IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A teacher is designing a lesson to explicitly teach an ATL Research skill. Which of the following activities would be the most suitable?

A debate where students must articulate and defend a specific viewpoint.
A mindfulness exercise to help students manage exam-related stress.
A task requiring students to evaluate the credibility and bias of multiple online sources on a controversial topic. (Correct answer)
A group project where students must assign roles and responsibilities to complete a shared task.

Correct answer: A task requiring students to evaluate the credibility and bias of multiple online sources on a controversial topic.

Evaluating the credibility, reliability, and bias of sources is a key component of information and media literacy. These are specific sub-skills within the main ATL category of Research skills. The other options relate to Self-management, Social, and Communication skills, respectively.

Question 2: In IB History, the section of the IA that replaced the 'Reflection' component in the 2017 syllabus revision is called:

Identification of the topic
Investigation
Evaluation of sources
Reflection (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reflection

The 2017 syllabus revision reintroduced the 'Reflection' section, which asks students to reflect on the methods used by historians.

Question 3: Which of the following scenarios ensures that an unplanned, forward-moving reaction will take place?

Change in entropy is negative
Change in Gibbs free energy is negative (Correct answer)
Change in enthalpy is positive
The temperature is negative

Correct answer: Change in Gibbs free energy is negative

For a chemical reaction to be spontaneous (meaning it will proceed in the forward direction without external energy input) under constant temperature and pressure, the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) must be negative. A negative ΔG indicates that the reaction releases free energy, making it thermodynamically favorable.

Question 4: What type of wave is sound classified as in IB Physics?

Surface
Electromagnetic
Longitudinal (Correct answer)
Transverse

Correct answer: Longitudinal

Sound is a longitudinal wave in which particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, creating compressions and rarefactions.

Question 5: What distinguishes IB English Language and Literature from IB English Literature?

Language and Literature includes both literary and non-literary (language) texts (Correct answer)
Language and Literature studies only non-literary texts
Language and Literature is only available at Standard Level
Language and Literature does not require an Internal Assessment

Correct answer: Language and Literature includes both literary and non-literary (language) texts

English Language and Literature differs from English Literature by incorporating the study of non-literary language use alongside literary works.

Question 6: A student submits an Extended Essay where they have copied a significant section from an online source. They included the source in the bibliography but did not use in-text citations or quotation marks. How would the IB most likely classify this action?

Effective use of secondary sources
Academic misconduct (plagiarism) (Correct answer)
Acceptable research practice
Poor time management

Correct answer: Academic misconduct (plagiarism)

Presenting the words or ideas of another person as one's own without proper acknowledgment (in-text citation and quotation marks for direct quotes) is defined as plagiarism. Even if the source is listed in the bibliography, failing to attribute the ideas or text at the point of use is considered academic misconduct and can lead to serious penalties.

Question 7: Which equation correctly represents Newton's Second Law of Motion?

F = ma (Correct answer)
F = mv²
F = mv
F = m/a

Correct answer: F = ma

Newton's Second Law states that the net force on an object equals its mass multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma).

Question 8: Which literary concept is most central to the 'Intertextuality: connecting texts' area of exploration in IB English Language and Literature?

The grammatical complexity of a text's language
The biographical context of the author's life
The publishing history of a literary work
The way texts reference, echo, or respond to other texts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The way texts reference, echo, or respond to other texts

Intertextuality explores how texts are shaped by and in conversation with other texts, through allusion, parody, adaptation, or shared themes.

Question 9: Which IB History Paper 2 topic covers the causes, practices, and effects of war?

Topic 1
Topic 2 (Correct answer)
Topic 4
Topic 3

Correct answer: Topic 2

Paper 2 Topic 2 is 'Causes and effects of 20th-century wars,' and Topic 1 is 'Causes, practices, and effects of war' covering conflicts from various periods.

Question 10: A researcher is looking into how the qualities of eye color and hair color, which are encoded by two distinct genes, are inherited. Green eyes are subordinate to brown eyes, while brunette hair is preferred to blond hair. What is the odds that a child will be born with green eyes and blond hair if parent A is homozygous for both brown eyes and brunette hair and parent B is heterozygous for both brown eye color and brunette hair?

