The core units for IB Geography, that all students, whether taking the subject in standard or higher level, must study, are the following:
Unit 1 – Changing population
Unit 2 – Global Climate – vulnerability and resilience
Unit 3 – Global resource consumption and security
Short answer questions in Paper 2 often ask to describe or outline. Here are some examples of SAQs that could be asked.
Describe what is meant by “embedded water”. [2]
Describe what is meant by an individual’s ecological footprint. [2]
Outline what is meant by “fertility rate”. [2]
Briefly outline how the natural greenhouse effect operates. [2]
Each of the core units has content which is specified in the subject guide. By having a good understanding of important key words and terminology related to each unit, students can confidently answer the short answer questions that ask to describe or outline.
For students who want to do some independent study, here are three sets of flashcards, one for each unit. The key words/terminology provided are not exhaustive as there could be a few other concepts that could serve one well to know. However, they are a good starting point to practice the art of describing and outlining in the context of Paper 2.
Here are the flashcards: