Introduction
The IB History Internal Assessment (IA) is your chance to act like a historian. It’s a 2,200-word investigation where you select a historical question, analyze sources, and develop a well-argued conclusion. While many students find it challenging, the IA can be one of the most rewarding IB assignments if approached correctly. This guide walks you through each stage of writing a top-scoring IB History IA.
Quick Start Checklist
- Choose a clear, focused research question.
- Use both primary and secondary sources.
- Follow the IB’s three-section structure.
- Evaluate sources critically (OPVL).
- Write analytically, not descriptively.
- Proofread and polish carefully.
Step 1: Choosing a Strong Research Question
A strong research question (RQ) is specific, debatable, and researchable. Avoid broad topics like “What caused World War II?” Instead, try:
- “To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to Germany’s political instability between 1919–1933?”
- “How significant was the role of propaganda in the U.S. decision to enter World War I?”
The narrower and more focused, the better.
Step 2: Gathering Sources
You need a balance of primary and secondary sources:
- Primary: speeches, diaries, government documents, newspapers.
- Secondary: academic books, journal articles, historians’ interpretations.
Keep track of citations early using tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or even a simple spreadsheet.
Step 3: Structure of the IA
The IB requires a three-part structure:
Section A: Identification and Evaluation of Sources (500 words)
- Introduce your research question.
- Select two key sources for in-depth analysis.
- Use OPVL (Origin, Purpose, Value, Limitation) to evaluate them.
Section B: Investigation (1,300 words)
- Present evidence from a range of sources.
- Analyze different historical interpretations.
- Build your argument logically toward a conclusion.
Section C: Reflection (400 words)
- Reflect on what you learned about the historian’s craft.
- Discuss challenges, biases, and limitations.
- Show awareness of how history is constructed.
Step 4: Writing With Analysis
Many students lose marks because they describe events instead of analyzing them. Remember:
- Don’t just state facts—explain their significance.
- Compare historians’ viewpoints.
- Acknowledge uncertainty and debate.
Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing an RQ that’s too broad.
- Forgetting to evaluate sources in Section A.
- Overloading with background information instead of analysis.
- Neglecting the Reflection section.
- Poor citation and formatting.
Step 6: Editing and Proofreading
An outstanding IA is polished and precise. Before submission:
- Check word count limits.
- Ensure consistent referencing (MLA, Chicago, or as required).
- Remove repetition and tighten arguments.
- Read it aloud for flow and clarity.
RevisionDojo Tip: Think Like a Historian
The IB History IA isn’t about finding a “right” answer—it’s about showing you can think critically, evaluate sources, and engage with historical debate. Focus on building a reasoned argument rather than simply telling a story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many sources should I use in the History IA?
At least 6–8 well-chosen sources. Quality matters more than quantity. Always include both primary and secondary sources to strengthen your analysis.
2. How do I choose which two sources to evaluate in Section A?
Pick sources central to your argument and diverse in type. For example, pairing a political speech (primary) with a historian’s book (secondary) shows range.
3. How important is the Reflection section?
Very. Many students lose marks here because they treat it as an afterthought. It’s your chance to demonstrate awareness of the historical method, biases, and limitations of research.
Conclusion
The IB History IA may feel intimidating, but it’s manageable with the right approach. By crafting a strong research question, evaluating sources with OPVL, analyzing evidence critically, and polishing your final draft, you can create an IA that stands out. More importantly, you’ll gain real insight into how historians work with evidence to interpret the past.
Call to Action
Ready to excel in your IB History IA? RevisionDojo offers guides and strategies to help you master research, analysis, and writing in the IB. Explore our resources to level up your IB success.