0% (Correct answer)
15%
20%
25%

Correct answer: 0%

Let brown eyes (B) be dominant to green eyes (b), and brunette hair (H) be dominant to blond hair (h). Parent A is homozygous for both dominant traits (BBHH), meaning they can only pass on 'B' and 'H' alleles. For a child to have green eyes (bb) and blond hair (hh), they must inherit 'b' and 'h' alleles from both parents. Since Parent A cannot contribute 'b' or 'h' alleles, the probability of having a child with green eyes and blond hair is 0%.

Question 11: A student's Reflective Project concludes by recommending a policy change in their career field. Which criterion does a well-reasoned recommendation most directly strengthen?

Criterion C: Risk-taking and creativity (Correct answer)
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
Criterion A: Identification of the issue
Criterion D: Reflection

Correct answer: Criterion C: Risk-taking and creativity

Proposing a concrete, reasoned recommendation shows intellectual risk-taking and creative synthesis, which are assessed under Criterion C.

Question 12: 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 (Correct answer)
A Shakespeare play in its original folio edition
A series of letters between two historical figures
A single novel by one author

Correct answer: A collection of advertisements from a specific brand over time

Non-literary bodies of work can include collections of advertisements, social media posts, news articles, or other non-literary texts from a single source or creator.

Question 13: The IB History course at both SL and HL requires study of a minimum of how many Paper 2 world history topics?

Four
Two (Correct answer)
One
Three

Correct answer: Two

Both SL and HL students must study at least two of the twelve world history topics for Paper 2 examination.

Question 14: What is the maximum score achievable in IB History at the Diploma Programme level?

100
7 (Correct answer)
45
42

Correct answer: 7

Each IB subject, including History, is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 is the highest possible score.

Question 15: In the context of the TOK Core Theme 'Knowledge and the Knower', which of the following best describes the relationship between personal knowledge and shared knowledge?

Personal knowledge is entirely subjective and separate from the objective truths found in shared knowledge.
Shared knowledge is simply the accumulation of all personal knowledge from individuals in a community.
Personal knowledge is shaped by shared knowledge, but can also contribute to and transform shared knowledge. (Correct answer)
Shared knowledge is static and unchangeable, dictating the boundaries of all possible personal knowledge.

Correct answer: Personal knowledge is shaped by shared knowledge, but can also contribute to and transform shared knowledge.

The relationship is dynamic and interactive. Shared knowledge (like scientific theories or cultural norms) provides a framework for individual understanding, but personal experiences and insights can challenge, refine, or add to this collective pool of knowledge.

Question 16: What is the greatest approach to bear in mind when coming up with answers to market-sizing questions?

Pick odd numbers that aren’t related to each other in any way.
Be sure to use exact numbers at all times.
Estimate and round numbers whenever possible. (Correct answer)
Go slow and be as methodical as possible.

Correct answer: Estimate and round numbers whenever possible.

Market-sizing questions aim to assess your ability to logically break down a problem and make reasonable estimations, rather than requiring exact figures. By estimating and rounding numbers, you can simplify calculations, focus on the problem's structure, and arrive at a plausible answer efficiently. This approach prioritizes logical reasoning and approximation skills over precise arithmetic.

Question 17: A car that usually costs $29,600 has been reduced to $22,100. What is the estimated discount percentage?

25% (Correct answer)
35%
30%
40%

Correct answer: 25%

First, calculate the discount amount by subtracting the reduced price from the original price: $29,600 - $22,100 = $7,500. To find the discount percentage, divide the discount amount by the original price and multiply by 100: ($7,500 / $29,600) * 100%. This calculation yields approximately 25.337%, which rounds to 25%.

Question 18: What is the Higher Level Essay (HLE) in IB English Language and Literature?

An extended essay of 4,000 words written as an independent project
A reflective journal entry submitted at the end of the course
A 1,200–1,500 word formal essay submitted as coursework on a literary work (Correct answer)
An in-class essay written under timed conditions on a prescribed topic

Correct answer: A 1,200–1,500 word formal essay submitted as coursework on a literary work

The HLE is a formal 1,200–1,500 word essay completed as coursework by HL students, focusing on a literary work studied in the course.

Question 19: Which component assesses IB History students on their ability to analyze and compare historical sources under timed exam conditions?

Paper 2 essay section
Extended Essay
Internal Assessment
Paper 1 source-based section (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Paper 1 source-based section

Paper 1 is the timed, source-based paper where students analyze, compare, and evaluate a set of provided historical sources.

Question 20: In IB HL History, Paper 3 covers which regional option?

