Module 2 of 7Lesson 1 of 1 · How the e-Assessment works — and how to use this course
Dumela — welcome!

Great answers are built, not born — and you build them by practising.

These are real MYP Individuals and Societies on-screen papers: History, Geography and Integrated Humanities. Read the sources, write your answers, then compare them with a top-band model answer. Every paper you finish makes the real one feel familiar.

7real past papers2021–20235 exam sessions80marks in 2 hours24mark essay
Start my first paper →See all papers
What is in the paper

A source-based exam, five kinds of task

You read or watch sources — texts, maps, data and videos with transcripts — then write. Here is what you will meet:

1Short answersState, outline, describe — short, precise, from the source.
2Source analysisOrigin, purpose, value, limitation (OPVL).
3Evaluate an action planStrengths, weaknesses and a judgement.
4Presentation or biographyAn 18-mark structured piece.
5The essay24 marks — the biggest single task.
✓Checkpoint quizAfter each paper, a short quiz to lock in what you learned.
Your game plan

How to use this course

  1. 1Work the paper on screenEvery source and transcript is written out in full. Long sources stay on the left while you write on the right — use the highlighter to mark key words.
  2. 2Practice mode: write first, then press Check this partThe top-band model answer and the markband table open under your answer. Pick the band that matches what you wrote and give yourself the marks. The word count helps you pace long answers.
  3. 3Use your reviewSee your score question by question, with an indicative MYP grade. The Revise first list shows which tasks to go back to.
  4. 4Come back in exam modeA few weeks later, sit a paper in one go against the clock (2 h, or 2 h 30 / 3 h with extra time). Want a teacher to mark your essay? Use Download my answers (PDF).
The 24-mark essay

Five ingredients of a top-band essay

1 · Define the key concept

Show the examiner you know exactly what the question is about.

2 · Name two sources or more

“Source B shows…” earns more than “a source says…”.

3 · Add your own knowledge

Facts, examples and case studies the sources do not give you.

4 · Argue both sides

A balanced argument with evidence for each side.

5 · A justified conclusion

Answer the question directly — and say why.

A word before you start

Low score on your first try? That is exactly how it should be.

Writing well under time pressure is a skill, and skills grow with practice. The students who do best are the ones who keep coming back.

Plan for two minutes before a long answer. It saves you ten.
Match the command term: “describe” is not “explain”, and “evaluate” needs a judgement.
Compare every answer with the model. Each gap you spot is a mark you will keep next time.

This week’s challenge: do one paper and compare every answer with the model. Next week, write just the essay again — and watch it get better.

Ready? Your first paper is waiting.

Start with a May 2023 paper, read the first source carefully, and write your first answer. You have got this.

History →Geography →Integrated Humanities →
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