How to Choose a Strong IB History IA Question (First Assessment 2028)

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.

Learn the four key concepts in the new IB History course and how to use them to score higher (first assessment 2028).