Introduction
Every year, ESS examiners report that students lose marks not because they don’t know the content, but because they fall into avoidable traps. For the 2026 first assessment, this is especially important since the syllabus has been updated and examiners are looking for systems thinking, case studies, and evaluation.
By learning what the biggest mistakes are—and how to avoid them—you can set yourself apart from other students and maximize your marks in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When preparing for ESS exams, make sure you:
- Answer according to command terms (e.g., Discuss, Evaluate).
- Avoid confusing greenhouse effect vs. global warming.
- Use case studies with details.
- Write evaluative, not descriptive answers.
- Manage your time effectively across questions.
Common Student Mistakes in ESS Exams
1. Ignoring Command Terms
- Writing definitions for a “Discuss” question.
- Listing facts instead of evaluating.
- Fix: Always underline the command term before answering.
2. Confusing Key Concepts
- Mixing up the greenhouse effect with global warming.
- Confusing ozone depletion with climate change.
- Fix: Learn precise definitions and practice distinguishing them.
3. Weak or Missing Case Studies
- Writing vague examples like “a country in Africa”.
- Forgetting to include outcomes or evaluations.
- Fix: Memorize 12–15 strong case studies with 3–4 key details each.
4. Descriptive, Not Evaluative Answers
- Explaining what happens, but not analyzing why it matters.
- Example: describing deforestation without evaluating sustainability strategies.
- Fix: Always include strengths, weaknesses, and alternative perspectives.
5. Time Mismanagement
- Spending too long on short-answer questions.
- Rushing through Paper 2 essays.
- Fix: Practice timed papers to build exam stamina.
Examiner Insights
Past examiner reports highlight three recurring problems:
- Over-reliance on definitions without application.
- Poor evaluation skills—students list facts instead of weighing them.
- Lack of systems thinking—students don’t connect human and environmental interactions.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
- Practice with command terms. Write mini-essays for Discuss/Evaluate questions.
- Use case studies strategically. Don’t overload with irrelevant details.
- Think in systems. Always link human and environmental components.
- Plan essays. Spend 3–5 minutes outlining before writing.
FAQs
1. Are examiners strict about command terms?
Yes. If you ignore the command term, you cannot access the top markbands.
2. Do I need case studies for every essay?
Yes. At least one case study per essay is essential, ideally two for comparison.
3. Is Paper 1 easier than Paper 2?
Not necessarily. Paper 1 is shorter but requires precise data analysis, while Paper 2 tests depth and evaluation.
Conclusion
The biggest mistakes in ESS exams—ignoring command terms, confusing key concepts, weak case studies, lack of evaluation, and poor time management—are all avoidable with the right preparation. By practicing exam technique, memorizing strong examples, and thinking in systems, you’ll be ready to succeed in the 2026 first assessment.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Want examiner-style feedback on ESS practice questions? RevisionDojo’s resources help you avoid common mistakes and turn weaknesses into strengths.
