The International Baccalaureate (IB) History course is known for its analytical rigor and writing intensity. Whether you're tackling Paper 1’s source-based questions or Paper 2’s essay-driven challenges, success lies in mastering exam technique, historical knowledge, and time management. In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to ace IB History Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams—and how RevisionDojo can help you every step of the way.
Understanding the IB History Curriculum
The IB History course is split into multiple components, with Paper 1 and Paper 2 forming the core of both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) assessment.
- Paper 1: A source-based exam focusing on one prescribed topic.
- Paper 2: A comparative essay exam where students write two essays from different world history topics.
These papers test not just factual knowledge but your ability to analyze, compare, and contextualize.
What Is IB History Paper 1?
Paper 1 is a 60-minute exam based entirely on historical sources. It consists of four questions, typically worth 6–10 marks each, based on 4–5 accompanying source extracts (written and visual).
Key skills tested:
- Source comprehension
- Comparison and contrast
- Evaluation of source origin, purpose, and value
- Synthesis across multiple sources
Paper 1 Question Types Explained
- Question 1 – Comprehension: What does Source A say? (3–4 marks)
- Question 2 – Compare and contrast two sources (4–6 marks)
- Question 3 – Evaluate origin, purpose, value, and limitation of one or two sources (5–6 marks)
- Question 4 – Use sources and knowledge to answer a broader question (8–10 marks)
Topics Commonly Covered in Paper 1
Depending on your school, Paper 1 typically covers:
- The Cold War
- Rights and Protest (e.g., U.S. Civil Rights Movement, Apartheid)
- Authoritarian States
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Common Mistakes Students Make in Paper 1
- Treating the task like a regular essay
- Ignoring the origin/purpose in Q3
- Not citing the sources directly in Q4
- Spending too much time on early questions
What Is IB History Paper 2?
Paper 2 is a 90-minute essay exam, requiring two essays from different world history topics. Each question is thematic and requires comparisons across regions or periods.
Example themes include:
- Causes and effects of wars
- Nationalist and independence movements
- Authoritarian states and leaders
Key Differences Between Paper 1 and 2
FeaturePaper 1Paper 2TypeSource-basedEssay-basedTime1 hour1.5 hoursFocusEvaluation of historical sourcesThematic, comparative argumentMarks2530 per essay
How to Structure Answers for Paper 1
Use the PEEL technique:
- Point
- Evidence from source
- Explanation
- Link to question
Sample Source Analysis (Q3):
“Source A’s purpose is to justify the protest tactics. Its limitation is that it lacks objectivity since it was written by a civil rights leader.”
Structure your answer by clearly evaluating Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitation (OPVL).
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How to Write High-Scoring Essays for Paper 2
Your Paper 2 essays should be:
- Focused on the question
- Comparative in nature
- Supported by specific, accurate historical detail
- Balanced in structure
Essay Structure:
- Introduction – Define terms, outline argument
- Body Paragraphs – 3–4 paragraphs using PEEL
- Conclusion – Return to thesis, summarize
Don’t forget to integrate historiography and relevant dates to demonstrate depth.
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Essential Time Management Strategies During the Exam
Paper 1:
- Q1: 5–6 minutes
- Q2: 10 minutes
- Q3: 12 minutes
- Q4: 25–30 minutes
Paper 2:
- Essay 1: 45 minutes
- Essay 2: 45 minutes
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Using RevisionDojo for IB History Success
RevisionDojo offers:
- AI feedback on essays
- Source analysis breakdowns
- Flashcards for key figures and events
- Model essays and past paper simulations
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✅ Call to Action – Use RevisionDojo to Dominate Your IB History Papers
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the best way to prepare for Paper 1 source questions?
Practice OPVL analysis regularly with timed answers and get model feedback on platforms like RevisionDojo.
Q2: How do I choose which Paper 2 topics to focus on?
Pick topics covered extensively in class and which offer strong comparisons. Prioritize themes like authoritarian leaders or war causes.
Q3: How much detail is needed in Paper 2?
Include names, dates, policies, and at least two case studies per essay. Don’t generalize—be specific.
Q4: How many sources are provided in Paper 1?
Usually 4–5, and you should aim to reference all of them in Question 4.
Q5: Is historiography required in Paper 2?
It’s not mandatory but strongly recommended for top marks. Include historians' views to strengthen your argument.
Q6: Can I access RevisionDojo on my phone?
Yes—RevisionDojo is mobile-friendly and perfect for flashcard reviews and quick essay tips on the go.
🧠 Conclusion
To ace IB History Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams, you need more than just knowledge—you need a smart strategy. Use time-tested structures, practice with real past papers, and supercharge your prep with RevisionDojo.
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