Success in the IB History Internal Assessment (IA)
Understanding IB History
IB history is one of the most popular courses among IB students. The history syllabus offers candidates the opportunity to explore a wide range of historical events and periods, as well as allowing IB learners to gain an understanding of the methodologies that historians utilise in their work. The course encourages the development of critical thinking skills, source analysis, and argumentation, all of which are crucial for success at university. Consequently, even if a student is not interested in extending their study of history beyond secondary school, the skills learnt during the two year course will, no doubt, prove beneficial.
The IB history syllabus is divided into three parts, with the third reserved for Higher Level candidates only. The syllabus outline is as follows:
1. Prescribed subjects (one to be studied)
Military leaders
Conquest and its impact
The move to global war
Rights and protest
Conflict and intervention
2. World history topics (two to be studied)
Society and economy (750-1400)
Causes and effects of wars (750-1500)
Dynasties and rulers (750-1500)
Societies in transition (1400-1700)
Early Modern states (1450-1789)
Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500-1750)
Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750-2005)
Independence movements (1800-2000)
Emergence and development of democratic states (1848-2000)
Authoritarian states (20th century)
Causes and effects of 20th-century wars
The Cold War: superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)
3. HL options: Depth studies (one to be studied)
History of Africa and the Middle East
History of the Americas
History of Asia and Oceania
History of Europe
How is History Assessed?
The IB History course is assessed via a mixture of exam papers and coursework. All students, whether at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) will sit a Paper 1 examination. This paper is concerned with source analysis and will be based on the prescribed subject chosen by a student’s IB history class teacher. The IB history Paper 1 is a 60 minute paper and is worth 30% of the final grade for SL candidates and 20% for HL candidates. The IB history Paper 2 is an 1.5 hour essay-based assessment in which students must complete two questions from two distinct topics. Paper 2 is worth 45% for SL history candidates and 25% for those studying IB history at HL. The Paper 3 exam is an HL only examination. This is worth 20% and requires IB history candidates to respond to three questions. Finally, all IB history candidates, whether SL or HL, must complete an Internal Assessment. This piece of coursework is weighted at 25% of the final grade for SL and 20% for HL.
What is the Internal Assessment?
The IB history Internal Assessment (IA) is a coursework task that all IB candidates must complete. The IA is described as an historical investigation in which IB history learners pick any historical topic they are interested in—so long as it is not within the last ten years—and complete an essay of no more than 2,200 words exploring this topic. The essay must be divided into three sections—a) identification and evaluation of sources; b) investigation; and c) reflection—and contain in-text citations and a bibliography. It is recommended by the IB that around 20 hours be spent on this task.
The IA Research Question
A strong IA research question is crucial to a highly marked piece of coursework. The research question is the basis for the IA as a whole and, so, considerable thought must be put into it. To formulate a strong research question, there are a number of points that IB history candidates should keep in mind. For example, the scope of the research question should not be too broad. Attempting to examine hundreds of years of history within an IA would be too large a task, as would even twenty years. So, students should reduce the scope of their IA, focussing on a brief period in history. Additionally, it is vital that an historical debate exists around the chosen IA topic. Without the presence of an historical debate, there is nothing to write about. The IA is an investigation, after all. Thus, IB history candidates should formulate a research question that reflects an historical debate.
Common IA Stumbling Blocks
There are a number of common IA-related stumbling blocks for IB history candidates. First and foremost is a poorly developed research question. As mentioned above, the scope should be limited and an historical debate must exist around the chosen IA topic. Another issue common to IB history learners when attempting their IA is a failure to select a broad range of sources. Students must make use of both primary and secondary sources in their IA to ensure the highest possible chance of success. Moreover, the secondary sources chosen for the IA must reflect a wide range of historical perspectives. It is not good enough for IB history students to select sources that all agree with one another. Again, the purpose of the IA is to explore a topic around which there exists a debate. Consequently, differing viewpoints must be engaged with and assessed.
Tips and Tricks for the History IA
There are a number of tips and tricks to success in the IB history IA. While it might seem obvious, IB history candidates should choose a topic for their IA that they are genuinely interested in. This will make the task of completing the IB history IA more enjoyable, which will no doubt be reflected in the writing.
Another tip is to develop the research question with the guidance of a third party. Often, students are unsure how to compose their IB history IA research question. Considering the research question is the starting point for the IB history IA, it is vital that it be well formulated. So, the assistance of an experienced history tutor can be of great benefit.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, IB history students should pay close attention to the subject guide. Typically, IB history candidates are unaware of the existence of the subject guide and the information and guidance to be found therein. If an IB history student has a question but cannot ask their teacher at that exact time, the subject guide can often fill the gap and supply the information needed.
BartyED and IB History Support
At BartyED, our IB history tutors have guided innumerable students to success in their IB history Internal Assessments. Our team of expertly trained history tutors can assist students from day one of their IA, from developing a research question to compiling sources to drafting and proofreading each of the three sections of the task. The IB history IA is a challenging piece of coursework for all students, regardless of their level, so the assistance of an experienced IB-level history tutor can make all the difference.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from a BartyED IB history tutor, contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017), email (enquiries@bartyed.com), or through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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IB history students are assessed via examinations—two for SL students and three for HL students—and coursework.
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The IB history IA is worth 25% for SL students and 20% for HL students.
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Section A is concerned with identification and evaluation of sources; Section B is the historical investigation (i.e., the essay itself); and Section C is the student reflection.
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Students often struggle with the requirements of the history IA, as it is a unique piece of coursework that is different to any history assignment they will have completed thus far. Consequently, the assistance of an experienced history tutor can make the process that bit less challenging.