IB History HL
IB History HL combines a prescribed subject, world history topics, and an HL regional deep-dive, developing source analysis, essay writing, and historical argumentation.
Difficulty
Very Hard
Popularity
64%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May & November, annually
Papers 1–3 + Internal Assessment
1–7 scale (IB)
4 = passing | 6–7 = excellent
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Source/Stimulus Analysis | 1 hour | Source-based questions | 20% |
| Paper 2 — Essay | 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 essays | 25% |
| Paper 3 — HL Extension Essay | 2 hours 30 minutes | 3 essays | 35% |
| Internal Assessment | Coursework | 1 investigation/essay | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Elite
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
For source questions, always analyze origin, purpose, and audience — not just content.
- 2
Make timelines for each period and quiz yourself on causes and consequences of key turning points.
- 3
Organize your knowledge by themes (politics, economy, society, foreign policy), not just chronology.
- 4
Past papers with mark schemes are the single best IB revision resource — learn exactly how marks are allocated.
- 5
Do not neglect your Internal Assessment: it is a significant chunk of your grade that you control before exam day.
Past Exam Questions
Describe the key features of Prescribed Subject (source analysis), giving specific and accurate supporting detail.
Explain the main causes and consequences of World History Topics, showing how the factors connect to one another.
"Authoritarian States was the most significant turning point of its era." Assess the validity of this claim, weighing the evidence before reaching a judgement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Making claims without specific supporting evidence (names, dates, statistics).
- ✕
Ignoring the command word — "evaluate" demands a judgement, not a description.
- ✕
Describing sources instead of analyzing their origin, purpose, and reliability.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IB History HL — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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