Author: Rachel Summers, IB Educator and Academic Coach
Being an IB student is no easy feat. From Internal Assessments (IAs) to Extended Essays (EEs) and the rigorous final exams, there’s a lot to manage. But don’t worry! With the right resources, you can conquer the IB like a pro. As an IB educator, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right tools can be for success. In this guide, I’ll share the top IB resources for students that will help you get organized, stay focused, and score high in the N24 and M25 sessions.
The IB curriculum is known for its challenging and comprehensive nature. To navigate it successfully, you need resources that:
Using the right IB resources for students can make a significant difference in your study routine and exam performance.
Online platforms are a great way to access IB-specific resources anytime, anywhere. Here are the top five platforms every IB student should know about:
Khan Academy offers free video lessons on a range of IB subjects like Math, Physics, and Chemistry. The interactive exercises allow you to test your understanding of each topic as you go along.
If you’re taking subjects like IB Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Business Management that are hard to score ZuAI is your go-to resource. It offers a wide array of practice questions, video tutorials, and mock exams tailored specifically to the IB syllabus.
IBDocs is a treasure trove of past papers, exam mark schemes, and student-submitted notes. Accessing past papers is one of the best ways to prepare for your exams, and IBDocs has a comprehensive collection available to students.
Need help memorizing key terms and definitions? Quizlet is perfect for creating flashcards on subjects like History, Biology, and Languages. You can also access flashcard sets made by other IB students.
Save My Exams provides exam-style questions, topic-specific revision notes, and worked examples for IB subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It’s a great resource for focused, exam-ready preparation.
Staying organized and managing your time well is key to success in the IB. These apps will help you stay on top of your workload:
Struggling to stay focused during long study sessions? Forest helps you avoid distractions by encouraging you to plant a tree that grows the longer you stay off your phone. It’s perfect for time management.
For note-taking and organizing your thoughts, ZuAI is a simple but effective app. You can make checklists, add voice notes, and even share notes with classmates for group projects.
My Study Life is a planner app specifically designed for students. It allows you to keep track of deadlines, schedule study sessions, and set reminders for upcoming exams.
While online tools are helpful, nothing beats having a solid textbook for deep understanding. Here are some must-have IB textbooks that cover the syllabus comprehensively:
ZuAI Coursework is a special feature for IB Students, where you can track and evaluate your answers. ZuAI offers the learning of the core concepts of IB DP Subjects absolutely free.
This coursebook is an excellent resource for understanding the core concepts of IB Business Management. It includes case studies, exam-style questions, and detailed theory explanations.
This is a fantastic resource for IB English students, providing guidance on how to analyze literary texts, write essays, and prepare for exams.
Looking for free solutions to previous year's question papers? Check out ZuAI's YouTube channel.
No IB student’s toolkit is complete without access to past papers and mark schemes. These are essential for understanding how examiners grade your work and for practicing under exam conditions.
You can purchase past papers directly from the IB’s official website. These are great for timed practice and getting familiar with the exam format.
IBDocs offers past exam papers for free, covering a range of subjects. Regularly practicing with these papers will help you build confidence ahead of your exams.
IB IAs and EEs require extensive research and analysis. Here are resources that will help you craft excellent assignments:
EasyBib helps you create citations in MLA, APA, or Chicago format, which is essential for your Extended Essay. Properly citing your sources is key to scoring well on academic honesty criteria.
Google Scholar is a search engine for academic research. Use it to find credible sources for your IAs and EE.
The official IB website provides a detailed guide on how to write Internal Assessments for each subject. Downloading this guide will give you valuable insights into how to structure and write your IA effectively.
Bonus Tip: AI app for IB Exams = ZuAI
It's the ultimate AI app designed to help your child excel in their IB exams. As a parent, you want the best for your child, and so do we.
ZuAI provides personalized study support, practice questions, and detailed explanations tailored specifically to the IB curriculum.
Think of it as a smart tutor who understands your child’s unique learning needs, helping them tackle challenging subjects with confidence.
With ZuAI, you can feel reassured knowing your child is getting the extra help they need to succeed and build a bright future.
We genuinely care about your child's success and are here to support them every step of the way.
Q1: What are the most important IB resources for students preparing for exams?
A: Past papers, reliable textbooks, and online platforms like Revision Village and Save My Exams are essential for exam prep. Practice papers are particularly useful for familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter.
Q2: Can I use online flashcards for IB exam preparation?
A: Yes! Platforms like Quizlet allow you to create and use flashcards that help in memorizing key terms, definitions, and concepts across subjects like History, Biology, and Languages.
Q3: How often should I use past papers?
A: Aim to practice with past papers regularly, especially in the weeks leading up to your exams. This helps you understand how questions are structured and prepares you for time management during the actual exam.
Q4: Are there any free IB resources for students?
A: Absolutely! Platforms like IBDocs and Quizlet offer free resources, including past papers, notes, and flashcards. Additionally, Khan Academy provides free video tutorials for various subjects.
Q5: What is the best resource for IB Math students?
A: For IB Math, Revision Village is one of the best platforms. It provides topic-specific resources, exam-style questions, and detailed video tutorials to help you master challenging concepts.
Finding the right IB resources for students can make all the difference in your study routine. Whether you're preparing for exams, working on your IAs, or writing your EE, these tools and platforms will support you every step of the way. Remember, the key to success in the IB is consistent practice and staying organized, so make the most of these resources for your N24 and M25 sessions. Good luck!