IB Philosophy SL

Written papers plus an internally assessed analysis. Written papers ask essay and extended-response questions on the core theme and your optional theme, and on your prescribed text; the internal assessment is a philosophical analysis of a non-philosophical stimulus. The IB publishes the current paper structure and weighting, so check the official subject guide rather than relying on older summaries.

Difficulty is mostly about writing quality and conceptual control, not volume of content. Candidates who can define terms, build a clear thesis and handle counterarguments do well; those who retell content without evaluating struggle. The reading load is moderate but demands re-reading primary texts. Treat it as a skill-building course from the start.

Yes, IB candidates can normally retake in a later examination session, but the rules, deadlines and any internal assessment carry-over are set by the IB and your school's exam coordinator. Ask your coordinator about entry deadlines and whether your internal assessment can be resubmitted. Do not assume a retake is automatic.

The IB publishes the current duration of each paper in the subject guide; timing is not stated here because official arrangements can change. In practice, allocate the first few minutes of an essay paper to choosing questions and outlining, then keep a strict per-question budget. Practise full papers under timed conditions before the exam.

Start with the core theme, because it supplies concepts used across the course. Then establish your optional theme and prescribed text early so you can read the text twice. Build essay plans alongside reading, not after. Finish with timed practice and internal assessment drafting. Keep one document of definitions and objections.

Typical weaknesses: describing philosophers instead of arguing; ignoring the question's command term; failing to define key terms; avoiding counterarguments; and leaving the internal assessment until the final weeks. Another is memorising model essays that do not fit the prompt. Better to practise planning many questions than memorising a few answers.

You choose or are given a non-philosophical stimulus - an image, news item, advertisement or film scene - and analyse the philosophical issues it raises, with a clear statement of the problem and argument. The teacher supervises and authenticates the work. Confirm your school's internal deadlines and the IB's current word limit and criteria through the official guide.

Choose by interest and by the texts your teacher can support. Ethics and Epistemology are popular because resources are plentiful, but popularity is not a reason. Political Philosophy and Philosophy of Religion reward students who read primary texts carefully. Aesthetics suits candidates who like conceptual analysis of art and judgement. Ask what your school actually teaches.

You need close knowledge of the text's arguments and key passages, not a quotation bank. Learn the structure of the argument, the definitions it relies on and the standard objections. A few short accurate quotations can help, but misquoted or decorative quotations hurt more than they help. Refer to specific sections.