IB History Internal Assessment Explained: The Historical Investigation (First Assessment 2028)

The IA is not about storytelling — it is about historical reasoning.

How the IA Is Assessed Under the New Course

The IA is assessed using explicit criteria, not general impressions.

Examiners look for:

• Clear focus and relevance
• Effective use of sources
• Analytical depth
• Evaluation of evidence
• Logical, supported conclusions

Marks are awarded for how well the investigation is conducted, not how interesting the topic sounds.

Why the IA Feels So Different From Exams

The IA feels unfamiliar because:

• There is no fixed question
• Students control the direction of inquiry
• Writing is extended and reflective
• Evidence must be selected independently

This freedom can be powerful — or overwhelming — depending on how well expectations are understood.

Common IB History IA Mistakes

Under FA 2028, common IA mistakes include:

• Choosing questions that are too broad
• Writing descriptive narratives
• Treating sources as background reading
• Avoiding evaluation
• Reaching unsupported conclusions

These mistakes often stem from misunderstanding the purpose of the IA.

What Strong Historical Investigations Look Like

High-scoring IAs:

• Ask narrow, focused questions
• Use a small number of relevant sources well
• Analyse evidence consistently
• Evaluate reliability and limitations
• Maintain focus from start to finish

They read like reasoned investigations, not long essays.

Choosing a Good IA Topic

Strong IA topics:

• Are clearly defined in time and place
• Allow for analysis and debate
• Are supported by accessible sources
• Avoid purely narrative approaches

A good question is more important than a “fascinating” topic.

How Much Independence Is Expected?

Students are expected to work independently, but not blindly.

Successful IA students:

• Seek feedback early
• Revise their question carefully
• Reflect on criteria regularly
• Edit for clarity and focus

Independence means ownership — not isolation.

How RevisionDojo Supports IA Success

RevisionDojo helps students approach the IB History IA strategically.

RevisionDojo supports students by:

• Explaining IA criteria clearly
• Helping students refine investigation questions
• Teaching analytical writing skills
• Preventing common structural mistakes
• Supporting steady progress

This turns the IA into a manageable, structured process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IA more important than exams?

No, but it contributes significantly to the final grade. A weak IA can limit overall achievement.

Can I reuse exam content in my IA?

Sometimes, but only if it fits the investigation. The IA must remain focused and analytical.

Is originality required?

Original thinking is encouraged, but clarity, focus, and analysis matter far more than novelty.

Final Thoughts

Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), the Internal Assessment is a structured historical investigation designed to assess inquiry skills, not content recall.

Students who understand its purpose early avoid common pitfalls and perform far more confidently. With the right question, focused analysis, and clear structure, the IA becomes a powerful opportunity rather than a source of stress.

That is exactly the kind of clarity RevisionDojo is built to provide.

Learn the four key concepts in the new IB History course and how to use them to score higher (first assessment 2028).