a 'knowledge question' is central. Which of the following questions is the best example of a TOK knowledge question? → To what extent can we use reason to justify moral beliefs?
22. IB History Paper 2 requires students to answer how many essays from a choice of topics? → Two essays from two different topics
23. What is the primary purpose of the 'Demonstration' stage in the CAS framework? → To make explicit what was learned and accomplished by sharing the experience with others.
24. The primary goal of the IB's external moderation of internal assessments is to ensure: → Global consistency and fairness in marking standards across all schools.
25. Which of the following is a key requirement for the IB DP Theory of Knowledge course assessment? → A 1,600-word essay on a prescribed title and an exhibition of three objects.
26. Which of the following IB components is marked by a teacher and then externally moderated by the IB? → Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition
27. In IB English Language and Literature, the concept of 'authorial choice' refers to: → The deliberate selection of language, structure, and form by a writer to create meaning
28. 12 softballs may be produced by Jane's Softball Production Company in one hour. How many softballs can they make in a day and a half? → 168
29. Which of the following is a 'body of work' type that students may study in the non-literary strand of IB English Language and Literature? → A collection of advertisements from a specific brand over time
30. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Reflective Project within the IB Career-related Programme (CP) core? → To draw together learning from all components of the CP by analyzing an ethical dilemma.