The IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Internal Assessment (IA) is a vital part of the Diploma Programme that allows students to engage deeply with environmental topics through hands-on investigations. The IA provides an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues, while developing scientific and critical thinking skills.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What the ESS IA practical work involves
✅ Structure, requirements, and assessment criteria
✅ Collaboration rules and ethical considerations
✅ Top tips for success
What Is the ESS IA Practical Work?
The practical work for the ESS IA is designed to give you first-hand experience in environmental investigations. This can include:
- Fieldwork (e.g., measuring biodiversity, sampling soil or water)
- Lab experiments (e.g., testing pollution levels)
- Data analysis (e.g., modeling ecological footprints or carbon sequestration rates)
👉 Key point: Your IA must be an individual investigation based on a focused research question that connects to ESS concepts.
ESS IA Structure and Requirements (2025)
Report Type: Individual written report
Word Limit: Maximum 3,000 words
Contribution: Counts for 25% of the final ESS grade
Data: Must include unique qualitative or quantitative data collected by the student
ESS Concepts: Apply key concepts such as ecological footprint, carrying capacity, and environmental impact assessmentsP
erspectives: Explore tensions and interactions between scientific, ethical, and socio-political viewpoints
Collaboration: Collaboration allowed for sharing methodology only; data collection, analysis, and the report must be completed individually
- A focused and feasible research question
- A systematic and ethical methodology
- Clear data analysis with appropriate techniques
- Reflection on uncertainties and limitations
- Consideration of broader environmental and societal implications
Collaboration and Authenticity
✅ Allowed: You can collaborate in small groups for planning and sharing methods.
❌ Not allowed: Sharing data or writing — your IA must be 100% your own work.
💡 Examiners look for authentic, individual analysis and interpretation of data.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
- Follow all health and safety protocols in labs or field sites.
- Obtain necessary permissions for field studies.
- Avoid harm to living organisms and ecosystems.
Top Tips for a High-Scoring ESS IA
🌿 Choose a topic you care about: Personal engagement shines through in your writing.
📊 Collect quality data: Ensure sufficient, precise data for reliable analysis.
🔍 Apply ESS concepts rigorously: Don’t just describe — analyze using theories and frameworks.
⚖️ Consider different perspectives: Include ethical, scientific, and socio-political angles.
📝 Be systematic: Structure your report logically with clear sections and headings.
🕒 Manage your time: Plan data collection, analysis, and writing phases carefully to avoid last-minute stress.
Example Research Questions
✅ How does the species diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates vary between urban and rural streams?
✅ What is the impact of artificial light on insect abundance in a local park?
✅ How effective is reforestation in increasing soil carbon storage in [local area]?
How RevisionDojo Can Support Your ESS IA
✨ RevisionDojo offers dedicated ESS IA resources, including:
- Step-by-step guides for structuring your IA
- Example IAs and model research questions
- Checklists for meeting IB criteria
- Practical tips for data collection and analysis
👉 With RevisionDojo, you can approach your IA with confidence and clarity!
Final Thoughts
Your ESS IA is a chance to explore an environmental issue that matters to you while applying scientific skills and critical analysis. By choosing a focused research question, collecting high-quality data, and engaging with different perspectives, you can create an IA that stands out — and secures top marks.
