good history ia research questions

IB History IA - This ULTIMATE Guide Will Get You A 7

Transform your IB History IA with this ULTIMATE guide! Get tips to score a 7 & ace your assignment to unlock your full potential!

Table of content

What the hell is ib history ia, history ia rubric & pointers, finalizing your ib history ia topic, steps for effective research, different components of the history ia, identification & analysis of sources, investigation, introduction, critical analysis, sample ib history ia topics.

Being an exploratory subject, History has often worried IB students because it covers everything from World History to Depth studies as a part of the IB Diploma Programme course.

IB History IA is a whole different world of historical investigation that students generally struggle with!

The IB has introduced the IB History IA to help students inquire and get hands-on experience exploring the world we live in, especially in the context of our past. Through the History IA investigation, IB expects students to develop the skills of analytical inquiry and achieve the goal of the  IB DP History course.

But that doesn’t solve the trouble.

Starting with one’s IB History, IA is one hurdle; completing it successfully is another!

Understanding the various facets of this investigation, doing the relevant research, and assembling the findings in an organized manner only to reflect on one’s work, takes more than just articulate planning.

It would help if you had a comprehensive guide to help you select, strategize, investigate and execute in the easiest way possible.

You are at the right place because this article covers everything from IB IA History rubrics to some select topics to get you going on your journey.

We present the ultimate IB History IA guide to help you score a perfect 7!

Before we start, you should check out the premium  IB History HL Notes  offered by Nail IB that cover not only past years’ papers but also curated guides on how to nail your Extended Essays and Internal Assessments. There is no way you should miss out on this premium content!

Also, we have several  sample IB History IAs  that will add value to your work and help you nail your investigation. Do check them out on the go!

But before delving deeper, let’s go through the contents of this article and help you get a clear idea of what this guide offers you:

The IB defines History as a dynamic subject that helps engage with the past strongly. It revolves around historical events of significance and encourages learning about their causation and the changes these events affected. IB History Diploma Programme presents History in terms of the following aspects - 

To get more clarity on the purpose and aim of the discipline, go through  the  information provided about the IB DP History Course by the International Baccalaureate itself. 

The IB History course aims to enhance students’ historical skills and develop a sense of international-mindedness. Through the History IA, IB expects you to critically explore the past with your learned skills.  

A historical investigation on a topic of interest needs to be done by both HL and SL students.

While the IA makes for 25% of the final IB score of History SL, the weightage is 20% for History HL

A few of the advantages of this historical investigation are -

• Helps interpret and understand historical documents and resources
• Helps get a better understanding of the world around us and is of great benefit for students looking forward to taking History or related fields up at university.

Now that we know what the IB History IA is for HL and SL, let’s list the key pointers you should know before you embark on this historic journey. Let’s look at these essential points, shall we?​​​​​​​

Before immersing yourself in the exploration, it is essential to understand how the structure of the IA works. Some necessary protocols that you can’t afford to miss are given below.

• The topic you choose for your investigation should not be an event of the last decade; it should be a historical event.
• The topic needn’t be something you have learned or studied at school.
• The word limit of 2200 words must be followed.
• It would help if you discussed the topic you chose with your teacher for guidance and approval.
• Make sure you regularly update your teacher on the drafts of your work.
• The investigation should not be performed in a group; it is an individual task.
• Make sure there are enough sources relevant to the investigation.
• Ethical considerations need to be taken into account during the entire process. Your instructor/teacher will brief you more on this.
• Finally, the work you turn in should follow the  academic honesty guidelines laid down by the IB .
• Your teacher will assess your submitted IA and moderated by the IB.

The following substantial question is: What topic to choose? Settling on a case can be almost endless, so the next section should be your next station on this journey.

The struggle to land on an IA topic that genuinely interests you is accurate.

But we have compiled a list of points that you can refer to make the right decision.

• Go for a topic that interests you. No use picking up something from the charming contemporary world (WWI or WWII) if it doesn’t get you excited.
• Don’t be vague. Your research question needs to be as specific as possible.
• You can also choose a personal topic for your country, community, or region. This will help you find quality sources and produce a remarkable IA.

Get approval for your research question from your instructor/teacher.

A few sample research questions given by the IB in its guide are as follows:

• How significant were economic problems as a cause of the Bamberg Witch Trials (1623–1633)?
• What were the most important reasons for the failure of Operation Market Garden?

Once you pick a research question, the research you conduct for your investigation plays the most crucial role while kickstarting your exploration. The following section discusses the research that produces a relevant and informative IA.

Let’s talk business.

No matter how great a topic you select, your investigation will disappoint if your research isn’t up to the mark!

What’s important to note is that no matter what sources you pick, credibility is the key. The easiest way to conduct your research is online, no doubt. But if you think Wikipedia is going to answer all the questions you have, don’t.

While online sources can provide valuable information, never scrape off the little content you get.

Dig DEEPER!

This is precisely where  Google Scholar  will come in handy. Triple-check the details you collect. Always, always cite the original source.

Not to mention, books, journals, and academic papers are the numero uno for the research. Try looking up important works by historians and authors in your nearest library. That is set to give a brilliant direction to your process.

This is certainly not the end of it. Visit museums, universities, and several other sites of importance, because the information you will get here is exactly what needs to go into your IA.

We have a good idea of how the first few steps of making the History IA look. We now need to focus on documentation because your work will reflect all your hard work. Without further ado, let’s go!

The IB DP History IA allows all the students to showcase their skills and knowledge as historians. From selecting and analyzing resources to critically reflecting on one’s work by considering several viewpoints, the History IA is the perfect measure of a student’s inquiry skills. A lot goes into assembling and displaying the job in an organized manner.

All in all, the purpose of the History IA is to help students search, select, evaluate and present a viewpoint that follows the sources and the arguments made.

But before we start talking about the components of the IA, you should read the  IB History IA guide  provided by the IB itself. You will learn about the significance of what you’re doing and how you are supposed to be doing it.

The first section of the IA expects you to analyze two sources (primary or secondary) that you have used elaborately.

Other things to be kept in mind -

• State the question you have chosen clearly. Do not be vague. It should be stated as a question.
• You need to mention the relevance of the sources you have picked to analyze. Why were these sources important to your findings or conclusion? What do they offer? Do they give you more clarity in detail or a fresh perspective?
• Thoroughly analyze the two sources. Analyze and discuss the value and limitations of these sources.
• This analysis must be done in the context of the origins (when and by whom), the purpose (why), and the content (what).

The word limit should be 500 for this section.

Section 2 of your IA, the Investigation, is a tougher nut to crack but possible. Be mindful of specific essential points, and you'll be ready. Your Investigation should be nearly 1300 words and aim to answer your IA's question.

Since this is the actual Investigation, it should have a proper structure

• The first two paragraphs of your Investigation should briefly overview the topic. This is where you interest the reader/examiner. Why is the question you chose relevant or essential?
• The evidence used by you (as a reference, you may use 2 primary and 3 secondary sources) should be analyzed in different contexts. Try giving an informative counterargument if needed. All the sources should be discussed. You can also bring in diverse perspectives and address them in separate paragraphs.
• The last paragraph should be a concluding statement summarising the Investigation and analysis. Keep it short and precise.

This section deals with your reflecting on the methods used and the challenges you faced during the investigation. The word count for this section must be 400 .

Sample discussion questions given by the IB for this section are -

• What methods used by historians did you use in your investigation?
• What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of those methods?
• What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician?
• What challenges, in particular, does archive-based history present?
• How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
• What is the difference between bias and selection?
• What constitutes a historical event?
• Who decides which events are historically significant?
• Is it possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way?
• What is the role of the historian?
• Should terms such as “atrocity” be used when writing about history, or should value judgments be avoided?
• If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?  

🔥🔥🔥🔥  SUPER TIP - Sections 1 and 3 of your IA will fetch you marks in the easiest way possible. Make sure you nail these  🔥🔥🔥🔥  

The Bibliography and citing of original works must be done towards the end of the investigation.

We at Nail IB have curated some sample IB DP History IAs for your benefit. Check these out to get a good idea to go about yours. 

Another critical aspect of the IA is the assessment criteria. Knowing what the examiner is looking for in your work is essential. Go through the assessment criteria in the IB History guide before compiling your work.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope this guide will help you understand IB’s expectations from your IA and how to quickly seize that 7 by keeping the essential things in mind. To get a better grip on IB History, check out our premium notes and get closer to nailing your History exam.

Want some A-quality guidance for all things IB? Start your Nail IB journey today, and thank us later!

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History IA Topics: The Best Ideas

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As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve seen my fair share of History Internal Assessments (IAs) . And let me tell you, choosing the right topic is half the battle won. It’s as important as the research. In this article, I’ll share insights and advice on picking winning History IA topics. Remember, a well-chosen option makes your research enjoyable and sets the stage for a high-scoring paper.

The Role of Research in History IA

Research in History is not just about collecting data; it’s about engaging with the past, questioning narratives, and understanding the complexity of historical events and perspectives. In my extensive experience with the IB, I’ve found that students who approach their research with a critical eye tend to produce more nuanced and compelling IAs without mistakes .

When you begin your research, start with a broad investigation of your chosen topic. This initial phase is about immersing yourself in the subject, understanding different viewpoints, and identifying existing literature gaps. As you progress, your focus should shift to more specific sources related to your research question. It’s a path from the general to the specific, with each step bringing you closer to a well-defined thesis.

Primary sources are the foundation of historical research. These first-hand accounts, original documents, or artifacts from your study period offer invaluable insight. They provide a direct window into the past, allowing you to form interpretations rather than relying solely on secondary analysis. However, interpreting primary sources requires a critical approach. Always consider the context in which they were created — who wrote them, why, and for whom? This perspective is crucial to understanding the biases and limitations of your sources.

