Assessment /
External Examination
Embedded Files
External examination is what takes place during the final exams. The exam papers that are written during these exams are not assessed by your teachers, but rather by appointed IB examiners. Your results in the final exams, your externally assessed work, will constitute 60% of your final grade for the two-year course.
Exam Papers
Exam Papers
Standard Level
Standard Level
Paper 1
Paper 1
Duration: 45m; Weighting: 30%; Marks: 30
30 multiple-choice questions on the core material.
The use of calculators is not permitted.
No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
Paper 2
Paper 2
Duration: 1h30m; Weighting: 30%; Marks: 50
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core material (all compulsory). Maximum of 30 marks.
Section B: one extended-response question on the core material (from a choice of three). Maximum of 20 marks.
The use of calculators is permitted.
This paper is common with HL paper 2.
Higher Level
Higher Level
Paper 1
Paper 1
Duration: 1h; Weighting: 20%; Marks: 40
40 multiple-choice questions on the core and HL extension material.
The use of calculators is not permitted.
No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
Paper 2
Paper 2
Duration: 1h30m; Weighting: 20%; Marks: 50
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core material (all compulsory). Maximum of 30 marks.
Section B: one extended-response question on the core material (from a choice of three). Maximum of 20 marks.
The use of calculators is permitted.
This paper is common with SL paper 2.
Paper 3
Paper 3
Duration: 1h30m; Weighting: 20%; Marks: 40
Section A: two structured questions on the HL extension material, both compulsory and each worth a maximum of 10 marks.
Section B: one structured question on the HL extension material based on a case study. Maximum of 20 marks.
The use of calculators is permitted.
Exam preparation
Exam preparation
1 | Create Exam notes
1 | Create Exam notes
Option 1: Create your own
Create your own two-column notes digital or hand written from scratch
Benefits: Best learning
Downsides: You have to understand all concepts well
Option 2: Work from the glossary
Add your notes and images (!) to the IB-provided Glossary of Terms. In print or digital.
Benefits: Quickest approach
Downsides: Not fully comprehensive
Option 3: Work of the revision guide
Use this Revision Guide Outline as the basis for your notes. Rewrite in your own words, summarize, add images.
Benefits: Comprehensive
Downsides:You have to understand all concepts well.
Option 4: Work of the revision guide
Use this complete Revision guide (2-column) as the basis for your notes. Rewrite in your own words, summarize, add images.
Benefits: Comprehensive
Downsides: Easy to make, harder to study from
2 | Revise
2 | Revise
Create exam questions from case studies
This exam practice workbook from Extend Education tells you what to expect from your IB Diploma Programme design technology SL and HL exams.Practice exam papers are one of the best ways to make sure you feel confident, reassured and prepared for your external examinations. Your teacher will provide these as well, so buying this book is optional.
3 | Practice & Prepare
3 | Practice & Prepare
Exam tips
Underline command terms, marks and key terminology in questions.
Add markers to questions you want to look at again.
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