IB Subject Guides
Every IB subject has its own rhythm: which papers carry the most weight, how SL and HL diverge, what the IA actually asks for, and where students consistently leak marks. These guides break that down subject by subject - covering Group 4 sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), both Mathematics routes (AA and AI), the Group 3 individuals and societies (Economics, Business Management, History, Psychology), and Group 1 English.
Each guide is written with the current syllabus and assessment model in mind. You'll find what the examiner is looking for in each paper, common pitfalls in IA submissions, time-allocation advice for revision, and benchmarks for the grade you're targeting. If you're aiming for a 7 specifically, start with the dedicated math guide and apply the same framing to your other subjects.
Read these alongside the IB Core: TOK, EE, CAS & IA guides, since IA strategy and TOK linkages compound across subjects.
Guides in this category
- IB Biology: The Complete Guide for 2026 - IB Biology explained: 2025 syllabus themes, SL vs HL differences, paper formats, IA requirements, grade boundaries, and the best free study resources.
- IB Chemistry Syllabus, Data Booklet, IA and Exams - The Structure and Reactivity syllabus, what changes between SL and HL, the Data Booklet, the scientific investigation IA, and the exam paper format.
- IB Chemistry Syllabus 2025: Every Topic for SL and HL - The IB chemistry syllabus: two strands, six sub-strands, 22 topics. Every topic listed, what is HL-only, teaching hours and paper weights for SL and HL.
- IB Physics Syllabus: Themes A-E, SL vs HL, IA and Exams - The Themes A to E physics syllabus, SL and HL paper structure, the Data Booklet, calculator rules, and the scientific investigation IA.
- IB Math AA: The Complete Guide to Analysis and Approaches - IB Math AA explained: AA vs AI, SL vs HL syllabus topics, paper structure, IA format, grade boundaries, and which level STEM universities require.
- IB Math AI vs AA: Papers, IA and University Entry - How IB Math AI differs from AA, SL and HL paper structure, what makes a strong IA exploration, and which university courses accept AI Higher Level.
- IB Math New Syllabus: What Changes in AA and AI from 2029 - The IB math new syllabus: first teaching from August 2027, first assessment May 2029. Exactly what changes in AA and AI - and what stays the same.
- IB Economics: Syllabus, Papers, IA and Key Formulas - The four units of the IB Economics syllabus, SL vs HL and Paper 3, the three IA commentaries, the calculations you need, and the mistakes that cost marks.
- IB Business Management: Syllabus, Papers and IA - The five units of the IB Business Management syllabus, the Paper 1 pre-released case study, Papers 2 and 3, the IA, and the four key concepts.
- IB English Explained: Courses, Papers and Assessment - A complete guide to IB English: Language A vs B, Literature vs Language and Literature, Paper 1, Paper 2, the Individual Oral, and HL Essay.
- IB History: Complete Guide to Syllabus, Papers & IA - Everything you need to know about IB History: syllabus structure, Paper 1-3 formats, the Internal Assessment, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
- IB History New Syllabus: What Changes for First Exams 2028 - IB history new syllabus explained: four inquiry contexts, revised papers, new IA structure, and who is affected - students starting August 2026 onwards.
- IB Psychology Syllabus: The 2027 Course Guide (HL & SL) - The IB psychology syllabus from May 2027: six concepts, three approaches, four contexts, HL extensions, Papers 1-3 and the new research proposal IA.
- IB Psychology Concepts Explained: 2027 Syllabus Guide - The six IB psychology concepts - bias, causality, change, measurement, perspective, responsibility - explained clearly for the 2027 syllabus.
- IB Psychology Contexts: The Four Areas Every Student Studies - IB psychology contexts explained: what each of the four covers, its class practical, how contexts appear in the exams, and how to revise all four.
- IB Psychology Class Practicals: Methods, Samples and the IA - A clear guide to IB psychology class practicals: what each method involves, minimum sample sizes, how they connect to Paper 2 and the research proposal IA.
- IB Psychology Paper 3 (HL): The New Data Analysis Paper - IB Psychology Paper 3 is an HL-only exam lasting 1hr 45min, worth 30% of your HL grade. Learn what it covers, how it's marked, and how to prepare.
- IB Computer Science: Guide to the New 2027 Course - IB Computer Science from May 2027: two papers, the case study in Paper 1 at SL and HL, Java or Python, the 30-mark IA, and how HL differs from SL.
- IB Global Politics: The Complete Guide for IBDP Students - Everything you need to know about IB Global Politics: the core unit, key concepts, assessment model, HL extension and Paper 3, and the engagement project.
- IB Environmental Systems and Societies: The Full Guide - IB Environmental Systems and Societies explained: syllabus topics, HL vs SL, internal assessment, and exam structure for first assessment 2026.
- IB Geography: Syllabus, Papers and IA Explained - Everything you need on IB Geography: the DP syllabus, core topics, optional themes, HL extension, paper formats, and the internal assessment.
- IB English Language and Literature: Complete Guide - Everything you need on IB English Language and Literature: assessments, weightings, HL vs SL differences, the seven concepts, and what earns a 7.
- IB English B: The Complete Guide for HL and SL - IB English B explained: themes, text types, Paper 1, Paper 2, the individual oral, HL vs SL differences, and what to expect on assessment day.
- IB Design Technology: The Complete Course Guide - IB Design Technology from May 2027: the three themes, two papers with no Paper 3, the redesign-based design project, HL vs SL, and the Extended Essay.
- How to Get a 7 in IB Math: A Practical Guide - Learn how to get a 7 in IB Math with realistic grade boundary targets, past paper strategy, IA tips, and exam technique for AA and AI courses.
- How to Get a 7 in IB Chemistry: A Complete Guide - Learn how to get a 7 in IB Chemistry with mark-scheme tactics, IA tips, a 12-week revision plan, and the five habits that cost students marks.
- IB Chemistry Paper 1A and 1B: How the Paper Works - IB Chemistry Paper 1B is the data-based and experimental questions section of Paper 1. Learn how it works, what it tests, and how to prepare.
- IB Biology Paper 1A and 1B: Format and How to Prepare - IB Biology Paper 1B is a data-based written component sitting alongside multiple-choice Paper 1A. Learn the format, timing, themes covered, and how to prepare.
- How to Get a 7 in IB Physics: A Realistic Guide - Learn how to get a 7 in IB Physics with mark-by-mark breakdowns, IA tips, revision structure, and the five habits that cost students grades.
- How to Get a 7 in IB Economics: A Realistic Guide - How to get a 7 in IB Economics: paper weightings, command terms, IA pitfalls, mark-losing habits, and a clear two-year revision structure to follow.
- IB Economics Paper 3: The HL Policy Paper Explained - IB Economics Paper 3 is an HL-only exam worth 30% of your grade. Learn the structure, key formulas, and how to write a strong recommendation.
- IB Math AA HL Paper 3: What It Tests and How to Prepare - IB Math AA HL Paper 3 is HL-only, lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, and counts for 20% of your grade. Learn how it works, what to expect, and how to prepare.
- How to Get a 7 in IB Business Management - How to get a 7 in IB Business Management: grade boundaries, paper tips, IA strategy, and a realistic revision plan across two years.
- IB Chemistry Data Booklet: Complete Guide (2025) - Everything you need to know about the IB chemistry data booklet - what's inside, which papers it appears in, and how to find values fast in the exam.