The applied SAQs (A-SAQs) in Paper 1, Section B are challenging. In this post, I’ve devised an example question and written my own answer. I also asked ChatGPT to write an answer as well. Can you tell whose is whose? Which one do you think would score better? The Question: Context: Human Development Prior research has shown differences in the …
Example Essay: Prevalence of Health Problems (Responsibility)IB Psychology Paper 1 Essays
IB’s made it deliberately impossible to memorise pre-written answers for the essay questions (thankfully). But that doesn’t make them impossible to prepare for. The following advice and examples in this post are designed to help both students and teachers gain confidence despite the uncertainties in Section C. The IB Psychology essays are tough. They require the ability to combine concepts with …
Example ASAQPaper 1 for IB Psychology (May 2027 curriculum)
The new Paper 1 ASAQs (pronounced A-sacks, as I like to call them) are simple in nature but difficult to predict. They combine one of the approach content topics (biological, cognitive or sociocultural), with one of the context’s “areas of study.” This post provides one example answer and some tips on how to answer these ASAQs. The rationale behind this …
Paper One Overview in IB PsychologyFor exams starting May 2027
This post outlines the contents and requirements of IB Psychology: Paper One. Each year I’ll update this with a sample of the exam questions asked in the May and November exams so a combination of IB Past Papers for IB Psychology can be accumulated. However, due to copyright reasons I can’t replicate them all. Jump To In This Post: Section …
Is an essay with studies better?
Do we need studies or not? This is an interesting dilemma in the new IB Psychology course. In my previous post, I wrote an example essay with no studies. I found it difficult, but not impossible. It didn’t surprise me, however, that I found it hard to talk about the concept. The Big Six are all about research. Or maybe …
An essay without studies: Is it possible?
I’ve just sat down to write an example essay for the new Paper 1. Then I thought to myself, “Do I need to use studies?” My first instinct was to follow my cheeseburger essay format, since this makes the most sense to me. However, I thought I’d challenge myself . Is it possible to write an essay without studies? Let’s see. The …
The Triple Cheeseburger Essay – IB Psychology
On the surface it seems like the new essays in IB Psych, Paper 1, Section C, are completely different to the old essays. Now there’s content linked with concepts and put into contexts and there’s no need for studies or critical thinking. However, scratch a little deeper and you’ll see nothing’s really changed. In this post I’ll explain my triple …
Example Essay: “Strategies used to measure theory of mind.”
The following is an example essay I wrote for the new curriculum. It answers the (problematic) question on the specimen paper. I’ve included a commentary along the side of this which shows my thinking about how to approach these new essays. In a nutshell, I haven’t changed a thing – students need to explain the topic, explain research and think …
The T-REX SAQ
The first two questions in IB Psychology Paper One (new syllabus) are designed to be “quick wins.” They’re 4 mark SAQs that can be answered in about 250 words. I want to keep things simple so students go into exams with confidence. I also love a good acronym. So here’s my T-REX SAQ structure that can answer any SAQ. Don’t believe me? …
How to use real world examples in the new SAQsOne topic - two possible answers
In the new IB Psychology course (first exams 2027), the first two questions in Paper One are SAQs. These are 150-250 word answers that explain a topic and use an example. Previously, supporting examples always had to be studies. Now you have the choice – a study or a real world example. In this post, we’ll look at the same …