Getting Started · · 9 min read
M28 Checklist: Your IB DP1 First-Term Plan
Use this M28 checklist to organise six subjects, build study habits, begin CAS and TOK, and prepare for your first term of IB Diploma study.
Use this M28 checklist to organise six subjects, build study habits, begin CAS and TOK, and prepare for your first term of IB Diploma study.
Learn what an IB style answer requires, from command terms and precise language to clear reasoning, relevant evidence, subject examples, and practical feedback.
New to IB and worried because your classmates studied MYP? Learn the criteria, command terms and ATL skills you need to catch up quickly in DP1.
Bad first IB ESS test? Learn what it means, review every lost mark, and use a focused two-week recovery plan to improve your next DP1 assessment.
A low grade on your first IB essay is feedback, not a final verdict. Learn how DP1 students can use assessment criteria to plan a focused, effective rewrite.
Studied but did badly IB? Learn why rereading fails, diagnose your first DP1 result, and build a focused practice loop that turns study time into marks.
Learn significant figures for IB Chemistry and Physics, including zero rules, calculations, uncertainties, rounding, and exam-ready examples.
Learn what a TOK journal is, whether IB requires one, and how to build a simple TOK notebook or examples log for your first year of the Diploma Programme.
Find an M28 IB community through Reddit, Discord and study platforms while protecting your privacy, using groups well and following IB integrity rules.
Learn when a YouTube channel counts for IB CAS, which strands apply, what evidence to collect, and how to create a strong CAS proposal.
Learn when a bake sale or fundraiser counts for IB CAS, which strands apply, what evidence to keep, and how to strengthen borderline activities in DP1.
Learn when CAS can share a theme with an IA or EE, what the IB prohibits, how grey areas work, and what M28 students should confirm with coordinators.
Learn to read your IB timetable, distinguish HL and SL lessons, understand TOK and study periods, and verify school-specific DP1 rules for M28 students.
Starting IB Psychology with no background? Learn the M28 syllabus, SL and HL differences, assessment basics, study habits, and subject-change advice.
Learn why highlighting alone is weak for IB study, how to highlight selectively, and how DP1 students can turn textbook reading into effective active recall.
How much ab initio vocabulary should you know by Christmas? Learn a realistic DP1 target, signs of steady progress, and a practical daily routine for study.
Learn to embed short quotations in IB English essays, integrate evidence grammatically, analyse writer’s choices, and avoid common quotation errors.
Thinking of dropping IB Biology HL to SL in DP1? Compare content, exams, IA, workload, diploma rules, university impact, and next steps clearly.
Learn what changes when you drop IB Chemistry HL to SL in DP1, from syllabus content and exams to workload, diploma rules, university entry and next steps.
Learn what changes when you drop IB English Lang and Lit HL to SL, including assessments, workload, diploma rules, and university implications.
Learn what changes when you drop IB English Literature HL to SL in DP1, including assessments, workload, diploma rules, school approval and university entry.
Learn why schools reject IB subject changes in DP1, which Diploma rules apply, and how M28 students can make a stronger, practical request.
Learn whether an IB subject switch appears on your transcript, what schools record, DP subject rules, and what M28 students should confirm first.
Check IB diploma subject rules before a DP1 switch, including subject groups, HL and SL balance, ESS, school deadlines, timetables and fees.