Secondary sources, such as scholarly articles and books, are equally important. They represent the current understanding and debates among historians about your topic. Engaging with these sources helps you position your research within the broader scholarly conversation. Here, you see how your work contributes to our understanding of history.

Finally, the integrity of your research is critical. Always give proper credit to your sources to avoid plagiarism. Originality in your analysis and interpretation is what makes your IA stand out. Remember, a great History IA isn’t just about reciting historical facts; it’s about presenting a well-argued, insightful perspective that reflects a deep engagement with your topic.

History IA Topics You Can Consider

Over the years, specific themes have become student favorites. For instance, topics related to major world events or influential historical figures often recur. However, while these options are popular, feel free to put your unique spin on them. This approach can make your IA stand out from the crowd. Now, let’s look at some IA topics you can consider and improve.

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• The Impact of World War I on European Society . How did World War I change social structures and norms in France?
• The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire . What were the key factors that led to the decline of the Roman Empire?
• The French Revolution’s Influence on European Politics . How did the French Revolution reshape political ideologies in Europe?
• The Holocaust and Its Lasting Impact . What were the long-term psychological impacts of the Holocaust on survivors?
• The American Civil Rights Movement . How did the Civil Rights Movement alter racial dynamics in the United States?
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall . What were the immediate social effects in Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall?
• The Cuban Missile Crisis . How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect international relations during the Cold War?
• The Industrial Revolution and Its Global Effects . What role did the Industrial Revolution play in shaping modern economic systems?
• The Vietnam War . How did the Vietnam War alter American foreign policy and military strategy?
• The Formation of the United Nations . What impact did the establishment of the United Nations have on global diplomacy?
• Gandhi’s Role in Indian Independence . How did Gandhi’s philosophy influence the Indian independence movement?
• The Rwandan Genocide . What were the international responses to the Rwandan Genocide, and were they effective?
• The Cultural Revolution in China . How did the Cultural Revolution affect Chinese society and culture in the long term?
• The Apartheid Era in South Africa . What were the key factors that led to the end of apartheid in South Africa?
• The Spanish Inquisition . What impact did the Spanish Inquisition have on religious practices in Spain?
• The Impact of the Atomic Bomb on Japan . How did the atomic bombings affect Japanese domestic policy post-World War II?
• The Iranian Revolution . What were the causes of the Iranian Revolution, and how did it reshape the country’s political landscape?
• The British Raj in India . How did British colonialism impact the social and economic structures of India?
• The Crusades’ Effects on European and Middle Eastern Relations . How did the Crusades alter the relationship between Europe and the Middle East?
• The Discovery of the New World . What were the immediate consequences of the discovery of the Americas for European powers?
• The Korean War and Its Legacy . What were the long-term effects of the Korean War on the Korean peninsula?
• Women’s Suffrage Movement . How did the women’s suffrage movement change political participation in the United Kingdom?
• The Russian Revolution . What were the key causes of the Russian Revolution, and how did it affect Russian society?
• The Rise of Fascism in Europe . How did economic conditions in post-World War I Europe contribute to the rise of fascism?
• The Partition of India . What were the immediate social impacts of the partition of India in 1947?
• The Civil War in Spain . What role did international powers play in the Spanish Civil War?
• The Opium Wars in China . How did the Opium Wars affect Chinese foreign policy and domestic affairs?
• The Impact of the Great Depression on World Politics . How did the Great Depression influence political ideologies in the United States?
• The Age of Exploration’s Impact on Indigenous Populations . What were the effects of European exploration on indigenous populations in the Americas?
• The Rise of the Ottoman Empire . What factors contributed to the rise and success of the Ottoman Empire?
• The Salem Witch Trials . What social and psychological factors led to the Salem Witch Trials?
• Napoleon Bonaparte’s Military Strategies . How did Napoleon Bonaparte’s military tactics change the nature of warfare?
• The Zulu Kingdom and Colonialism . How did the Zulu Kingdom resist European colonialism?
• The Cold War Space Race . How did the Space Race impact U.S. – Soviet relations during the Cold War?
• The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand . How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand trigger World War I?
• The Glorious Revolution in England . What were the political consequences of the Glorious Revolution in England?
• The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany . How did Nazi propaganda influence public opinion and policy in Germany?
• The Development of the Silk Road . How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural exchange between the East and the West?
• Mao Zedong’s Leadership in China . What were Mao Zedong’s key policies, and how did they shape modern China?
• The Formation of Israel and the Middle East Conflict . How did the formation of Israel in 1948 affect the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East?
• The Transatlantic Slave Trade . What were the economic impacts of the transatlantic slave trade on African societies?
• The Decline of the Byzantine Empire . What factors led to the decline and fall of the Byzantine Empire?
• The Magna Carta and Its Influence on Democracy . How did the Magna Carta influence the development of democratic principles?
• The Impact of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire . What were the long-term effects of the Mongol Empire on Eurasian societies?
• The Battle of Waterloo . How did the Battle of Waterloo shape the political landscape of Europe?
• The End of the Samurai Era in Japan . What caused the decline of the Samurai class in Japanese society?
• The Irish Potato Famine and Emigration . How did the Irish Potato Famine affect patterns of emigration and Irish society?
• The Suez Crisis . What were the international repercussions of the Suez Crisis in 1956?
• The Impact of the Gold Rush on American Development . How did the Gold Rush of the 19th century contribute to the economic development of the United States?
• The Cuban Revolution . What were the causes of the Cuban Revolution, and how did it alter Cuba’s relationship with the United States?
• The Impact of the Printing Press on European Society . How did the invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionize communication and knowledge dissemination in Europe?
• The French Colonial Empire in Africa . What were the long-term socio-economic impacts of French colonialism on West African societies?
• The Byzantine Empire’s Influence on Eastern Orthodoxy . How did the Byzantine Empire contribute to the spread and development of Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
• The Manhattan Project and the Development of Nuclear Weapons . How did the Manhattan Project change global military strategy and international relations?
• The Mexican Revolution and Its Legacy . What were the major social and political changes resulting from the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century?

These History IA topics and corresponding research questions are suitable for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Such themes span various periods and themes, offering a range of options to cater to diverse interests.

Tips for Narrowing Down History IA Topics

When refining your History IA focus, envision it as filtering through many historical events and figures to pinpoint the one that truly captivates you. Initially, brainstorm a wide range of ideas that pique your interest. This crucial stage lays the groundwork for focused and effective research.

Once you’ve gathered a variety of potential topics, it’s time for critical evaluation. Assess the available resources and depth of content for each possibility. Those with ample resources and rich material will provide a robust foundation for your paper. Additionally, gauge your interest in each topic. Being genuinely intrigued by your choice will sustain your motivation throughout the research and writing phases.

Begin to narrow your choices by eliminating those that are overly broad or lacking sufficient resources. Gradually whittle your list down to a few manageable and engaging options. At this juncture, seeking advice from teachers or mentors can be invaluable. Their expertise and viewpoints can guide you toward a well-informed decision.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, choosing the right topic for your History IA is essential. It should be interesting, well-researched, and aligned with the IB criteria. In my experience, students who invest time choosing and refining their topic tend to do better. So, approach this process with confidence, curiosity, and creativity. I wish you the best of luck! Also, our expert writers at Buy IB Internal Assessment are always ready to help with your History IA.

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a passionate educator, marketer, and management expert with over 15 years of experience in the education sector. After graduating from business school in 2016, Nick embarked on a journey to earn his PhD, fueled by his dedication to making education better for students everywhere. His extensive experience, beginning in 2008, has made him a trusted authority in the field.

Nick's groundbreaking article, published in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," showcases his keen insights and commitment to improving the educational landscape. Guided by his motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to simplify students' lives and promote efficiency in learning. His innovative ideas and leadership have helped transform countless educational experiences, setting him apart as a true pioneer in his field.

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IB History IA examples

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Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example History Internal Assessments below for inspiration.

