{"id":119,"date":"2024-12-09T21:41:49","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T21:41:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/?p=119"},"modified":"2025-01-18T11:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-18T11:31:08","slug":"test-taking-101-how-to-conquer-the-ib","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/2024\/12\/09\/test-taking-101-how-to-conquer-the-ib\/","title":{"rendered":"Test-taking 101: How to Conquer the IB\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The IB is among the most challenging and demanding pre-university programs,\u202fdue to\u202fthe numerous subjects and high standards\u202fthat are parts of it. Not to mention\u202fthe sheer amount of tests and exams. We all know that infamous pre-exam feeling: a mix of nerves, dread, and (hopefully) some confidence, assuming you know the material.\u202fHowever, by developing appropriate studying\u202fhabits\u202fwe can try to diminish those nervous and dreadful thoughts. In this article, we will cover various basic study habits<\/mark><\/strong>, review command\u202fterms<\/mark><\/strong>, and go over some subject-specific tips<\/mark><\/strong>.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Study Habits\u202f\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each subject has its own demands and requirements, presenting a complicated maze for each student to navigate.\u202fIt\u2019s\u202fall a matter of seeing what works and what doesn\u2019t, but there are some essential habits that can be applied to\u202falmost\u202fany subject.\u202fLet\u2019s break it down:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prioritization\u202f <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve\u202fprobably heard this term mentioned at least once by nearly every teacher ever.\u202fIt\u2019s among the most important aspects to a successful and efficient study routine\u202fthat\u2019ll\u202fhelp you with everything else, school-related or not. Think of which\u202fsubjects are more difficult for you, which activities take the most time, or how important a certain assignment is. Breaking it down by\u2026  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • \u202fTime  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • \u202fAssessment weight\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Perceived difficulty\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        \u2026will help immensely. Evaluate everything with these criteria\u202fin mind, and see what works for you. Some people may prefer starting with small and short tasks to get themselves in the \u201cacademic spirit\u201d, while others may want to get rid of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks first.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Consistency <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Studying regularly and consistently will save\u202fyou\u202fa\u202flot\u202f <\/em>of valuable time in the\u202flong run. Before leaving school, take a picture of your notes and read\u202fthem\u202fthrough\u202fas you go home by\u202ftram or some other means\u202fof\u202ftransport. A quick 10-15 minute revision after each lesson can allow the material to stick much better, and\u202fit\u2019ll\u202fprevent the student-favorite \u201cstudying the night before the exam\u201d. Immediately observe what you\u202fdon\u2019t understand\u202fand ask your teacher for clarification\u202fnext class.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Personalization\u202f <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        As simple as it may sound, find the best study methods that work for you. If it helps to read everything\u202fover and over\u202funtil it clicks, do that. If\u202fit\u2019s\u202fbetter to record yourself and speak like you\u2019re giving a lecture, then do that. Combine methods effectively and vary them from subject to subject.\u202fAlways focus on understanding the content regardless of the methods you use.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Command Terms\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Command terms are part of every IB question, and are a way to reflect\u202f your\u202fdifferent levels of understanding and achievement.\u202fLet\u2019s\u202fgo through them and what they entail.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Level 1-2\u202f <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        State\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • A key fact, idea, or piece of information\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Elaboration not needed  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            \u202fDefine  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Just a simple definition\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • If your definition features unknown words or another key concept, include an additional definition of said concept\/word in parentheses  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Level 3-4 <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Note: For higher levels after 1-2, always try to define your concept\/term\/process before doing anything else!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Describe\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • This may be for higher levels of achievement as well  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Generally requires mentioning the key features or characteristics of something\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Outline\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Generally for a process\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • Brief summary\/overview of the steps of a process  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • Main points\/features of a concept\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Level 5-6 <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Explain  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Detailed account of something\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Questions to consider: How and why does it work? What causes it? Who or what is\u202finvolved?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Similar to describing, but with more detail and focus on a bigger picture (not just key traits of something) . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Compare\/contrast\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Highlight similarities and differences\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              • Use sentences effectively!  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Example: Topic A features \u2026, while topic B does not.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Use sentences to establish\u202fand\u202felaborate from there.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Level 7-8 <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Discuss\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Analysis of a topic\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  • Argue and justify your claims (include examples!)  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    • \u202fFocus on differing perspectives\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Justify\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • Provide evidence and reasoning for something\u202f  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        Questions to consider: Why is this true? Why\u202fis this better\/worse compared\u202fto something else? What\u202fmakes it good\/bad?  Remember to make good use of examples when applicableand use sentences effectively to save time,\u202fshowing\u202foff your language proficiency. If\u202fyou\u2019re\u202fin doubt,\u202fit is\u202falwaysbetter to\u202fwrite more than\u202fto write\u202fless.