The 3 IB Business Study Styles: And How to Help Them All Succeed

As IB Business exams approach, students are scrambling to prepare, but not all study methods are created equal. If you’ve been teaching for a while, you’ve probably noticed three distinct types of students in your class.

Let’s break them down:

1. The Note Reader

This student believes that staring at their notes will magically transfer knowledge into their brain. They highlight, reread, and maybe even rewrite everything, but there’s little actual understanding happening. Unfortunately, osmosis isn’t a valid study technique. Without active recall or application, they risk drawing a blank when faced with real exam questions.

2. The Past Paper Hoarder

This student is all about past papers. They work through question after question, convinced that sheer repetition will guarantee success. While past papers are a great tool, they aren’t everything. Without taking time to strengthen their understanding of key concepts, they may struggle when an exam question presents familiar topics in an unfamiliar way. Applying knowledge is just as important as recognizing patterns in past papers.

3. The Goldilocks Student

This is the dream student. They strike the perfect balance—reviewing key concepts, applying them in different ways, and practicing exam-style questions. They don’t just memorize definitions but instead work on making connections between topics, analyzing real-world case studies, and practicing structuring their responses effectively. Their approach ensures they’re prepared for any curveball the exam throws at them.

But let’s be real, getting all your students to study like Goldilocks is easier said than done. 

Making IB Business Revision Easier for Everyone

As a teacher, you’re juggling revision sessions, engaging activities, and endless “Is this on the exam?” questions. By this point in the year, energy levels are low, and there’s only so much time left to prepare students for success. Some students need more structure, others need more challenge, and there are always a few who need a complete overhaul of their study habits.

That’s why I put together the IB Business Review Pack—a collection of targeted revision activities that help students actively engage with key topics from Units 1-5 and the Business Toolkit.

Instead of passively reading notes or relying solely on past papers, students get the opportunity to reinforce theory, practice applying concepts in different contexts, and check their understanding along the way. The activities work well for in-class revision, independent study, and even spring break assignments for those who need a little extra practice before exam season kicks into high gear.

The best part? Everything is ready to go. No more scrambling for last-minute revision materials. Just print (or share digitally) and let students get to work. 

Units 1-5 and Toolkit Review Pack

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Stay tuned for more IB Business exam tips as the final stretch begins.