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:
