IB Geography Paper 2 Section C Essay Question

The 10-mark essay question in IB Geography HL Paper 2 is a crucial component of the exam, testing students’ ability to think critically, synthesize information from different units, and construct a well-argued response. This question is unique because it is interdisciplinary, meaning it requires students to draw upon knowledge from Unit 1 (Changing Population), Unit 2 (Global Climate), and Unit 3 (Global Resource Consumption and Security).

Understanding the Question Types

Each Paper 2 exam includes two essay question choices, and students must select one to answer. These questions typically encourage broad, evaluative thinking, requiring students to consider multiple perspectives on an issue. Common types of questions include:

• Comparative and Evaluative Questions (e.g., “To what extent is climate change the most significant driver of migration?”)

• Cause and Effect Relationships (e.g., “The greatest challenge to global resource security is water scarcity.” To what extent do you agree?)

• Policy and Solution-Oriented Questions (e.g., “Sustainable urbanization is the key to solving demographic challenges.” Discuss.)

• Future-Oriented and Thematic Questions (e.g., “The circular economy is the only viable solution to resource security.” How far do you agree?)

These questions require students to draw upon case studies, real-world examples, and theoretical frameworks to construct a convincing argument.

 

Assessment Objectives

The essay is assessed holistically, meaning there is no fixed mark allocation for each assessment objective. Instead, examiners evaluate the overall quality of the response based on four key objectives.

Assessment Objective	What Examiners Look For
AO1: Knowledge & Understanding	Does the response demonstrate a strong grasp of geographic concepts, theories, and case studies? Does it use accurate and relevant terminology?
AO2: Application & Analysis	Is geographic knowledge applied directly to the question? Does the argument include clear supporting evidence and establish cause-effect relationships?
AO3: Synthesis & Evaluation	Is there a balanced discussion with multiple perspectives? Does the response critically evaluate arguments and justify a well-reasoned conclusion?
AO4: Selection & Use of Skills	Is the response well-structured, clearly written, and supported by diagrams/maps (if appropriate)?

To achieve a 9-10 mark response, students need to excel in all four AOs. Let’s break down each one in detail.

AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

A high-scoring response must demonstrate a deep understanding of key geographic concepts, theories, and case studies. This means using precise terminology and providing relevant, well-explained examples that directly support the argument. Definitions should be clearly stated in the introduction, ensuring clarity in the discussion. Strong essays integrate detailed case studies with statistics and geographic context, such as referencing Japan’s ageing population (40% over 65 by 2050) or linking climate vulnerability models to global migration patterns. Additionally, referencing geographic theories—such as Boserup's theory of agricultural intensification or the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) — helps to anchor the argument in established academic frameworks. Avoid listing facts without explanation or using generic case studies with no supporting data. Instead, ensure that every example contributes meaningfully to the response.

AO2: Application and Analysis

Strong application and analysis require students to directly apply their geographic knowledge to the essay question, developing a coherent and logically structured argument. This means establishing cause-effect relationships and identifying patterns and trends. Rather than simply stating that climate change affects migration, a strong response will explain how rising sea levels in Bangladesh have forced urban migration to Dhaka, leading to infrastructure strain and social instability. Comparative analysis strengthens an argument, such as discussing how Japan’s ageing population challenges differ from Nigeria’s youth dependency crisis, highlighting economic and policy variations across geographic regions. Students should avoid simply describing case studies without analysis or failing to link arguments back to the essay question. Instead, every paragraph should include clear reasoning that connects evidence to the broader discussion.

AO3: Synthesis and Evaluation

A well-developed response must present a balanced discussion, considering multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion. This means critically evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments, rather than simply presenting a one-sided view. For example, while it is true that ageing populations create economic challenges, some countries—such as Japan—have mitigated these effects through policy adjustments like increasing the retirement age and promoting immigration. Similarly, while youth unemployment in South Africa poses serious risks, technological advancements and investment in education may help address this issue over time. A strong essay will compare factors and justify which one is most significant based on reliable evidence. The conclusion should not merely summarize points but should explain why a particular argument is stronger, demonstrating critical thinking. Avoid making unsupported claims or providing a weak conclusion that fails to justify the final stance.

AO4: Selection, Use, and Application of Skills

A well-structured essay is organized logically, flows smoothly between ideas, and, where appropriate, integrates diagrams, graphs, or maps to enhance the argument. The essay should follow a clear structure, beginning with an introduction that defines key terms, outlines the argument, and presents a thesis statement. The main body paragraphs should follow the PEEL format (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link), ensuring that each paragraph develops a distinct aspect of the argument. A strong response effectively incorporates visuals, such as population pyramids for demographic discussions or climate risk maps to illustrate vulnerability—but students must explain these visuals in their writing rather than just including them. Transitions between ideas should be smooth, using phrases like "However, an alternative perspective suggests that..." to maintain logical progression. Writing should be formal and precise, avoiding vague statements like "Old people are a problem for the economy". Instead, use specific language such as "An ageing population increases dependency ratios, straining economic productivity and government resources." A well-organized, well-written response ensures clarity and persuasiveness, maximizing the final score.

How to Prepare

The best way to prepare for the Section C essay question is to develop a strong understanding of the types of questions that can be asked, familiarize yourself with what examiners are looking for, and most importantly, practice regularly. Writing multiple essays across different question types will help you recognize common patterns, refine your ability to construct clear, well-supported arguments, and build confidence in writing under timed conditions. The more you practice, the more naturally you will be able to apply key geographic concepts, case studies, and evaluation techniques to any question you encounter. By honing your skills in critical thinking, structured writing, and effective time management, you can approach the exam with clarity, precision, and confidence, maximizing your potential for success in IB Geography Paper 2.