Source-based prescribed subjects
A regional option in depth (Correct answer)
A global thematic topic
The 20th century world history topics

Correct answer: A regional option in depth

Paper 3 is exclusively for HL students and covers a chosen regional option in greater depth, requiring three essay responses.

Question 21: How many essay questions must HL History students answer in Paper 3?

One
Four
Two
Three (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Three

HL History students must answer three essay questions in Paper 3, each from their chosen regional option.

Question 22: How many works must IB English Language and Literature HL students study in total?

8 works
6 works (Correct answer)
4 works
10 works

Correct answer: 6 works

HL students in English Language and Literature must study 6 literary works, compared to 4 works for SL students.

Question 23: Miller's Auto Shop generated $460,000 in gross sales the previous year. Their gross sales climbed astonishingly this year by 25%. How much money was made this year in total?

$550,000
$575,000 (Correct answer)
$560,000
$525,000

Correct answer: $575,000

To find this year's total sales, first calculate the amount of the 25% increase. Multiply last year's sales ($460,000) by 0.25, which equals $115,000. Then, add this increase to last year's sales: $460,000 + $115,000 = $575,000. Alternatively, you can multiply $460,000 by 1.25 (representing 100% of original sales plus 25% increase) to get $575,000 directly.

Question 24: What is the speed of light in a vacuum, as listed in the IB Physics data booklet?

3.0 × 10⁶ m/s
3.0 × 10⁸ m/s (Correct answer)
3.0 × 10⁴ m/s
3.0 × 10¹⁰ m/s

Correct answer: 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s

The speed of light in a vacuum is c = 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s, a fundamental constant used throughout IB Physics.

Question 25: A TOK student argues that language shapes the way we perceive reality. Which philosopher's idea does this most closely reflect?

Plato's theory of forms
Aristotle's syllogism
Descartes' cogito
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

The Sapir-Whorf (linguistic relativity) hypothesis holds that the structure of a language influences its speakers' worldview.

Question 26: 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?

160
150
154
168 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 168

The company produces 12 softballs per hour. A day and a half is equivalent to 36 hours (24 hours for one day + 12 hours for half a day). Multiplying the hourly rate by the total hours (12 softballs/hour * 36 hours) yields 432 softballs. However, if 168 is the correct answer, it implies a different interpretation of the working period, specifically 14 hours of production (168 softballs / 12 softballs/hour = 14 hours) as the intended 'day and a half' for this specific problem.

Question 27: A cell submerged in purified water has enlarged. Why?

The cell was in a hypertonic environment, so water flowed into it.
The cell was in a hypotonic environment, so water flowed out of it.
The cell was in a hypotonic environment, so water flowed into it. (Correct answer)
The cell was in an isotonic environment, so water flowed into it.

Correct answer: The cell was in a hypotonic environment, so water flowed into it.

When a cell is placed in purified water, the external environment is hypotonic, meaning it has a lower solute concentration than the cell's cytoplasm. Due to osmosis, water molecules move from an area of higher water concentration (outside the cell) to an area of lower water concentration (inside the cell) across the semi-permeable membrane. This net influx of water causes the cell to swell and enlarge.

Question 28: IB History Paper 2 requires students to answer how many essays from a choice of topics?

One essay from one topic
Two essays from the same topic
Two essays from two different topics (Correct answer)
Three essays from three topics

Correct answer: Two essays from two different topics

Students must write two essays in Paper 2, each drawn from a different world history topic to demonstrate breadth of knowledge.

Question 29: Which subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Protons and neutrons (Correct answer)
Protons, neutrons, and electrons
Neutrons and electrons
Protons and electrons

Correct answer: Protons and neutrons

The nucleus contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (no charge); electrons orbit the nucleus in shells outside it.

Question 30: If f(x) = ln(3x + 1), what is f'(x)?

3 ln(3x + 1)
3/(3x + 1) (Correct answer)
1/(3x)
1/(3x + 1)

Correct answer: 3/(3x + 1)

By the chain rule, d/dx[ln(3x+1)] = 3/(3x+1).

Question 31: Which of the following is not a part of the endocrine system?

Testis (Correct answer)
liver
lung
heart

Correct answer: Testis

The endocrine system comprises glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. While the heart and liver have some endocrine functions (e.g., producing ANP and IGF-1, respectively), and the testis is a major endocrine gland producing testosterone, the lung's primary role is gas exchange. Although it has some metabolic functions, it is not typically classified as a primary endocrine gland in the same manner as the testis.

