Introduction
Case studies are one of the most powerful tools you have in IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS). For the 2026 first assessment, examiners expect students to use specific, well-chosen examples to support their answers in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
But how many case studies do you really need to memorize? The answer is: fewer than you think, but more than one per topic. ESS rewards students who use relevant, detailed examples, not those who try to memorize dozens of cases superficially.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising case studies, make sure you:
- Learn at least two contrasting case studies per major topic.
- Memorize key details (location, issue, outcome).
- Use case studies to support arguments, not as essays by themselves.
- Choose case studies that cover multiple syllabus points.
- Be able to evaluate successes and failures.
How Many Case Studies Do You Need?
- Minimum: 8–10 well-prepared case studies.
- Ideal: 12–15, spread across different topics.
- Maximum: Don’t try to memorize everything—depth matters more than quantity.
Case Studies by Topic
Biodiversity and Conservation
- Amazon Rainforest (Brazil): deforestation for cattle ranching and soy.
- Yellowstone (USA): wolf reintroduction and trophic cascades.
