IB ESS Essays

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How to write a high-scoring essay

Substantial evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts.

• Make sure you fully understand the topic before writing. Use accurate scientific explanations to support your points.
• Define key terms clearly. If the question asks about “biodiversity loss,” explain what biodiversity is and why it is important.
• You must include content from the HL lenses if you are studying at higher level
• Show how concepts connect to real-world environmental issues. Example:
  • Good: “Deforestation reduces biodiversity by destroying habitats, leading to species extinction.”
  • Weak: “Deforestation is bad for the environment.”

A wide breadth of knowledge statements that are effectively linked to each other and to the context of the question.

• Cover different aspects of the topic. Don’t just explain one idea—show how multiple factors connect.
• Link causes, effects, and solutions. Example:
  • Good: “Industrial pollution causes acid rain, which lowers soil pH and affects plant growth.”
• Use linking words to make connections clear:
  • “This leads to…”
  • “As a result…”
  • “One consequence of this is…”
  • “However, another factor to consider is…”

Consistent, appropriate, and precise use of ESS terminology.

• Use ESS terms correctly and consistently. If the question is about climate change, mention terms like greenhouse gases, carbon footprint, albedo effect instead of just saying “pollution.”
• Example:
  • Good: “Methane (CH₄) is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) 25 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂).”
  • Weak: “Methane is really bad for the environment.”
• Use scientific units when relevant (e.g., “ppm” for CO₂ levels).

Effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples, where required, showing some originality.

• Give specific case studies instead of vague examples.
• Use data where possible:
  • Good: “Since the 1970s, the Aral Sea has shrunk by over 90% due to excessive irrigation, leading to increased desertification.”
  • Weak: “Some lakes are drying up because people use too much water.”
• Use examples from different places (local and global) to show a deeper understanding.

Thorough, well-balanced, insightful analysis.

• Show different perspectives on the issue. Don’t just say something is good or bad—explain why.
• Example:
  • Good: “Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source, but it can also cause habitat destruction and displace communities.”
  • Weak: “Hydroelectric power is good because it doesn’t produce emissions.”
• Use counterarguments: “While wind energy reduces CO₂ emissions, it can also harm bird populations through turbine collisions.”

Explicit judgments or conclusions that are well supported by evidence or arguments and that include some critical reflection.

• Avoid vague conclusions. Instead, summarize key points and reflect on long-term solutions or challenges.
• Use evaluative language:
  • “This policy has been effective; however, enforcement remains a challenge in developing countries.”
  • “While this method reduces pollution, it is expensive and may not be affordable for all nations.”
• Example conclusion:
  • Good: “Renewable energy is crucial for reducing carbon emissions, but further investment is needed to improve storage technology and make it more accessible worldwide.”
  • Weak: “We should use renewable energy more because it’s better for the environment.”

Marking Criteria

Example Essays

Here are two example essays. They both answer the same question (“Evaluate the effectiveness of different energy sources in mitigating climate change on a global scale.“), but each earns a different score. Read each one, along with the feedback, to see how mid-level and high-scoring essays are different from each other.

A Few Tips from Science Sauce

If I were writing an essay, the first thing I would do it write (maybe only in my head) the conclusion paragraph. This gives direction to the essay and help clarify your thinking before getting started.

Next, I’d list the examples I want to use to support my ideas (including locations and, if possible, data).

After that, I’d write my opening paragraph which would possibly include an outline of the environmental issue and/or key definitions, taking the opportunity to use lots of terminology.

The essay will hopefully flow from there. Good luck!

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