Question 1
The graph shows how the velocity v of a cyclist moving in a straight line varies with time t. What is the cyclist's average velocity over the 12 s?
Physics grade boundaries explained
Boundaries are set after each session, mainly by reviewing candidates' work against grade descriptors, so they change from session to session. Your weighted total across the three components is what the boundaries are applied to.
| Scale | 1 to 7 in each subject |
|---|---|
| Weighting | Paper 1 36%, Paper 2 44%, scientific investigation 20% |
| May results | On the candidate website from 12.00 GMT on 6 July |
| Your boundaries | Your coordinator may show you the lower and upper boundary of your grade |
How a grade is reached
- Each component is marked and given its weight: Paper 1 36%, Paper 2 44% and the scientific investigation 20%.
- The weighted marks are added to a total, and the total is divided along the 1 to 7 scale. Those cut points are the grade boundaries.
- The IB sets them mainly by reviewing the quality of candidates' work against grade descriptors, general descriptions of the work expected for each grade.
After results day
- Grades are on the candidate website, candidates.ibo.org; for May sessions, from 12.00 GMT on 6 July.
- At your school's discretion you may see a detailed view: your scaled total mark, the lower and upper boundary of your grade and the marks needed for the next grade.
- A re-mark is requested by your coordinator, for a fee, with your written consent, because a grade can go down as well as up.
What to take from it
Since boundaries move with each session, aim at marks rather than at a number to scrape over. Paper 2 is the largest share at 44%, and the investigation is 20% you can work on before the exams.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
The graph shows the displacement y of a string against distance x along it at one instant, as a wave of frequency 25 Hz travels along it. What is the speed of the wave?
Next step
Questions people ask
What are grade boundaries in IB Physics?
The marks at which each grade from 1 to 7 starts. They are applied to your weighted total over Paper 1 (36%), Paper 2 (44%) and the scientific investigation (20%), and set after each session.
Are grade boundaries the same every year?
No. The IB sets them each session, mainly by reviewing candidates' work against grade descriptors.
Can I see how close I was to the next grade?
If your school allows it, the candidate website shows your scaled total mark, your grade's boundaries and the marks needed for the next grade.
Can a re-mark lower my grade?
Yes. That is why your written consent is needed before your coordinator requests one.