Comparison
IBBase vs traditional IB past papers
Past papers are still the gold standard for authentic wording. They are a poor tool for drilling one syllabus point, and a worse one for honest marking. Here is where each approach wins.
| What you need | Past papers | IBBase |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage of a single syllabus point | You hunt through several papers to find two or three relevant questions. | Filter the bank to one syllabus point and drill it until it sticks. |
| Authenticity of wording | Genuine IB wording, written by the people who set your exam. | IB-style questions reviewed against the current syllabus — close, but not official. |
| Getting marked | You self-mark from the mark scheme, which is where most students over-credit. | The AI Examiner marks criterion by criterion and names the points you missed. |
| Supply of fresh questions | Finite. Once you have seen a paper, you remember the answers. | Generate a new paper on the same syllabus points whenever you want. |
| Exam conditions | Possible, if you time yourself and stay disciplined. | Timed mode with countdown, flagging, autosave and deferred marking at the end. |
| Tracking weak topics | Manual — a spreadsheet, if you keep one. | Every attempt feeds a syllabus point tracker and a suggested study plan. |
| Cost | Often free through your school, or paid per paper pack. | From $19.99 AUD/month for one subject, or $249.99/year for all subjects. |
How to use both
- Drill weak syllabus points on IBBase during the term.
- Generate a fresh paper whenever you have memorised an old one.
- Send extended responses to the AI Examiner for criterion feedback.
- Sit real past papers under timed conditions in the final weeks.
Honest limitations
IBBase is independent and not affiliated with the IB. Questions are IB-style rather than official, and AI marking is feedback, not an official grade. We think that is a fair trade for unlimited targeted practice — but you should know it up front.
Common questions
- Should I stop using IB past papers if I use IBBase?
- No. Past papers are the best source of authentic wording and pacing, so sit them under timed conditions close to the exam. Use IBBase for the topic-by-topic reps, fresh questions and marking feedback between those mocks.
- Are IBBase questions the same as official IB past papers?
- No. IBBase is independent and not affiliated with the IB. Questions are IB-style practice written and reviewed against the current syllabus, matching command terms, mark allocations and paper structure.
- Is AI marking as reliable as a teacher marking my paper?
- It is faster and more consistent than self-marking, and it points to the exact criteria you missed, but it is AI-generated feedback rather than official IB grading. Use your teacher for final judgement on borderline responses.