Author: Jonathan Baker, IB History Examiner and Teacher
Writing an IB History essay can be a daunting task, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and knowledge of historical events. Whether you’re working on a Paper 2 essay or preparing for your Internal Assessment (IA), mastering the art of writing a strong IB History essay is crucial for scoring top marks.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to writing a high-scoring IB History essay, providing you with the structure, strategies, and tips you need to succeed in the N24 and M25 exam sessions.
One of the most common mistakes students make in IB History is failing to fully address the essay question. IB essay questions are often complex and multi-layered, so it’s crucial to carefully read and analyze the question before you begin writing.
Example Question: “To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the outbreak of World War II?”
Here, the command term “to what extent” is asking you to weigh the impact of the Treaty of Versailles in comparison to other causes of the war.
A well-structured essay is essential for clarity and logical flow. IB History essays typically follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Pro Tip: Use PEE paragraphs (Point, Evidence, Explanation) to ensure each paragraph is focused and coherent. Begin with a point, provide historical evidence (such as facts, dates, or quotes), and then explain how it supports your argument.
The strength of your IB History essay depends on the quality of your research and the evidence you provide. Make sure to use both primary and secondary sources to support your arguments.
Pro Tip: For essay topics like “The Causes of the Russian Revolution,” ensure you present evidence from multiple perspectives—political, social, and economic—to demonstrate a balanced argument.
IB History essays are not just about recounting facts; they are about building a persuasive argument. Your thesis should be clear and well-supported throughout the essay, and each point should directly address the essay question.
Example: In answering “To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II?”, you should explore both the immediate effects of the treaty and long-term factors like economic depression, Nazi ideology, and the failure of the League of Nations.
A high-scoring IB History essay will not only present a clear argument but also consider alternative views or counterarguments. Acknowledging other perspectives shows that you have critically engaged with the topic.
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “However,” “On the other hand,” or “Despite this” to introduce counterarguments smoothly into your essay.
In IB History, proper citation is essential for academic honesty and to show that you’ve based your essay on solid research. You should use a consistent citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, as required by your school.
Pro Tip: When discussing historiography, mention key historians who have contributed to the debate on your topic. For example, if discussing the Russian Revolution, consider citing Orlando Figes or Richard Pipes.
Q1: How long should my IB History essay be?
A: For Paper 2 essays, aim for 750-1,200 words. For the Internal Assessment (IA), your word count should be around 2,200 words. Always check your specific subject guidelines.
Q2: How many pieces of evidence should I include in each paragraph?
A: Each paragraph should contain at least one strong piece of evidence, accompanied by detailed analysis. Quality over quantity is key, so ensure your evidence is relevant and well-explained.
Q3: Can I include personal opinions in my IB History essay?
A: Your essay should focus on presenting a well-reasoned argument based on evidence rather than personal opinions. However, your critical evaluation of evidence and perspectives is essential to building a strong essay.
Q4: How can I effectively use historiography in my IB History essay?
A: Use historiography to highlight different interpretations of historical events. You can agree with one historian’s view or compare it with others, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.
Q5: How important is it to address counterarguments?
A: Addressing counterarguments is very important in IB History essays. It shows your ability to engage critically with the question and demonstrates a balanced understanding of the topic.
Writing a high-scoring IB History essay requires careful planning, thorough research, and clear argumentation. By fully understanding the essay question, structuring your essay effectively, and backing up your arguments with strong evidence, you can excel in your History papers for the N24 and M25 sessions. Remember to analyze different perspectives, cite your sources properly, and always keep the essay question in mind.
Good luck with your IB History essays, and remember: the more you practice, the better you’ll become at crafting strong, persuasive arguments!