Practice A3.1 Material classification and properties with authentic IB Design Technology (First Exam 2027) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like materials and processes, product design, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Compare human-made and natural materials in terms of sustainability and performance.
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 1
What type of material property does this experiment explore?
Question 3
SL & HLPaper 1
Which of the following best describes a physical property?
Question 4
SL & HLPaper 1
Which of the following best describes a smart material?
Question 5
SL & HLPaper 1
Which of the following materials would most likely be selected based on aesthetic appeal and low density?
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 1
What property is being observed when metal reacts with acid?
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 1
Which source of material is represented here?
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 1
Why are biodegradable materials increasingly used in product design?
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 2
A design company is developing a premium kitchen knife set that includes a chef’s knife, a wooden storage block, and a protective blade cover. The designers carefully select materials to balance sharpness, durability, aesthetics, and safety.
1.[1]
The knife blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel.
Identify one mechanical property of the material used in Figure 1 that makes it suitable for a knife blade.
2.[1]
The knife block is made from solid beech wood.
i.) State one physical property of beech wood that is useful for the knife block.
3.[2]
ii.) Outline two advantages of using beech wood instead of plastic for the storage block shown in Figure 2.
4.[3]
The blade cover is made from flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Explain why TPU is an appropriate material for the blade cover shown in Figure 3.
5.[4]
Compare the origin and classification of the materials used in Figures 1–3.
6.[6]
Discuss how the material selection in Figures 1–3 balances functionality and environmental impact.
Question 10
SL & HLPaper 1
Which of the following best explains why material selection is challenging for designers?