MYP E-Assessments: It's not too late!

“Bro I'm literally going to fail”

If I got a dollar every time we've thought or heard that, I assure you, all of us would be rich enough to never needed to write those MYP board exams. Yet, looking at the date, many high-schoolers are weeks away from writing the infamous MYP E-Assessments. Everyone dreams of seeing the 50+/56 on the final report cards, but how hard is it really?

No matter what your previous mock exam scores were, there is always room for improvement. As a student who went from a 46 in mock 1 and 49 in mock 2 to a 54 in the final exam, I firmly believe that every student has the potential to get their desired score.

IB Docs Repository... USE IT

From past papers to notes and even E- portfolio exemplars, this site has it all. For any resource you need, this website is the first stop. Not only is it a godsend right now, it will continue to be your bestfriend during the Diploma Course too! (https://dl.ibdocs.re/MYP/)

Do Past Papers, Check Mark Scheme

Apart from the mocks your school makes you write, DO PAST PAPERS. While some say the year of the past paper matters, its highly advised that everyone should do all the past papers available for your hardest subjects. Always do the past papers just like the final exam using the correct IB software, settings, timings and grading. While grading yourself check the marking scheme. This small act alone will give you those 2, 3 or even 4 extra points you need. Because you are given exactly what the examiners look for in your answers you can apply it during the final exam.

For example, understanding the mark scheme of a science criterion B lab report can allow you to not overdo or underdo any work and save the most time. Same goes for Criterion B in math, to properly understand how to make general rules for sequences and justify them.

Desmos is your God

For mathematics, extended or standard, it is incredibly helpful to know your way around Desmos. This includes all the key shortcuts like “sqroot” for square root “log” for logarithm and more. Additionally, Desmos has incredible statistical tools. For example, you could easily find the meaning of a data set by typing in the word “mean” followed by brackets containing your number list separated by commas.

Also, make sure to always use the “copy from calculator” function rather than “mathtype” to save extra time in the exam and get the most marks for Criterion C in which you must show steps. Make sure to check out all the functions of Desmos on your own here. (https://www.desmos.com/testing/ibmyp/scientific?lang=ca)

The BIBLE of IDU: Pre-release Material

Out of all the exams, IDU has personally always confused me. But what most don't realize is that IDU is the exam that you have the most control over. With the pre-release material given, you can effectively prepare for the 3 questions IB will ask you. Go over all the sections and write notes for each to help you answer possible questions.

Make sure to follow the links of sources from the PRM to other websites across the internet to collect more data that will help you effectively answer questions. Do not limit yourself to the PRM but make connections beyond it to add depth to your answers. For example, use the web or ChatGPT to search for more synthesis points between both subject groups. It also helps to remember a few key points or numbers from the PRM to save time during the exam.

Science isn't just Criterion A

As a student who took all 3 sciences, I often forgot about the fact there are 4 criterions, not just 1, for the final exam. While the pure content taught in most classes is part of Criterion A, it constitutes only 25% of the whole paper. If you think about it, simply learning how to properly analyze data and write a good lab report is much more worthwhile than mugging up the immense content for the exam. However, if you are aiming for a 7 you will need to be the best in both worlds, able to understand the content and apply it to make effective lab reports for any given scenario.

Don't skimp Humanities

Out of all the subjects, humanities is the one many leave out. Geography and History may not seem as rigorous as sciences of math, but it still accounts for 7 whole points from the total of 56. However, this subject, especially History, is not easy and it gets difficult to know what exactly the examiners are looking for.

For this check the mark scheme of past papers for regular questions like Criterion D essays to know what to include in your answer. It also helps to remember just a few examples from each unit to support your answers. For History, memorise particular events or even specific "significant individuals" so that formulating Research Questions becomes a walk in the park. For Geography, an example is referencing Japan’s technological advancements in earthquake-proof architecture when writing about natural disaster management.

Typing Speed

WPM, believe it or not, has the potential to save a lot of time in the exam. Especially for those who type slowly, practicing typing can allow you to include more content in your essay answers and quite possibly get those few extra marks you need for a 7. To improve it you can use the website MonkeyType.

To schedule, or not to schedule?

Making a study schedule depends entirely on you. Whether you feel like you would benefit from it or if it would simply drive you insane. What’s important is that you study your personal tough areas effectively to do your best on the final exam.

You are a human not a machine

While it may feel like nothing else is more important than your exam during this time, please do not neglect your health. Eat on time, go outside and stay hydrated. Do not study your health away.

While preparation is important, so is writing the exam. Being able to handle the pressure,

manage time and use strategies are all skills that can get you more marks. Using the

elimination method for MCQs and starting with easier questions like Criterion B in math are just a few examples of strategies that can save time and hence get you more marks. Learn which strategies work out for you and use them to the fullest extent on the final day.

Remember, you're literally in the final stretch of your journey. All the effort and sacrifices you made provide you with the score you will get. After writing the exam make sure to look back to your experience with a smile. Some exams may go well, some may not, but at the end of the day you have to remember that these exams don’t define you.

Believe it or not, you'll find yourself saying you miss the times where you're schedule seemed pretty much the same every day.