We know that many of you are confused about the recent changes made to the May 2021 examination, but don’t worry! We are here to help and give you a complete rundown of all the changes that have been made to each of the six IB subject groups:
Group 1
Language A – Language and Literature:
• Paper 2, which is the comparative essay between two studied texts, is now removed
Language A – Literature:
• Paper 2, which is the comparative response to a question based on two works studied, is now removed
Group 2
Language B – HL:
• The listening section of Paper 2 has now been removed
• In the IA, students will be now be shown 2 extracts instead of 1
Language B – SL:
• The listening section of Paper 2 has now been removed
• In the IA, students can now be shown visuals from each of the 5 themes, instead of being one of two themes
Language B – Ab Initio:
• The listening section of Paper 2 has now been removed
• In the IA, students will be now be shown 2 extracts instead of 1
Group 3
Business Management – HL:
• Paper 1 section C (20 marker) is now completely removed
• Paper 2 section C (CUEGIS) is now completely removed
Business Management – SL:
• In paper 1 section C, students only answer one question instead of two
• Paper 2 section C (CUEGIS) is now completely removed
Economics
• Paper 1 → students only answer one question from Section A and B
Geography
• Paper 1 → students only answer questions for one option
• Paper 2 Section C is now completely removed
Global Politics – HL:
• Paper 1 is now completely removed
• Paper 2 → Students now have to answer two essays
• Only one Hl presentation will be required
Global Politics – SL:
• Paper 1 is now completely removed
History – HL:
• Paper 2 → students answer one question
• Paper 3 → students answer two essays, each from a different section
History – SL:
• Paper 2 → students answer one question
Information Technology in a Global Society
• Paper 2 is completely removed
Philosophy
• Paper 1 Section B is now completely removed
Psychology – HL:
• Paper 2 → students only answer one question
• Paper 3 is now completely removed
Psychology – SL:
• Paper 2 is now completely removed
Social Anthropology – HL:
• Paper 2 Section B is now completely removed
Social Anthropology – SL:
• Paper 1 → Question 5 is now removed
• Paper 2 Section B is now completely removed
World Religions:
• Paper 1 → students only answer one question from each of the three sections
• Paper 2 → students only answer one question from Section A or B
Group 4
*Group 4 Project requirement removed for all Sciences
Biology
• Paper 3 is now completely removed
Chemistry
• Paper 3 is now completely removed
Computer Science
• Paper 2 (Web Science) is now completely removed
Design Technology
• Paper 1 is now completely removed
Physics
• Paper 3 is now completely removed
Sports Science
• Paper 3 is now completely removed
Group 5
*No changes to group 5 subject components
Group 6
Dance
• Composition and analysis is now completely removed
Film – HL:
• Film portfolio → students submit evidence for only one role
Film – SL:
• The collaborative film project is now completely removed
Music – HL:
• Paper one is now completely removed
• Creating (SLC) → students submit two pieces
• Solo performing (SLS) → students submit 13 minutes
Music – SL:
• Paper one is now completely removed
• Creating (SLC) → students submit only one piece
• Solo performing (SLS) → students submit 10 minutes
• Group performing (SLG) → students submit 13–20 minutes
Theatre:
• Collaborative Project is now completely removed
Visual Art – HL:
• Process portfolio → art-making forms, table requirements, and penalties are removed
• Exhibition → students complete 7-10 resolved works
Visual Art – SL:
• Process portfolio → art-making forms, table requirements, and penalties are removed
• Exhibition → students complete 4-6 resolved works
To all our fellow seniors, we know what you’re going through, we’re in the same boat – we wish you the best of luck managing this upcoming school year, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us if you have any questions or need any advice!
Written by Anoushka Hemnani and Divyanshi Raturi, two May 2021 IBDP candidates.
You may also like…
- Imogen’s post about the May 2021 Results Change
- Marcela’s take on what she’s learnt from the pandemic as an IB student
