Introduction
Paper 1 in IB Design Technology (DT) is the foundation of the exam. Unlike Papers 2 and 3, which involve written responses and case studies, Paper 1 focuses entirely on multiple-choice questions.
With the first exams in 2027, students need to understand how Paper 1 works, what it tests, and how to prepare effectively. In this guide, we’ll explain Paper 1 in detail, outline common challenges, and show how RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub helps students succeed.
Quick Start Checklist for Paper 1
- SL and HL students both take Paper 1.
- Multiple-choice format only.
- Focuses on definitions, concepts, and applications.
- Requires accuracy and speed.
- RevisionDojo offers Paper 1-style practice questions for 2027.
What Paper 1 Tests
Paper 1 assesses your ability to:
- Recall key definitions and facts.
- Recognize basic applications of design principles.
- Distinguish between similar-sounding terms.
- Work quickly and accurately under time pressure.
It’s less about long explanations and more about precision and recall.
Common Challenges in Paper 1
- Tricky distractors – Wrong answers are often close to the right ones.
- Weak recall of definitions – Without a glossary, many students mix up terms.
- Overconfidence – Students underestimate Paper 1 because it’s multiple-choice.
