| Graphic Organizer to Write Essays |
Step 1: Weight of essay questions on Paper 1, 2 and 3
Essays or essay-like extended-responses are usually indicated by a command term
such as "discuss", "to what extent", "analyze", "evaluate", "justify",
"compare and contrast". Essays or essay-like "extended responses" are expected
on the following components:
- Paper 1: section B
requires an essay-like "extended response" which accounts for 15 marks out of 60. Use approximately 20-25 minutes on section B, and include annotated maps/diagrams where
appropriate.
- Paper 2: each one of the Document-Based Questionnaire (DBQ) on Paper 2 accounts for 20 marks. The last question on each DBQ is always longer and requires an essay-like "extended-response" which accounts for half the marks. Use approximately 20 minutes for each essay-like question and include annotated maps/diagrams where appropriate.
- Paper 3 (HL only): you have one hour to answer a 2-part essay question. Use approximately 25 minutes for part A (=10 marks) and 35 minutes for part B (=15 marks), and include annotated maps/diagrams where appropriate for both part A and part B.
- SL: essays = 41% of the written exam (15 marks for p1 + 2x10 marks for p2)
- HL: essays = 54% of the written exam (15 marks for p1 + 3x10 marks for p2 + 25 marks for p3)
Step 2: Expectations for top marks
According to the IB markbands, essays or extended-responses MUST display the following six elements to achieve the top marks:
- Well-developed answer to all or most aspects of the question (see step 3-4 below)
- Detailed references to a variety of specific case-studies and named examples to support the answer
- Appropriate and frequent use of the terminology (e.g. "carrying capacity", "time-space convergence", "distance-decay principle")
- Clear and well-articulated structure (see step 6 below)
- Well-balanced attempt at evaluation or synthesis (e.g. pros and cons, limitations, exceptions)
- Clear and relevant annotated maps and diagrams as often as is appropriate (see step 7)
Step 3: Understanding the keywords in the essay question
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Note: "DESCRIBE" (=what?) is different from "EXPLAIN" (=why or how?) |
Step 4: Interpreting the essay title
Look carefully at the essay title and carry out the following:
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Step 5: Brief introduction (3-5 lines)
A good introduction must be brief and include the following 3 elements:
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Step 6: Common essay structures in Geography
You essay must follow the structure found on the left. You can also download and use the graphic organizer found at the top of this page to help guide you in this process.
It is CRITICAL to skip lines to clearly indicate to the reader that you have an organized structure and that you are separating each part of your argument:
It is CRITICAL to skip lines to clearly indicate to the reader that you have an organized structure and that you are separating each part of your argument:
- After the introduction: skip 3-4 lines
- Between each topic: skip 1 full line
- Before the conclusion: skip 3-4 lines
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Assessment Plan
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Step 7: Annotated Maps & Diagrams
Students are expected to include well‑drawn, large, relevant maps,
sketches, and diagrams as often as applicable (metric scales only
for maps).
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Annotated maps and diagrams are expected for any essay-like or extended response and in the Fieldwork (wherever appropriate):
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Annnotated maps and diagrams MUST feature the following elements:
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