Introduction
IB Philosophy SL introduces students to major philosophical questions and theories, focusing on critical thinking, argumentation, and ethical reasoning. To succeed, students must not only know philosophical content but also demonstrate analysis and evaluation skills in written work.
A key resource for preparation is the IB grade boundaries. These tell you exactly how many marks are required for each grade (1–7) across assessments. Below are the official IB Philosophy SL grade boundaries for 2025 (Timezone 0).
Quick Start Checklist for Philosophy SL
- ✅ Learn essay structures: thesis → support → counterargument → conclusion
- ✅ Review key philosophers and their core arguments
- ✅ Practice past paper essays under timed conditions
- ✅ Focus on analysis and evaluation—higher marks demand critical depth
- ✅ Use grade boundaries to track progress and set realistic goals
IB Philosophy SL 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 50)
- Grade 7: 39–50
- Grade 6: 30–38
- Grade 5: 22–29
- Grade 4: 13–21
- Grade 3: 9–12
- Grade 2: 5–8
- Grade 1: 0–4
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
Final IB Philosophy SL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)
- Grade 7: 80–100
- Grade 6: 65–79
- Grade 5: 51–64
- Grade 4: 35–50
- Grade 3: 23–34
- Grade 2: 11–22
- Grade 1: 0–10
Tips for Scoring a 7 in IB Philosophy SL
- Be precise in essay writing: Stick to a clear structure and focused argument.
- Engage critically with philosophers: Don’t just describe—evaluate their ideas.
- Use real-life examples: Link abstract theory to practical issues.
- Practice Paper 1 extensively: This paper carries heavy weight in your final grade.
- Refine IA carefully: Ensure your chosen issue is genuinely philosophical and well-analyzed.
Conclusion
The 2025 IB Philosophy SL grade boundaries help you measure performance and set targets. By aligning revision strategies with these ranges, students can approach exams with confidence.
With consistent essay practice and clear philosophical analysis, a Grade 7 in IB Philosophy SL is achievable.
