IB Glossary — Key Terms and Definitions

Core: The central component of the IB Diploma Programme, consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Diploma Programme (DP): A two-year educational programme for students aged 16-19, preparing them for university and life beyond.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature: The first subject group focusing on literature, language, and literary studies in the student’s best language.

Group 2: Language Acquisition: The second subject group focusing on learning a second or additional language.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies: The fourth subject group including subjects like Economics, History, Psychology, and Business Management.

Group 4: Sciences: The subject group including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science.

Group 5: Mathematics: The subject group offering Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Group 6: The Arts: The subject group including Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and Dance.

Higher Level (HL): A course taken at a more advanced level, with greater depth and breadth of content. Typically 240 teaching hours.

Standard Level (SL): A course taken at a standard level, with core content covered in less depth. Typically 150 teaching hours.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): A core requirement involving creative pursuits, physical activity, and community service over 18 months.

Criterion-Referenced Assessment: Assessment based on predetermined criteria rather than comparing students to each other.

External Assessment: Assessment conducted and marked outside the classroom, including examinations and written coursework.

Grade Boundary: The minimum marks required to achieve each grade (1-7) for each subject.

Internal Assessment (IA): Assessment conducted within the school and marked by the teacher, then moderated externally.

Moderation: The process of checking teacher-marked internal assessments for consistency and accuracy.

Oral Assessment: An examination component testing spoken language skills or subject-specific oral presentation.

Predicted Grade: An estimate of the grade a student is expected to achieve, submitted by the school.

Reflective Project: A core CAS requirement where students reflect on their growth and learning throughout the programme.

Tok Exhibition: A component of TOK where students explore how TOK concepts manifest in the real world.

Tok Essay: A 1,600-word essay on a prescribed title, exploring knowledge questions across different areas of knowledge.

Weighting: The percentage contribution of each assessment component to the final grade.

Areas of Knowledge (AOK): Different fields of human knowledge, including mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Knowledge Framework: A set of eight elements (scope, methodology, perspective, ethics, language, linkages, assumptions, responsibility) for analyzing knowledge.

Knowledge Question (KQ): An open-ended question about knowledge itself, rather than about the world. Central to TOK inquiry.

Knowledge Claim: A statement asserting something to be true, which can be analyzed using TOK concepts.

Knowledge Practitioner: Someone who produces knowledge in a particular field or area of knowledge.

Real-Life Situation (RLS): A specific event or scenario that illustrates TOK concepts and knowledge questions.

Ways of Knowing (WOK): Methods used to acquire knowledge: language, sense perception, emotion, reason, imagination, faith, intuition, memory.

Tokenism: The superficial inclusion of diverse perspectives without genuine engagement. Should be avoided in TOK analysis.

Annotated Bibliography: A list of sources with brief descriptions of their content and relevance to the research question.

Bibliography: A list of all sources cited in the essay, formatted according to a recognized citation style.

Criterion A: Focus and Method: The clarity and appropriateness of the research question and methodology.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding: The depth of understanding of the topic and relevant concepts.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.

Criterion D: Presentation: The clarity, coherence, and formatting of the essay.

Criterion E: Engagement: The student’s intellectual and creative engagement with the research process.

Research Question: A clear, focused question that the essay investigates. Central to the essay’s structure.

Supervisor: A teacher who guides and supports the student throughout the Extended Essay process.

Viva Voce: A concluding interview with the supervisor, reflecting on the research process and learning.

Analysis and Approaches (AA): A mathematics course focusing on algebraic, trigonometric, and calculus methods. More theoretical.

Applications and Interpretation (AI): A mathematics course focusing on practical applications, statistics, and modeling. More applied.

Biology HL/SL: The study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and classification.

Business Management: The study of how organizations operate, including management, marketing, finance, and strategy.

Chemistry HL/SL: The study of matter, its properties, composition, structure, and the changes it undergoes.

Computer Science: The study of computational thinking, programming, algorithms, and the societal impact of technology.

Design Technology: The study of the design process, materials, manufacturing, and the impact of technology on society.

Economics: The study of how societies allocate scarce resources, covering microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Film: The study of film as an art form and medium of communication, including analysis and production.

Geography: The study of the Earth’s physical features, human populations, and the interactions between humans and their environment.

Global Politics: The study of political issues, systems, and interactions at local, national, and international levels.

History: The study of past events, their causes, consequences, and significance in shaping the present.

Philosophy: The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and mind.

Physics HL/SL: The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.

Psychology: The study of human behavior and mental processes, including biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches.

Social and Cultural Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures across the world.

Spanish AB Initio: A beginner-level Spanish course for students with little or no prior experience.

Theatre: The study and practice of theatre arts, including performance, design, and theory.

Visual Arts: The study and creation of visual works, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.

Caring: Showing empathy, compassion, and respect. Committing to service and making a positive difference.

Communicator: Expressing ideas confidently and creatively in multiple languages and modes. Collaborating effectively.

Inquirer: Developing curiosity and the skills to conduct inquiry-based learning. Loving the process of discovery.

Knowledgeable: Exploring concepts, ideas, and issues with depth and breadth. Connecting learning across disciplines.

Manager: Approaching learning with focus and determination. Organizing time and workload effectively.

Open-Minded: Understanding and appreciating their own cultures and personal histories. Open to perspectives, values, and traditions.

Principled: Acting with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of fairness and justice. Taking responsibility for actions.

Reflective: Thoughtfully considering the world and their own ideas. Assessing their understanding and growth.

Risk-Taker: Approaching uncertainty with forethought and determination. Exploring new ideas and strategies.

Thinker: Using critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems.

• IB Diploma Overview
• Subject Guides
• TOK Resources
• Extended Essay Guide