IB History IA examples, topics and research questions
The History IA is 2,200 words and worth 25% of your final grade. Criterion helps you find a defensible, source-rich research question — and grades your draft against the official IB History IA markscheme.
Example research questions
- Schlieffen Plan & WWI: To what extent was the failure of the Schlieffen Plan responsible for the German defeat in World War I?
- Operation Mongoose: How significant was Operation Mongoose in shaping the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962?
- Partition of India: To what extent did economic factors drive the partition of India in 1947?
- Treaty of Versailles: Why did the Treaty of Versailles fail to prevent another European war?
Criteria scored
- A — Identification and evaluation of sources: Two clearly chosen sources, evaluated for origin, purpose, value and limitation.
- B — Investigation: A focused, well-structured argument that engages directly with the research question.
- C — Reflection: Honest reflection on the methods historians use and the challenges of investigating your topic.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the IB History IA?
- The History IA has a 2,200-word maximum across all three sections. Examiners stop reading at the limit.
- How is the History IA marked?
- Marked out of 25 across three criteria (A: 6, B: 15, C: 4). Worth 25% of your final History grade for SL and 20% for HL.
- Can Criterion suggest History IA topics?
- Yes. Brainstorming mode helps narrow you toward a defensible, source-rich research question.
- Will Criterion write my History IA?
- No. Criterion never writes or paraphrases.