All History IA Examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent was fdr governmental intervention responsible for the end of the great depression in the us, to what extent was nato’s intervention in the libyan civil war of 2011 a humanitarian intervention, want to get full marks for your ia allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent were the bombings of hiroshima and nagasaki necessary to end the second world war, to what extent can patriarchal factors be considered to be the most significant cause for the marginalisation of the south korean comfort women during and after the pacific war, to what extent can the 'clean hands' scandal be defined as a revolution of italian politics in the years between 1992 and 2012, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how significant was hawaii’s reciprocity treaty with the us in 1875 in causing the annexation of hawaii in 1898, how important was the 1486 malleus maleficarum to germany's witch-hunting craze in the sixteenth century, to what extent were mao zedong and his agricultural policies responsible for the great chinese famine of 1959-61, how significant were the impacts of the suez crisis on british foreign policy, to what extent was the lavender scare fuelled by anti-communism, to what extent was martial law imposed in poland on 13th december 1981 to pre-empt the invasion of the ussr, how significant was black jesus in shifting christian ideals during the harlem renaissance of the 1920s, to what extent is the representation of bengalis as victims during the 1971 bangladesh genocide accurate, by january 1933, to what extent was the appointment of hitler as chancellor inevitable, what happened at the luding bridge during the long march, to what extent did soviet infiltration of indian media and politics from 1955-1985 consolidate ideological dominance over the western bloc in the indian subcontinent, how significant was the first world war as a cause of the october revolution, to what extent was ferdinand marcos responsible for the 1971 plaza miranda boming, to what extent was bureaucratic corruption the major cause of the peasant rebellion during chongzhen’s ming dynasty (1627-1644), to what extent did bismarck have a strategy to ensure german unification between 1860 and 1870, to what extent did president truman's measures improve immigration conditions for jews displaced by the holocaust between 1945 and 1953, to what extent were the vietnam war protests and their trial a representation of the cultural divide created in 1955-1970, to what extent was the purpose of mao's 'hundred flowers' campaign genuinely to allow more freedom of speech, to what extent was the us federal government's involvement the most significant factor in causing the bleeding kansas period (1854-1859), how far did italian architecture reflect fascist ideology between 1925 and 1943, how significant was the ccp’s yanan pro-peasant policy (1937-45) in mobilising manchurian peasant support (1945-8), to what extent was u.s. foreign policy successful in winning over the support of the american public for american involvement in the vietnam war, how far did rákosi's motives for the show trial of lászló rajk in 1949 resemble stalin's motives for the show trial of nikolai bukharin in 1938, to what extent was poor tactical planning during operation barbarossa responsible for nazi failure in the ussr between 1941-1943, to what extent was paramilitarism more responsible than the guerrillas for the increase in human rights violations in colombia between 1990 and 2006 (18 marks), to what extent did the outcome of the trial brown v board of education (1954) contribute to dismantling jim crow laws, to what extend did the german intervention during the spanish civil war (1936 – 1939) influence the outcome of the conflict, to what extent was the outcome of the cuban missile crisis responsible for the removal of khrushchev in 1964, to what extent did the mongol invasions of eurasia from the years 1250-1345 lead to positive socio-economic developments in the region, to what extent was contras’ resistance during the nicaraguan civil war dependent on us involvement, to what extent were economic conditions in hungary responsible for the outbreak of the hungarian revolution in 1956, why did the us choose diplomatic sanctions rather than economic sanctions or military sanctions as a response to the japanese-chinese manchurian crisis of 1931-1932, to what extent was us intervention in the korean war to support south korea, in what ways did the conservative outlook on the role of women of the polish people’s republic government under władysław gomułka shape women’s fashion trends in the years 1956-1970, what role did raymond poincaré undertake in setting the foundation for frances`s universal medical insurance and education from 1913 to 1929.

History IA Topics | Good Ideas for IBDP

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• Writing Metier

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a historian, weaving together pieces of the past into a coherent narrative. This is precisely what the Internal Assessment in IB History allows you to do. A critical component of the IB Diploma Programme, the History IA is your chance to delve into a historical event, cultural issue, or period that piques your curiosity. You can do it right by selecting a good History IA topic.

In this article, I’ll guide you on several main aspects of selecting History Internal Assessment topics and provide you with a list of ideas that WORK!

What is an IA in IB History?

IA is more than a research project; it’s a personal exploration where you formulate a research question, conduct a thorough investigation, and build a compelling historical argument.

Now, let’s consider why this matters. The IA doesn’t just count for such a significant portion of your final grade in History (20% at Higher Level and 25% at Standard Level).

It does something more valuable: it equips you with skills that are not just prized in academia, but also in your future professional life. The IA teaches you to think critically, research meticulously, and present your findings convincingly – skills that form the bedrock of many careers.

Importance of choosing the right IA topic

But how can you unlock the full potential of your IB History IA? It all begins with the right topic. Your choice of topic isn’t merely a starting point; it’s the driving force behind your entire investigation. Like with any other IA, for example, Math IA , a thoughtfully chosen topic fuels your interest, sharpening your focus during the research process.

It also helps you frame a historical problem into a precise research question, which is key to crafting a robust historical argument. So choosing the right topic isn’t just beneficial – it’s pivotal to the success of your IA.

Factors to consider when selecting a History IA topic

Below I’m sharing my personal points to consider when selecting a topic for your History IA.

Personal Interest

Picture yourself pouring over books, sifting through archives, and analyzing data. A daunting task? Not if you’re investigating a topic you’re genuinely passionate about.

Your IA is a project that will consume a substantial amount of your time and energy. The more interested you are in your topic, the more this process will feel like an exciting journey rather than a burdensome task.

Available Resources

However, passion alone isn’t enough. You need tools to support your quest – tools in the form of reliable sources. When deciding on a topic , consider the availability of primary and secondary sources.

These could range from historical documents and academic articles to robust online databases. Conduct preliminary research to ensure that there are enough written sources to support your investigation.

A well-resourced topic isn’t just a smart choice; it’s a pathway to a well-grounded argument.

Feasibility and Scope of Research

Still, it’s crucial to remember one thing: the balance between depth and breadth. A topic that’s too broad could lead to a vague research question and a shallow analysis.

A topic that’s too narrow may restrict the depth of your investigation. So choose a topic that’s specific enough to allow a deep dive, but broad enough to explore various perspectives and construct a rounded historical investigation.

Remember, the key to a compelling IA isn’t just the depth of your argument, but also the breadth of your understanding.

In the end, the success of your IA lies in a carefully chosen topic that both fascinates you and stands up to rigorous historical investigation.

History IA topics list

Here is a list of 50 topic ideas for the IB History IA, both at SL and HL, along with a brief explanation of how each topic could be approached:

Ancient History

• Impact of Julius Caesar’s Leadership on Rome . IB students could analyze primary sources like Caesar’s “Commentaries on the Gallic War” and secondary sources to evaluate his impact on Roman politics, military, and society.
• Significance of the Code of Hammurabi in Ancient Law Making . Analysis of the laws within the code and comparison with contemporary legal systems to highlight the code’s significance.
• Influence of Alexander the Great on Hellenistic Culture . Analyze the cultural changes in the regions Alexander conquered using primary sources such as coins, inscriptions, and secondary sources like historical texts.
• Construction and Significance of the Egyptian Pyramids . Examination of archaeological evidence and ancient texts to understand the construction methods and societal implications of the pyramids.
• Trade and Diplomacy in the Indus Valley Civilization . Use archaeological evidence, such as seals and pottery, and secondary sources to investigate the extent of trade and diplomacy in the ancient civilization.

Medieval and Early Modern History

• Effects of the Black Death on the Socioeconomic Structure of Europe . Analysis of population data, wills, and church records to understand the pandemic’s social and economic impacts.
• Impact of the Renaissance on Scientific Thought . Analysis of key Renaissance texts, such as those by Copernicus and Galileo, to evaluate their influence on scientific thinking.
• The Influence of Genghis Khan on Eurasian Trade Routes . Examination of trade goods, maps, and accounts from the period to investigate the extent of Genghis Khan’s influence.
• Role of Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years’ War . Use of trial records, chronicles, and secondary sources to assess Joan of Arc’s role and impact on the outcome of the war.
• Impact of the Printing Press on the Reformation . Analyze Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and secondary sources to examine how the printing press facilitated the spread of Reformation ideas.

Modern History (18th – 19th Century)

• Role of the French Revolution in Shaping Modern Democracies . Analysis of the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen” and contemporary political theory to understand the revolution’s impact.
• Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Societal Structures . Examination of census data, factory records, and secondary sources to assess the social and economic effects of the Industrial Revolution.
• The Impact of the Slave Trade on West African Societies . Analyze slave narratives, shipping records, and secondary sources to understand the demographic and societal impacts.
• The Meiji Restoration and Japan’s Rapid Modernization . Examination of policy documents and secondary sources to evaluate the impact of the Meiji Restoration on Japan’s modernization.
• Impact of the American Revolution on French Revolutionary Thought . Analyze pamphlets, speeches, and secondary sources to evaluate the influence of American Revolutionary thought on the French Revolution.

20th Century History

• Effects of World War I on the Political Map of Europe . Analysis of the Treaty of Versailles and related diplomatic correspondences to understand the war’s geopolitical effects.
• Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on American Society . Use speeches, legislation, and secondary sources to evaluate the movement’s influence on racial and social justice in the United States.
• Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany . Analysis of propaganda materials and secondary sources to understand its role in establishing and maintaining the Nazi regime.
• Causes and Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis . Examination of diplomatic communications between the United States, Soviet Union, and Cuba and secondary sources to understand the Cuban Missile crisis causes and effects.
• Impact of Decolonization on Africa . Analysis of independence charters, economic data, and secondary sources to assess the effects of decolonization on African nations.

Contemporary History (21st Century)

• Role of Social Media in Political Campaigns and Protests . Analysis of social media posts and relevant academic research to assess its role in recent political campaigns and protests.
• Impact of Global Warming Policies on International Relations . Examination of international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and secondary sources to understand the impact of climate change policies on international relations.
• Effects of Globalization on Cultural Identity . Analysis of case studies and relevant sociological research to evaluate globalization’s impact on cultural identity.
• Role of International Organizations in Conflict Resolution . Examination of UN resolutions, peace treaties, and secondary sources to assess the role of international organizations in resolving conflicts.
• Impact of Technological Advancements on Privacy . Analyze laws, case studies, and academic research to evaluate the effects of technological advancements on privacy.

If you are still here, specially for you, thanks to the hard work of our History assignments writers , I’m adding another 25 History Internal Assessment topic ideas and breaking them into categories to make your navigation easier.

More historical topic ideas

Women’s history.

• Impact of the Women’s Suffrage Movement . Evaluation of primary sources such as speeches, pamphlets, and legislation, to understand the movement’s effects on gender equality.
• Role of Women in World War II . Analyzing military records, letters, and secondary sources to explore women’s contributions to the war effort.

Military History

• Tactics and Strategies of Napoleon Bonaparte . Analysis of Napoleon’s battle plans, correspondences, and secondary sources to examine his military genius.
• The Effectiveness of the Maginot Line in World War II . Evaluating military maps, French military essays and documents, and secondary sources to understand its role in the war.

Economic History

• Impact of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 on Global Economy . Evaluating economic data, newspaper articles, and secondary sources to understand its repercussions.
• Economic Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles . Analyzing economic data, the treaty’s clauses, and secondary sources to gauge the impact on post-war Germany.

