Choosing the right research question for your IB History Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important steps in your project. A well-formulated question ensures your investigation stays analytical, manageable, and engaging — all key elements for achieving top marks. Here’s how you can craft a focused and clear History IA research question that meets IB standards.
Introduction: Why Your History IA Research Question Matters
Your research question is the backbone of your History IA. It shapes your investigation, guides your source selection, and ensures your analysis stays on track. A good question invites critical thinking and allows you to demonstrate your ability to evaluate evidence and different interpretations.
Tip 1: Frame Your Question as a Focused Inquiry
Using command words to invite analysis
Strong research questions often begin with terms like:
- To what extent
- How far
- Assess
- Evaluate
- Examine
These words signal that your IA will involve analysis rather than simple description.
Examples of well-phrased vs vague questions
✅ To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the rise of Hitler by 1933?
❌ What was Hitler’s foreign policy?
Tip 2: Ensure Your Question Is Manageable
Keeping the scope narrow and precise
Choose a question that focuses on a specific event, period, or factor. A narrower focus allows for deeper analysis within the 2,200-word limit.
Avoiding excessive timeframes or broad topics
For example, instead of "What caused the Cold War?", refine it to "To what extent did the Truman Doctrine contribute to the start of the Cold War between 1947 and 1949?"
Tip 3: Choose a Topic That Genuinely Interests You
Sustaining motivation during research
A topic that excites you will keep you motivated through the research and writing process.
Selecting periods or themes that engage you
Whether it’s World War II, civil rights movements, or the Cold War, pick something that sparks your curiosity.
Tip 4: Check for Availability of Sources
Finding primary and secondary sources
Before finalizing your question, ensure you have access to sufficient primary and secondary sources to support your investigation.
Using academic databases and archives
Look at academic journals, books, and trusted archives to confirm that your topic is researchable.
Tip 5: Align Your Question With the IB Syllabus
Ensuring relevance to your SL/HL curriculum
Select a topic linked to the themes or regions covered in your syllabus — this ensures relevance and helps you leverage your classroom knowledge.
Leveraging classroom knowledge and resources
Topics aligned with your syllabus often mean easier access to recommended readings and expert guidance.
Tip 6: Avoid Descriptive or Narrative-Style Questions
Why analysis and evaluation are key
IB History IAs are assessed for critical analysis, not narrative storytelling. Make sure your question pushes you toward argument and interpretation.
Examples of analytical vs narrative questions
✅ To what extent was the failure of the Provisional Government responsible for the Bolshevik seizure of power in 1917?
❌ Describe the Bolshevik Revolution.
Tip 7: Test Your Question by Drafting Alternatives
Generating 2–3 options before deciding
Start with a broad topic and write out a few possible research questions. This helps you compare and choose the one with the best balance of focus and feasibility.
Comparing focus, clarity, and feasibility
Consider which question offers the best opportunities for analysis, fits the word count, and has sufficient sources.
Tip 8: Refine Your Question After Preliminary Research
Adjusting scope based on findings
Preliminary reading may reveal gaps in sources or a need to narrow your question. Be ready to refine it as needed.
Making the question clearer and more focused
Tighten your wording so that your investigation stays precise and manageable.
Tip 9: Consult With Your Teacher or Supervisor
Getting expert feedback early
Your supervisor can help you spot weaknesses in your question and suggest ways to improve it.
Questions to ask during consultation
- Is my question appropriately focused?
- Are there enough credible sources available?
- Does my question invite analysis?
Tip 10: Stay Flexible Throughout the Process
Allowing for refinement as your investigation evolves
Your research question might need fine-tuning as you gather evidence and deepen your understanding — that’s part of the process!
FAQs on Choosing a History IA Research Question
1️⃣ What makes a History IA research question strong?
A strong question is focused, invites analysis, is manageable in scope, and is supported by accessible sources.
2️⃣ Can I change my research question after starting the IA?
Yes — you can refine your question based on preliminary research or supervisor feedback.
3️⃣ How many sources should I have before finalizing my question?
Aim to identify at least a few primary and several secondary sources to ensure your question is researchable.
4️⃣ Do I have to choose a topic from the syllabus?
It’s highly recommended to choose a syllabus-related topic for relevance and resource availability.
5️⃣ Should I choose a controversial topic?
Controversial topics can be engaging, but ensure you can approach them with balance and sufficient evidence.
6️⃣ How long should my research question be?
Keep it concise — ideally one clear, focused sentence.
Conclusion: Build Your History IA on a Strong Foundation
Choosing a focused and clear research question sets the stage for a successful IB History IA. By applying these tips — from framing your inquiry to checking source availability — you’ll create a solid foundation for meaningful analysis and a high-scoring investigation.
