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
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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 averageHistory Internal Assessments.
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