Students who understand how they are assessed from the start gain a major advantage. Those who do not often revise inefficiently and lose marks unnecessarily.
This article explains the IB History assessment structure under the new course, including Papers 1, 2, 3 (HL only) and the Internal Assessment, and what each component is really testing.
Quick Start Checklist
- All assessment components in IB History
- What each paper is designed to assess
- Differences between HL and SL assessment
- How marks are actually earned
- Why assessment understanding matters
Overview of IB History Assessment (FA 2028)
Under the first assessment 2028 specification, IB History assessment is built to test historical inquiry and thinking, not memorisation.
The course is assessed through:
- Paper 1 (SL & HL)
- Paper 2 (SL & HL)
- Paper 3 (HL only)
- Internal Assessment (IA) (SL & HL)
Each component tests different but overlapping skills.
Paper 1: Source-Based Analysis
Paper 1 focuses on working with historical sources.
Students are assessed on their ability to:
- Understand source content
- Analyse origin, purpose, and context
- Compare perspectives
- Use sources as evidence
- Evaluate reliability and limitations
This paper rewards precision and clarity. General knowledge alone cannot compensate for weak source analysis.
Paper 2: Concept-Driven Essays
Paper 2 is the core essay paper for both SL and HL students.
It assesses:
- Argument construction
- Use of historical concepts
- Selection of relevant evidence
- Explanation and evaluation
Questions are conceptual in nature, even when they appear content-focused. Essays that simply describe events score poorly under FA 2028.
Paper 3 (HL Only): Depth and Synthesis
Paper 3 is exclusive to Higher Level students and demands the highest level of historical thinking.
It tests:
- In-depth knowledge
- Sustained evaluation
- Comparison across case studies
- Synthesis of historical developments
This paper separates strong HL candidates from average ones. Superficial answers are heavily penalised.
Internal Assessment (IA): The Historical Investigation
The Internal Assessment requires students to conduct a historical investigation.
It assesses:
- Question formulation
- Source selection and evaluation
- Analysis and interpretation
- Use of evidence
- Conclusion supported by inquiry
Unlike exams, the IA tests sustained independent thinking rather than timed performance.
What All Assessment Components Have in Common
Despite their differences, all IB History assessments under FA 2028 reward the same core qualities:
- Focused answers
- Conceptual understanding
- Selective use of evidence
- Clear structure
- Evaluation rather than description
Understanding this helps students revise more efficiently.
Common Assessment Mistakes Students Make
Under the new course, common mistakes include:
- Writing descriptive essays
- Ignoring the question focus
- Overloading answers with facts
- Failing to evaluate
- Treating each paper as unrelated
These mistakes lead to consistent mark loss across components.
How Assessment Should Shape Revision
Effective revision under FA 2028 means:
- Practising exam-style questions
- Reviewing markschemes and criteria
- Improving structure, not just content
- Applying concepts deliberately
- Reflecting on feedback
Revision that ignores assessment criteria is inefficient.
How RevisionDojo Supports Assessment Success
RevisionDojo is designed around IB History assessment expectations.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Understand what each paper is testing
- Practise with examiner-style questions
- Improve structure and argumentation
- Avoid common assessment traps
- Build confidence across all components
This ensures students revise with purpose rather than guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all papers test the same skills?
They test similar skills in different ways. Analysis, evaluation, and structure matter everywhere.
Is the IA more important than exams?
All components matter. A weak IA can significantly limit a final score, even with strong exam performance.
Can I rely on memorised essays?
No. Under FA 2028, memorised responses are easily identified and score poorly.
Final Thoughts
The new IB DP History assessment model (first assessment 2028) is designed to reward thinking, clarity, and inquiry. Students who understand how each component works — and how they connect — perform far more consistently.
Assessment is not something to fear. It is a roadmap. With clear understanding and targeted practice, students can approach every paper and the IA with confidence.
That clarity is exactly what RevisionDojo is built to provide.
