Choosing the right Internal Assessment (IA) question is the single most important decision students make in IB History. Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), this choice matters more than ever.
Many students lose marks not because their writing is weak, but because their question makes strong analysis impossible. A poorly framed question leads to description, confusion, and unfocused investigation — even when effort is high.
This article explains how to choose a strong IB History IA question, what examiners are looking for, and how students can avoid the most common pitfalls under the new specification.
Quick Start Checklist
- What makes a strong IA question
- What examiners expect under FA 2028
- Common IA question mistakes
- How to refine a question effectively
- Examples of strong question characteristics
Why the IA Question Matters So Much
Under first assessment 2028, the IA is explicitly an inquiry-based historical investigation. This means everything depends on the question.
A strong question:
- Encourages analysis rather than narration
- Allows evaluation of evidence
- Keeps the investigation focused
- Makes criteria easier to meet
A weak question forces students into descriptive writing, no matter how hard they try.
What Examiners Want From an IA Question
Examiners are not looking for:
- Broad historical surveys
- Overly complex wording
- “Interesting” topics with no focus
They are looking for questions that:
- Are clearly defined in time and place
- Invite investigation and debate
- Can be answered using available sources
- Encourage analysis and judgment
Clarity beats creativity every time.
Characteristics of a Strong IB History IA Question
Strong IA questions usually:
- Focus on a specific event, policy, or decision
- Limit scope clearly
- Use analytical command words
- Allow evaluation of causes, impact, or significance
They are manageable, not ambitious.
Analytical vs Descriptive Questions
One of the most common mistakes students make is choosing a descriptive question.
Descriptive questions:
- Ask “what happened”
- Encourage narrative writing
- Limit evaluation
Analytical questions:
- Ask “to what extent,” “how significant,” or “why”
- Require explanation and judgment
- Align with assessment criteria
The wording of the question directly shapes the quality of the investigation.
The Importance of Scope Control
Under FA 2028, scope control is essential.
Questions that are too broad:
- Lead to superficial analysis
- Overwhelm word limits
- Encourage irrelevant detail
Strong questions limit:
- Time period
- Geographic focus
- Type of impact or factor
Narrow questions almost always produce better results.
Choosing a Question You Can Support With Evidence
A strong IA question must be researchable.
Before finalising a question, students should ask:
- Are reliable primary or secondary sources available?
- Can I evaluate different perspectives?
- Can I analyse evidence, not just describe it?
A great question with weak sources still leads to a weak IA.
Common IA Question Mistakes to Avoid
Under the new course, students frequently:
- Choose questions that are too broad
- Focus on biographies instead of events
- Ask questions with obvious answers
- Select topics with limited source material
- Write questions that invite description only
Avoiding these mistakes saves time and marks.
How to Refine an IA Question Effectively
Strong questions are rarely written perfectly the first time.
Effective refinement involves:
- Narrowing timeframes
- Clarifying focus
- Replacing descriptive phrasing with analytical wording
- Testing whether evaluation is possible
Rewriting the question is a normal — and necessary — part of the process.
The Role of Teacher Feedback
Teacher feedback is invaluable when choosing an IA question.
Strong students:
- Seek feedback early
- Ask specific questions about focus and scope
- Adjust wording based on advice
- Ensure alignment with criteria
Independence does not mean ignoring guidance.
How RevisionDojo Helps Students Choose Strong IA Questions
RevisionDojo helps students make smart IA decisions from the start.
RevisionDojo supports students by:
- Explaining what examiners reward
- Helping refine IA questions
- Identifying scope and focus issues
- Preventing descriptive investigations
- Aligning questions with assessment criteria
This dramatically reduces wasted effort and revision stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my IA question later?
Yes, within school deadlines. Refining the question early often improves final performance.
Is it better to choose a well-known topic?
It can be, as long as the question is focused and analytical. Originality is less important than clarity.
How narrow is too narrow?
If the question still allows analysis and evaluation, it is rarely too narrow. Overly broad questions are a much bigger problem.
Final Thoughts
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), a strong IA question is the foundation of a successful Historical Investigation. The right question makes analysis natural, evaluation manageable, and writing focused.
Students who invest time in choosing and refining their IA question consistently outperform those who rush this stage. With clear guidance and structured thinking, selecting a strong question becomes a strategic advantage.
That is exactly the support RevisionDojo is built to provide.
