Essential IB DP2 Mock Exam Checklist 2026
Master DP2 with this essential IB checklist! Covers IA status, week-by-week mock exam prep, past paper scheduling, and key TOK/EE milestones for students and parents.
The Essential IB DP2 Mock Exam Checklist
Alright, let's talk about DP2 mock exams. This isn't just another test; it's the single best opportunity you have to practice for the finals, identify your weak spots, and get a realistic sense of your predicted grades. But here’s the catch: mocks happen right when your IAs, EE, and TOK deadlines are closing in. It’s a perfect storm of stress.
Think of this guide as your game plan. We’re going to help you get organized, prioritize what actually matters, and walk into those exams feeling prepared, not panicked. Let's break it down.
This guide will help you:- Get a clear picture of all your pending coursework so nothing gets missed.
- Build a smart, four-week revision plan that focuses on effective study, not just long hours.
- Learn how to use past papers like a pro to maximize your scores.
- Manage your deadlines and your wellbeing to avoid the classic DP2 burnout.
Part 1: The Coursework Audit – Tame the Beast
Before you even think about revision, you need to know exactly where you stand with the components that contribute directly to your final IB score. Let's map out your IAs, EE, and TOK essay status. Be honest with your progress.
| Component | Status (Not started / Researching / Drafting / Finalizing) | Your School's Deadline | Personal "Done" Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extended Essay (EE) | |||
| TOK Essay | |||
| Math IA | |||
| Science IA | |||
| Humanities IA | |||
| Language A HL Essay/Written Task | |||
| Other IA/Coursework |
Core Component Checklists
Your IAs (20-30% of your grade)
- Have you read the specific assessment criteria for each subject?
- Is your topic focused enough to be covered in depth?
- Have you scheduled time to get feedback from your teacher on your draft?
Your EE (up to 3 bonus points with TOK)
- Is your research question sharp, focused, and analytical?
- Are you using credible, academic sources?
- Have you had your three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor?
Your TOK Essay (1600 words)
- Have you chosen one of the six prescribed titles?
- Is your essay focused on exploring knowledge questions, not just subject content?
- Are you using strong examples from different Areas of Knowledge?
Part 2: The 4-Week Mock Exam Battle Plan
Don’t just "study". You need a structured approach. Here’s a simple framework to guide your revision in the month leading up to mocks.
Week 1: Syllabus Audit & Weak Spot ID
Focus: Go through the syllabus for each subject with a traffic light system. Mark topics Green (confident), Yellow (a bit rusty), and Red (completely forgotten). Be brutal and honest.
Goal: To have a clear list of "Red" and "Yellow" topics for each subject. This is your revision hit list. No practice questions yet, just pure content review for your weakest areas.
Week 2: Active Recall & Targeted Practice
Focus: Time to actively test your knowledge. Instead of re-reading notes, use active recall methods like flashcards, blurting (writing down everything you know on a topic), or teaching a concept to a family member. Start doing past paper questions *by topic* for your "Red" areas.
Goal: To turn your "Red" topics into "Yellow" ones by actively retrieving information instead of passively reading it.
Week 3: Full Paper Simulation
Focus: This is where you build stamina. Do at least one full past paper per subject under strict exam conditions: timed, no phone, no notes, no music. This is non-negotiable.
Goal: To master your time management for each paper and get used to the mental pressure of a full exam. Speed and accuracy are the focus here.
Week 4: Mark Scheme Analysis & Refine
Focus: Stop doing new papers. Your time is now best spent reviewing the papers you did last week. Go through the mark scheme line by line. Where did you lose marks? Was it a knowledge gap, a misunderstanding of the command term, or poor exam technique?
Goal: To understand *why* you lost marks so you don’t make the same mistakes again. One paper reviewed well is worth more than three papers done and forgotten.
Part 3: The Past Paper Accountability Grid
Quality over quantity. Use this grid to track your practice and ensure you're learning from every paper you do. This makes your revision targeted and effective.
| Subject & Paper | Date Completed | Score / Grade | Key Takeaway (e.g., "Ran out of time on Section B") | Top 3 Topics to Re-review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e.g., Physics P2 | Feb 5 | 68% (L6) | Misread the 'explain' command term. | 1. Gravitational Fields 2. Doppler Effect 3. Capacitors |
Part 4: Your Sanity Check - Wellbeing & Deadlines
You can't pour from an empty cup. DP2 is a marathon, and burnout is real. Mocks are a sprint within that marathon, so you need to be strategic about your energy.