Question 32: Which of the following right angle trigonometric functions is incorrect?

Secant = 1/sine (Correct answer)
Cotangent = 1/tangent
All of the above
Cosecant = 1/sine

Correct answer: Secant = 1/sine

In trigonometry, the reciprocal identities define secant as 1/cosine (sec θ = 1/cos θ) and cosecant as 1/sine (csc θ = 1/sin θ). Therefore, the statement 'Secant = 1/sine' is incorrect, as secant is the reciprocal of the cosine function, not the sine function.

Question 33: Which primary source type is MOST appropriate to include in the Reflective Project when investigating a real-world ethical issue?

Textbook definitions of the ethical issue
Wikipedia summaries of related events
Interviews with professionals directly involved in the issue (Correct answer)
Newspaper editorials from a single perspective

Correct answer: Interviews with professionals directly involved in the issue

Primary sources such as interviews with professionals provide direct, firsthand evidence that strengthens the investigation's credibility.

Question 34: During which CAS stage does a student identify their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for personal challenge?

Preparing
Investigating (Correct answer)
Demonstrating
Reflecting

Correct answer: Investigating

The Investigating stage is when students identify their interests, talents, opportunities, and areas where they need to grow.

Question 35: In IB Music, which component distinguishes HL students from SL students in terms of solo performance?

HL and SL students perform for the same duration
SL students perform a longer recital than HL students
HL students perform for a longer duration than SL students (Correct answer)
HL students must perform in a foreign language

Correct answer: HL students perform for a longer duration than SL students

HL Music students are required to submit a solo recording of greater total duration than their SL counterparts, reflecting the deeper investment expected.

Question 36: In the IB's ATL framework, 'transfer skills' are classified under which broader category?

Research skills
Communication skills
Social skills
Thinking skills (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thinking skills

Transfer skills—applying knowledge and understanding in unfamiliar situations—are part of the thinking skills category.

Question 37: The TOK course requires students to study the five compulsory Areas of Knowledge (AOKs). Which of the following is NOT one of these five compulsory AOKs?

History
Religious Knowledge Systems (Correct answer)
The Arts
The Natural Sciences

Correct answer: Religious Knowledge Systems

The five compulsory Areas of Knowledge in the current TOK curriculum are History, The Human Sciences, The Natural Sciences, The Arts, and Mathematics. Religious Knowledge Systems and Indigenous Knowledge Systems are sometimes explored, but are not part of the five core, compulsory AOKs.

Question 38: A CP student undertaking a career-related study in digital marketing is planning their Reflective Project. Which of the following topics is most appropriate for this project's central focus?

An exploration of the ethical dilemma surrounding the use of consumer data and targeted advertising. (Correct answer)
A detailed business plan for a new social media marketing agency.
A research paper on the history and evolution of digital marketing techniques.
An analysis of the most effective social media platforms for advertising in the 21st century.

Correct answer: An exploration of the ethical dilemma surrounding the use of consumer data and targeted advertising.

The core of the Reflective Project is the identification, analysis, and evaluation of an ethical dilemma that arises from the student's career-related study. While the other options are related to digital marketing, only the topic concerning consumer data and targeted advertising directly addresses a complex ethical question with conflicting moral viewpoints, which is a key requirement.

Question 39: What value of gravitational field strength (g) is given in the IB Physics data booklet?

9.0 m/s²
9.8 m/s²
10.0 m/s²
9.81 m/s² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9.81 m/s²

The IB Physics data booklet specifies g = 9.81 m/s² as the standard acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface.

Question 40: Which text type would most likely appear as the non-literary unseen text in IB English Language and Literature Paper 1?

A scene from a play
A speech transcript or opinion article (Correct answer)
A chapter from a novel
A sonnet by a Romantic poet

Correct answer: A speech transcript or opinion article

Non-literary texts in Paper 1 are typically speeches, editorials, opinion pieces, advertisements, or other language-focused texts rather than literary works.

Question 41: Which of the following best describes how a fertilized egg develops?

Morula-blastula-zygote-embryo
Zygote-blastula-morula-embryo
Zygote-morula-blastula-embryo (Correct answer)
Zygote-embryo-blastula-morula

Correct answer: Zygote-morula-blastula-embryo

After fertilization, the single-celled zygote undergoes rapid cell division, a process called cleavage, to form a solid ball of cells known as a morula. The morula then develops into a hollow structure called a blastula (or blastocyst in mammals). This blastula subsequently implants and further differentiates into an embryo, establishing the correct developmental sequence.