Social and Cultural History

• Impact of Jazz on American Society in the 1920s . Analysis of music records, contemporary accounts, and secondary sources to understand its influence on society.
• Cultural Impacts of the Harlem Renaissance . Evaluating works of literature, art, music, and secondary sources to gauge the influence on African American identity.

Political History

• Impact of the Watergate Scandal on American Politics . Analyzing newspaper articles, the Nixon tapes, and secondary sources to understand its influence on political transparency.
• Influence of Marxism on Latin American Revolutions . Evaluating political manifestos, speeches, and secondary sources to gauge the impact of Marxist ideology.

History of Science and Technology

• Impact of the Atomic Bomb on International Relations . Analyzing diplomatic correspondences, military documents, and secondary sources to understand its influence.
• The Space Race and Its Influence on Technology . Evaluating NASA records, government documents, and secondary sources to gauge its impact on technological advancements.

Religious History

• Impact of the Protestant Reformation on the Catholic Church . Analysis of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, the Council of Trent documents, and secondary sources to understand its effects.
• Role of the Catholic Church in the Spanish Inquisition . Evaluating trial records, papal bulls, and secondary sources to understand the Church’s role.

Intellectual History

• Impact of the Enlightenment on Democratic Thought . Analyzing works of key Enlightenment thinkers like Locke and Rousseau, and secondary sources to understand its influence.
• Influence of Romanticism on 19th Century Literature . Evaluating literary works from the period and secondary sources to understand Romanticism’s impact.

Environmental History

• Effects of the Dust Bowl on American Farming Practices . Analysis of agricultural records, government documents, and secondary sources to understand its impact.
• Impact of Industrialization on Urban Environments in the 19th Century . Evaluating city records, health reports, and secondary sources to understand industrialization’s effects.

History of Exploration

• Effects of the Columbian Exchange on Old and New World Societies . Analysis of ship records, contemporary accounts, and secondary sources to understand the exchange’s impact.
• Role of the Silk Road in Cultural Exchange . Evaluating archaeological evidence, historical texts, and secondary sources to gauge the Silk Road’s influence.

History of Indigenous Peoples

• Impact of European Colonization on Native American Societies . Ib students can analyze population data, missionary records, and secondary sources to understand the effects.
• Role of Maori Culture in New Zealand’s National Identity . Evaluation of cultural policies, contemporary accounts, and secondary sources to understand the significance of Maori culture.

Legal History

• Influence of the Nuremberg Trials on International Law . Analysis of trial transcripts, legal documents, and secondary sources to understand its impact.
• Impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on Racial Equality in America . Evaluating legislative documents, court cases, and secondary sources to gauge the act’s influence.
• The Role of the Supreme Court in Shaping US Policy on Healthcare . Analysis of Supreme Court decisions, legal debates, and secondary sources to understand the court’s impact on healthcare policy.

Tips for developing and refining your IA topic ideas

With the right approach and mindset, you can transform this task into an opportunity for intellectual growth and discovery. This section provides some key strategies to help you in this crucial phase of your project.

With careful thought and planning, you’ll be able to transform even a broad or complex historical event into a manageable and engaging investigation.

Narrowing Down Broad Topics

Selecting a broad topic is a good starting point, but for a historical investigation, it’s essential to narrow it down to a manageable size. For instance, if you’re interested in World War II, you might focus on a specific battle, a key decision, or the role of a particular country.

This doesn’t mean ignoring the broader context, but the core investigation should be focused and detailed.

Don’t be afraid to make multiple revisions to the focus of your topic; the narrowing-down process is often iterative and requires thoughtful refinement.

Ensuring Historical Significance

A vital aspect of any good history IA topic is its significance. Whether your interest lies in military History, social changes, political movements, cultural revolution, or cultural trends, ensure that your chosen Historical topic had a meaningful impact on its historical context. You can assure this by asking questions like,

• How did this event influence the course of history?
• What were the long-term consequences of this decision?
• How did this person’s actions impact their society or the world?
• How can you describe historical events?

Remember, your actual investigation should strive to contribute to our understanding of the past, so choose a topic that allows for deep analysis and meaningful conclusions.  

Balancing Primary and Secondary Sources

In History, the evidence we use can be categorized into primary sources (created during the period under local history study) and secondary sources (created by historians afterward). Both have a role in your IB History IA. Primary sources provide firsthand evidence of the past, while secondary sources offer analysis and interpretation.

Try to balance your use of both. Use primary sources to construct your narrative, and secondary sources to provide context and historiographical perspectives. Ensure you have enough available sources for your topic, as the quality and variety of your sources can play such a significant role, such a historically important role and influence the depth of your investigation.

Ready to write an IB History internal assessment?

Choosing the right topic for your IB History IA is a critical step. It not only guides your research trajectory but also determines how engaging and rewarding your work will be. A well-chosen topic has relevance and significance, offering a broad scope for examining sources and aligning historical study with your personal interests.

The beauty of the IA lies in its flexibility, allowing you to immerse yourself in a topic that genuinely fascinates you. Thus, when deciding on your topic, tune in to your interests. If Ia topic ideas spark curiosity and urges you to learn more, it’s likely a fitting choice for your Internal Assessments .

Remember, excellent academic work often stems from a space of passion and sincere interest. So be bold, be curious, follow the deadline and choose a topic that will make your exploration of History intriguing and fulfilling.

Finally, remember that assistance is readily available. If you require help writing your History IA , fine-tuning your IA topic ideas, or if you simply need more topic suggestions, there are resources at your disposal.

Get help with your IB History IA 🆘

WritingMetier.com , a professional academic writing service, has a team of experienced writers and historians prepared to provide support. We make sure to follow the IB criteria and the general structure of IB Internal assessment , no matter the subject. No matter where you are in your IA process , help is accessible to ensure your historical investigation reaches its full potential.

If you are searching for other IA topic ideas, make sure to read our related articles:

• English and Literature
• IB EE Ideas
• IB TOK November 2023 Prompts
• IB TOK IA Prompts

Here’s to uncovering intriguing aspects of the past and embarking on a fulfilling academic endeavor!

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing History IA Topics

The selection of History IA ideas poses a significant challenge for many IB students . Apart from brainstorming suitable topics, evaluating the quality of sources becomes crucial for the task. To facilitate your work, we have compiled a list of History IA topics that exemplify what makes a good choice.

History Internal Assessment, with SL and HL variants, contributes 25% and 20% respectively to the overall marks. With the freedom to explore a topic of personal interest, completing the assignment within the given timeframe becomes more feasible.

Understanding Internal Assessment (IA)

Internal Assessment (IA) is a crucial component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all subjects. The nature and weightage of the IA vary depending on the subject. It provides students with the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic of interest within the subject, with guidance from their teacher or tutor . However, generating IA topic ideas can be challenging. To assist you, we have compiled a list of unique history IA ideas that will ignite your curiosity. Read on to explore!

What makes a Strong History IA

A well-crafted IA should reflect your genuine interest in the topic and demonstrate your learning journey. It doesn't necessarily have to be complex or intricate. Instead, a clearly defined research question, a coherent structure, and evident personal engagement that showcases your knowledge will contribute to a good grade.

25 Distinctive History IA Ideas

Assess the success of mao's political campaign and the cultural revolution., analyze the impact of wwii on the women's movement in the united states., explore the involvement of foreign powers in the rwandan genocide., evaluate the significance of the haitian slave revolution as the most successful revolution to date., examine the failure of the league of nations in preventing wwii., investigate the influence of germany's involvement in the spanish civil war on its outcome., assess the effects of stalin's agricultural policies on the ukrainian famine., analyze the strengths and weaknesses of stalin's 5-year plans for the ussr., explore the establishment of stalin's states at the expense of the soviet people., assess the extent of germany's responsibility for wwi., examine the impact of foreign intervention on mozambique's stabilization process., evaluate how belgian colonial rule hindered the stabilization of congo., analyze the significance of the plessy v. ferguson case on the civil rights movement., assess the success or failure of the civil rights act of 1964., explore the progress made by the civil rights movement between 1950 and 1964., evaluate the positive or negative aspects of civil rights campaign methods., analyze margaret sanger's role as an advocate for birth control and women's rights., assess the importance of nationalism in german unification in 1871., examine the extent of fascism in spain after franco's victory., explore how yugoslavia's ethnic makeup contributed to its breakup., assess slobodan milosevic's significant role in the wars in the former yugoslavia., analyze how european colonialism hindered the democratic evolution of the colonizers., evaluate the impact of woodrow wilson's fourteen points on europe's peace process., compare the effectiveness of the peace-making process after wwii with that after wwi., assess whether spain ceased to be a dictatorship after 1933, despite franco's continued rule..

Points to Consider Before Choosing

To summarize, the IB History Internal Assessment involves a 2200-word historical investigation. It allows you to explore any historical controversy, event, or actors that capture your interest. To achieve a good grade, select a topic that occurred more than ten years ago to enable thorough investigation. We hope the topics listed above have ignited your enthusiasm, making it easier for you to create an exceptional history IA.

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History: Internal Assessment Tips

Choosing a question

The History Internal Assessment is an investigation into a topic of your choice – this means it’s important that you choose something you find personally interesting, making it much easier to write and perfect your coursework. Take your time deciding on and refining your IA question, as this will change how your work is assessed, and therefore impact your mark.

Example IA questions include:

• How effective was the Soviet Union’s New Economic Policy between 1921 and 1925?
• How significant was social division as a cause of the Bamberg Witch Trials (1623–1633)?
• What were the most important reasons for the failure of Operation Market Garden?
• To what extent was weak leadership responsible for the collapse of the Egyptian Old Kingdom in 2125 BC?

