IB past papers are
resources which international baccalaureate students use as references
for their current and existing projects and examinations. They serve as
guides and overviews for subjects which students are presently enrolled
in. There are already a number of websites containing a database of IB
past year exam papers which may be downloaded by the students for their
use in their research and study. These websites can be accessed either
by a paid membership or by
free
registration.
IB past papers markschemes may indicate how particular answers are
graded and in what way they will be appreciated by the teachers. This
helps the students formulate their input in such a way that will earn
them higher marks. It also serves as a warning to the students
regarding the common mistakes the previous students often made.
Students must carefully study the pattern of these markschemes in order
to master the art of making excellent IB papers and thus obtain for
themselves impressive ratings.
There are pros and cons to seeking direction from past papers of IB
programs. The most common advantages would of course include the fact
that you will be learning from the experience and the mistakes of
others, thus allowing you to avoid the usual pitfalls. This will allow
you to obtain higher marks and give you clues as to the correct path to
take.
Having access to past papers will also give you confidence in
formulating your own inputs because you will have a general idea of
what is expected of you.
The disadvantages will only set in if you depend too much on the
contents of the IB past papers. This might even be prejudicial to your
own intellectual progress. It will prevent you from developing your own
analytical skills and writing and composition abilities.
You need to explore new ideas and be more creative when it
comes to writing your IB papers. The research, the gathering of data
and the organization of all the information at your fingertips is all
part of the learning process. You will miss out on this relevant part
of your schooling if you depend too much on the past papers.
One of the most sought past papers in the IB program involves the
TOK
courses. Getting past papers in this course may be beneficial
for
students in the beginning but they must do no more than get general
ideas.
TOK courses encourage rational thinking and the development of
strategic ideas. Becoming overly dependent on the work of others will
get in the way of the proper training of the students. Thus, it is not
encouraged to use past papers as reference as students are advised to
formulate their own TOK outlines.
The use of IB past papers should not be abused by the students of the
IB program. While they are good sources of ideas, they should not be
put on the same level as the required textbooks and classroom
discussions. Students should be encouraged to formulate their own
ideas.
The mistakes that they make and the road they will traverse in coming
up with their own output are all part of the educational program that
they are supposed to take.
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