Educerie · IB Diploma · Environmental Systems and Societies
Topic 1 — Topic test
Paper 2 style · 20 marks · 30 minutes
Answer all questions. Use specific, named examples wherever you can.
1. (a) Define the term environmental value system. [1]
(b) Outline one difference between an ecocentric and a technocentric perspective. [2]
(c) Explain how two people can examine the same environmental evidence and reach opposite conclusions. [3]
2. (a) Distinguish between an open system and a closed system. [2]
(b) State whether the Earth is best described as an open, closed or isolated system, and justify your answer. [2]
3. (a) Distinguish between negative and positive feedback. [2]
(b) Explain, using a named example, how positive feedback can move a system towards a tipping point. [3]
4. (a) Distinguish between natural capital and natural income. [2]
(b) Evaluate the use of the ecological footprint as an indicator of sustainability. [3]
Total: 20 marks
Command terms in this test. Question 4(b) says evaluate, so both strengths and limitations must appear before any judgement — a one-sided answer cannot reach full marks. Questions 2(a), 3(a) and 4(a) say distinguish, which must be written as a comparison. Question 2(b) says justify, so the reason matters more than the label.
Educerie · original questions written against the published IB syllabus structure for Environmental Systems and Societies Topic 1, first assessment 2026. Last reviewed 5 September 2026.