In IB World Religions SL, the final grade is split between external assessment (the two examination papers), worth 75%, and internal assessment (the coursework investigative study), worth 25%. Paper 1 contributes 30% and Paper 2 contributes 45%.
The assessment structure is:
| Component | Format and raw marks | Final weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 1 hour 15 minutes; stimulus-response questions; 45 marks | 30% |
| Paper 2 | 1 hour 30 minutes; two essays; 30 marks | 45% |
| Internal assessment | Investigative study; 30 marks | 25% |
Weighting means how much each component contributes to your overall result. Raw marks cannot simply be added together because the components have different maximum marks and different weightings.
Paper 1 assesses the introductory study of religions through the three fundamental questions: What is the human condition? Where are we going? How do we get there? You answer five questions, including at least one from each of its three sections.
Paper 2 assesses your two in-depth religions. You answer two essay questions from different sections, demonstrating analysis and evaluation of beliefs, practices and teachings.
The investigative study examines a focused aspect of religious experience, practice or belief. Its written analysis is 1,500-1,800 words, and it is marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB. Moderation checks the application of assessment standards and may adjust the marks submitted by the school.
A common misconception is that the three components count equally. They do not: Paper 2 alone contributes more to the final result than the entire investigative study. Your weighted overall mark is converted into an IB grade from 1-7 using the applicable grade boundaries.
For preparation, give Paper 2 substantial attention because it carries the largest weighting, while completing the investigative study carefully. In essays, practise supported arguments and contextualized examples; in Paper 1 explanations, connect the stimulus to relevant religious beliefs and behaviour.