IB History Paper 2: What You Need to Know
What is IB History Paper 2?
The IB history paper 2 exam is, like paper 1, necessary for both Standard and Higher Level IB history students. However, unlike paper 1, which is concerned with source analysis, IB history paper 2 is an essay-based examination.
IB history SL and HL candidates must compose two essays for their IB paper 2 examination. Standard Level and Higher Level students are given 90 minutes to complete this task. A marked difference between the levels is that paper 2 is weighted at 45% of the total grade of SL students in comparison to the 25% denoted to HL candidates. This difference is due to the fact that those at Higher Level must complete a third exam paper from which SL learners are exempt.
Understanding the IB History Paper 2 Exam Format
Regardless of level, the format of the IB history paper 2 examination is the same. IB history students are required to complete two essay questions from any two of the twelve world history topics. These topics include:
1. Society and economy (750–1400)
2. Causes and effects of wars (750–1500)
3. Dynasties and rulers (750–1500)
4. Societies in transition (1400–1700)
5. Early Modern states (1450–1789)
6. Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500–1750)
7. Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750–2005)
8. Independence movements (1800–2000)
9. Emergence and development of democratic states (1848–2000)
10. Authoritarian states (20th century)
11. Causes and effects of 20th-century wars
12. The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)
IB history teachers will choose two (or, in some cases, three) topics from this list to focus on during the course of study. Therefore, whatever topics have been chosen and studied during the year are those from which students will select their essay prompts. Each world history topic has two prompts and IB history candidates choose one from each. They may not complete two questions from the same topic.
Essential Components of IB History Paper 2
As paper 2 is an essay-based exam, there are a number of essential components students must include. For example, IB history candidates must include a clear thesis statement in their introduction. Moreover, the essay should be clearly structured, with an introduction and conclusion, as well as two or three body paragraphs depending on the parameters of the question. It is necessary that students include some form of historiography within their work, too. This means referring to the viewpoints of noted historians. However, when doing so, any quotations should be kept short and to the point.
The most important aspect of the IB history paper 2 examination is that it is a compare and contrast exercise. For example, when writing about authoritarian leaders, it is not enough to simply document their rule. Rather, IB history candidates must draw lines of comparison between the practices of these leaders, as well as juxtaposed their beliefs, methods of gaining and maintaining power, and so on. Failure to compare and contrast means that candidates will drastically limit the amount of points available to them.
Tips to Prepare for IB History Paper 2
There are a number of tips to help prepare for IB history paper 2 that candidates would do well to follow.
For example, IB history learners should familiarise themselves with the history subject guide. Doing so ensures that candidates understand what it is that the exam consists of and what is expected of them.
Additionally, considerable time should be spent reviewing course content and developing revision notes that emphasise the compare and contrast aspect that is so crucial to the exam. Looking beyond the textbook is also necessary, particularly considering historiography to be an integral part of any response. Thus, IB history candidates should conduct their own research into their chosen topics.
Students should also make sure of past examination papers. Incorporating past exam papers into revision is crucial if those studying IB history aim to reach the upper limits of the mark band. This is because these papers allow candidates to gain a sense of the types of questions commonly asked in the IB history exam. Moreover, the mark schemes that are coupled with the past papers offer insight into the kind of responses that Ib examiners are looking for.
BartyED’s Expert IB History Tutor
At BartyED, we understand the challenges of the IB Diploma Programme. The IB is a rigorous and demanding course for even the most advanced students. This is particularly notable within the IB history programme, where candidates’ skills are pushed to the very limit.
To better assist IB learners, our tutors emphasise personalised support: every lesson caters to the unique needs of the studying. BartyED’s experienced team of IB history tutors offer students guidance in refining their essay-writing techniques, as well as deepening their historical understanding, and boosting confidence in exam ability.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the assistance of a BartyED tutor, whether for history or any other IB subject, please contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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While paper is an hour-long exam based on source analysis, paper 2 is a compare and contrast-style essay exam.
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Twelve world history topics available for study for IB history paper 2. These range from Dynasties and rulers (750–1500) to The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century).
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Paper 2 is worth 45% for SL students and 25% for those in HL.
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The IB history paper 2 exam lasts 90 minutes for both SL and HL students.