For most IB History students, Paper 2 feels like the heart of the subject. It is where students write extended essays, develop arguments, and demonstrate their understanding of history in depth.
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Paper 2 has become even more concept-driven and analytical. Students who rely on narrative writing or memorised essays often struggle to access the higher markbands, even when their factual knowledge is strong.
This article explains IB History Paper 2, what examiners are really looking for, and how students should approach essay writing under the new specification.
Quick Start Checklist
- What IB History Paper 2 assesses
- How Paper 2 questions are structured
- Why concepts matter more than ever
- Common Paper 2 essay mistakes
- How to write higher-scoring essays
What Is IB History Paper 2?
Paper 2 is an essay-based examination taken by both SL and HL students.
Students are required to:
- Choose questions from set options
- Write structured, analytical essays
- Use historical knowledge selectively
- Apply key concepts consistently
Paper 2 tests a student’s ability to construct and sustain an argument, not to recall everything they know about a topic.
What Paper 2 Is Really Testing
Under first assessment 2028, Paper 2 is designed to assess:
- Conceptual understanding
- Argument development
- Use of evidence
- Evaluation and explanation
- Clarity and structure
Students are rewarded for relevance and analysis. Long essays without focus score poorly.
Understanding Paper 2 Questions
Paper 2 questions are almost always conceptual, even when they appear content-based.
They typically require students to:
- Assess causes or consequences
- Analyse change over time
- Evaluate significance
- Compare developments
Recognising the concept behind the question is essential for planning a strong response.
Why Narrative Essays No Longer Work
One of the biggest changes under FA 2028 is the reduced tolerance for narrative writing.
Narrative essays:
- Describe events in sequence
- Focus on “what happened”
- Lack sustained argument
Examiners now expect:
- Clear claims
- Analytical explanation
- Conceptual focus throughout
A factually accurate narrative can still score poorly if it lacks analysis.
What High-Scoring Paper 2 Essays Do Well
Strong Paper 2 essays:
- Answer the question directly
- Use concepts to shape arguments
- Select evidence carefully
- Explain rather than describe
- Maintain focus from introduction to conclusion
Each paragraph contributes to the overall judgment, rather than existing independently.
The Role of Structure in Paper 2
Structure is critical in Paper 2.
Effective essays typically include:
- A focused introduction with a clear argument
- Thematic or conceptual body paragraphs
- Integrated evidence and analysis
- A conclusion that answers the question
Poor structure often leads to repetition, irrelevance, and lost marks.
Common Paper 2 Mistakes Students Make
Under the new course, common mistakes include:
- Writing memorised essays
- Ignoring the command term
- Overloading paragraphs with facts
- Failing to evaluate
- Drifting away from the question
These mistakes prevent students from accessing higher markbands.
How to Plan a Paper 2 Essay Effectively
Strong planning is one of the most reliable ways to improve Paper 2 performance.
Effective planning involves:
- Identifying the key concept
- Choosing 2–3 strong arguments
- Selecting precise supporting evidence
- Deciding where evaluation will appear
Spending a few minutes planning saves marks later.
How RevisionDojo Helps With Paper 2 Essays
RevisionDojo is designed to help students master concept-driven essay writing under FA 2028.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Recognise concepts in questions
- Build strong essay structures
- Avoid narrative writing
- Practise examiner-style questions
- Understand markband expectations
This turns Paper 2 from a guessing game into a structured process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many essays do I need to write in Paper 2?
This depends on your level and the exam format, but quality always matters more than quantity.
Do I need to use all four concepts in every essay?
No. You should focus on the concept(s) most relevant to the question.
Can I reuse the same examples in different essays?
Yes, but only if they are relevant and used analytically rather than descriptively.
Final Thoughts
IB History Paper 2 under the first assessment 2028 specification rewards clarity, argument, and conceptual thinking. Students who understand this early avoid the trap of narrative writing and focus instead on analysis.
With structured planning, selective evidence, and consistent conceptual focus, Paper 2 becomes one of the strongest opportunities to score highly in IB History. That is exactly the approach RevisionDojo is built to support.
