Introduction
IB Philosophy HL challenges students to explore fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and ethics. Success in this subject requires strong critical thinking, argumentation, and essay-writing skills.
One of the most important tools for exam preparation is understanding the IB grade boundaries. These show exactly how raw marks translate into IB grades (1–7) across assessments.
Below are the official IB Philosophy HL grade boundaries for 2025 (Timezone 0).
Quick Start Checklist for Philosophy HL
- ✅ Refine essay structure: thesis → argument → evaluation → conclusion.
- ✅ Revise key philosophers, theories, and counterarguments.
- ✅ Practice past papers for time management and clarity.
- ✅ Strengthen analysis and evaluation—simply describing ideas won’t reach higher bands.
- ✅ Track progress against grade boundaries to set clear goals.
IB Philosophy HL 2025 Grade Boundaries
Internal Assessment (out of 25)
- Grade 7: 22–25
- Grade 6: 19–21
- Grade 5: 16–18
- Grade 4: 12–15
- Grade 3: 8–11
- Grade 2: 4–7
- Grade 1: 0–3
Paper One (out of 75)
- Grade 7: 60–75
- Grade 6: 49–59
- Grade 5: 38–48
- Grade 4: 27–37
- Grade 3: 14–26
- Grade 2: 7–13
- Grade 1: 0–6
Paper Two (out of 25)
- Grade 7: 21–25
- Grade 6: 18–20
- Grade 5: 15–17
- Grade 4: 12–14
- Grade 3: 8–11
- Grade 2: 4–7
- Grade 1: 0–3
Paper Three (out of 25)
- Grade 7: 21–25
- Grade 6: 17–20
- Grade 5: 14–16
- Grade 4: 10–13
- Grade 3: 6–9
- Grade 2: 3–5
- Grade 1: 0–2
Final IB Philosophy HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 81–100
- Grade 6: 67–80
- Grade 5: 54–66
- Grade 4: 40–53
- Grade 3: 23–39
- Grade 2: 11–22
- Grade 1: 0–10
Tips for Scoring a 7 in IB Philosophy HL
- Be analytical, not descriptive: Always evaluate arguments, don’t just summarize them.
- Use examples from philosophers: Apply thinkers like Plato, Kant, Mill, and Nietzsche effectively.
- Structure essays well: Each paragraph should serve your argument.
- Practice Paper 3 essays: These are often the trickiest for timing and depth.
- Oral defense in IA: Make sure your IA explores a real-life philosophical issue with clarity and precision.
Conclusion
The 2025 IB Philosophy HL grade boundaries show how marks are scaled to determine your final grade. By knowing these ranges, students can better measure their progress and refine their exam strategies.
With careful preparation and consistent practice, achieving a Grade 7 in IB Philosophy HL is within reach.