The History IA is divided into 3 sections; the identification and evaluation of sources , the investigation , and the reflection . We’ll go through each of these one by one.

Identification and evaluation of sources (6/25 marks)

The first step of this section is to clearly state your research question.

For your IA, you must select two sources (primary or secondary) for detailed analysis. You must also:

• Include an explanation of their relevance.
• Analyse both of the sources in detail with regards to their origin, purpose and content
• Analyse the values and limitations with regard to the investigation.

We recommend a word count for the identification and evaluation of sources of 500 words.

Investigation (15/25 marks)

This section consists of the investigation itself, which should be made up of critical analysis that is clearly focused on the question. Although the sources you’ve already analysed should be the ones that you use the most, don’t be afraid to use other sources as well – in fact, these are good sources of counter-arguments and examples!

Throughout the investigation:

• Each aspect of your response should be developed in a paragraph, like an essay.
• Each aspect should be introduced through a topic sentence.
• Your points should be supported using historical evidence and explained using historical facts. The greater the detail, the better.
• Sophisticated responses will refer to perspectives and show a developed understanding of schools of thought that are relevant to the research question.

You should also include a conclusion at the end where you summarise the argument and come to a definitive judgement.

We recommend a word count for the investigation of 1300 words.

You can find examples of History IAs, including the investigation section, at the bottom of this article.

Reflection (4/25 marks)

The reflection is the final section of the IA, and where you get to think critically about the methods used by historians and how your view on this has changed (or not) after writing your investigation. The reflection has an aspect of TOK to it, as you must ponder questions of a historical and philosophical nature. The reflection does not have a predefined set of questions, meaning you have some liberty with the direction you want to take this section in – as long as you focus on the methods used by historians, their values and their limitations.

You may want to think about, and mention, some of these questions in your reflection.

We recommend a word count for the reflection of 400 words.

Examples of past IAs :

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Master Your IB History Internal Assessment: Expert Tips and Tools for Success

Stuff that happened in the past shouldn't be that daunting, right? However, the IB History Internal Assessment can feel overwhelming at the outset. Especially because it makes up a substantial portion of your grade.

But don't look at the History IA as a challenge to overcome. Instead, consider it an adventure you get to embark on as you dive into a subject you love in a personal and engaging way. Not only does it teach you essential skills like organization and time management, but it challenges you to think, analyze, and find something that links you to the past.

We know that the History IA is a lot, but in this guide, we'll give you insider tips and expert tricks to master your History IA without the stress.

The History IA: Bringing History to Life

The International Baccalaureate History Internal Assessment (IA) is a 2,200-word historical investigation. It counts for 20% of your final grade if you're a Higher Level student and 25% if you're Standard Level. It is the opportunity to explore an area of history you find fascinating or have a personal connection with.

Broken into three sections, the History IA has clear guidelines to help you excel.

• Focuses on the identification and evaluation of your sources
• You have to critically analyze two key sources
• Includes your research question
• The investigation portion of the assessment
• Includes a variety of sources and evidence
• You should answer your research question in this section
• Opportunity for you to reflect on your methods, challenges, and struggles encountered by other historians

The History IA allows you to personalize your learning and get you thinking like a historian. The IB History Diploma Program focuses on the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, offering plenty of variation in topic choices.

The skills you learn completing an History IA can also help you navigate ToK hurdles and IA’s in other subjects like Math .

Your Topic is Everything

The topic you choose for your History IA is vitally important. You want a topic that you genuinely find exciting but also one with plenty of quality evidence.

The history course covers six key concepts to help you choose a topic.

• Consequence
• Significance
• Perspective

Remember, this is a historical investigation, so the event you are investigating can't have happened in the last ten years.

Most History IA's fall into one of three categories:

• An investigation of a historical theme, person, or event
• An investigation based on fieldwork or a historic building/site
• An investigation of a local history

Your research question should be researchable, focused, and engaging. The History IA is an academic piece of writing that should be unbiased and offer a thorough analysis. A clear research topic can keep you on the right track.

Pro Topic Tip : Consider choosing a topic based on a local place you are familiar with or have easy access to. Local history offers you a wider variety of sources, particularly primary source options. You will also have access to museums and historical sites. Choosing a local topic will help you narrow the scope of your investigation. Remember, you only have 1300 words to answer your research question .

Research, Analyze, Cite, Repeat

Answering your research question is all about, you guessed it, research. Your evidence should be clear and relevant and lead you to an evidence-based conclusion that responds to your research question.

Using primary and secondary sources is the best way to comprehensively cover your topic and gather evidence for your argument.

Primary Sources

• Original documents and artifacts from a period or place
• Firsthand perspectives and accounts

Secondary Sources

• Analyses of primary sources by industry experts

There are four key factors to consider when looking at sources.

• Origins . Where did the source come from?
• Purpose . Why was the source created?
• Content . What information does the source contain?
• Limitations . Is there anything that makes you question the validity of the source?

Pro Research Tip : Cite as you go. Use sticky notes to link ideas and keep track of valuable insights. Use different colored highlighters to emphasize evidence so it is easy to cite and add to your bibliography. You don't want to plagiarize because you failed to cite evidence correctly .

Strict Structure: One Less Thing to Think About

The structure of the History Internal Assessment is clearly explained in the guidelines and marking criteria. Don't look at this as restrictive. Instead, see the strict structure as the blessing it is. Understanding how to layout and format your assessment means you have one less thing to think about. The guidelines help keep you focused, which is vital if you want clarity and connection throughout your History IA.

Your introduction should explain the purpose and scope of your investigation. Then, you should use a series of investigative paragraphs that include your methodology, analysis, and conclusion. Headings and subheadings help you create a coherent argument that is easy to follow.

How to Structure IA

Section 1 should include your thesis question, and it's crucial that you pose it as a question and not a statement. Many students lose marks because of this mistake.

The more detailed your research question, the more clear and organized your argument will be.

Section 2  should explain why you chose the two key sources, including their strengths, weaknesses, and purpose. A detailed explanation is a simple way to score higher.

Section 3  can include some background and context, but it should focus on your research question.

Don't be generic in Section 3. Reflect on things like what you learned, the limitations of your investigation, and the struggles other historians encountered. But don't describe why you're interested in the topic you chose.

Section 4 is not a conclusion (that should be included in Section 2.)

Your paragraphs should have a topic sentence and connect to each other and your research question.

The List of Tips form Our IB Writers

Structuring your History IA correctly and nailing the research portion are two ways to improve your score. But there are a few insider tips that can help you submit a History IA that not only scores well but that you are proud of.

1. Break It Down

2,200 words isn't so bad, right? No, it's not a crazy word count, but that doesn't mean it isn't a daunting project. In fact, the word count can be an issue because you have to be clear and concise and get your point across in Section 2, which is only 1,300 words.

The best way to tackle your History IA is to break it into manageable chunks. Check the criteria because it gives you a detailed breakdown of what your investigation should look like and how it is scored. Armed with that information, you can create a framework with milestones and deadlines to keep you organized and on track.

2. Refine Your Research Question

Start with a broad topic and then ask yourself what interests you most. Can you narrow it down to a place, person, date, or event?

Avoid questions with yes or no answers because that leaves little room for investigation. Make a list of keywords related to your topic that will make searching for information easier.

3. Analyze, Don't Describe

Students often lose marks because they describe their sources rather than analyzing them with a critical eye.

Think about how the source contributes to the historical event you're investigating. 

Compare and contrast to uncover trends, patterns, and differences. 

Be transparent about the source's limitations.

4. Self-Editing

Editing, revising, and proofreading are seriously underrated skills when it comes to polishing your History IA.

Here are some easy self-editing tips to help you catch those pesky mistakes and tighten up your arguments.

• Take a break for a day or two before reading through your finished assessment.
• Read aloud.
• Check for clarity and cohesion by assessing if your writing has a logical flow and obvious connections.
• Double-check your citations.
• Check that each paragraph has a clear focus that contributes to answering your research question.

The History Internal Assessment can be challenging if you're unprepared, but that is why we've put together this guide. There is a roadmap for success, and we want to offer the guidance and support you need to excel.

The investigation is a chance to explore an area you're genuinely interested in and flex your sleuthing chops as you find sources and analyze evidence to uncover the secrets of the past. With the correct information, you can confidently tackle your History IA, but if you need some inspiration, we're here to help .

Last edit at Nov 05 2023

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IB History IA Topics | 21st Century Ideas Included 📜 

Exciting exploration of History IA topics as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This integral component, known as the IB History IA, demands students to engage in independent research on a chosen topic. The key to a successful assignment lies in choosing the right History IA topics and shaping the depth and direction of your research and writing. Unfortunately, many IB students encounter challenges in selecting appropriate topics, resulting in difficulties crafting a compelling Internal Assessment. To alleviate this struggle, we present a curated list of topic suggestions and handy tips to guide you through this historical journey.

Tips on how to select the right topic for your History IA

Here you go, check some tips for choosing the best topics for your IB History Internal Assessment in 2023:

• Choose a topic that interests you : The Internal Assessment is a long and intensive process, so it’s important to select a topic that you are genuinely interested in. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Make sure the topic is relevant to the IB history curriculum : The Internal Assessment should demonstrate your understanding of the IB history curriculum, so it’s crucial to choose a topic that aligns with the course material.
• Consider the available sources : The Internal Assessment requires you to conduct independent research, so it’s essential to choose a topic with sufficient sources available. This will make it easier for you to gather information and build a well-rounded argument.
• Consider the scope of the topic : The Internal Assessment should be focused and well-defined, so it’s important to choose a topic that is not too broad or too narrow. Consider the available time and resources when deciding on the scope of your topic.
• Seek guidance from your teacher : Your teacher is an excellent resource for helping you choose a topic that is appropriate for the Internal Assessment. They can provide guidance on the best topics to consider and help you refine your ideas.

