April 20, 2026

How to Self-Mark IB Past Papers Like an Examiner

Time is your most limited resource in IB — and the one students waste most. Here's how to manage it like a pro.

How to Self-Mark IB Past Papers Like an Examiner

Doing past papers is 30% of the value. Marking them properly is the other 70%.

The 5-Step Method

  1. Mark blind first — estimate your marks before checking
  2. Apply mark scheme strictly — if it doesn't match, you didn't earn it
  3. Categorize every lost mark — content gap, wrong command term, incomplete, careless, or time pressure
  4. Write perfect answers — use the mark scheme to write what a full-mark response looks like
  5. Track patterns — after 3+ papers, identify your consistent weak spots

Key Mark Scheme Features

  • Award marks [1]: specific fact required
  • Accept/Reject notes: what alternative answers work
  • Error carried forward: you can earn marks in part (b) even if part (a) is wrong
  • Command terms: state ≠ describe ≠ explain ≠ evaluate

The Examiner Mindset

Before answering any question, ask: "What would the mark scheme look for here?" Structure your answer to hit those exact points. This adds 5-10 marks to your total.

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