What is the hardest IB subject?

What Makes an IB Subject Challenging?

Students have to study 6 different subjects at IB, across different categories. Unlike the A-Level, students have to take a language, Mathematics, a Science etc. This means that students will have to study something outside of what they prefer, and this provides a lot of the challenge felt by students at IB.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has high academic standards for students who undertake it, and also provides a comprehensive education. Students will develop a broad mindset and an interest and enthusiasm for multiple subjects. There is extensive variety in the difficulty level of subjects, and some IB subjects which can test even the most able students.

Which Humanities Subject is the Toughest?

It seems from online discussion that History fits the bill for the toughest Humanities subject at IB. History requires more advanced essay writing skills which are not needed in other subjects. In addition, students need to be able to evaluate and analyse extensive texts and source material, both primary and secondary, to develop detailed arguments. History also requires memorisation of facts and statistics, particularly dates and names.

Are Sciences the most demanding in IB?

Physics, Chemistry and Biology all have individual challenges as science subjects, and all three require Mathematical skills. Students who have a good grounding in the sciences at lower levels should be able to tackle each of these, although they all require a slightly different approach. Physics and Chemistry involve learning of formulae and complex equations, whereas Biology leans towards knowledge of facts and interconnecting theories. Of the sciences, students will likely find Physics the most challenging on average, as it is the most abstract.

Is Mathematics the most daunting of all IB subjects?

IB Mathematics does have a Higher Level Further Maths option, which is often perceived as a very challenging area of study. It stretches pupils with topics extending towards areas such as calculus, probability, and complex numbers. Mathematics, particularly HL, is taught at a fast pace with little time for repetition of concepts. As such, it requires students to be proficient in problem-solving, analysis and evaluative thinking, alongside arithmetic skills. Much of the content covered in IB Further Maths HL would be covered in the first year of undergraduate study, and as such most students would likely place this as the very hardest IB subject.

How Does Language Learning Compare in Difficulty?

Language subjects in the IB, such as Language A and Language B courses, can be challenging. Language A courses (for example, English Literature) require a careful appreciation and close critical analysis of texts, leading to individual interpretation which takes contextual factors into account. Language B subjects also include language acquisition, requiring students to practise reading, writing, and speaking in a second or even third language.

Conclusion: Determining the Hardest IB Subject

Each IB subject has a set of individual challenges, and the difficulty level for each student will depend on that student’s strengths, interests, and prior knowledge. While subjects like Mathematics HL and Physics could be seen as difficult for some students if they find equations and calculations challenging, others might find that close analysis of longer texts means that English Literature is their weak spot. Ultimately, the extent to which someone finds a particular IB subject hard can sometimes depend on the learning style of the individual student. Acknowledging the breadth and depth of the IB Curriculum, the ‘hardest’ subject is usually the exact one which challenges an individual the most. Whatever you end up studying, the most important factor is that you find it interesting, as this is what will keep you focussed when you really need that extra boost.

Resources for Further Reading:

Website

1. IB Curriculum

Book

1. The Secret Art of Passing the IB Diploma by Alexander Zouev

Related subjects