Many IB Design Technology students leave exams feeling confident, only to be disappointed by their results. In most cases, marks are lost not because students lack knowledge, but because they make predictable exam mistakes that examiners see every year.

Understanding these mistakes — and actively avoiding them — is one of the fastest ways to improve exam performance without learning extra content.

Writing Descriptive Answers Instead of Analytical Ones

The most common mistake is describing instead of explaining or evaluating.

For example:

• “The product is ergonomic because it is comfortable.”

This is descriptive and vague. It does not explain how or why comfort is achieved.

High-scoring answers:

• Explain cause and effect
• Link features to user needs
• Show reasoning clearly

If your answer reads like a product description, it is probably losing marks.

Ignoring the Command Term

Many students know the content but fail to follow the command term.

Common issues include:

• Describing when the question says evaluate
• Explaining one side when balance is required
• Ignoring part of a combined command term

This mistake alone can cap answers at mid-level marks, even if the content is accurate.

Writing Generic Answers Not Linked to the Scenario

IB Design Technology exams rely heavily on contextual questions.

Students often lose marks by:

• Writing memorised answers
• Ignoring details in the scenario
• Using examples that do not fit the context

Examiners reward answers that clearly reference the product, user, or situation described in the question.

Overwriting Without Adding Value

Many students believe longer answers score higher.

In reality:

• Repetition does not earn extra marks
• Unfocused writing wastes time
• Key points become harder to identify

Clear, structured answers score higher than long, unfocused ones.

Avoiding Evaluation and Trade-Offs

Evaluation is where top marks are earned — and where many students hesitate.

Common problems:

• Only listing advantages
• Avoiding criticism
• Making absolute claims

Strong evaluation considers both strengths and limitations and explains trade-offs realistically.

Misusing Design Terminology

Using design terminology incorrectly can weaken answers.

Examples include:

• Using “ergonomic” as a synonym for “good”
• Mentioning sustainability without explanation
• Referring to users vaguely

Terminology must be applied accurately and explained in context.

Poor Time Management

Many students lose marks simply because they:

• Spend too long on low-mark questions
• Rush extended responses
• Leave evaluation incomplete

Time should be allocated roughly in proportion to marks.

Failing to Structure Extended Responses

Extended responses need structure.

Unstructured answers:

• Jump between ideas
• Repeat points
• Lack clear evaluation

Structured answers make it easy for examiners to award marks.

Treating Paper 1 and Paper 2 the Same Way

Paper 1 and Paper 2 require different approaches.

Mistakes include:

• Writing long evaluations in Paper 1
• Giving short, underdeveloped answers in Paper 2

Understanding the purpose of each paper improves efficiency and scores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these mistakes common even among strong students?

Yes. Many high-ability students lose marks due to exam technique rather than lack of understanding.

Which mistake costs the most marks?

Ignoring command terms and avoiding evaluation are the most damaging, especially in Paper 2.

Can these mistakes be fixed quickly?

Yes. Awareness and targeted practice can significantly improve performance in a short time.

Final Thoughts

IB Design Technology exams are not designed to trick students, but they do reward precision, structure, and application. Avoiding these common mistakes can raise grades dramatically without increasing revision time.

RevisionDojo Tip

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