Published January 17, 2024
Sophie
High School Sophomore from West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)
Hey there! This article is all about our tips for how to study for the IB History exam to get a solid 7. I'll break down the tricks, and IB History test prep so with the right strategies and IB History resources, nailing the exam is totally doable!
Hey, no worries if you're in a last-minute cramming session for IB History! We totally get it, and trust me, we've all been there too! So, if you're wondering how to ace the IB History exam when you're running out of time, here are some awesome resources and IB History exam tips created by fellow students that will help you cram like a boss.
This ULTIMATE IB History Study Guide - pretty much everything you need to know for the exam, written by a former IB History student!
Our Favorite Additional Site for IB History
The exam is broken down into FOUR assessments (THREE for SL) - here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know and what to expect from each section:
Both SL and HL will have to complete Paper 1, Paper 2, and a historical investigation, with just HL having to complete Paper 3.
For Paper 1 in your Global Politics exam, you'll be focusing on writing an essay within 1 hour. The essay will be based on one of five topics: military leaders, conquest and its impact, the move to global war, rights and protest, or conflict and intervention. You'll use pre-approved sources to support your arguments. This paper tests your ability to analyze and connect historical events and themes using specific examples. It's important to practice writing concise, well-structured essays within the time limit to effectively cover your chosen topic.
To do well in Paper 1 of your Global Politics exam, start by selecting a topic you feel confident about. Use the pre-approved sources effectively to build strong, well-supported arguments. Practice writing essays within the one-hour time limit to improve your speed and clarity. Focus on structuring your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Lastly, during the exam, manage your time wisely to ensure you can thoroughly develop your points without rushing.
For Paper 2 of your Global Politics exam, you should be prepared for an extended response paper that covers the four core units: Power, Sovereignty and International Relations, Human Rights, Development, and Peace and Conflict. You'll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this section. The paper requires a deep understanding of these topics and the ability to apply this knowledge critically and analytically. Expect to write detailed essays, showcasing your grasp of global political issues and concepts. This part of the exam will test your ability to analyze, evaluate, and present coherent arguments based on the course content.
For Paper 2 in your Global Politics exam, it's all about extended responses. Start by thoroughly understanding the core units. Practice writing detailed essays that analyze and evaluate different perspectives. During the exam, choose the questions you're most comfortable with. Plan your essays with a clear structure: introduction, main arguments, and a strong conclusion. Time management is crucial - allocate time for planning, writing, and a final review of your work. Stay focused and clear in your arguments, and back them up with relevant examples. Remember, clarity and coherence will make your essays stand out and not be boring!
For the Historical Investigation part of your History HL exam, you'll be undertaking a detailed study into a topic of your choice. This is your chance to show off your research skills, organizational abilities, and your knack for selecting appropriate sources. You'll have 20 hours to complete this internal assessment, which contributes 20% to your final grade. The format is quite open-ended, allowing you to delve deep into a historical topic that fascinates you. This is more than just memorizing facts; it's about developing a coherent argument, backed by thorough research and critical analysis. Think of it as your opportunity to become an expert in a specific area of history and to present your findings in a clear, well-structured manner. Your grades will thank you!
For the Historical Investigation section of your History HL course, think of yourself as a history detective. Your mission is to delve deep into a topic you're passionate about. Spend time choosing a topic that really sparks your interest – this will make the research process more enjoyable. Once you've picked your topic, it's all about research, research, research! Use a variety of sources to get a well-rounded view. Organize your findings and arguments logically. When writing your investigation, clarity is key – keep your writing crisp and focused. Remember, you're telling a story, so make it engaging. Don't forget to cite your sources properly; it shows you're a pro at academic research. Lastly, review and refine your work to polish it to perfection. Dive in and enjoy being a historian!
The lucky HL students must also complete Paper 3. Yay, you! Gear up for an essay paper that delves into one of four regional options: History of Africa and the Middle East, History of the Americas, History of Asia and Oceania, or History of Europe. You'll have 2.5 hours to showcase your knowledge and understanding of the chosen region. This paper is a significant part of your exam, comprising 35% of your final grade. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your research skills and your ability to organize and reference information effectively. Prepare to engage deeply with the historical context of your chosen region, using appropriate sources to support your analysis. This paper tests not just your knowledge but also your ability to form coherent, well-structured arguments. So, get ready to think critically and write compellingly about the fascinating history of a specific part of the world!
For Paper 3, you've only got 2 and a half hours, so time management is key. Start by dividing your time between planning, writing, and reviewing your essays. Choose the regional option you're most comfortable with and have prepared the best. Before the exam, deep dive into the history of that region – the more details you know, the richer your essays will be. Practice writing essays under timed conditions to get a feel for the pace. In the exam, read the questions carefully and plan your answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use specific examples to back up your points – this is where all your awesome knowledge comes into play. Lastly, keep your writing clear and focused, and have fun showing off what you've learned about this slice of history!
Overall, the best way to study for each section is to have a firm grasp on historical concepts, such as key players, events, and themes throughout history. To memorize this info, use our ULTIMATE IB History Study Guide to get all this info for free!
Studying for Paper 1: Dive into the world of source-based questions by practicing with past papers. Get familiar with different types of sources and learn to quickly identify key points and biases. Focus on the prescribed subjects, and remember, it's like being a detective – you're analyzing clues to build a story. Make it fun by creating flashcards of important dates and events or even by reenacting historical moments!
Studying for Paper 2: Paper 2 is all about writing essays on world history topics. Turn yourself into a history buff by reading extensively and taking notes on the 12 topics. Practice writing essays and get feedback to improve. Mix things up by watching documentaries or hosting discussion groups to debate historical viewpoints – it’s like your own historical talk show!
Studying for the Historical Investigation: Choose a topic that genuinely excites you for your investigation. It’s your chance to be a historian, so dig into research like you’re on a treasure hunt. Gather a variety of sources and piece together your own historical narrative. Keep track of your research journey in a diary or blog – it's like being the star of your own history mystery series! Make sure to go over the IB History exam review and your IB History online IB notes to ensure success.
Studying for Paper 3: For Paper 3, focus on one of the four regional options. Create a vivid timeline of the region's history and study it like you're preparing to travel there – know the landmarks (major events), the culture (social and political context), and the language (key terms and concepts). Practice essay writing and get comfortable discussing complex ideas. It’s like being a tour guide in a historical world! 🌍✏📚🔍
