Feeling IB Exam Stress? – IB Stress Management Tips

How to Deal With IB Stress Levels? & IB Stress Relief Tips

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is certainly strenuous academic stream compared to most of the other streams. You would have experienced the strain and challenge when you were in school. It consists of various assignments, coursework essays and presentations. Stress is an inevitable part of this course and the need of the hour is nothing but distressing.

You may get advice after advice on the area of destressing, some are impractical to follow. There is no universal formula either. However as the question ‘How to destress when preparing for IB?' attains prime importance a couple of tips are given.

About the IB Program

Originally started in Europe, the IB stream is gaining popularity in other countries including the United States of America. The duration of the course and projects span is two years. IB essentially has six subject groups.  The students need to take the courses in both SL (standard) and HL (higher) levels. The projects of this rigorous curriculum are EE(Extended Essay) Research project.

The following IB Stress Management tips May Help

Uniform Distribution of Workload

If you allocate the workload so that each subject gets adequate coverage, the last minute stress could be avoided. You relax and being tense you achieve precious nothing. On the contrary, whatever you learned or prepared will fail to be delivered at the exam

Prepare tests Systematically

Being systematic is the crux of issues not only for IB but in the life ahead. a haphazard approach is not going to yield any positive results.

Organise Yourself

This is an important factor of studying for any test or course, but the rigours of IB program demand that you stay organised. Schedule your studying intervals for different subjects and tests. You should also schedule breaks in such a way that you get rejuvenated.

Understand your Strengths and Weaknesses

You should be in a position to focus where you can be one above. Also where you are not that strong, this kind of self-analysis shall help you to concentrate on your weak points.

Subject groups of IB is as Follows

IB subject groups include:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Experimental Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
• Extended Essay (EE)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

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Practice is the lifeline of success

You can explore previous tests to get an idea of what the tests will be like. Practice writing responses to short answers and essays will help yo9u to tide over difficult situations. This will help you prepare examples, works, and other information you'll need to excel on the tests. Practising will make these examples and the works you've read or case studies you've seen in class easier to remember.

During your practice, you can even simulate a real testing environment by giving yourself the amount of time you'll have on the actual test.  This way, you will get used to writing complete responses in the amount of time you'll have and won't be surprised or unprepared.

For example, the external exam for computer science, a topic in Group 4: Experimental Sciences, simulation and time-based assessment is possible.

Mock test

The more mock tests you can take in the same pattern of time-bound answering, you shall be more equipped the real test.

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The three R’s for IB success- Read, Revise, Repeat

The scheduling in time to read and edit your work is crucial. You have to read, revise and repeat as much as possible.

Don’t deprive of your sleep Get a good night’s sleep the night before

You should cut your workload into practical and workable bits. If you get stressed, go outside, have some fun and have some fresh air.

Your being positive will bring in good results

The mantra to success is clear and precise. Do not stress. Do not get panic. You can prepare for extended essays (EE). Prioritisation is the crucial point. You can get the first draft of your EE done.  That will be the deciding factor in your creativity.

IB exams are not Insurmountable

Preparing for IB exams and getting a good score is not that difficult. Following tips and you will be among one of the top scorers.

You are appearing for IB exam and are expected to be organised to the core. You will be able to

• Apply knowledge and practice in the right direction.
• Time management and organising are vital.

Summary

• Planning is critical to achieving a good score in IB exams. You should resist the feeling of procrastination.
• But you should not worry unnecessarily if you fail to follow the schedule.
• Please do not stress yourself.
• The exam is not the end of your life. That attitude will help.
• Give yourself the best you can.

Be positive, and the results will show in your favour.