Published January 17, 2024
Sophie
High School Sophomore from West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)
Hey there! This article is all about our tips for how to study for the IB Philosophy exam to get a solid 7. I'll break down the tricks, and IB Philosophy test prep so with the right strategies and IB Philosophy resources, nailing the exam is totally doable!
Hey, no worries if you're in a last-minute cramming session for IB Philosophy! We totally get it, and trust me, we've all been there too! So, if you're wondering how to ace the IB Philosophy exam when you're running out of time, here are some awesome resources and IB Philosophy exam tips created by fellow students that will help you cram like a boss.
This ULTIMATE IB Philosophy Study Guide - pretty much everything you need to know for the exam, written by a former IB Philosophy student!
Our Favorite Additional Site for IB Philosophy
The exam is broken down into FOUR assessments (THREE for SL) - here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know and what to expect from each section:
For Paper 1 of your IB Philosophy exam, both SL and HL students need to gear up for an in-depth exploration of philosophical ideas. SL students, you'll be given 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer two questions: one stimulus-based question on the core theme, which is 'Being Human,' and one thematic essay question from one of the optional themes you've studied. The optional themes range from aesthetics to political philosophy, so pick your strength.
HL students, your challenge is a bit longer, spanning 2.5 hours. You'll also tackle a stimulus-based question on 'Being Human,' but you'll have to write on two thematic essay questions from two different optional themes. This means you need a broader understanding of the optional themes compared to SL students.
Both SL and HL students should focus on developing clear, well-argued responses. Familiarize yourself with key philosophers and their theories related to the themes, and practice writing essays that critically analyze these ideas. Remember, this paper is a significant chunk of your grade – 50% for SL and a substantial portion for HL – so deep understanding and clear, analytical writing are key. Think of it as a philosophical adventure, where each question invites you into a deeper understanding of human existence and thought.
Let's dive into the details for IB Philosophy Paper 2. In this paper, both SL and HL students will embark on a philosophical journey focused on the prescribed text. You'll have a tight window of 1 hour to tackle this section. The primary goal here is to demonstrate your profound understanding of the prescribed material. You can expect a variety of question types, such as analysis, interpretation, and evaluation. The format usually involves crafting extended responses that dive deep into the text. Make sure you're intimately familiar with the prescribed text's content, themes, and key ideas because your answers will rely heavily on this knowledge. Be prepared to engage critically with the material, explore its nuances, and provide evidence to support your arguments. And don't forget to manage your time wisely within that one-hour limit. In a nutshell, this paper is your chance to showcase your grasp of the prescribed text's philosophical intricacies, so study up and be ready to flex your philosophical muscles!
When tackling IB Philosophy Paper 2, remember to stay cool, calm, and collected. Start by reading the questions carefully, and make sure you know what they're asking. Then, pick the one that makes your philosophical heart sing! As you write your response, be clear and organized – don't make the examiner work too hard to follow your brilliance. Time management is your trusty sidekick, so keep an eye on the clock. If you're running out of time, it's better to give a solid answer to one question than a rushed one to both. And remember, it's not about showing off fancy words; it's about showing your deep understanding of the prescribed text. So, stay focused, be philosophical, and give it your best shot!
Next, the internal assessment! This task involves crafting a 2000-word philosophical analysis, and it's quite a journey, so buckle up! You'll be given a non-philosophical stimulus, something outside the realm of philosophy, and your job is to analyze it philosophically. Now, here's the thing – you'll have a generous 20 hours to complete this assignment, so you can really dig deep.
Start by carefully examining the stimulus and identifying any philosophical ideas or questions it raises. Your goal is to connect these non-philosophical elements to philosophical concepts and theories you've studied. Your analysis should be structured, clear, and well-organized, presenting a logical argument that links the stimulus to philosophical themes.
Think of it as a puzzle where you're finding the philosophical treasure hidden within the non-philosophical world. You'll need to use critical thinking, research, and philosophical reasoning to craft a compelling analysis. Remember to cite your sources properly and provide evidence to support your arguments.
In the end, this internal assessment is a chance to demonstrate your philosophical prowess and your ability to apply philosophical thinking to real-world scenarios. So, take your time, plan your approach, and enjoy the philosophical exploration – you've got 20 hours to make it shine!
If you are an HL student, you still have one thing to complete and your out of the woods: Paper 3. You'll have 1 hour and 15 minutes to tackle this paper, and it's worth 20% of your overall exam grade. The core of this paper is an 800-word unseen philosophical text discussing a contemporary issue. Your task is to respond thoughtfully and critically to this text.
First things first, read the text carefully. Understand the author's argument, their position, and the philosophical ideas they present. Pay close attention to any contemporary issues or debates they highlight.
Your response should be well-structured and analytical. Identify key arguments, assumptions, and counterarguments within the text. Consider how the author's ideas relate to the broader philosophical context and the contemporary issue at hand.
Your aim is to provide a clear and concise analysis of the text, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. Offer your own insights, criticisms, or alternative perspectives where relevant. Make sure to engage deeply with the philosophical content and demonstrate your understanding of the HL extension topic.
Time management is crucial here, given the limited 1 hour and 15 minutes you have. Allocate your time wisely for reading, analyzing, planning, and writing your response. Remember, this paper assesses your ability to think critically about contemporary philosophical issues, so approach it with curiosity and confidence.
In summary, Paper 3 is your chance to showcase your analytical skills and philosophical acumen in response to an unfamiliar text discussing a contemporary issue. Practice reading and analyzing philosophical texts, and you'll be well-prepared to excel in this part of the exam. Best of luck!
Start by creating a colorful study schedule with specific topics and deadlines; it’ll help keep you on track. Dive into each topic by reading a bit, watching some fun philosophy videos, or checking out relatable real-life examples. Use high-quality study materials, such as our ULTIMATE IB Philosophy Study Guide, books, or YouTube videos. Try explaining complex ideas to a friend or family member, making it a game of 'Teach Me Philosophy.' Practice past exam questions to get a feel for what you'll face on the big day. Make sure to go over the IB Philosophy review and your IB Philosophy online IB notes to ensure success.
For essays, remember the "PERSUADE" method: Ponder the question, Examine all sides, Reason your arguments, Support with evidence, Use clear language, and always Defend your stance. Make catchy acronyms to remember tricky concepts. And hey, reward yourself with small treats when you finish a study session, like a cookie or a quick dance break. Philosophy is all about thinking deeply and critically, so have fun exploring the big questions, and you'll ace that exam!
