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The external and internal assessments gauge your grasp of key concepts, application in diverse scenarios, and scientific problem-solving skills through varied-format exams and practical investigations (IAs) .
The external and internal assessments gauge your grasp of key concepts, application in diverse scenarios, and scientific problem-solving skills through varied-format exams and practical investigations (IAs) .
Standard Level (SL)
Standard Level (SL)
Source: International Bacculerate Orgnization, Physics Guide (2023)
Higher Level (HL)
Higher Level (HL)
External Assessment (80%)
External Assessment (80%)
The IB Physics external assessment consists of two papers: multiple-choice questions (Paper 1a), data-based questions (Paper 1b), and short-answer and extended-response questions from the core (Paper 2). These papers test students' conceptual understanding and application to problems in physics. Command terms indicate required answer depth, and marks reflect concept understanding and argument quality.
Paper 1A
Paper 1A
SL 25 multiple-choice questions on standard level material only. No marks are deducted for incorrect answers. (25 marks)
HL 40 multiple-choice questions on standard level and additional higher level material. No marks are deducted for incorrect answers. (40 marks)
Paper 1B
Paper 1B
SL & HL Data-based questions. (20 marks)
Paper 1A and paper 1B are to be completed together without interruptions.
Paper 2
Paper 2
SL Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level material. (55 marks)
HL Short-answer and extended-response questions on standard level and additional higher level material. (90 marks)
*All papers:
The use of calculators is permitted.
Each student must have access to a clean copy of the Physics data booklet during the examination.
Internal Assessment (20%)
Internal Assessment (20%)
The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The IA requirement is the same for biology, chemistry and physics. The IA, worth 20% of the final assessment, consists of one task—the scientific investigation. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words.
The following are not included in the word count.
Charts and diagrams
Data tables
Equations, formulas and calculations
Citations/references (whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
Bibliography
Headers
The following details should be stated at the start of the report.
Title of the investigation
IB candidate code (alphanumeric, for example, xyz123)
IB candidate code for all group members (if applicable)
Number of words
There is no requirement to include a cover page or a contents page.
Time allocation
Time allocation
It is recommended that a total of approximately 10 hours (SL and HL) of teaching time should be allocated to the work. This should include:
time for the teacher to explain to students the requirements of the internal assessment
class time for students to work on the internal assessment component and ask questions
time for consultation between the teacher and each student
time to review and monitor progress, and to check authenticity.
Assessing the scientific investigation
Assessing the scientific investigation
The performance in IA at both SL and HL is marked against common assessment criteria, with a total mark out of 24. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB.
The four assessment criteria are as follows.
Research design
Data analysis
Conclusion
Evaluation
Each assessment criterion has level descriptors describing specific achievement levels, together with an appropriate range of marks.
Grade descriptors, from 1 (minimal grasp) to 7 (excellent application) provide a qualitative insight into your current level of understanding and skill, beyond the simplicity of point-based scoring.
Grade descriptors, from 1 (minimal grasp) to 7 (excellent application) provide a qualitative insight into your current level of understanding and skill, beyond the simplicity of point-based scoring.
Source: International Bacculerate Orgnization, Physics Guide (2023)
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