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.
