If you’re aiming for that elusive 9–10/10 on an IBDP Geography Paper 1 or Paper 2 essay, you’ll need more than just a few facts and a tidy paragraph or two. The examiner is looking for depth, structure, and evaluation. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what you need to do — from the first sentence to the final conclusion — so your essay ticks every box in the top-band mark scheme.
⬇️ Skip to the bottom if all you’re looking for is a 10-Mark Essay Quick Checklist
Step 1: Nail Your Introduction with HO(P)PED
Your introduction sets the tone. Done well, it shows the examiner you understand the question, can think critically, and already have perspectives in mind.
I teach my students the HO(P)PED method (watch my full video on this here [link to YouTube video]):
- H – Hook: Start with a fact, statistic, quote, or striking opinion.
Example: “Over 90% of global megacities are located in areas at high risk of climate hazards — yet urbanisation continues at record speed.” - O – Opinion: State your answer in a nutshell — the position your essay will defend.
- P – Perspectives: Flag up the different viewpoints you’ll explore (government, public, business, environmentalists, age groups, income levels, etc.).
- P – Place: Name specific locations or case studies relevant to the question.
- E – Examples: Introduce key examples or datasets you’ll unpack later.
- D – Definitions: Define any essential geographical terms from the question — clearly and accurately.
Your HO(P)PED intro should be one clear, flowing paragraph — not a bullet list — but it must signal breadth, depth, and direction.
Step 2: Build Paragraphs with Evidence and Deep Linking
Each paragraph should feel like its own mini-essay — with clear topic sentences, specific evidence, and explicit links back to the question.
A top 10-mark body paragraph includes:
- Evidence — statistics, case study facts, named stakeholders.
- Explanation — why the evidence matters and how it links to the question.
- Evaluation — weighing strengths/weaknesses, winners/losers, short-term/long-term effects.
Balanced Perspectives:
Don’t just stick to one view. For every point you make, ask:
- How does this impact social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political factors?
- How is this different at local, national, and global scales?
- What’s the variation between LICs, MICs, and HICs?
- How might other perspectives apply — e.g. generational differences, gender, rural vs urban, indigenous vs corporate?
Step 3: Evaluate Like a Pro
The 9–10 band requires “well-developed evaluation of evidence and perspectives” — in other words, show the examiner you’re thinking critically, not just narrating facts.
Sentence starters for evaluation:
- However, this is limited because…
- While this is significant at a local scale, globally…
- In the short term this may…, but in the long term…
- From a [stakeholder] perspective, this is beneficial/problematic because…
- This assumes that…, but if we consider…, the outcome changes.
Step 4: Keep Your Structure Crystal Clear
The examiner should be able to see your logic instantly. Stick to:
- Introduction (HO(P)PED)
- Paragraph 1 – Strongest point, with perspectives and evaluation
- Paragraph 2 – Counterargument or alternative perspective
- Optional Paragraph 3 – Only if time permits and NOT at the expense of a conclusion. Use this for:
- A linking paragraph to connect earlier arguments
- A comparison paragraph to directly contrast perspectives or places
- An evaluative paragraph if you feel you haven’t done enough evaluation in P1 and P2
- A linking paragraph to connect earlier arguments
- Conclusion – No new evidence; just summarise and justify your opinion, supported by key evidence
- Definitions & Terminology – Used accurately throughout
Step 5: Write a Conclusion That Locks in Marks
Your conclusion is where you remind the examiner you’ve answered the question fully. Don’t introduce anything new — instead:
- Summarise your strongest arguments.
- Reaffirm your opinion using key evidence.
- Acknowledge complexity — you’ve considered more than one side.
Step 6: Think Like the Mark Scheme
From the 9–10 band criteria, top essays are:
- In-depth and question-specific
- Well-explained with correct, relevant examples
- Balanced with multiple perspectives
- Evaluative — strengths, weaknesses, causes, effects
- Logically structured with clear links to the question
- Using complex and accurate terminology
And always, always link back to the IBDP Geography key concepts:
Power, Places, Possibilities, Processes, Scale — the secret backbone of your evaluation.
Final tip: The examiner isn’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for clarity, depth, and critical thinking. If you can keep those at the heart of your essay — and follow HO(P)PED — you’ll be giving them exactly what they need to put you in that 9–10 mark bracket.
IBDP Geography – 10-Mark Essay Quick Checklist
(Paper 1 & Paper 2)
1. Introduction – HO(P)PED
- Hook: Start strong — fact, stat, quote, or bold opinion
- Opinion: Your answer in one sentence
- Perspectives: Who’s involved? (Gov, public, business, NGOs, income levels, ages, gender, local vs global, etc.)
- Place: Name your key location(s)
- Examples: Flag important case study or dataset
- Definitions: Define key terms from the question
2. Paragraph 1 – Strongest point
- Clear topic sentence
- Specific evidence (facts, stats, examples)
- Explain how it links to the question
- Evaluate — strengths, weaknesses, winners/losers
- Perspectives: Social, economic, environmental, cultural, political
3. Paragraph 2 – Counterargument / alternative perspective
- Opposing view with evidence
- Explain and evaluate
- Use scale (local, national, global) and development level differences (LIC/MIC/HIC)
4. Optional Paragraph 3 – Only if time permits
- Linking paragraph (connect arguments)
- OR comparison paragraph (contrast perspectives/places)
- OR extra evaluation paragraph (if P1 & P2 lacked depth)
5. Conclusion – No new evidence
- Summarise strongest points
- Reaffirm opinion with key evidence
- Show awareness of complexity
6. Throughout the Essay
✅ Link back to question
✅ Use correct terminology
✅ Integrate Power, Places, Possibilities, Processes, Scale
✅ Evaluate constantly (“However…”, “In the short term…”, “From a stakeholder perspective…”)
✅ Keep structure crystal clear
