IB Geography: A Complete Guide for SL and HL Students

IB Geography is a dynamic subject in the IB Diploma Programme that blends real-world skills with global issues. Whether studying at Standard Level or Higher Level, this guide covers the full course structure, key syllabus topics, assessment formats, Internal Assessment requirements, and practical revision tips to help you succeed.

What Is IB Geography About?

IB Geography combines elements of physical and human geography. It covers spatial processes, environmental systems, social issues, and global interconnectivity.

A Global, Interdisciplinary Subject

IB Geography explores issues like resource scarcity, climate change, urbanisation, and population growth through scientific and social lenses. By studying real-world examples, students learn how human and environmental systems interact and how to analyse global and local challenges.

Building critical, analytical, and spatial thinking

Throughout the course, students build a strong set of transferable skills that are valuable not only for exams but also for university and future careers. These include:

• Cartographic skills: Students learn to interpret and construct various map types such as choropleth, isoline, dot, and flow maps. These visual tools are essential for presenting spatial data clearly and effectively.
  
• Statistical analysis: Learners develop the ability to collect, process, and interpret data using techniques like scatter plots, bar graphs, Spearman’s Rank correlation, and chi-squared tests.
  
• Fieldwork and research: Students carry out hands-on investigations by collecting primary data through surveys, observations, and measurements. They also evaluate sources for reliability and apply research methods that mirror those used in real-world geographic studies.
  
• GIS tools: The course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allowing students to explore spatial data using mapping software. These tools are increasingly used in urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response industries.

These skills are developed gradually and tested across your internal assessment and final exams. 

IB Geography SL vs HL: Key Differences

While both SL and HL students follow the same core structure in IB Geography, several key differences affect the time commitment, content coverage, and level of assessment.

Teaching hours

SL students complete 150 hours of instruction. HL students go further with 240 hours, allowing more time for deeper exploration of topics.

Topic coverage

SL and HL students study the same core themes. However, HL students take one additional optional theme and an extra unit titled Geographical Perspectives: Global Interactions, which covers topics such as global networks, development, and resilience.

Paper 3 for HL

Only HL students sit Paper 3. This exam includes extended response questions that require the ability to analyse, evaluate, and synthesise global interactions and complex systems. 

Case study depth and complexity

HL students are expected to present more detailed case studies using precise data, broader geographical context, and links to theory. They are also assessed on higher-order skills, including evaluation, decision making, and drawing connections between scales.

For a quick understanding, here is a comparison table of IB Geography SL and HL:

Understanding these differences between SL and HL will help you choose the level that best fits your interests, academic goals, and workload preferences.

IB Geography Syllabus Breakdown: Core and Option Topics

The IB Geography syllabus includes a mix of core and optional topics designed to help students understand key global challenges and regional variations.

Core Themes (SL + HL)

These are compulsory for all students. They provide a foundation in key geographical issues and concepts.

• Changing Population: Covers migration, population growth, demographic transition models, and population policies.
  
• Global Climate – Vulnerability and Resilience: Focuses on climate change causes, effects, adaptation strategies, and global inequalities in resilience.
  
• Global Resource Consumption and Security: Looks at energy, food, and water demands, environmental impact, and future sustainability.
  
• Population Distribution: Examines patterns and causes of population distribution at various scales.
  
• Vulnerability and Resilience: Analyses how different communities are impacted by climate risks and their capacity to respond.

Optional Themes (Choose 2 for SL, 3 for HL)

Schools select from the following themes depending on teacher expertise and regional relevance. Each theme blends physical and human geography.

• Freshwater: Focus on water usage, conflicts over supply, and sustainable management.
  
• Oceans and Coastal Margins: Covers marine ecosystems, coastal processes, and geopolitical tensions around ocean resources.
  
• Extreme Environments: Investigates deserts and polar regions, looking at challenges for human settlement and development.
  
• Geophysical Hazards: Covers the causes, impacts, and management of earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.
  
• Leisure, Tourism and Sport: Analyses tourism growth, urban-rural contrasts, and the impact of major sporting events.
  
• Food and Health: Studies nutrition, food security, global health systems, and related inequalities.
  
• Urban Environments: Explores urban growth, pollution, housing, transport, and sustainable urban planning.

These topics equip students with the knowledge and context to analyse complex interactions between people, places, and the environment.

Understanding the Assessment Structure

Knowing how IB Geography is assessed helps you focus your study and develop the right skills for each part of the exam.

Paper 1: Optional Themes (2 for SL, 3 for HL)

IB Geography Paper 1 is based on the optional themes chosen by your school. Each theme includes:

• A set of structured short-answer questions to test understanding of key concepts
• One extended response (essay-style) that requires critical thinking and the application of case studies

You’ll need to support your answers with accurate examples, up-to-date data, and relevant geographical terminology. HL students answer an additional set of questions based on their third optional theme.

