For many students, Paper 1 feels like the most unfamiliar part of IB History. Instead of essays or memorised knowledge, students are asked to work directly with historical sources — often under tight time pressure.
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Paper 1 plays an even more important role. It is designed to test whether students can think like historians, not whether they can recall background knowledge.
This article explains IB History Paper 1, what examiners are really assessing, and how students should approach source analysis under the new specification.
Quick Start Checklist
- What IB History Paper 1 tests
- Types of source questions
- How Paper 1 has changed under FA 2028
- Common student mistakes
- How to score higher consistently
What Is IB History Paper 1?
Paper 1 is a source-based paper taken by both SL and HL students.
Students are given:
- A set of historical sources
- A series of structured questions
- Limited time to analyse and evaluate evidence
The paper tests skills, not memory. Background knowledge helps, but it cannot replace careful source analysis.
What Paper 1 Is Really Assessing
Under first assessment 2028, Paper 1 assesses whether students can:
- Understand the content of sources
- Analyse origin, purpose, and context
- Compare perspectives
- Evaluate usefulness and limitations
- Use sources as evidence
Paper 1 rewards precision, focus, and clarity. Vague answers are penalised heavily.
Types of Questions in Paper 1
While wording may vary, Paper 1 questions typically focus on:
- Comprehension: What does the source say?
- Analysis: Why was the source produced?
- Comparison: How do sources agree or disagree?
- Evaluation: How useful or reliable is the source?
Each question builds on the last. Students who rush early questions often struggle later.
How Source Analysis Has Changed Under FA 2028
The biggest change under the new course is explicit emphasis on historical inquiry.
This means:
- Source analysis must be contextualised
- Perspectives must be explained, not just identified
- Evaluation must be supported with reasoning
- Answers must link directly to the question
Generic comments about bias or reliability score very poorly.
The Most Common Paper 1 Mistakes
Many students lose marks in Paper 1 for avoidable reasons.
Common mistakes include:
- Paraphrasing the source instead of analysing it
- Listing origin and purpose without explanation
- Using memorised phrases
- Ignoring the question focus
- Writing too generally
Under FA 2028, these mistakes are especially costly.
What Strong Paper 1 Answers Do Differently
High-scoring Paper 1 responses:
- Answer the question directly
- Use precise evidence from the source
- Explain why origin or purpose matters
- Compare sources thoughtfully
- Link analysis to historical context
They are concise, focused, and analytical.
How Much Background Knowledge Do You Need?
Background knowledge helps students:
- Understand context
- Identify significance
- Avoid misinterpretation
However, Paper 1 is not a test of memorised facts. Students are not rewarded for writing everything they know — only what helps answer the question.
How to Practise for Paper 1 Effectively
Effective Paper 1 preparation involves:
- Practising real source sets
- Timing responses carefully
- Analysing examiner markschemes
- Reviewing common phrasing in questions
- Learning how marks are allocated
Practising essays alone does not prepare students for Paper 1.
How RevisionDojo Helps With Paper 1
RevisionDojo is designed to support source-based historical thinking under the new IB History course.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Understand Paper 1 question types
- Practise structured source analysis
- Avoid generic responses
- Learn what examiners reward
- Build confidence under time pressure
This allows students to turn an unfamiliar paper into a predictable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paper 1 harder than essay papers?
It is different, not harder. Students who understand the structure often find it more manageable than essays.
Can I memorise source analysis phrases?
No. Examiners recognise memorised phrasing quickly. Analysis must be specific to the source.
Does Paper 1 matter less than other papers?
No. Paper 1 contributes significantly to the final grade and tests core IB History skills.
Final Thoughts
IB History Paper 1 under the first assessment 2028 specification is designed to test historical thinking in its purest form. Students must analyse evidence, evaluate perspectives, and think critically under pressure.
Those who understand what Paper 1 is really testing — and practise accordingly — often see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. With the right approach and structured support, strong performance is entirely achievable.
That is exactly the approach RevisionDojo is built to support.
