Is IB Geography Hard?

Considering IB Geography but unsure if it’s the right choice? You’re not alone. Every year, I get asked the same question by students weighing up their options: “Is IB Geography hard?”

Let’s be honest — the IB isn’t easy. Geography does come with its own challenges. From mastering case studies to writing analytical essays, there’s a lot to get your head around. 

But here’s the good news: with the right strategies and a bit of curiosity about the world, it’s a subject that many students grow to love — and do really well in.

So, Is IB Geography Hard?

In a word? It can be — but not in the way you might think. The difficulty often comes from the breadth of the course rather than the complexity of individual topics.

You’ll study a wide range of global issues, from climate change and food security to migration and urbanisation. Some of these concepts are complex, but more often than not, the biggest challenge is remembering the details, connecting ideas, and applying them under timed exam conditions.

The students who tend to thrive are those who:

• Stay on top of their notes and case studies

• Practise writing structured, evidence-based essays

• Take time to explore real-world examples and current affairs

What Makes IB Geography Difficult?

A Wide Syllabus

IB Geography covers physical, human, and environmental topics. That means learning about everything from tectonic hazards to tourism and urban sustainability. You’re constantly switching between topics and scales — from local to global — so you need to be flexible in your thinking.

Top tip: Create topic maps as you go. They help you to see links between units, which can make your revision much more effective.

Case Study Overload

The IB examiners love a good case study. You’ll need to know lots of them — and not just the names, but also specific facts, dates, and outcomes. These help you earn marks in longer questions and show examiners that you know how geography plays out in the real world.

What helps: Make summary sheets or flashcards for each case study. Use bullet points and colour-code them by theme so they’re easier to recall.

Extended Writing

Unlike some subjects, IB Geography requires extended responses — often 10-mark and 12-mark questions. These ask you to analyse, evaluate, and justify your answers. It’s not enough to describe what’s happening — you’ve got to explain why it matters.

Solution: Learn how to use a clear structure, like PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link), to build strong paragraphs. Practise writing full answers under timed conditions.

Data Interpretation

Whether it’s climate graphs, population pyramids, or choropleth maps, IB Geography throws a lot of data your way. You’ll need to interpret and explain patterns, trends, and anomalies — sometimes in just a few lines.

How to get better: build confidence by practising data questions regularly. Use online tools like GeoGuessr or Gapminder to test your skills.

Internal Assessment (IA)

Every IB Geography student completes a fieldwork-based IA. You’ll collect your own data, carry out an investigation, and write a 2,500-word report. Many students enjoy this hands-on element, but planning and analysing your own study can be tough.

My advice: choose a question that actually interests you! If you care about what you’re studying, the write-up feels much more manageable.

Is Geography a Good Option for IB? 

If you’re interested in global challenges, enjoy writing and critical thinking, and want a subject that connects to real life — then yes, IB Geography is a great choice. It’s not the easiest subject, but it is one of the most rewarding.

How to Overcome the Challenges of IB Geography

Organise Your Case Studies Early

Don’t leave it until the month before exams! Build a bank of case studies as you go through the course. Include:

• A summary of the location
  

• Key facts and figure
  

• A few quotes or stats to make your answers stand out

Use tables or flashcards to test yourself.

Practise Essay Writing from Day One

The only way to get better at writing essays… is to write essays. Ask your teacher for past paper questions and feedback. Try swapping essays with a friend to mark each other’s work.

Set yourself a challenge to write one full-length answer a week. You’ll be surprised how quickly your writing improves.

Master the Command Words

IB examiners are very specific. Words like discuss, examine, and evaluate each have different expectations.

Example:

• Describe = what you see
  

• Explain = why it happens
  

• Evaluate = weigh up pros and cons, then reach a judgement

Create a glossary of command words and keep practising how to answer each one properly.

Link Geography to Current Events

One of the best ways to engage with Geography is by connecting it to the world around you. Watch the news. Read headlines. Notice how migration, climate change, and inequality play out in real life.

Why it helps: You’ll remember the material more easily, and you can bring fresh, relevant examples into your essays — something examiners love.

Break Down the IA into Small Chunks

The internal assessment might feel overwhelming at first. But if you break it into stages — planning, collecting data, writing up sections — it becomes much more manageable.

Check in regularly with your teacher. Use their feedback to refine your work as you go.

Use a Range of Resources

Different students learn in different ways. Combine:

• Class notes and textbooks
  

• Revision sites like Save My Exams
  

• YouTube explainers and interactive maps
  

• Flashcards, quizzes, and diagrams

Mixing up your methods keeps things fresh and helps the content stick.

Is IB Geography Hard to Pass?

Not if you stay organised and keep up with the work! While IB Geography has a broad syllabus that asks you to think critically, most students who attend lessons, revise regularly, and practice past papers are able to pass comfortably. 

The key is to build up your case study knowledge and improve your exam technique over time. With consistent effort, getting a solid grade in IB Geography is definitely achievable.

How Hard Is It to Get a 7 in IB Geography?

Achieving a 7 in IB Geography takes significant dedication, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach. In May 2024 (opens in a new tab), a grade of 7 was achieved by 14.3% of HL and 8.7% of SL students. The average grade awarded was 5.3 for HL and 4.8 for SL candidates.

Top-scoring students usually have a strong grasp of case studies, a clear writing style, and know how to apply geographical concepts in context. Regular practice with past papers, mastering command words, and acting on feedback from teachers all make a big difference. 

If you're consistent, curious, and willing to really push yourself, aiming for a 7 is well within reach.

Is IB Geography Worth Taking?

Absolutely. IB Geography builds some brilliant transferable skills — not just for exams, but for life. You’ll learn how to:

• Think critically about global issues
  

• Interpret data like a pro
  

• Write clearly and argue your point with evidence
  

• Understand how people and the planet interact

It’s also well respected by universities, especially if you're thinking of studying Geography, Biology, Environmental Science, Politics, Development, or even Business. 

And remember — no one walks into the IB knowing how to smash 12-mark essays or plan a fieldwork investigation. These are skills you’ll learn along the way, and with the right attitude and support, you can do brilliantly.

Boost Your Confidence With Save My Exams

Feeling stressed ahead of your exams? Join over 1.5 million students who use Save My Exams, the leading online revision platform. 

On average, students who use Save My Exams improve by two grades thanks to our comprehensive resources. From past papers and revision notes to exam-style questions tailored to your specific course, our revision tools help you to study smarter, not harder. 

Created by teachers and examiners who know exactly what you need to revise to achieve the best grades, our resources help students to save time and get straight to the content you need. 

Explore Our IB Geography Revision Resources

References:

IB Diploma Programme Statistical Bulletin https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/facts-and-figures/statistical-bulletins/diploma-programme-and-career-related-programme-statistical-bulletin/ (opens in a new tab) [accessed 15 April 2025]

IB May 2024 Final Statistical Bulletin https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/about-the-ib/pdfs/dp-final-statistical-bulletin-may-2024_en.pdf (opens in a new tab) [accessed 15 April 2025]

IB Geography Diploma Programme https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/individuals-and-societies/geography/ (opens in a new tab) [accessed 15 April 2025]