Typical May Session IB Deadlines
Disclaimer: These are general IB deadlines for schools. Your school's internal deadlines will be earlier! ALWAYS confirm every date with your IB Coordinator.
- IAs Final Submission (to teachers): Usually late February.
- EE Final Submission (to school): Usually February to early March.
- TOK Essay Final Submission (to school): Usually February to early March.
- Final IB Upload Deadline (for schools): Around March 15th for core components.
The Non-Negotiables for Peak Performance
- Protect Your Sleep: Sacrificing sleep for study is the worst trade you can make. Aim for 7-8 hours. It's when your brain consolidates what you've learned.
- Move Your Body: Even a 20-minute walk outside can reset your focus and reduce stress hormones. Don't let exercise be the first thing you drop when you get busy.
- Fuel Your Brain: Hydration and stable blood sugar are critical for concentration. Keep a water bottle on your desk and avoid sugary snacks that lead to energy crashes.
Hi, I’m Manmohini, an IB graduate with 40 points, now studying International Relations and Global Affairs in Italy. I earned 7s in HL History and HL English A, along with an A in TOK, and I’ve been tutoring these subjects for around four years. My experience working with organisations like NATO and the United Nations has deepened my understanding of global issues — something I love bringing into my lessons to make learning more relevant and thought-provoking. I focus on helping students see connections between ideas, develop strong essay and critical thinking skills, and approach the IB with confidence and curiosity rather than stress. My lessons are interactive and tailored to each student’s goals, whether that’s improving analysis, refining writing, or mastering exam techniques. I see tutoring as more than academics — it’s about building perspective and empowering students to express themselves clearly while staying balanced.. When I’m not tutoring, you’ll usually find me hiking, playing new music, or planning my next travel adventure.
Why Lanterna?
It's a classic DP2 challenge. Prioritise your coursework (IAs, EE, TOK) as they contribute directly to your final IB grade. Use your mock exams as a strategic tool to practice exam technique and identify weak spots for your final revision. A well-structured revision timetable is essential. If you feel overwhelmed, our tutors can help you create a personalised plan to manage both effectively.
Don't panic! Mocks are a diagnostic tool, not a final judgment. The most important step is to analyse exactly where you lost marks. Was it a specific topic, a misunderstanding of command terms, or time management? A Lanterna tutor can review your mock papers with you to pinpoint these issues and build a targeted revision plan for the final exams, turning this into a valuable learning experience.
The biggest mistake is passive revision, like simply rereading notes. The IB rewards application of knowledge. The most effective strategies involve active recall, such as using past papers under timed conditions and thoroughly analysing the mark scheme. This simulates the real exam and trains your brain to retrieve and apply information under pressure.
Yes, absolutely. Our tutors are experts across the entire IB programme. They provide one-on-one guidance to help you refine research questions for your IA or EE, structure your TOK essay, and ensure your analysis meets the top markband criteria, all while strictly adhering to the IB's academic honesty policies.
It's a free, 20-30 minute online call for students and parents with one of our Student Success Experts. They are high-achieving IB graduates who understand the pressures of DP2. The goal is to discuss your specific challenges, whether it's mock exam stress or balancing coursework, and provide you with a clear plan, priorities, and actionable next steps.
Yes, it is completely free, and there is absolutely no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our primary goal is to provide genuine value and help your family navigate the IB with more confidence. You'll leave the call with a strategic plan you can implement right away, regardless of your decision to work with us further.
Our Student Success Experts are experienced members of our team, many of whom are top IB graduates themselves. They have first-hand experience of the entire Diploma Programme. They are trained to listen to your family's needs, understand your academic goals, and map out a personalised support plan that builds confidence and improves grades.
If you feel stuck on certain topics, unsure how to improve on past paper performance, or overwhelmed by the workload, extra support can make a huge difference. A tutor provides a fresh perspective and targeted strategies. The best way to find out is to book a free consultation to discuss your situation with an expert.
We have a global network of expert tutors covering a vast range of IB subjects at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). This includes Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, History, Psychology, English, and many more. We can build a support plan tailored to your specific subject combination and needs.
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