Geography · IB HL
IB Geography HL — papers & markbands
Geographic themes (Paper 1), the core units (Paper 2) and — at HL — global interactions (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
IB Geography HL community
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Geography HL chapters
14 topics · free- 1.1Population and economic development patterns
- 1.2Changing populations
- 1.3Global climate vulnerability and resilience
- 1.4Global resource consumption and security
- 2.1Geographic perspectives — global interactions
- 2.2Global climate change: vulnerability and resilience
- 2.3Global resource consumption and security
- 2.4Power, places and networks
- 2.5Human development and diversity
- 2.6Global risks and resilience
- 3.1HL extension — global interactions and flows
- 3.2HL extension — power and place
- 3.3HL extension — human development and global disparities
- 3.4Geographic skills — data, maps and fieldwork
Papers in Geography HL
- Paper 1HL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- Paper 3HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Geography HL?
- IB Geography at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. Geographic themes (Paper 1), the core units (Paper 2) and — at HL — global interactions (Paper 3).
- How is IB Geography marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Geography HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Geography HL exam series on our IB Geography past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Geography course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Geography course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Geography resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.