IB DP Digital Society EXAMS: 6-Mark Questions - How to Get TOP MARKS!
- lukewatsonteach
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
About This Digital Society Guide
This 6-Mark Question Guide for IB DP Digital Society students and teachers was developed through systematic analysis of real IB Digital Society exam papers, mark schemes, and examiner feedback. By reverse-engineering actual student responses across the full mark spectrum, we've identified the precise patterns that separate 6/6 responses from those scoring 4/6 or below.
Who it's for: Students aiming for top marks and teachers seeking evidence-based strategies for teaching and assessment.
Why it works: Unlike generic study guides, this reveals what examiners actually reward—not what we assume they want.
Part 1: Student Guide to 6-Mark Mastery
The 6-Mark Success Formula
Structure (3 points) + Specificity + Development = 6/6
Every 6-mark question follows a 2+2+2 pattern:
Point 1: Identify (1 mark) + Explain (1 mark)
Point 2: Different identify (1 mark) + Explain (1 mark)
Point 3: Another identify (1 mark) + Explain (1 mark)
Know Your Command Terms
Most Common for 6 Marks:
"Explain" (70% of questions)
Give detailed account including reasons/causes
Must show HOW and WHY
Formula: [Method] works BY [mechanism] WHICH ENABLES [outcome]
"Compare and Contrast" (25% of questions)
Similarities AND differences required
Must reference BOTH sources throughout
Formula: BOTH sources show [X], HOWEVER, Source C [Y] WHEREAS Source D [Z]
Rare but Possible:
"Discuss" - balanced review with evidence
"Analyse" - break down to show relationships
The TRIPLE Framework (Suggested Approach # 1)
When you see a 6-mark question, think TRIPLE:
T - Three distinct points needed
R - Reasons must be explained (HOW/WHY)
I - Identify each point clearly first
P - Paragraph or transition between points
L - Link to scenario/context
E - Evidence from sources (if Compare/Contrast)
The Serving Three ACEs Method (Suggested Approach # 2)
For 6 marks, Serve Three DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY (DIGITAL SOCIETY CONTENT) ACEs:
First ACE (2 marks):
Answer: "The first method is [specific digital technology]..."
Name the tech precisely (e.g., "LIDAR sensors" not just "sensors")
Clarify: "This digital system works by [technical mechanism]..."
Show CONTENT knowledge with proper terminology
Expand: "This impacts [individuals/groups] because..."
The SO WHAT - implications for people/society
Second ACE (2 marks):
Answer: "Another digital approach involves [different technology]..."
Must be technically distinct
Clarify: "This technology functions through [specific process]..."
Use subject-specific vocabulary
Expand: "The significance for [stakeholders] is..."
Different impact on different people
Third ACE (2 marks):
Answer: "Finally, [third digital technology/method]..."
Another specific technical solution
Clarify: "The system operates via [technical details]..."
Demonstrate depth of digital knowledge
Expand: "This matters for [society/communities] because..."
Broader implications beyond individuals
The TIS×3 Method (Tech-Impact-Significance)
First TIS (2 marks):
Technology: "Facial recognition algorithms..." (specific digital content)
Impact: "Enable police to identify suspects in crowds..." (what it does)
Significance: "Raising privacy concerns for innocent citizens..." (SO WHAT?)
Second TIS (2 marks):
Technology: "Blockchain verification systems..." (different tech)
Impact: "Create tamper-proof identity records..." (different function)
Significance: "Protecting vulnerable populations from identity theft..." (different SO WHAT?)
Third TIS (2 marks):
Technology: "Machine learning pattern analysis..." (another tech)
Impact: "Predict criminal behavior patterns..." (another function)
Significance: "Creating ethical dilemmas about pre-crime intervention..." (another SO WHAT?)
Pro tip: Pick ONE method and practice it until automatic. In the exam, you won't think "What was that acronym?" - it'll just flow naturally.
Teacher tip: Have students practice all methods in class, then let them choose their preferred method. Some students strongly prefer one over the other based on learning style.
The Digital Society Success Formula
Every point must have:
Technical Specificity (proves CONTENT knowledge)
❌ "computers" → ✅ "cloud-based servers"
❌ "AI" → ✅ "natural language processing algorithms"
❌ "data" → ✅ "biometric metadata"
Human Connection (the SO WHAT factor)
Impact on individuals (privacy, safety, opportunity)
Impact on groups (inequality, discrimination, empowerment)
Impact on society (democracy, economy, environment)
Subject Terminology (shows you're a Digital Society student)
Use words from the syllabus: algorithms, protocols, encryption, APIs
Reference frameworks: big data's 4 Vs, IoT architecture, machine learning models
Name specific technologies: blockchain, neural networks, quantum computing
Quick Check: Is Your Answer Digital Society Strong?
For EACH of your 3 points, ask:
Did I name specific digital technology/content?
Did I explain using technical vocabulary?
Did I connect to human/social impact?
Did I show why this matters (SO WHAT)?
If any box is unchecked = you will likely lose marks!
Remember: This isn't Computer Science (pure tech) or Sociology (pure society) - it's DIGITAL SOCIETY. Every answer needs both the digital AND the human impact.
Content Focus Areas
6-mark questions ALWAYS come from the 7 Content areas:
Data - collection methods, representation, security
Algorithms - characteristics, uses, dilemmas
Computers - types, components, evolution
Networks - types, components, dilemmas
Media - types, characteristics, dilemmas
AI - types, uses, dilemmas
Robots - types, characteristics, dilemmas
Fatal Errors to Avoid
❌ The Repetition Trap: Same point rephrased three ways (caps at 2-3 marks)
❌ The Shopping List: Naming without explaining (caps at 3 marks)
❌ The Missing Link: No HOW or WHY (caps at 4 marks)
❌ Source Neglect: Not citing "Source C states..." in Compare/Contrast
Emergency Template
If panicking, use this structure:
Point 1: [What] happens through [how] which causes [why]
Point 2: [Different what] works by [different how] resulting in [different why]
Point 3: [Another what] functions via [another how] leading to [another why]
Part 2: Teacher & AI Tools Guide
Creating 6-Mark Questions
The Formula: [Command Term] + [three/two] + [Content Focus] + [Context if needed]
Examples:
"Explain three methods of primary data collection that would enable [specific robot] to complete its tasks"
"Compare and contrast what Source C and Source D reveal about the impacts of [technology] on citizens"
Content Selection Checklist:
From one of 7 Content areas (Data, Algorithms, etc.)
as at least 3-4 distinct possible answers
Connects to real-world scenario
Appropriate depth for 8-10 minute response
Quick Marking Decision Tree:
How many distinct points?
1 point = 2 marks maximum
2 points = 4 marks maximum
3 points = 6 marks possible
Each point developed?
No explanation = 1 mark per point
Full explanation = 2 marks per point
For Compare/Contrast: Sources referenced?
No explicit citations = cap at 4 marks
Both sources referenced = full marks possible
Common Examiner Feedback Phrases
6/6: "In-depth understanding demonstrated"
5/6: "Brief but accurate explanations"
4/6: "Adequate response, lacks third point or full development"
3/6: "Limited, identifies but doesn't explain"
2/6: "Superficial, lists without development"
Remember: Examiners can only award marks for what they can clearly identify. Make their job easy with structure, and they'll make your grade high with marks.
Success formula: Structure + Specificity + Development = 6/6
