How Many IB ESS Papers Are There?

Planning for your IB Environmental Systems & Societies exams? Want a reminder of how many papers there are? You'll be pleased to know there are just two exam papers for IB ESS.

This makes ESS one of the more straightforward IB subjects when it comes to exam structure. Nice and simple — just two papers to master.

Let's break down everything you need to know about these papers.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you need to know at a glance—we’ve taken this key info straight from the official IB ESS Subject Brief (opens in a new tab):

Remember: SL = Standard Level, HL = Higher Level.

What Is IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)?

IB ESS is a unique interdisciplinary subject — it blends science with social studies. It explores how humans interact with the natural world, covering everything from climate change to biodiversity conservation.

The subject is available at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). What makes ESS special is its flexibility—you can count it as either a Group 3 (humanities) or Group 4 (science) subject in your IB diploma.

Students often choose ESS because they're passionate about environmental issues or want a science subject that connects to real-world problems.

If you’re considering taking ESS and want to learn more, see our IB ESS subject overview for students.

How Is IB ESS Assessed?

The IB ESS assessment has two main components: internal assessment (your coursework) and external assessment (the exam papers we're focusing on).

Internal Assessment (IA)

Your IA is an individual investigation of up to 3,000 words. Think of it as a mini research project rather than an exam paper.

You'll choose your own environmental topic, collect primary data, and write up your findings. The IA contributes 25% of your total ESS grade at SL and 20% at HL.

The IA tests skills like data collection, analysis, and evaluation. Your teacher will guide you through this process throughout the course.

See our top IB ESS study tips and exam strategies to find out how to complete the IA successfully. 

External Assessment (Exam Papers)

This is where those two exam papers come in. External assessment makes up 75% of your final grade at SL and 80% at HL.

Consists of the following exam papers:

• Paper 1: Case Study

• Paper 2: Short Answer & Essay Questions

Both papers test your knowledge and understanding of ESS concepts, but in different ways. Unlike the other IB Sciences, there is no separate multiple-choice paper.

Let's explore each one in detail.

IB ESS Paper 1: Case Study

Paper 1 is all about applying your ESS knowledge to a real-world case study that you haven't seen before.

You'll receive a case study booklet packed with data sources like maps, graphs, tables, and diagrams. The questions are based entirely on this unseen case study.

To prepare for Paper 1, practise past case studies under timed conditions and focus on identifying trends and relationships, not just describing data

IB ESS Paper 2: Short Answer & Essay Questions

Paper 2 tests your broader knowledge across all ESS topics. It's split into two sections with different question types.

Any topic from the ESS syllabus can appear. HL students also need to apply the three HL lenses (Environmental Law, Environmental Ethics, and Environmental Economics) when analysing issues.

Head to our IB ESS full topic list for a complete breakdown of syllabus topics, as well as further information on the HL lenses.

To prepare for Paper 2:

• Systematically revise all syllabus topics

• Practise structuring essay responses using the PEEL method (point, evidence, explain, and links).

• Master command terms like ‘evaluate’, ‘discuss’ and ‘analyse’ — they tell you exactly what type of answer is expected.

For more in-depth revision advice, check out our detailed guide on how to revise for IB ESS.

How the Two Papers Work Together

Both papers are essential for showing the full range of your ESS skills. Paper 1 tests your ability to work with unfamiliar data and think on your feet. Paper 2 demonstrates your knowledge across the whole course and your essay-writing abilities.

Together, they create a comprehensive picture of your ESS understanding. You can't afford to focus on just one paper — success requires balanced preparation for both.

Here’s a quick recap:

The key is practising different skills. Spend time interpreting graphs and data for Paper 1. Build up your bank of case studies and examples for Paper 2 essays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any HL papers for IB ESS?

Yes! Since the 2024 curriculum update, ESS is now offered at Higher Level (first exams in May 2026) as well as Standard Level. HL students sit the same two papers but with extended durations and additional content depth.

HL Paper 1 lasts 2 hours instead of 1. HL Paper 2 includes more complex analysis using the three HL lenses (Environmental Law, Ethics, and Economics).

What is the hardest part of the IB ESS exam?

Many students struggle with Paper 2 essay questions, particularly the 9-mark extended responses that require detailed analysis and evaluation. The key is understanding command terms and structuring arguments clearly. 

Paper 1 can also be challenging because you're working with completely unfamiliar case study material under time pressure. Practising with past papers helps enormously.

How much is the IA worth in IB ESS?

The Internal Assessment contributes 25% of your final grade at SL and 20% at HL. 

While it's a significant portion of your grade, remember that the exam papers still make up the majority. Don't neglect your exam preparation.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — two exam papers make up the external assessment for IB ESS, alongside your Internal Assessment coursework.

The beauty of having just two papers is that you can focus your revision effectively. Spend time practising data interpretation for Paper 1 and essay writing for Paper 2. Build up your case study knowledge for both.

Remember, thousands of students successfully navigate these papers every year — and you can too! With focused preparation and a clear understanding of what each paper requires, you'll be ready to tackle your ESS exams with confidence.