IB ESS HL 7.2.4 Country Energy Choices Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 7.2.4 by applying country energy choices concepts to environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify sustainability, cost, pollution, efficiency, availability and security as energy-choice factors
- analyse how contrasting countries weigh these factors
- evaluate named-country energy choices using these factors
IB ESS HL 7.2.4 Country Energy Choices Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 9]
Examine the driving factors behind the changing energy choices of different countries using named examples.
Answers may demonstrate:
• understanding concepts & terminology of energy choices and security; renewable energy; solar; biomass; hydropower; wind; wave; nuclear; availability and reliability of energy supply; scientific developments; economic considerations; cultural factors; political dependencies; climate change; urban air pollution; acid deposition; water pollution; human population dynamics; ecological footprint; sustainability; EVSs;
• breadth in addressing and linking driving factors, including political, scientific, socio-economic, environmental, geographical, population dynamics, technological and cultural factors, with changes in energy choices for a range of countries;
• examples include a range of countries with various reasons/driving factors for changing their energy choices;
• balanced analysis how and to what extent driving factors for changing energy choices differ or are similar in a range of countries.
• a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by analysis and examples given eg Although local parameters in terms of geography, economics and cultural values create a diverse array of factors affecting change in energy choices amongst different countries, the global increase in awareness of climate change and its relationship with fossil fuel use has led an increasing number of countries to move towards more sustainable energy sources.
| Marks | Level descriptor |
|---|---|
| 0 | The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below and is not relevant to the question. |
| 1–3 | The response contains: • minimal evidence of knowledge and understanding of ESS issues or concepts • fragmented knowledge statements poorly linked to the context of the question • some appropriate use of ESS terminology • no examples where required, or examples with insufficient explanation/relevance • superficial analysis that amounts to no more than a list of facts/ideas • judgments/conclusions that are vague or not supported by evidence/argument. |
| 4–6 | The response contains: • some evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts • knowledge statements effectively linked to the context of the question • largely appropriate use of ESS terminology • some use of relevant examples where required, but with limited explanation • clear analysis that shows a degree of balance • some clear judgments/conclusions, supported by limited evidence/arguments. |
| 7–9 | The response contains: • substantial evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts • a wide breadth of knowledge statements effectively linked with each other, and to the context of the question • consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology • effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples, where required, showing some originality • thorough, well-balanced, insightful analysis • explicit judgments/conclusions that are well-supported by evidence/arguments and that include some critical reflection. |
Section B, part (c) markbands (official MS p18)
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