A Guide to IB History Paper 3
What is IB History Paper 3?
The IB history Paper 3 exam is exclusive to Higher Level IB history students. The paper itself challenges IB history students to complete three essays across two or three prescribed world history topics. Unlike IB history Paper 1, which is concerned with source analysis, and IB history Paper 2, the focus of which is on comparative analysis, IB history Paper 3 aims to establish students’ depth of knowledge on their chosen regions.
Understanding the IB History Paper 3 Exam Format and Requirements
For Paper 3, IB history teachers must select one four topics for an in-depth study. These topics are as follows:
1. History of Africa and the Middle East
2. History of the Americas
3. History of Asia and Oceania
4. History of Europe
Having selected a topic, IB teachers must then select three subtopics from the 18 available to each topic. For example, a teacher may choose ‘History of Asia and Oceania’ as the main topics, and then Japan (1912–1990); China and Korea (1910–1950); and The People’s Republic of China (1949–2005) as the three subtopics.
The exam itself consists of two questions per subtopic. Students must answer a total of three questions. However, an IB history student’s selected questions do not have to come from each one of the subtopics they have chosen. Rather, they can choose to ignore one subtopic entirely, answering one question from one and two from another.
The exam is 2.5 hours and is weighted at 35%. Although the time frame for the completion of three essays is quite tight, students are expected to produce well-structured and nuanced responses that highlight their understanding of the relevant historiography.
Tips to Prepare for IB History Paper 3
Understand the Command Terms
The IB history Paper 3 exam is essay-based. To score highly, IB history candidates must understand the command term being used within the question. If there is a misunderstanding in regard to what a command term is requesting, then only so many marks can be awarded. Those sitting the IB history Paper 3 must be able to recognise the difference between terms like evaluate, discuss, and examine if they hope to reach the higher end of the mark band.
Practice with IB History Past Papers
Effective preparation for the IB history Paper 3 means utilising past papers. Incorporating past papers into revisions sessions allows students to gain an understanding of the types of questions asked. It offers clear insight into the language of the paper and creates a level of familiarity with the format that is essential to success. The more familiar a person is with the formatting and types of questions asked, the calmer they feel in proceeding to craft their responses.
Planning and Proofreading
Every Paper 3 history student must plan and proofread their work. Such acts cannot be left until the day of the exam when it is considered most important. Planning and proofreading must be a central part of all revision sessions. IB history learners should complete essay questions under timed conditions and be sure to incorporate planning and proofreading into their process as a means to ensure the greatest possible accuracy in terms of historical content, grammar, punctuation, structure, and expression. While it will be challenging at first to plan, execute, and proofread an essay within the time constraints, practice will ensure success.
Secondary Reading for History Paper 3
IB history is not as simple as studying a textbook. In fact, some teachers ignore them altogether. Regardless of whether or not your teacher works from an official IB history textbook, students must engage in secondary reading. What this means is that IB history candidates must familiarise themselves with not only the historical content but also the historiography concerning a particular topic. To achieve the highest marks possible, candidates are expected to incorporate the perspectives of historians into their own writing. The only way to do this is to read widely to gain insight into the prevailing arguments concerning a certain topic or period in history. If a student is unsure where they should start with secondary sources, it is recommended they refer to their teacher. It may even turn out that the school has a login to services like JSTOR, which is an invaluable resource for IB history students.
Where Marks Are Lost
Typically, those taking HL history have a passion for the subject. They enjoy the research and reading, and rise to the challenges of Paper 3 and the subject as a whole. Yet, historical knowledge will not be of any benefit if a candidate is unable to express themselves clearly and concisely. For many, marks are lost as a result of poor essay structure and weaknesses arising from the mechanics of their writing.
Students must ensure that they understand how an IB history Paper 3 response should be constructed—simply, it is made up of an introduction, containing a thesis and roadmap; three body paragraphs, each beginning with a clear topic sentence and ending with a link back to the question; and a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarises the essay’s main points.
Candidates must also aim to express themselves with clarity. All students must have a clear understanding of the basics of English grammar and punctuation and strive to make any argument as straightforward as possible in terms of their expression. Without these two qualities—a refined structure and clear expression—it will be challenging for an IB history candidate to achieve the highest grade possible.
Exam Success with a BartyED IB History Tutor
Over the years, BartyED has worked with countless students in preparation for their IB history Paper 3 examinations. BartyED’s expert IB history tutors understand what makes this paper distinct among the others, and what is required of students to reach the top of the mark band. Each BartyED history lesson is personalised to the needs of the individual student, resulting in greater learning outcomes that would typically be available. Our team of history tutors work closely with each student to refine their understanding of the historical content, ensure familiarity with the exam and its format, and develop their writing skills to best suit the expectations of IB history examiners.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the experience of a BartyED IB history tutor, reach out to us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The key difference between Paper 2 and Paper 3 is that Paper 2 is a comparative exercise, while Paper 3 is not. Students do not have to compare and contrast for Paper 3, but this is essential for all IB history Paper 2 responses.
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Students must answer a total of three questions related to the chosen topic, of which the options are History of Africa and the Middle East; History of the Americas; History of Asia and Oceania; and History of Europe.
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Paper 3 is worth 35% of a Higher Level student’s total grade.
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IB history Paper 3 is a 2.5 hour exam.