IB History Paper 1 Explained: Source Analysis in the New Course (First Assessment 2028)

Paper 1 rewards precision, focus, and clarity. Vague answers are penalised heavily.

Types of Questions in Paper 1

While wording may vary, Paper 1 questions typically focus on:

• Comprehension: What does the source say?
• Analysis: Why was the source produced?
• Comparison: How do sources agree or disagree?
• Evaluation: How useful or reliable is the source?

Each question builds on the last. Students who rush early questions often struggle later.

How Source Analysis Has Changed Under FA 2028

The biggest change under the new course is explicit emphasis on historical inquiry.

This means:

• Source analysis must be contextualised
• Perspectives must be explained, not just identified
• Evaluation must be supported with reasoning
• Answers must link directly to the question

Generic comments about bias or reliability score very poorly.

The Most Common Paper 1 Mistakes

Many students lose marks in Paper 1 for avoidable reasons.

Common mistakes include:

• Paraphrasing the source instead of analysing it
• Listing origin and purpose without explanation
• Using memorised phrases
• Ignoring the question focus
• Writing too generally

Under FA 2028, these mistakes are especially costly.

What Strong Paper 1 Answers Do Differently

High-scoring Paper 1 responses:

• Answer the question directly
• Use precise evidence from the source
• Explain why origin or purpose matters
• Compare sources thoughtfully
• Link analysis to historical context

They are concise, focused, and analytical.

How Much Background Knowledge Do You Need?

Background knowledge helps students:

• Understand context
• Identify significance
• Avoid misinterpretation

However, Paper 1 is not a test of memorised facts. Students are not rewarded for writing everything they know — only what helps answer the question.

How to Practise for Paper 1 Effectively

Effective Paper 1 preparation involves:

• Practising real source sets
• Timing responses carefully
• Analysing examiner markschemes
• Reviewing common phrasing in questions
• Learning how marks are allocated

Practising essays alone does not prepare students for Paper 1.

How RevisionDojo Helps With Paper 1

RevisionDojo is designed to support source-based historical thinking under the new IB History course.

RevisionDojo helps students:

• Understand Paper 1 question types
• Practise structured source analysis
• Avoid generic responses
• Learn what examiners reward
• Build confidence under time pressure

This allows students to turn an unfamiliar paper into a predictable one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paper 1 harder than essay papers?

It is different, not harder. Students who understand the structure often find it more manageable than essays.

Can I memorise source analysis phrases?

No. Examiners recognise memorised phrasing quickly. Analysis must be specific to the source.

Does Paper 1 matter less than other papers?

No. Paper 1 contributes significantly to the final grade and tests core IB History skills.

Final Thoughts

IB History Paper 1 under the first assessment 2028 specification is designed to test historical thinking in its purest form. Students must analyse evidence, evaluate perspectives, and think critically under pressure.

Those who understand what Paper 1 is really testing — and practise accordingly — often see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. With the right approach and structured support, strong performance is entirely achievable.

That is exactly the approach RevisionDojo is built to support.

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