ESS is often thought of as the “easy” science option for Group 4 in the IB DP, but learning how to nail the exams, in order to secure the top grades can be challenging. Unlike other sciences, the subject doesn’t have multi-choice exams, and instead focuses on application and comprehension of case studies. ESS also struggles with a lack of resources, as it isn’t a very common option and the new syllabus only makes it harder.
But, after a year of taking this subject, here is a guide on how to ace ESS Paper 2 in line with the new 2026 Syllabus, based on my own experiences.
New Syllabus
As of May 2026, the new syllabus for Environmental Systems and Societies will be examined in the DP final exams. Within the new syllabus, there are some major updates in regards to subject content. Make sure to fully read the new syllabus on the IB website as linked here: ESS Syllabus Document. Personally I think the changes benefit the course by making it more up to date and as a result more in line with how our global climate is changing.
What is ESS SL Paper 2?
For ESS SL, the Paper 2 exam lasts for 2 hours and is worth 60 marks. (It will count for 50% of your final ESS Grade).
- Section A is made up of short-answer and data-based questions grouped together.
These questions require you to look at the data provided in the exam booklet to retrieve and interpret the information and commonly answer short questions worth less marks.
- Section B requires students to answer structured essay questions. Students must answer 2 out of 4 questions. These essay questions require you to explain and evaluate views and concepts, with questions being worth 4, 7 or 9 marks.
Advice for ESS Paper 2 Section A:
- Keep your answers concise for short answer questions as they do not need to be overcomplicated and make sure to avoid unnecessary details.
- Refer to the data that is given in the figures, especially if it asks you to as you need to show where your evidence for your answer is from.
- Managing your time in the exam is important because rushing can cause you to misread data or other information. I would recommend taking a little more time than you think you may need.
- Read the questions before reading the information provided because this allows you to work out which details you are searching for when reading the material. It enables you to answer efficiently and more accurately.
Advice for ESS Paper 2 Section B:
- Read your given questions more than once and choose the questions you are most confident in your ability to answer well.
- Focus on which command term is used, underline it and then decide how you will structure your answers.
- Plan a clear structure-and ensure to focus on the question.
- Separate your answers based on what is asked. For example, either organised by social, economic and environmental factors, or perhaps strengths or weaknesses of a method.
- Always link back to the question and refer to it in your answers and this will guarantee you are clearly answering it.
Revising for ESS SL Paper 2
As the syllabus is new, this means that there are currently no new past papers available yet, but your subject teachers, textbooks and online IB sites (such as Save My Exams or Revision Dojo) all have lots of new syllabus style questions.
Here’s what you can do:
- Choose how you take notes, so whether it is digital or handwritten, decide what works best for you. Make summarised topic notes in the same format for all your content. This is where consistency is key!
- Active recall for revising content is important- create recall sheets, mindmaps, flashcards etc. When you recall information, start thinking about how each topic connects to another. In ESS there are lots of connections and making them is what will guarantee you marks.
- Master your case studies and examples. You can use these in your long answer questions in Section B to support your arguments/ essay points.
- Practise data response and with precision. These are easy marks that you can get, make sure little mistakes don’t occur from reading too fast or not understanding the question correctly.
We hope this has explained ESS SL Paper 2 and that you can master your exams with these tips.
Good luck!