Meanwhile, before we proceed further, I want to highlight that you can always buy IB IA from our company if you are out of time or just want to do something else while experts are working on your assignment.

List of the Best History IA ideas for the year 2023:

Here are a few example topics that could be suitable for an IB History Internal Assessment:

• The influence of the Black Death on medieval European society
• The reasons and consequences of the American Revolution
• The role of religion in the Ottoman Empire
• The role of trade in the development of the Ming Dynasty in China
• The causes and results of the Russian Revolution
• The impact of the Holocaust on Europe and the world
• The role of the British Empire in shaping modern India
• The effect of the Cold War on global politics
• The causes and results of the French Revolution
• The role of women in the Suffrage Movement
• The effect of the Scientific Revolution on European society
• The role of the United States in the Korean War
• The reasons and consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the environment
• The role of education in the civil rights movement in the United States

Here are five additional History IA topics ideas for your that focus on modern History in the 21st century:

• The impact of the Arab Spring on Middle Eastern politics
• The role of social media in shaping political discourse and activism
• The effect of the global financial crisis on the world economy
• The causes and consequences of Brexit
• The role of international organizations in responding to humanitarian crises

And five additional topic ideas for your IB History Internal Assessment that focus on the History of the years 2010-2022:

• The role of technology in shaping global politics and diplomacy
• The results of the refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East
• The rise of populism and nationalism in the 21st century
• The role of social media in shaping political campaigns and election outcomes
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health, economics, and politics

Don’t let the stress of choosing an IA topic

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Choose your History IA topic wisely

Remember, these are just a few examples of History IA topics and the best topic for your Internal Assessment will depend on your interests and the specific requirements of your course. 

You could also be interested in checking these articles on our blog that suggest topics for different IB IAs:

• IA Business Topics
• IA Topics for Communication Studies
• English Literature IA topic ideas
• Psychology Internal Assessment Topics
• Computer Science IA Topic
• IB IA Economics topic ideas
• IB Social and Cultural Anthropology IA
• Geography IA ideas
• Global Politics IA topics
• IB economics IA article suggestions 2023/2024

Take the time to carefully consider your options and seek guidance from your teacher to choose a topic that is both engaging and relevant to the IB history curriculum.

If you need History IA topic suggestions or help with writing the whole IA, you can always contact our IB essay writing service for help. 

Nora Spinster

Nora Spinster is a multi-talented individual who is an educator, lawyer, youth, expert IB tutor, education activist, and language and writing enthusiast. Nora has a wealth of experience in copywriting, having worked with various organizations and businesses to craft compelling and effective copy. Nora has published articles on young learners and teenage students in the International House Journal and occasionally posts on ibwritingservice.com educational blog

• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ Anthropology IB Extended Essay Topics
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ Topics for Music Extended Essay
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ IB Theatre Studies Extended Essay Topics
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ IB ESS Extended Essay Topic Ideas

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Everything you need to know about IB History IA

• January 22, 2023

Table of Contents

• 1 Step 1: Choose a Topic
• 2 Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research
• 3 Step 3: Formulate a Research Question
• 4 Step 4: Create an Outline
• 5 Step 5: Write a Well-Organized and Well-Written IA
• 6 Step 6: Use Proper Citation Style
• 7 Step 7: Have Your IA Reviewed

The International Baccalaureate (IB) History IA is a crucial component of the IB History course, as it allows students to demonstrate their ability to conduct historical research and to analyze and evaluate primary sources. A well-written IA can greatly contribute to a student’s overall grade in the IB History course and can also be a valuable addition to a student’s college application.

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first step in writing a perfect IB History IA is to choose a History IA idea/ topic that is both interesting and relevant to the IB History syllabus . It is important to select a topic that you are genuinely interested in, as this will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging. You should also choose a history IA idea or topics that is feasible to research and write about within the given time frame.

Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research

With the History IA ideas, you must choose, examine, and take into account a variety of sources and viewpoints. Analyzing a variety of sources is crucial in my opinion since it will make it simpler for you to discuss various points of view. While it may be tempting to use the first sources you find when doing research on a subject, doing so may prevent you from coming up with thoughtful arguments to make in your History IA. Therefore, it is worthwhile to invest some time in looking for the most intriguing sources to assess.

Once you have chosen a topic, the next step is to conduct thorough research on the subject. This should include both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or artifacts from the time period being studied, such as letters, diaries, photographs, and government documents. Secondary sources are written by historians and provide interpretations and analyses of primary sources. It is important to use a variety of sources in order to get a well-rounded understanding of the topic and to provide evidence to support your arguments.

Step 3: Formulate a Research Question

After you have completed your research the History IA question is where it begins, the next step is to formulate a clear research question that your History IA will seek to answer. Your research question should be specific and focused, and it should guide your research and writing process.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Once you have a research history IA question, the next step is to create an outline for your IA. A good outline should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on your topic and state your research question. The body should consist of several paragraphs that address different aspects of your topic and that use evidence from your research to support your arguments. The conclusion should summarize your main points and explain the significance of your research.

Step 5: Write a Well-Organized and Well-Written IA

After you have created an outline, the next step is to write a well-organized and well-written IA. This should include a clear and concise introduction that provides background information on your topic and states your research question. The body should consist of several well-developed paragraphs that address different aspects of your topic and that use evidence from your research to support your arguments. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and several supporting sentences that provide evidence and analysis. The conclusion should summarize your main points and explain the significance of your research.

The History IA is divided into three sections, as seen in the image above. This gives your IA a helpful structure, and I suggest clearly identifying these three components in your essay. It will make it much easier for the examiner to follow your IA and show them that you have a firm understanding of what each subject covers. Here is a brief summary of what you must do in each section:

• Section 1 : Source identification and evaluation – First, you must state your question in full detail. The next step is to analyze two of the sources you’ll be using in your IA and explain why they are pertinent to the inquiry. The origins, aim, and substance of the sources, as well as their worth and limitations, should all be mentioned in a thorough analysis. Word count recommendation is 500.
• Section 2 : Investigation – in this section, you must provide a thorough critical study of your question. It must also contain the conclusion you arrived at after conducting the analysis. As you want a variety of evidence to support your claim, you should include your other sources in this debate. Word count recommendation is 1,300.
• Section 3 : Reflection – In this section, it’s the important history IA question apart from the research questions you should be asking and that is, you should consider how your inquiry has brought to light the approaches taken by the historian and the difficulties she or he faces. Which historical research techniques did you employ in your study? What shortcomings of those techniques did your inquiry bring to light for you? Who chooses which historical occurrences are noteworthy? Is it possible to accurately describe historical events? These are some samples of queries you might want to think about in this section. Word count recommendation is 400.

Step 6: Use Proper Citation Style

It is important to properly cite your sources in order to give credit to the original authors and to provide evidence for your arguments. There are several citation styles to choose from, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. You should consult with your teacher to determine which citation style you should use.

Step 7: Have Your IA Reviewed

Before submitting your IA, it is important to have it reviewed by your teacher or a peer. This will allow you to identify and correct any mistakes or weaknesses in your IA and to ensure that it is of the highest quality.

By following these steps and putting in the necessary time and effort, you can ace the IB History IA and achieve a high score on this important assignment. Good Luck!

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How to Work on Your IB History IA Section 1

by  Antony W

December 21, 2022

In Section 1 of your IB History IA, you will evaluate two important sources utilized for your inquiry. Either primary or secondary sources are acceptable.

This part requires that you:

• Clearly outline the research question you have chosen and state it in the form of a question. 
• Include a brief description of the two sources you’ve chosen for in-depth research, as well as an explanation of their significance to the inquiry.
• Investigate two sources in depth. Analyze the usefulness and limits of the two sources in light of their origins, purposes, and contents in relation to the research.

Keep in mind that the recommended word count for Section 1 of your History IA is 500 words. And the assignment accounts for 6 out of the possible 25 marks.

The formulation of a suitable research topic is a critical component of this phase of the internal evaluation.

The six fundamental ideas of the history course (causation, consequence, continuity, change, importance, and viewpoints) might help you create a question.

History IA Section 1 Assessment Criteria

Components of history ia assessment criteria.

The following are the components of a good IB History IA Section 1 paper:

1. A Clear Formulation of a Research Question

You must ensure that the question you have posed is succinct, clear, and debatable. .

In the first paragraph of Section 1, present the backdrop of your study before stating your research question in its entire form and making it prominent.

2. Identify Sources and Justify their Significance

You must choose two to analyze from the sources you’re employing for your inquiry.

While making this choice, you guarantee that the selected sources differ in at least one way.

• For instance, you would not assess two photographs with comparable restrictions and applications.
• Similarly, evaluating two Marxist historical viewpoints would be less successful than evaluating one Marxist and one Revisionist perspective, or a contemporary source and a cross-referenced source published years after the event.

The selection of relevant sources is crucial for scoring well on this criterion.

You will also need to ensure that you explain the significance of each chosen source to your inquiry in no more than one or two phrases. For instance, if you use propaganda as one of your sources, you MUST explain how it contributes to your inquiry.

3. Analyze and Evaluation the Two Sources

The assumption is that, for each source, you would include a single, clearly defined paragraph that describes the document’s origin, purpose, value, and limits, while referencing its content or message.

You must mention each source individually and designating it as a subheading or italicizing it is highly suggested. 

History IA Section 1 Requirements

The following are the requirements for the History IA Section 1 assignment:

1. Identify Your Sources

You must identify the source of the papers.

Include the name(s) of the author(s) and a brief description of the source’s provenance, including the context in which the source was developed and the author’s experience, skill, or engagement.

