How to Get a 7 in IB Geography

What distinguishes the 7s from the 6s is not so much perfection but consistent performance across all components, precise use of case studies, and disciplined responses to command terms.

Moving towards a 7 means mastering assessment objectives (opens in a new tab) (AO1 knowledge, AO2 application, AO3 analysis and AO4 skills), practising timed responses for each paper, building an adaptable case-study bank, and producing a criteria-aligned fieldwork report.

What It Takes to Reach a 7

High-scoring students deliver reliable performances across every component: Paper 1 (Core Themes), Paper 2 (Options), Paper 3 for HL (Global Interactions), and the Internal Assessment (IA).

Grade boundaries vary each year, but a total higher than 80% is often needed for a 7. Focus on consistent execution, not perfection, and align your answers tightly to the assessment objectives.

Teacher Tip: 

Plan for 1–2 minutes before writing longer responses. A clear structure turns knowledge into marks.

Paper Weighting and Component Strategy

The bar chart shows how the different pieces of the IB Geography curriculum are weighted for SL and HL. Always make sure you have the most up-to-date subject guide for your exam so that you can check for information such as this.

Teacher Tip: 

You cannot ‘sacrifice’ a paper. The IA supports your overall grade but does not rescue weak examination performance; exam technique matters as much as content knowledge.

Paper-by-Paper Tactics

Paper 1: Optional Themes

Paper 1 rewards comparative, applied case studies in your chosen options (e.g., hazards, rivers, coasts, urban environments, tourism, food, and health).

• Prepare two to three high-impact case studies per option.

• Embed data inside analysis; avoid long ‘data dumps’ where you simply copy data from the graphs, maps etc....

• Practice comparisons (e.g., Peru vs. Somalia water management) to demonstrate synoptic thinking.

Paper 2: Core Themes

Paper 2 assesses core content such as population distribution, global climate, and resource consumption, with responses driven by command terms.

• Use precise, recent, location-specific examples rather than generic theory.

• Provide the exact answer to the command words; ‘examine’ requires a different response and structure than ‘evaluate’.

• Plan quickly, then write with purpose using a paragraph frame like PEEL (Point–Evidence–Explain–Link).

Paper 3 (HL Only): Global Interactions

Paper 3 focuses on conceptual understanding (e.g., development, power, and globalisation) and the interpretation of unseen data.

• Use frameworks, such as indicators of development or the core-periphery model, to structure arguments.

• Practice data-response questions—you must be able to explain and interpret them under pressure.

Case-Study Mastery

If you want to score a 7, case studies can’t be an afterthought. Case studies should come naturally to you – they should not be memorised essays but rather flexible, precise examples that you can adapt to any question.

A strong case-study bank is precise, brief and adaptable; it includes locations, statistics, processes and outcomes that you can apply in varied contexts.

How Many Case Studies?

• Core Themes (Paper 1): 2–3 per theme.

• Each Option (Paper 2): 3–4 in-depth studies.

• Paper 3 (HL): 5–6 diverse examples across regions and income levels.

Choosing Powerful, Diverse Examples

A good case study isn’t just relevant—it’s impactful. Choose examples that:

• Contrast geographically (e.g., an LIC vs an HIC).

• Highlight different impacts (social, economic, environmental)

• Tie into theory (like risk vulnerability models or urbanisation pathways). For example:

Build a Case-Study Bank

Create a simple sheet with location/background, key stats, processes, outcomes, evaluation points, and synoptic links. Revisit using active recall and spaced repetition.

Internal Assessment (IA)

The IA must have a clear, spatially focused research question that allows primary data collection and analysis within 2,500 words.

Good vs Weak Questions

Your research question should avoid vague or unmeasurable titles.

Strong: ‘To what extent does slope angle affect soil erosion rates along the River X in [location]?’

Weak: ‘How is climate change affecting my town?’

Data and Methods

Collect quantitative data, and use sketches, maps and diagrams that demonstrate effort and detail. Where feasible, include basic statistics and Geographic Information System (GIS) outputs to strengthen causal claims.

Top tip: 

Constantly check your work against the IA rubric (instructions/guidelines) – it's an invaluable tool.

Command Terms & Mark-Scheme Thinking

Misreading command terms is a major cause of lost marks; each verb implies a specific structure and depth.

• Describe

  • State what you see with accurate detail.

• Explain

  • Provide reasons and mechanisms using theory.

• Examine

  • Consider different perspectives with evidence.

• Evaluate

  • Judge effectiveness and justify a conclusion.

• To what extent

  • Build a balanced argument that reaches a defensible judgement.

Use PEEL or SEA (Statement–Evidence–Analysis) to keep paragraphs focused and exam-aligned.

Weekly Study Routine

Top students don’t just revise more—they revise smarter. Here’s how to tailor your revision to guarantee results.

Instead of cramming the night before, use spaced repetition, which involves revisiting content at increasing intervals to improve memory retention.

• Build flashcards and quizzes 

• Mind maps help you connect different topics and visualise information effectively.

• Focus on question-based learning by testing yourself before reviewing your notes.

• Take breaks to avoid burnout (use the Pomodoro technique: 25-minute study sessions with 5-minute breaks)

• Every few weeks:

  • Mark your work using real examiner reports.

  • Highlight where you met (or missed) the assessment objectives.

  • Ask your teacher for feedback and ACT on it

Teacher Tip:

Short, regular, active sessions outperform long, passive reading for long-term retention.

FAQs

What percentage do I need for a 7 in IB Geography?

The average score for a 7 in IB Geography typically exceeds 80%, although grade boundaries change annually. Always aim for a consistent performance across all the components rather than chasing perfection. 

Do I need to memorise case studies word for word?

No. Know key statistics, locations, and outcomes so you can adapt examples to the exact question asked.

How long should my IA be?

Your IA should not exceed 2,500 words. Keep it concise, analytical and criterion-aligned.

Is HL Paper 3 much harder?

It is more abstract and conceptual, emphasising frameworks and arguments. Practice interpreting unfamiliar data and linking it to theories.

Final Thoughts

Key Reminders for Top Performance

• IB Geography 7 → requires → consistent high performance across P1, P2, P3 and the IA

• Paper 1 Options → rewards → comparative, applied case studies

• Paper 2 Core → assesses → population, climate and resources

• Paper 3 HL → emphasises → conceptual, synoptic and understanding

• Internal Assessment → demands → focused, spatial question with primary data

• Command terms → determine → structure and depth of response

• Case study bank → improves → adaptability and precision

Check out our helpful guide for top tips on how to revise for IB Geography.

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Explore Our DP IB Geography: SL Revision Notes

Explore Our DP IB Geography: HL Revision Notes

References & Sources

• International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). Geography Subject Guide. IBO website (opens in a new tab).

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Subject Brief: Geography. IBO PDF (opens in a new tab)

• Past papers and markschemes. IBO website (opens in a new tab)