IB Design Technology (DT) exams often feel manageable — until results come back lower than expected. In most cases, students do not lose marks because they lack knowledge. They lose marks because of predictable exam mistakes that limit how examiners can award credit.
Avoiding these mistakes is one of the fastest ways to raise DT exam scores.
1. Writing Descriptive Answers Instead of Analytical Ones
The single most common DT exam mistake is describing instead of analysing or evaluating.
Students often:
- Define terms correctly
- Describe processes accurately
- Explain what something is
But fail to:
- Explain why it matters
- Compare alternatives
- Judge effectiveness
When questions ask you to analyse, discuss, or evaluate, description alone caps marks quickly.
2. Ignoring the Command Term
Many students read the topic but ignore the command term.
For example:
- Writing an explanation when asked to evaluate
- Listing points when asked to analyse
Even correct content earns limited marks if the command term is not followed. DT mark schemes are command-term driven, not topic-driven.
3. Memorising Definitions Without Application
DT exams rarely reward standalone definitions.
Common mistake:
- Writing a perfect definition with no reference to the scenario
Strong answers:
- Apply the concept directly to the product, user, or context
- Explain how it affects design decisions
Knowledge without application is low-value in DT exams.
4. Not Using the Given Context
Almost every DT exam question includes:
- A product
- A user
- A scenario or constraint
Students often answer generically, ignoring this context.