Be descriptive and utilize the term “origin” as plainly as possible; you may like to make it bold.

2. Investigate the Purpose of Your Sources

• Why did it exist?
• What is its intended function?

A newspaper article, for instance, is for the broad public and aims to convey a perspective on an event or series of events. A table of statistics is to provide a collection of facts pertaining to a certain topic.

Be descriptive and utilize the term “purpose” as plainly as possible. You may like to make it bold.

3. Examine the Substance and Significance of the Sources

As this is a new component of the IB History program, it is imperative that you examine the substance of the source.

Therefore, you must offer an overview or summary of the source’s message. Be descriptive and attempt to utilize the term “content” in a clear manner.

You must additionally describe the significance of your chosen sources. In other words, you will need to evaluate the document’s use for historians in general in a clear and unambiguous manner.

For instance, the value of a newspaper story is that it provides either the reporter’s or the paper’s perspective. This would provide insight into how various segments of society regarded the aforementioned events. A statistical table gives detailed data that may shed light on the feature the data portrays.

4. Evaluate the Limits of the Selected Sources 

The last requirement for Section 1 is to assess the limits of the selected sources. Therefore, you must state clearly and explicitly the flaws with these sources that undermine their potential to give credible support for the provided argument.

Consider the example of a newspaper.

It is likely to reflect an editorial slant, and because readers buy newspapers, economic considerations may affect its worth.

Similarly, statistical data can be politically motivated or manipulated. And that can affect its usefulness. A political poll conducted in a working-class neighborhood is more likely to reflect support for parties that advocate for their rights, but may not be representative of the entire population.

How to Choose Your Sources

One of the problems of this part is selecting two sources from your research that specifically address the criteria.

The keywords are “the student has found and chosen relevant and acceptable sources.”

One method to evaluate this is to consider the two sources you have consulted the most during your research.

You may have depended on these two sources because they helped you comprehend the issue in question. It may be prudent to investigate only one of these sources and hunt for a more suitable source that provides a contrast.

Consider whether two sources are crucial to the argument of your topic or that add the most to the discussion. This begins to address the relevant portion of the criteria.

Some sample replies showed that main and secondary sources demonstrate variations in viewpoints regarding the issue under investigation. This might be useful when discussing the importance and limits of the investigation’s sources.

Before deciding on the two sources that will feature in the assignment, it may be prudent to investigate many others.

Final Thoughts

The IB History IA Section 1 doesn’t have to be difficult to put together. Here’s a summary checklist to guide you through the process: 

• Ensure you have chosen a relevant issue that you can address within the word limit of 2200.
• You should write your question in a clear manner, preferably in verbatim.
• Ensure you search for and select suitable and pertinent sources for analysis.
• Clearly articulate how these two sources relate to your inquiry.

And lastly, ensure you’ve provided a comprehensive study and evaluation of two sources, including a clear explanation of the usefulness and limits of two of the sources for the inquiry, with regard to the origins, purpose, and content of the two sources.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

7 Tips for Choosing a Successful IB History IA Topic and Question

Economics, History & Theory of Knowledge

May 17th, 2017 Last updated: February 16th, 2023

Choosing the right History topic and question for YOU can make the difference between success and failure. Below are 7 steps to help you choose an appropriate topic and question.

Tips for picking an IB History IA title

1. keep it personal.

Ensure the topic you are choosing actually interests you. This will help ensure you want to carry out research and write it in the first place.

Need help with your History IB? Meet our IB Tutors here

2. Make it local

Try to find a topic that is either local to your current location or somewhere that you have lived or your family is from.  This helps prevent it from becoming too ‘big’ to deal with. It may also have the added advantage of you gathering primary sources yourself and using museums and historical sites within easy reach.

3. Less is more

Keep your question/scope narrow, direct and specific and not too broad, you only have 1300 words to answer it in. Consider just a decade rather than a century, an individual rather whole population, a city rather than a country.

4. Check your resources

Is there information available – both primary and secondary? Can you make your own interviews of eyewitnesses to create an primary source? Can you visit the site? Try to ensure there is not too much information as this can be overwhelming.

5. Try to be original

Don’t cover a question that is textbook material. Really think about a new angle or question that is not likely to have been covered many times before.

6. Keep it simple

Don’t overwhelm yourselves by trying to create a complicated question to try and impress. Ensure your question is clear and to the point.

7. Get it checked

Ask your History teacher or tutor to check the question is appropriate and manageable before you start writing it up. It can be very disappointing to put all that effort in to find that the question/focus or even topic needs to be altered.

Example IA titles for IB History

Here are some examples of my past students’ IA questions that achieved a Level 6 or 7.

Each question was planned and reviewed before full research and writing up began. Each student discussed the progress and challenges they faced with me on a regular basis to ensure the IA was successful.

To what extent was Friedrich Hennemann to blame for the bankruptcy of the Vulkan Werft situated in Bremen?

Why was this question successful?

This student was a family friend of Hennemann and he also lived in Bremen making it a very interesting research question. He was able to draw on local and national newspapers and film and even attempted to interview the man in question. He was driven by his own personal and local interest, making this one of the most original IAs I have supervised.

To what extent did Sophie Scholl get pressured into resistance work?

Rather than looking at the broader category of Youth Resistance groups, this student concentrated on the role of Sophie Scholl during the 1930s and 1940s. She was particularly interested as she was a young female of similar age herself, and why and how Sophie became involved in such an important resistance group. The student was living in Germany at the time too.

Analyse the experience of Native Canadian children in residential school from 1870 – 1990

This student had a personal interest in her own Native Canada which drove her to visit Canada to further research and write her IA. The topic is not widely resourced so making it manageable across a century.

To what extent was Palmyra important for the Roman Empire?

This student from Syria had a vested interest in this city especially as at the current time it was being destroyed as she wrote. She was able to research sources in both English and Arabic.

To what extent did Israel achieve its aims in the Invasion of Lebanon in 1982?

This student from the Lebanon was interested in this topic for personal reasons and kept her question only focused on the aims being achieved not the complete invasion within one year.

How did Ballroom Dance spread and develop between the Americas and Europe by 1968?

Although this question covers a wide period of time and across two continents; it is very narrow in focus and of very personal interest to the student writing it. There were not too many resources available making it manageable for an IA.

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How to get full marks on source questions in history a-level: 4. using the provenance of the source to assess reliability.

In the penultimate post in this series, Andrew looks at how the provenance of the source (including its author, and the time and place in which it was produced) can be used to examine a source’s reliability.

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Having successfully written Sections 1 and 2 of your History IA, it is now time to reflect and write Section 3. In this blog, Anna will walk you through the necessary steps to help you gain full marks for this section.

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Once you have chosen the topic and question of your History IA, it's time to get researching! In this blog, Anna sets out some top tips on how best to research and record notes. Research in itself is a vitally important skill assessed throughout the IB Diploma - getting this right can mean the difference between a History IA's success and failure.

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IB Assessments

Each subject within the international baccalaureate program has its own set of assessments, but each subject follows a basic structure. the internal assessment, or ia, is one that is marked by the teacher and then a sample set is submitted to ib for moderation. in additional to the ia, standard level (sl) subjects require two externally assessed examinations, referred to in ib lingo as "papers" (e.g. "paper 1," "paper 2"). higher level subjects require three external  exams. all external exams are completed in may of a student's senior year (with the exception of sl foreign language) . , the ib history internal assessment,  in history, the ia is sometimes called the "h.i." which stands for historical investigation. the historical investigation is a 2,200-word paper divided into three parts with the research paper component usually ending around 1200 words. students may choose their own topic, but it must be a topic before the year 2000. topics must be very specific in order to limit the number of sources to a manageable number. students should do extensive background reading before committing to a topic. one thing to think about when choosing a topic for a historical investigation are the types of primary sources that the students wishes to spend many hours utilizing. well-used primary sources along with academic secondary sources that a student has critically examined are key components of historical investigations. , preparation for the history ia during the junior year.

During the Junior year, students are assigned a  specific  topic  such  as  " Islamic  Women during the Medieval Abbasid Period"  in which they are required to develop a research question that fits within that very narrow topic and  allows  for a 1200-1500 word research paper. They then find  appropriate  sources, develop an annotated  bibliography, write a paper proposal that includes a tentative thesis, then develop a detailed outline. Students then complete a first draft, followed by a second draft about one month later, and then a then a third and final draft due at the end of April. The purpose of this assignment is to walk students through the process of research in order to allow them to see the importance of each step. In doing this process, students learn that even a topic such as "Islamic Women during the Medieval Abbasid Period" have a number of options when it comes to research. Hopefully students will use this knowledge to develop a specific research question for their Historical Investigation that allows for a 1200-word paper without being too large that the sources are too extensive. One of the biggest problems that students in the past tend to show on thier first research projects is that they choose a topic such as "World War II," "The Civil Right Movement," or "Galileo." Each of these topics are so large it would would take thousands and thousands of pages, and would even then barely scratch the surface. [The number of books written on Abraham Lincoln, for example, can fill several stories of a building]. 

During the 2020 coronavirus Digital  Learning  period, students had an opportunity to really explore the research  process . Since first drafts were due just before the  coronavirus  lockdown, student had  already  completed their drafts, and the  digital  learning  provided  an  opportunity  to work more closely with me via online comments and corrections to see areas for  improvement. Many student agreed that they are now much  more prepared to start a new project and "fix the mistakes" that they made regarding choosing their topics/questions through extensive background reading. Hopefully, they will start earlier and devote more time to the background reading  necessary  to develop strong  analytical  research questions and find appropriate  sources  over the Summer in order to ease the work that they need to complete their senior year for the History IA. 

