IB ESS HL 7.2.7 Energy security

[Maximum number: 9]

Increasing concern for energy security is likely to lead to more sustainable energy choices.

Discuss the validity of this statement, with reference to named countries.

• understanding concepts & terminology of energy security; renewable/ non-renewable energy; sustainability; fossil fuels; nuclear; solar, biomass, hydropower, wind, wave, tidal or geothermal energy; emissions; etc
• breadth in addressing and linking different countries' issues of energy security with their energy choices and the relative sustainability of renewable/ non-renewable energy sources; etc
• examples of renewable/non-renewable energy sources; countries' energy choices; issues of energy security; impacts of exploiting energy resources; etc
• balanced analysis of whether energy choices driven by concern for energy security are more or less sustainable; acknowledging relevant counter-arguments/alternative viewpoints;
• a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by analysis and examples given eg although more sustainable renewable energy choices will usually provide energy security, in some countries, because of local availability of non-renewable sources, the concern for security has been met by less sustainable sources eg US exploitation of tar sands;

The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of the markbands (although "ESS terminology" has been conflated with "Understanding concepts"). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.

NB This is only an example of a possible conclusion. Candidates' conclusions do not have to agree.
Use the official Section B, part (c) markbands below.

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 markscheme p16)

IB ESS HL 7.2.7 Hl Energy Security Questions

Exam points

IB ESS HL 7.2.7 Hl Energy Security Questions question 1