Paper 2: Core Themes

This paper covers the entire core syllabus and is the same for both SL and HL students. It consists of:

• Three compulsory sections aligned with the main core topics
• A mix of short-answer and data interpretation questions
• Extended writing that often requires evaluation of global strategies, policies, or outcomes

Typical topics may include population change, vulnerability to climate change, and approaches to resource management.

Paper 3 (HL only): Geographical Perspectives – Global Interactions

This additional paper is exclusive to HL students and covers broader, interconnected global themes. Students explore three main topics:

• Power, Places, and Networks
• Human Development and Diversity
• Global Risks and Resilience

HL students answer two extended response questions that require them to evaluate issues, compare regions, and draw connections between global systems and local impacts.

Assessment Breakdown

Below is a summary of the assessment components by level, including their duration and contribution to your final grade:

Standard Level (SL)

• Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes (35%)
• Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes (40%)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 25%

Higher Level (HL)

• Paper 1: 2 hours 15 minutes (35%)
• Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes (25%)
• Paper 3: 1 hour (20%)
• Internal Assessment (IA): 20%

Understanding how each paper is structured and weighted will help you manage your time during exams and focus your revision more effectively.

Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Geography

The Internal Assessment (IA) is a core part of the IB Geography course where students apply their skills to a real-world investigation through independent fieldwork.

What the IA Involves

The Internal Assessment is a fieldwork-based investigation of up to 2,500 words. It allows students to apply their skills to a real-world geographical question.

The report should include:

• A focused research question
• Primary data collected through fieldwork
• Supporting maps, graphs, and statistical analysis
• A conclusion based on your findings
• Evaluation of your methods and data limitations

Both SL and HL students complete the same IA, though HL students are often expected to use more advanced techniques and deeper evaluation.

Strong Fieldwork Question Examples

A good IA starts with a clear, focused question. Here are some examples:

• To what extent is traffic congestion higher in the CBD compared to suburban areas in [City Name]?
• How does the availability of green space vary across income levels in [City Name]?
• What are the effects of tourism on coastal erosion rates in [Beach Area]?

A well-executed IA strengthens your understanding of key geographic concepts and contributes significantly to your final grade.

Best Resources for IB Geography Revision

Getting top marks in IB Geography requires more than just memorising facts. Consistent review, a strong grasp of the syllabus, and quality resources all play a key role. 

Textbooks and Study Guides

Reliable study books can help explain complex concepts clearly and provide practise questions aligned with the syllabus:

• Geography for the IB Diploma by Garrett Nagle and Briony Cooke
• Planet Geography by Stephen Codrington
• The official IB Geography Subject Guide

Each offers clear explanations, visual aids, and exam-focused content written by experienced IB educators.

Online Tools and Videos

For students who benefit from interactive learning or visual resources, online platforms and video explainers are useful:

• Geography All The Way – Topic-based revision guides, quizzes, and activities
• IB Documents – Archive of past papers, mark schemes, and official syllabus content
• YouTube – Channels such as IB Geographer break down key ideas into short, manageable videos

These resources work well for reviewing topics and strengthening areas that need more practice.

Case Studies and Visual Tools

High-scoring answers often depend on well-chosen, up-to-date case studies. Aim to build a bank of examples using credible sources like:

• National Geographic
• BBC News
• World Bank and UN reports
• Local government or NGO publications

Organise your case studies by topic and region. Try to include examples from both MEDCs and LEDCs to offer strong comparisons and show deeper understanding across different global contexts.

Final Advice: Think Globally, Write Precisely

To do well in IB Geography, focus on writing with clarity, structure, and solid evidence. Begin by learning the command terms as these guide you on how to shape your answers. When writing extended responses, use a clear format that starts with a topic sentence, followed by evidence or examples, an analysis, and a brief conclusion.

Review your case studies regularly to keep the details fresh. Using flashcards or short summaries can help you remember key facts and figures. Practising past papers is a great way to build exam confidence and understand what examiners expect. It’s also worth getting feedback on your essays or Internal Assessment drafts, as even small improvements can boost your marks.

Get Expert Help with IB Geography

If you’re looking for extra support, an experienced IB Geography tutor can help you stay on track. With personalised guidance, you can tackle challenging topics, strengthen your essay writing, and receive constructive feedback on your Internal Assessment.

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Whether you aim for a top score or simply want to feel more prepared before your exams, one-on-one support from a TutorsPlus IB Geography tutor can help you stay focused and achieve your goals. Make sure to contact us at 022 731 8148 or email .