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 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 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 six 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 Psychology: Complete Guide to the Course (SL & HL) - IB Psychology explained: three approaches, SL and HL paper structure, the IA, extension options, and what universities want to see. Clear, no fluff.
- 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.