IB History IA Grader
- Lots of students struggle to decode their History Internal Assessment grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB History IA rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your 2,200-word historical investigation stands across all four assessment criteria.
- The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.
Note
The grader works in two modes:
- Draft Mode: Quick assessment of your work-in-progress. Input your current sections and get instant feedback on which criteria need more work before you finish writing.
- Full Mode: Complete evaluation of your finished IA. Input your final investigation details across all criteria and get a comprehensive grade breakdown with specific improvement suggestions for each section.
Quick Start Checklist
- Before using the grader, ensure you understand these key elements:
- Historical Question - Clear, focused research question that allows for historical investigation and analysis
- Historical Focus - Must be based on historical events, developments, or issues with sufficient scope for investigation
- Primary and Secondary Sources - Mix of primary sources (contemporary documents, artifacts) and secondary sources (historical scholarship)
- Historical Analysis - Critical evaluation of historical evidence with source analysis and interpretation
- Word Count Verification - Maximum 2,200 words (excluding bibliography and appendices)
- Complete Structure - Section A (Identification and Evaluation of Sources), Section B (Investigation), and Bibliography
- Source Evaluation - Detailed analysis of two key sources examining origins, purposes, values, and limitations (OPVL)
- Historical Context - Demonstration of understanding of historical period and broader context
Rubric Breakdown
The History IA is assessed against three criteria, totaling 25 marks:
Criterion A: Identification and Evaluation of Sources (6 marks)
- This criterion tests your ability to identify relevant sources and evaluate their value for historical investigation.
- It evaluates your source analysis skills using origins, purposes, values, and limitations (OPVL).
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Does not meet the standard described below. | No relevant research question or source evaluation. |
| 1–2 | States a research question; identifies sources with little explanation of relevance; minimal evaluation. | Basic question; sources listed without detailed analysis. |
| 3–4 | States an appropriate question; explains relevance of sources; some analysis and evaluation. | Clear question; sources explained with some critical evaluation. |
| 5–6 | Clearly states a focused question; explains relevance; provides detailed analysis and evaluation. | Focused question; thorough evaluation of sources' origin, purpose, value, and limitations. |
Criterion B: Investigation (15 marks)
- This is the largest criterion - worth 60% of your total grade.
- It assesses your historical knowledge, use of sources, and development of argument.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Does not meet the standard described below. | No clear investigation or analysis. |
| 1–3 | Presents a narrative with minimal analysis; lacks clear structure. | Descriptive account; little critical analysis. |
| 4–6 | Some analysis; structure present but may lack clarity; limited evaluation of perspectives. | Attempts at analysis; some organization; limited evaluation. |
| 7–9 | Clear structure; includes analysis and some evaluation; integrates evidence. | Organized investigation; analysis with evidence; some evaluation of perspectives. |
| 10–12 | Well-organized; critical analysis; evaluates different perspectives; reasoned conclusion. | Coherent structure; thorough analysis; evaluation of perspectives; consistent conclusion. |
| 13–15 | Effectively organized; well-developed critical analysis; evaluates perspectives; consistent conclusion. | Clear and logical structure; in-depth analysis; comprehensive evaluation; well-supported conclusion. |
Criterion C: Reflection on the Methods of the Historian (4 marks)
- This evaluates your understanding of historical methodology and challenges faced by historians.
- It tests your reflection on the research process and historical investigation methods.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Does not meet the standard described below. | No reflection or irrelevant content. |
| 1–2 | Some discussion of methods and challenges; lacks depth. | Basic reflection; limited insight into the research process. |
| 3–4 | Thoughtful reflection on methods and challenges; connects to investigation. | Insightful discussion; clear connection to the research experience. |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
- The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 25 marks across all three criteria.
- Here's how to interpret your results:
- 22-25 marks (Grade 7 territory): Excellent work with sophisticated historical analysis. Minor refinements needed.
- 19-21 marks (Grade 6 range): Strong investigation with good historical methodology. Focus on source integration and argument development.
- 16-18 marks (Grade 5 level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen historical analysis and source evaluation.
- 13-15 marks (Grade 4 range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and historical understanding.
- Below 13 marks (Grade 3 or lower): Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen historical fundamentals.
