IB History,
for serious
argument-writers.
IB DP History HL and SL — document papers, regional depth studies, and the HL-only historical investigation. Coached by specialists who drill the source-analysis technique and structured essay writing that the top grades demand.
The IB's most demanding humanities subject. Essential for history, PPE, law, international relations and Oxbridge humanities applications.
IB History is argument with evidence at scale.
IB History is the most demanding humanities subject in the IB Diploma. It tests three very different skills across three papers: document source analysis (Paper 1), comparative essay writing on prescribed topics (Paper 2), and — for HL students — deep regional history essays (Paper 3). Plus a fourth element: the Historical Investigation IA, worth 25% at SL and 20% at HL.
What the top grades actually demand
A grade 7 in IB History requires precise document analysis using the OPCVL framework (Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, Limitation), essay writing with clear thesis statements and specific dates/events, and genuine engagement with historians' interpretations — not just "the textbook says".
How we teach it
Every Times Edu History student writes one full essay per week from week 4 onwards, marked against the examiner rubric. OPCVL analysis is drilled systematically for Paper 1. The Historical Investigation is coached separately over 6–8 sessions during DP2.
The full content we cover in 1:1 lessons.
Every Times Edu History mentor maps lessons directly to the official IB subject guide — nothing on the final exam is a surprise.
Prescribed Subject
One of 5 world-history topics studied through document sources.
World History Topics
Two comparative essay topics chosen from 12 prescribed options.
Regional History (HL)
Deep dive into one of 4 regions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Oceania, Europe.
OPCVL Analysis
Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, Limitation framework for Paper 1.
Essay Writing
Thesis, evidence, counter-argument and conclusion structure.
Historiography
Engagement with historians' interpretations — essential for grade 7.
Source Handling
Evaluating primary sources against each other under time pressure.
Historical Investigation
Individual 2,200-word investigation — SL 25%, HL 20% of final grade.
Every paper and every IA, mapped.
IB assessment mixes exam papers with the Internal Assessment — and the IA is where most schools lose marks. Here is the full breakdown.
Prescribed Subject
Source-based questions on one of 5 prescribed subjects.
World History Topics
Two extended essays on chosen topics from 12 options.
Regional History (HL)
Three extended essays on HL regional history — HL only.
Historical Investigation
Individual 2,200-word investigation on a student-chosen topic.
Why even strong students lose IB points here.
These are the three traps we see most often in diagnostic sessions with new IB Diploma History students — and every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Weak OPCVL
Paper 1 requires systematic Origin-Purpose-Content-Value-Limitation analysis. Students who evaluate sources on vibes cap at grade 4.
Narrative not argument
Essays that retell events without taking a clear position cap at grade 4. We fix this in the first three sessions.
No historiography
Grade 7 essays engage with named historians and their interpretations. Students who cite no historians cap at grade 5 regardless of content.
Across HL and SL.
I started at a 4 in History. My Times Edu mentor rebuilt my essay writing from the thesis outward. Twelve months later I finished with a 7 in HL History and an offer from Oxford History.
What families always ask about IB History.
Have a specific question about your child's situation? Book a free 60-minute diagnostic and our IB specialist will answer every one.
Which prescribed subjects and regional options do you cover?
We cover all five Paper 1 prescribed subjects and all four Paper 3 regional options. Your child's mentor will be matched to the exact topics their school is teaching.
Is IB History harder than A-Level History?
Similar academic demand, different format. IB requires three papers plus a major IA; A-Level is essay-heavier and more exam-focused. Students who prefer structured coursework usually find IB more forgiving.
Can you help with the Historical Investigation IA?
Yes — this is a major intervention point for most IB History students. We coach topic selection, research methodology, and the three IA sections (identification, investigation, reflection) separately.
How much reading is expected?
Substantial — 3–5 academic articles or book chapters per week outside lessons. We help structure this reading list during the diagnostic.
Ready to turn IB History into a full 7?
Your child's free 60-minute History diagnostic includes a full topic-by-topic gap analysis, a realistic grade prediction, an IA review and a personalised roadmap through to final May exams. Worth $60 — free for the first 50 families this intake.