IB Physics is assessed through three papers plus an Internal Assessment (IA). Paper 1 is 30 multiple choice questions (20% SL, 20% HL), Paper 2 covers short and extended response questions (40% SL, 36% HL), Paper 3 tests your chosen option plus experimental skills (20% SL, 24% HL), and the IA contributes 20% for both SL and HL. Understanding this structure is the first step to planning your 7/7 strategy.
The data booklet is your best friend in Paper 1. Never attempt Paper 1 without mastering every formula in the data booklet. Practice elimination technique — in IB Physics MCQ, two options are usually clearly wrong and two are close. Master unit analysis to eliminate options. Always attempt every question — there is no negative marking in IB Physics.
IB Physics Paper 2 rewards students who understand command terms. 'State' requires one-line factual answer. 'Describe' needs a full explanation of what happens. 'Explain' requires the physical reason why. 'Evaluate' needs balanced discussion of both sides. 'Deduce' requires showing logical steps. Students who lose marks in Paper 2 almost always misread command terms.
Choose your option topic based on your strongest interest and available resources. Most IB Physics students choose Astrophysics or Engineering Physics. The experimental skills section in Paper 3 tests data analysis — practice drawing error bars, calculating uncertainties, and commenting on systematic vs random errors.
The IA is worth 20% of your final grade and many students underestimate it. Choose a focused, measurable research question. Ensure your independent variable has at least 5 data points. Address safety, ethics and environmental impact in your plan. Your conclusion must link back to your research question and include percentage error analysis. A well-written 12-page IA can secure 20/24 marks.
Year 1 — Build concepts topic by topic with regular practice. Year 2 Term 1 — Complete all topics and start option study. Year 2 Term 2 — Past paper practice minimum 3 papers per week. Final Month — Full paper simulations under timed conditions. Two weeks before — Focus on mark schemes and common examiner comments.
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