How to Revise for IB Geography: Tactics That Work

Know the IB Geography Syllabus Inside Out

IB Geography has a clear syllabus that outlines exactly what you need to know. Start by downloading the syllabus from the IB website and highlighting the key topics. Structure your revision around these core areas:

• Core Themes: 

  • Population Distribution

  • Global climate

  • Global resource consumption and security

• Optional Themes: if you are studying for Standard Level (SL) you will have studied 2 topics, if you are studying for Higher Level (HL) you will have studied 3 topics:

  • Freshwater 

  • Oceans and coastal margins 

  • Extreme environments 

  • Geophysical hazards

  • Leisure, tourism and sport 

  • Food and health 

  • Urban environments

• HL Extension: if you are studying for the higher level (HL):

  • Power, places and networks 

  • Human development and diversity

  • Global risks and resilience

• Geographic Skills and Case Studies

Use this effectively: Create a checklist and tick off topics as you revise them. This will help you track progress and ensure you cover everything before the exam.

Master Your Case Studies

Case studies are crucial in IB Geography, as examiners expect you to apply real-world examples to support your answers. You should know at least two case studies per theme.

Best approach:

• Create summary sheets with key facts, figures, and impacts.

• Use flashcards to quiz yourself on the specifics.

• Try the Feynman Technique: explain your case studies to someone else as if they were learning it for the first time.

Use Past Papers and Mark Schemes

Practising with past papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for IB Geography exams. Familiarise yourself with question styles and the command terms (e.g., ‘evaluate’, ‘compare’, ‘discuss’).

How to maximise your practice:

• Time yourself to simulate exam conditions.

• Use mark schemes to check your answers and understand what examiners are looking for.

• Analyse examiner reports to avoid common mistakes.

Develop Your Geographic Skills

The IB Geography final exams test map work, data interpretation, and statistical skills. Ensure you can:

• Read and interpret topographic maps

• Understand and analyse climate graphs, population pyramids, and GIS data

• Apply statistical techniques such as Spearman’s rank and standard deviation

Top tip: Practise drawing annotated diagrams—well-labelled diagrams can earn marks even if your written explanation is incomplete.

Create Mind Maps for Key Concepts

Mind maps help you connect different topics and visualise information effectively. Create them for:

• Key theories (e.g., Demographic Transition Model, Core-Periphery Model)

• Linkages between physical and human geography

• Important geographical processes

Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition

Rather than passively reading notes, actively test yourself on key information. Techniques such as:

• Flashcards 

• Blurting (write down everything you know about a topic from memory, then check for gaps)

• Spaced repetition (revise topics at increasing intervals to strengthen memory retention)

Plan for the Essay Questions

IB Geography exams include extended response questions, which require clear structure and critical analysis. Follow this approach:

• Use the PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link)

• Support arguments with case studies

• Include evaluative language (e.g., “However”, “On the other hand”)

Join Study Groups and Teach Others

Studying with peers can help consolidate knowledge. Discussing complex concepts and explaining topics to others can reinforce your understanding.

Pro tip: Form a study group and take turns explaining different topics. Teaching is one of the most effective ways to learn.

Take Care of Your Wellbeing

A well-rested and healthy mind retains information better. Ensure you:

• Get enough sleep before your exams

• Stay hydrated and eat brain-boosting foods

• Take breaks to avoid burnout (use the Pomodoro technique: 25-minute study sessions with 5-minute breaks)

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

At Save My Exams, we provide expert revision resources tailored to IB Geography students. Our revision notes, past paper solutions, and topic summaries are designed to help you study smarter, not harder.

Explore Our IB Geography Revision Resources

References 

IB Geography Subject Brief

IB Geography Specification