Timeline of History IA Research Project:

Summer between Junior Year and Senior  Year:  (1) Develop specific research question based on extensive background reading and the finding of sources. (2) Develop a list of primary and secondary sources for this project. The number of Primary sources depends on the nature of the topic, but should be a large part of any research project. Students should have about 6-10 secondary sources consisting of books and journal articles (not  websites  nor encyclopedias nor textbooks) each of which is specific to the topic and are not simply one of many possible sources, but rather  the  sources that are essential to one's specific question. 

Each checkpoint is designed to force students to make specific progress on an element of their overall project. Each checkpoint may be a completion grade or an assessed grade or no grade. The same  level  of attention  should be  given. 

August 10:   Turn in  source  list and research question

September 4:  Paper proposal and annotated  bibliography (only paper proposal is  required  to be submitted on Sept 4)

October 5:  Detailed outline for paper

October 16:  Completed first draft of research paper (Part B)

October 30:  First draft of source evaluation (Part A)         Source evaluation videos

December 4:  Completed second draft of source evaluation and second draft of research paper

December 18 : Complete Final Draft of research paper and final draft of source evaluation; complete First draft of reflection paper (part C) . Completed IA submitted to turnitin.com

January 11 : Final draft of reflection (Part C).

January 15 : Completed IA digitized and uploaded on managebac.  

History IA Guidelines and Tips 

History ia guide from the ibo including the ib rubric, research flow chart  to develop a good research focus.

IB History Topics  if you are interested in choosing a topic that relates to the course work

Research guide path  (detailed), research - quick tips, additional resources can be found here on the writing and research page, helpful website with a lot of material including a great page on , dealing with research stress, structure and potential pitfalls  in history writing, sample history ias  with moderator marks from ib.

Some of these samples are not double spaced or place the citations in a sentence rather than at the end of the sentence. Additionally, not all of them follow Chicago/Turabian citation style and include phrenetical citations. Just because an example is listed here and scored well, does not mean that a student should follow the formatting exactly. History papers for this class should follow Chicago/Turabian citation style (quick reference found here ), and should be double spaced. 

Student work with a score of 22/25 according to the moderator marks

*this example is the strongest of the three. however, the student does not correctly use chicago./turabian citation. additionally, he could have used more primary sources, yet, the argument is based on the limited primary sources as the base because it uses statistics as a key component of the argument. the key for this investigation is that is it not about the impact of wwii on female employment; it is about a long-term consequence. i would argue that the student is assuming that the post war years from 1947-1950 constituted the beginning of  a long-term trend. the ib moderator agreed with the student. but remember, that history and grading is subject to bias. therefore, anytime a reader suggests that your argument is making an assumption, you should take it seriously and not just rely on a "formula" that you think may be illustrated in any of these examples.   , student work with a score of 20/25 according to the moderator marks, *this example has a weak question, but the student is not really analyzing the extent of hitler developing totalitarianism, rather, he is analyzing the historiographical arguments about it over the years. the ib moderator recognized this, and scored him well, but does seem a little generous in his marks., *however, this is a good example of doing an ia using secondary sources rather than building strongly on primary sources.   , student work with a score of 13/25 according to the moderator marks, *this example is an average ia fitting in the middle markbands. in most years, the ib markbands list a "13/25" as a "4." there are a lot of areas that can be improved. note what the student did do well, but take care to find the areas where problems could have been easily avoided. the ib moderator appears to be a bit generous in both part a giving 4 marks as well as in part b awarding 7. in both cases an argument could be made for the lower markband. however, the student does build the argument on primary source evaluation and incorporates secondary sources with his analysis. the thesis is stated in the end rather than the beginning causing problems of structure. the ib grader awarded points for an argument that began with source evaluation of a primary source synthesized with secondary sources. it is more than a summary of events but is lacking perspective-driven critiques that can be seen in the other examples. , the ib history external assessments, paper 1: source-based exam, paper 2: world history comparison two-essay exam,                   for may 2020: one-essay exam, paper 3: history of europe three-essay exam,                  for may 2020: two-essay exam (each from a different topic), the ib economics internal assessment,  in economics,  the ia is a portfolio consisting of three economic commentaries. each commentary is a 750-analysis of a current event. students are required to find an article and identify the economic concepts then evaluate the implications. each commentary must deal with a different part of the ib syllabus: microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. .

IA Guide, Coversheets,  and Rubric

An excellent website with IA resources and tips

Example Economics Commentary

Frequently asked questions about the IA

Timeline of Economics IA Portfolio:

Summer between Junior Year and Senior  Year:   Students should be gathering a number of articles that deal with  economics . It is not  necessary  that the articles are long, and it is not necessary that the articles are overtly economic in nature. In fact, it is often better to utilize shorter  articles  and articles of general  interest  rather than ones that have the economic work already completed for you.  

August 10:   Have at least 5 articles available about micro and macro  economics . 

September 15 : Microe conomics  practice commentary completed

October 15: Microeconomics commentary completed

November 15:  Macroeconomics commentary completed

December 15: International  economics  commentary 

January 15:  Digital portfolio including coversheets submitted.  

The IB Economics External Assessments

Paper 1: micro / macro exam, paper 2: international / developmental source-based exam, paper 3: math-based hl exam.

Helpful Information 

Command Terms and what they actually mean

Writing Essays for Economics

Just as in any other argumentative essay, an economics essay must have a thesis, a point that one wishes to prove. theses are normative statements, that is, that are not something that can be fact checked, but rather are arguments. however, these arguments are made from positive statements, that is to say, statements that may be correct or incorrect but are fact-checkable., for example:, a positive statement - "the unemployment rate in china has gone up 5% since last year." this may be correct or incorrect, but it is something that we can check, therefore it is a positive economic statement."   , a normative statement - "the rising unemployment in china is due to bad policy decisions by the government." this is a normative economic statement because it is not something that we can check, but rather, it is something that one must prove using logical analysis of positive statements. , when structuring an economics essay, it is imperative that a student build from a normative thesis, and show logical structure that consists of analysis of positive statements and economic concepts. , the use of graphs: , graphs (sometimes referred to as economic diagrams) are essential for economics essays. , graphs show a visual representation of the concepts being discussed., students must walk the reader step by step through the graphs. , an example of a graph and the way it should be explained is as follows: .

"In the graph titled "Good A," the demand curve (D1) illustrates quantity demanded at at each and every price. According to the law of demand, as price decreases the quantity demanded increases and vice vera,  ceteris paribus . This can be seen with movement from point W to Z. At point W the price of Good A is $10 and the quantity demanded of Good A is 1 unit. As the price decreases to $1 the the quantity demanded increases from 1 unit to 11 units, illustrated by movement along the demand curve D1 from point W to point Z."

Here is another example that might come later in this same essay ​, "while the demand curve d1 on the graph labeled "good a" has a constant slope, the price elasticity of demand (ped) becomes more inelastic as the price decreases. ped is defined as the relative response of the quantity demanded compared to a change in price. when moving from point w to point x along demand curve d1, the price decreased $1 from $10 to $9 and the quantity demanded increased from 1 unit to 2 units. the increase in the qd was a 100% increase since the qd of good a doubled from 1 to 2 units. this doubling in the qd was a result of the change in price; however, the price decreased by only 10%. thus, when operating at point w and decreasing the price by 10% the response was a 100% increase in the qd. therefore, when moving from point w to point x on d1, the demand was very price elastic. however, when moving from point y to point z, good a is price inelastic. at point y the price of good a is $2 and the qd is 10 units. a 50% decrease in price leads to only a 10% increase in qd as seen from movement along d1 from point y to point z. therefore, the slope of the demand curve may be constant, but all straight line demands curves have decreasing price elasticities as we move from the perfectly elastic point where d1 crosses the price axis to the perfectly inelastic point where d1 crosses the quantity axis.", notice how often the graph and the individual points are referenced in these examples. the graphs are very helpful in allowing the reader to follow along with the example  , analysis and evaluation, economic analysis is when one takes a real world situation (on the ground) and applies the abstract economic concepts (in the clouds) to the situation in order to test whether or not the real world situation matches the economic prediction. , evaluation is when one creates an argument as to why the real world situation perfectly matches, or does not match the economic prediction in the abstract economic concept. if some elements match, but others do not, then economic evaluation is an attempt to explain (make an argument) as to why there is discrepancy between the abstract concept and the actual circumstances. , d.e.e.d.      &.     c.l.a.s.s.p ​, one popular strategy for analyzing in an economics essay is to make sure that in every instance you "do the deed.", e xample , any time you introduce a new term or economic concept you must give a textbook definition. you must explain the definition in your own words and should give a real world example. you need to include all relevant diagrams and explain those diagrams as clearly (and sometimes painstakingly slowly). an analysis of a real-world situation (such as in an ia commentary)  is not completed all aspects of deed have clearly applied the abstract economic concepts to the real world scenario. , the argument you began with the thesis is completed when you classp it together. classp is an acronym that helps a student remember to cover key elements and view the economic problem(s) from different perspectives. when evaluating (which can only occur after analysis, which in turn, can only be done after one identifies and applies the appropriate economic concepts). , c onclusion - make sure you wrap up your argument, l ong term versus short term consequences, a ssumptions - what assumptions does the theory make what assumptions are you making , s takeholders - who are the people that are affected are all groups affected in the same ways, p riorities - what are the different priorities of the different groups that might be affected, or those who are                                   making economic decisions. , p ros and cons - what are the benefits and the costs. , more on structuring an economics essay, example essay with comments >, click here for more on structuring as essay especially for paper 1 but beneficial for all essays in class or out of class. .

Economic Command Terms >

The original  DEED and CLASSP  evaluation page >

IB History of the Americas: Internal Assessment (IA): Research Question

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