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subject-specific Study Tips\u202f  <\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Every subject in the IB is unique, and so are the approaches to learning and studying the material. As always, devote more time\u202fto\u202fsubjects with a heavier workload (like physics or\u202fbiology) or with a higher perceived difficulty.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Main languages (Croatian, English) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Reading the assigned books\/literary works is the most obvious thing you will\u202fhear, but it stands to\u202fbe repeated. Use materials like\u202fSparkNotes\u202fto your advantage; add on to your already existing notes from class using these resources. Identify common themes and potential related topics of discussion (including relevant quotes) before writing.\u202fYou\u2019re\u202fessentially trying to predict the analysis questions,\u202fwhich\u202fwill save you time later. Frantically looking through your book for one specific quote is never good.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        For annotating, use sticky notes in your books and identify which chapters\/sections have which major plot points.\u202fThis\u2019llmake it easier to find certain moments with specific quotes you may need. Additionally, mark where important characters make their first\u202fappearances.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Most importantly, keep reading journals, in which you should take notes about the book you’re reading. Write about themes in the novel, background context, the characters, what happens in every chapter, the tone, the atmosphere, etc. These will help you when you are studying for writing the literary analysis or studying for your final exams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Second language (German, French) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Second languages are a great opportunity to learn something truly useful (and\u202fthey\u2019re\u202fa great way to show off\u202ftoo). If you really feel dedicated to learning the language, immerse yourself in it as much as possible. Use subtitles for your favorite shows, listen to audiobooks\/podcasts on the way to school, and read books.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Grammar will be the biggest obstacle for languages like German or French, so try applying any new grammar to sentences andwords you already know.\u202fIn addition,\u202fof course, read aloud whenever\u202fyou\u2019re\u202fstudying at home.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Chemistry\u202f <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Chemistry will be a combination of math and some theory. Repeat practice problems as much as possible.\u202fDon\u2019t\u202frely too much on the textbook; focus more on your notes and practice tests from class. However, it is still important you understand the theory behind a concept, and why something is the way that it is. It might be helpful to make notes based on your textbook and add any addition information you do not understand. Going through your notes and solving practice problems would help you ace your exams and understand the material.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Additionally, learn to work under a time limit to be able to solve tasks quickly. This will allow you to breeze through the easier tasks in order to leave room\u202ffor at least attempting\u202fharder or\u202funfamiliarones. Set yourself a timer, and practice away.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Biology <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Out of all the sciences, biology is\u202fthe one focused\u202fmostly\u202fon\u202fmemorization. Of course, understanding how everything works is essential, but\u202fthere are\u202fmany terms and seemingly unconnected concepts that require reading it over, over, and over again. If you can recite your notebook\u202flike\u202fyou\u2019re giving a lecture, you\u2019re on the right track.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Physics <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Physics\u202fis hailed\u202fas one of the harder subjects in the IB, and relying on notes is the way to go. Textbooks may offer detailed, but often unnecessary or complicated explanations. Like with chemistry, understand examples from class and how formulas are derived (deriving formulas with proper explanations can be\u202fhigher level\u202fquestions!).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Homework tasks are also crucial, and make sure to understand them well. Divide theory and such practical\/calculation tasks separately. Ideally, revise the theory first to get a solid foundation for what you will be calculating.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        While unrelated to studying, try to participate as much as possible in class to get pluses that may help your grade if necessary later on. Physics may take the most time of all subjects, so plan accordingly and go\u202fstep by step.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Math (standard or extended) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Math\u202fdoesn\u2019t\u202frequire the same form of studying as other subjects, and it is mostly based on practice. Practice tasks from class and from the\u202ftextbook. When writing the actual tests, always attempt to solve tasks, even if you just write down a formula. This can get you at least some points!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Humanities (geography, history) <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        These subjects rely slightly more on memorization, though you still have to understand the core concepts. Try using methods to distinguish the loads of information\u202fyou\u2019ll\u202fbe receiving; do this with highlighters or different pen colors.\u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        For history, make a general outline on flashcards and explain the event specifics to yourself like a story. Always revise starting from basic information (name of event, location\/time\/date, people involved, etc.) towards\u202fthe more detail-focused information. Make use of your textbooks: Although you don’t have to know every detail, the more times you reread your textbook, the more you’ll understand the material. These same principles apply for geography.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u202f  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Conclusion\u202f <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The IB can be heavily demanding and stressful, but with proper study habits and the offered tips, perhaps we can ease these feelings. Take time to reflect on how you can improve and remember that one poor grade is not the end of the world. Focus on understanding rather than just memorizing things and then immediately forgetting them. These skills of prioritization, time-management\u202fand more will help immensely later on.\u202fIn addition, don\u2019t forget the timeless advice of getting enough sleep before your test or exam. It helps much more than you think. Good luck and happy studying and\u202ftest taking! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                        The IB is among the most challenging and demanding pre-university programs,\u202fdue to\u202fthe numerous subjects and high standards\u202fthat are parts of it. Not to mention\u202fthe sheer amount of tests and exams. We all know that infamous pre-exam feeling: a mix of nerves, dread, and (hopefully) some confidence, assuming you know the material.\u202fHowever, by developing appropriate studying\u202fhabits\u202fwe […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-assessment-exam-prep","category-ib-focus"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119\/revisions\/259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mioc.hr\/ibnewspaper\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}