Tip
If you're between bands, focus on Criterion B (Investigation) - it offers the biggest impact for improvement.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
IB History IA grade boundaries are consistent but can vary slightly by session:
| IB Grade | Typical Mark Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 22-25 | 88-100% |
| 6 | 19-21 | 76-84% |
| 5 | 16-18 | 64-72% |
| 4 | 13-15 | 52-60% |
| 3 | 10-12 | 40-48% |
| 2 | 7-9 | 28-36% |
| 1 | 0-6 | 0-24% |
Tip
- Your IA grade contributes 25% to your final History grade.
- Your IA investigation must demonstrate historical thinking skills and independent research.
Subject-Specific Tips
Political History Focus:
- Investigate political movements, leadership decisions, policy impacts, or governmental changes.
- Include primary sources like government documents, speeches, and contemporary political commentary.
Social History Focus:
- Examine social movements, cultural changes, demographic shifts, or everyday life.
- Use personal accounts, photographs, newspapers, and social statistics.
Economic History Focus:
- Study economic policies, market changes, industrialization, or financial crises.
- Include economic data, business records, government reports, and contemporary economic analysis.
Military History Focus:
- Investigate military strategies, war impacts, technological developments, or veteran experiences.
- Use military records, battle reports, soldier diaries, and strategic documents.
Cultural/Intellectual History Focus:
- Analyze cultural movements, intellectual developments, artistic changes, or educational reforms.
- Include artistic works, intellectual writings, educational documents, and cultural commentary.
Common Mistake
And quick fixes:
- Too broad research question → Focus on specific time period (ideally 10-30 years) with clear geographical scope
- Insufficient primary sources → Include minimum 4-6 primary sources alongside secondary scholarship
- Weak OPVL analysis → Develop detailed evaluation connecting source characteristics to investigation needs
- Purely narrative approach → Include analytical argument with evidence-based conclusions
- Poor source integration → Seamlessly blend primary and secondary sources to support arguments
- Missing historical context → Demonstrate understanding of broader historical period and underlying causes
- Inadequate reflection → Include meaningful discussion of historical methodology and research challenges
- Word count violations → Stay within 2,200 words; only first 2,200 words are marked
- Generic conclusions → Base conclusions on specific historical evidence and source analysis
- Poor academic referencing → Use consistent citation style and credible historical sources
Section Structure Guide
Section A: Identification and Evaluation of Sources (500-600 words)
- Source 1: Complete bibliographic information → Detailed OPVL analysis → Connection to investigation
- Source 2: Complete bibliographic information → Detailed OPVL analysis → Connection to investigation
Section B: Investigation (1,400-1,500 words)
- Introduction: Research question → Historical context → Investigation approach
- Body paragraphs: Thematic arguments → Evidence integration → Source analysis
- Conclusion: Answer to research question → Evidence summary → Historical significance
FAQs
- What time periods can I investigate?
- Any historical period ending at least 10 years before your investigation date.
- How many sources should I include?
- Minimum 6-8 sources with balance between primary and secondary sources.
- Should my question connect to syllabus content?
- No - choose any historical topic of personal interest outside current syllabus.
- What makes a good primary source?
- Contemporary documents, eyewitness accounts, artifacts, or materials from the historical period studied.
- How detailed should Section A be?
- Approximately 500-600 words with thorough OPVL analysis of two key sources.
- Can I use online sources?
- Yes - but prioritize credible databases, digital archives, and academic websites.
- Should I include images?
- Where relevant - maps, photographs, documents, or artifacts enhance historical analysis.
- How should I structure Section B?
- Thematic approach or chronological structure depending on research question and evidence.
- What reflection topics work well?
- Discuss source reliability, historical bias, evidence gaps, or methodological challenges.
- Can I interview historians?
- Not recommended - focus on documentary evidence and published scholarship.
- What makes a History IA stand out?
- Original research question, sophisticated source analysis, compelling argument, and thoughtful methodology reflection.
Use the Free History IA Grader Now
- Stop guessing about your grade.
- The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your IA against all three official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
- Input your investigation details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
- History-specific analysis helps you master the source evaluation and historical investigation that separate excellent from average History Internal Assessments.