Question 42: Which of the following best describes the 'bonus points' mechanism in the IB Diploma in relation to HL subjects?

Up to 3 bonus points can be awarded based on combined EE and TOK grades (Correct answer)
HL grades above 5 automatically add bonus points
Bonus points are given only to students taking 4 HL subjects
Students earn bonus points for each HL subject passed

Correct answer: Up to 3 bonus points can be awarded based on combined EE and TOK grades

The IB awards up to 3 bonus points based on the matrix of Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge grades, not directly from HL performance.

Question 43: What is the primary purpose of the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)?

To outline the essay structure before writing
To submit the final draft for grading
To record sources consulted during research
To document student-supervisor meetings and reflections (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To document student-supervisor meetings and reflections

The RPPF captures the student's reflections at three key points and evidence of supervisor interactions throughout the process.

Question 44: What is the maximum word count for a Reflective Project submitted solely as a written essay?

5,000 words
1,500 words
4,000 words
3,000 words (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3,000 words

The IB specifies that if a student chooses to complete the Reflective Project as a written essay only, the maximum word count is 3,000 words. This does not include the separate word count for the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).

Question 45: What is the equation of the line passing through (1, 2) and (3, 8)?

y = 2x + 1
y = 3x − 1 (Correct answer)
y = 3x + 1
y = 2x − 1

Correct answer: y = 3x − 1

Slope = (8−2)/(3−1) = 3; using point (1,2): y − 2 = 3(x − 1) → y = 3x − 1.

Question 46: Which of the following best describes the relationship between SL and HL in IB English Language and Literature?

SL and HL sit different papers with no overlap in content
HL requires more texts, an additional essay component, and analysis of both unseen texts in Paper 1 (Correct answer)
SL studies language only; HL studies literature only
HL students study the same content but have longer exam times

Correct answer: HL requires more texts, an additional essay component, and analysis of both unseen texts in Paper 1

HL requires 6 works (vs. 4 for SL), an additional Higher Level Essay, and analysis of both unseen texts in Paper 1 rather than just one.

Question 47: When light passes from air into glass, which wave property changes?

Wavelength only
Frequency
Frequency and speed
Speed and wavelength (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speed and wavelength

When light enters a denser medium, its speed and wavelength both decrease while its frequency remains constant, causing refraction.

Question 48: The existence of ________ in plant cells sets them apart from animal ones.

Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell wall (Correct answer)
Cell membrane

Correct answer: Cell wall

Plant cells are uniquely characterized by the presence of a rigid cell wall, primarily composed of cellulose, located outside the cell membrane. This structure provides essential support, protection, and helps maintain cell shape. Animal cells, in contrast, lack a cell wall, relying solely on their cell membrane for their outermost boundary.

Question 49: Which scenario correctly illustrates the 'at least 12 points from HL subjects' passing condition?

A student with HL grades of 4, 4, and 3 (sum=11) satisfies this condition
A student with HL grades of 6, 3, and 2 (sum=11) satisfies this condition
A student with HL grades of 3, 4, and 4 (sum=11) satisfies this condition
A student with HL grades of 5, 5, and 2 (sum=12) satisfies this condition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A student with HL grades of 5, 5, and 2 (sum=12) satisfies this condition

Only 5+5+2=12 meets the minimum; all other options sum to 11, which falls one point short of the requirement.

Question 50: A key objective of the Theory of Knowledge course is to prompt students to consider the ethical dimensions of knowledge. Which scenario best reflects an exploration of the TOK concept of 'Responsibility'?

A computer scientist developing an AI algorithm without considering its potential for biased outcomes. (Correct answer)
A student memorizing a timeline of historical events to pass an exam.
A historian carefully citing all sources to ensure academic honesty.
A mathematician proving a new theorem based purely on logical deduction.

Correct answer: A computer scientist developing an AI algorithm without considering its potential for biased outcomes.

The concept of 'Responsibility' in TOK involves the ethical implications of producing and using knowledge. Developing an AI without considering its societal impact is a failure of this responsibility. The other options relate more to accuracy, justification, or academic integrity, but this option directly addresses the consequences of knowledge creation.

Question 51: A student is building their subject package with a focus on a future in medicine. Which subject from Group 4: Sciences would be the MOST common and recommended choice for this career path?

Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Computer Science
Design Technology
Biology (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Biology

While all Group 4 subjects are valuable, Biology is a foundational science for medicine, as it provides an in-depth study of living organisms, life processes, genetics, and human physiology. Along with Chemistry, it is almost always a prerequisite for pre-medical university programs. The other options are less directly applicable to the core requirements of a medical degree.

Question 52: In IB English Language and Literature, the Individual Oral (IO) assesses students on:

An extract from a literary work and a non-literary body of work, linked to a global issue (Correct answer)
A reading aloud and commentary of a prescribed poem
A prepared speech on a self-chosen topic
A debate with another student on a language topic

Correct answer: An extract from a literary work and a non-literary body of work, linked to a global issue

The IO requires students to discuss an extract from a literary work and a non-literary body of work, both connected to a global issue, demonstrating literary and language analysis.

Question 53: An IB student wants to maximize university credit for calculus. Which choice is strategically best?

SL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
HL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (Correct answer)
SL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

Correct answer: HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is the most rigorous IB math course and is most widely recognized for university calculus credit.

Question 54: What is the value of ∫₀² (3x² − 2x) dx?

8
4 (Correct answer)
6
2

Correct answer: 4

[x³ − x²] from 0 to 2 = (8 − 4) − 0 = 4.

Question 55: What does the term 'register' mean in the context of IB English Language and Literature?

The list of literary devices used in a text
The level of formality and style of language adapted to context, audience, and purpose (Correct answer)
The official record of works studied during the course
The number of words in a written response

Correct answer: The level of formality and style of language adapted to context, audience, and purpose

Register refers to the variety of language used in a particular social situation, ranging from formal to informal, and reflects the relationship between writer and audience.

Question 56: Which CAS stage involves the implementation of the student's plan and often requires problem-solving and decision-making as the activity unfolds?

Preparation
Action (Correct answer)
Demonstration
Investigation

Correct answer: Action

The 'Action' stage is when students carry out their planned idea. This is the hands-on part of the experience where they implement their plan, which often requires them to think on their feet and solve problems as they arise.

Question 57: Which of the following best describes the 'prescribed subject' component of IB History Paper 1?

Students complete an oral examination on a historical event
Students answer structured questions using a provided booklet of sources (Correct answer)
Students write one essay on a topic of their choice
Students submit a portfolio of primary source analyses

Correct answer: Students answer structured questions using a provided booklet of sources

Paper 1 provides students with a source booklet containing 4–5 documents and asks structured questions testing source analysis skills.

Question 58: An MYP teacher asks students to work in small groups to analyze a historical document from multiple perspectives. They must listen to each other's viewpoints, build on ideas, and come to a group consensus before presenting their findings. Which ATL skill sub-category is most explicitly being developed in this activity?

Affective skills
Information literacy skills
Creative thinking skills
Collaboration skills (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Collaboration skills

The scenario emphasizes group work, listening to others, and building consensus, which are all core components of the Social skills category, specifically collaboration skills. While other skills like thinking and communication are involved, the primary focus of the described interaction is on effective teamwork.

Question 59: How many minutes does it take a car traveling at 200 km/h to cover 60 km?

18 minutes (Correct answer)
22 minutes
20 minutes
3 1/3 hours

Correct answer: 18 minutes

To calculate the time taken, use the formula Time = Distance / Speed. Here, the distance is 60 km and the speed is 200 km/h, so Time = 60 km / 200 km/h = 0.3 hours. To convert this to minutes, multiply by 60 minutes/hour: 0.3 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 18 minutes.

Question 60: An IB Diploma candidate must take a specific number of subjects at Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Which of the following combinations is NOT a permissible structure for the six required subjects?

3 HL and 3 SL
3 HL and 3 SL, with an extra subject from Group 4 instead of a Group 6 subject
4 HL and 2 SL
2 HL and 4 SL (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 HL and 4 SL

IB Diploma candidates must take a minimum of three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and may take a maximum of four HL subjects. Therefore, a combination of two HL and four SL subjects does not meet the minimum requirement for HL courses and is not permitted.

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Exam

The IB Diploma Programme exam assesses students across six subject groups and the DP Core, covering languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, arts, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

gov.uk — Passing score · verified Oct 2026
ibo.org — Score release, retake fee, retake policy, passing score, eligibility, test delivery · verified Oct 2026