How to Write a High-Scoring IB History Essay: A Complete Guide for N24 and M25

Author: Jonathan Baker, IB History Examiner and Teacher

Introduction

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.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

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.

Tips for Understanding the Question:

Identify the command terms: Look for key phrases like "evaluate," "analyze," "compare," or "to what extent." These terms tell you exactly what the question is asking you to do.
Break down the question: What is the specific event, period, or theme being asked about? Identify the key historical terms, dates, or figures mentioned.
Focus on the scope: Make sure you understand the time period and context that the question is asking you to address. Don’t stray beyond the required scope.

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.

Step 2: Structuring Your Essay

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.

Essay Structure:

Introduction: In your introduction, restate the essay question and briefly outline your argument. State your thesis clearly, outlining the direction your essay will take.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on one specific point or argument. Begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence, analysis, and a mini-conclusion.
Conclusion: Summarize your key arguments and restate your thesis. Your conclusion should demonstrate how you’ve answered the essay question.

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.

Step 3: Conducting Research and Gathering Evidence

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.

Steps for Effective Research:

Use a range of sources: Combine textbook material with journal articles, academic books, and historical documents. For Paper 2, focus on relevant historiography and historians' interpretations.
Evaluate your sources: Assess the reliability and bias of each source, especially when using primary documents. Show an understanding of different perspectives.
Organize your notes: Keep a well-organized list of your sources, quotes, and citations so you can easily reference them in your essay.

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.

Step 4: Writing an Effective 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.

How to Build a Strong Argument:

Develop a thesis: Your thesis is the central argument of your essay. It should answer the question directly and outline your stance on the issue.
Use evidence strategically: Each piece of evidence should be carefully selected to support your argument. Avoid generalizations or vague references.
Analyze, don’t just describe: Go beyond simply describing events. Analyze the causes and consequences of historical events, and consider different perspectives or historiographical debates.

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.

Step 5: Addressing Counterarguments

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.

How to Include Counterarguments:

Identify alternative viewpoints: For example, in a discussion about the Treaty of Versailles, you might consider arguments that other factors, such as economic crises or nationalism, played a larger role in causing World War II.
Refute or integrate counterarguments: After presenting the counterargument, explain why your original thesis still holds stronger. Alternatively, show how both perspectives can coexist in a nuanced view of history.

Pro Tip: Use phrases like “However,” “On the other hand,” or “Despite this” to introduce counterarguments smoothly into your essay.

Step 6: Citing Sources and Historiography

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.

Key Tips for Citing Sources:

Use footnotes or in-text citations: Whenever you quote or paraphrase a historian or a primary source, include a citation.
Incorporate historiography: In Paper 2 or your IA, mentioning different historians’ interpretations adds depth to your essay. For example, compare views on World War I’s causes from different historians.
Create a bibliography: List all the sources you’ve referenced in your essay. This is essential for IB academic standards.

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.

FAQ Section

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.

Conclusion

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!