IB History IA Criteria (2025)
A detailed breakdown of how the IB History IA criteria translate into marks - and how to meet every requirement across Sections A, B, and C within the 2,200-word limit.
What is the IB History IA, and why do the criteria matter?
The History IA is a 2,200-word investigation marked out of 25 across three sections (A: Sources, B: Investigation, C: Reflection).
The criteria determine where marks are awarded, so knowing exactly what each expects lets you structure to the rubric and avoid easy losses.
The IB History IA is identical for SL and HL; it counts for 25% at SL and 20% at HL.
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How the History IA is marked (3 criteria, 25 marks total)
| Criterion | Marks | Assesses… | Examiner focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: Identification & Evaluation of Sources | 6 | Your source choices and OPVL analysis | Are the sources relevant, well-evaluated, and clearly tied to the RQ? |
| B: Investigation | 15 | The argument and evidence in your main body | Is the investigation focused, analytical, well-supported, and clearly concluded? |
| C: Reflection | 4 | How you reflect on doing historical research | Do you show awareness of historical methods and challenges faced during the process? |
IB History IA Criterion A: Identification & Evaluation of Sources (6 marks)
What does the IB History IA Criterion A assess?
This section tests how well you identify and evaluate two key sources that help answer your research question. You're expected to show historical thinking by analyzing each source’s origin, purpose, value, and limitation (OPVL) - and explain how those features affect its usefulness.
What do examiners want to see in Criterion A?
Clear, focused evaluation that connects each source directly to your RQ. You need to do more than describe the source or summarize what it says. Instead, explain why it was chosen, what it can tell you, and what its limits are — all in relation to your investigation.
What earns 5 - 6 marks?
Your RQ is stated clearly at the start of Section A
Each source is properly identified (author, type, date, context)
OPVL is specific, not generic (e.g., “limited by nationalist bias” instead of just “biased”)
Evaluation is tied directly to how the source helps or limits your ability to answer the RQ
You don’t include extra sources or drift into background information
Common pitfalls to avoid
Picking sources that aren’t closely tied to the RQ
Writing generic OPVL (e.g., “primary = reliable”)
Forgetting to explain why the source was selected
Including more than two sources
Turning the section into a narrative or literature review
Strong vs Weak Source Evaluation
| Example | Strong | Weak |
|---|---|---|
| Source Relevance | “Chosen because it reflects domestic Japanese media responses to the Mukden Incident” | “Used this article because it talks about Japan” |
| OPVL – Value | “Valuable for showing how Japan framed the event to its public at the time” | “It’s a primary source so it’s reliable” |
| OPVL – Limitation | “Limited by likely state censorship and the editorial line of the time” | “Might be biased” |
| Link to RQ | “Helps assess how the Mukden Incident was used as justification for expansion” | No link to RQ stated |
IB History IA Criterion B - The Investigation (15 marks)
What does the IB History IA Investigation assess?
This is the core of your IA. It’s where you develop a focused, analytical argument using relevant evidence from both primary and secondary sources. Examiners want to see a clear structure, historical thinking, and a direct response to your research question—not a retelling of events.
How to write a strong Investigation
Start with a brief introduction explaining your scope and method.
Develop each body paragraph around a claim, supported by evidence and your own analysis.
Blend primary and secondary sources throughout—don’t separate them.
End with a conclusion that directly answers your RQ based on your findings.
Stay analytical throughout: show how the evidence helps explain, not just describe.
What earns top marks in Criterion B?
A clearly focused and relevant investigation
Well-integrated evidence from multiple perspectives
Consistent analysis over narration
Logical progression of ideas
A conclusion that directly answers the RQ
What to avoid in Criterion B
Telling a historical story instead of making an argument
Starting with long background sections
Listing evidence without analysis
Forgetting to conclude clearly
Separating source types into different blocks
Criterion B Example: Claim → Evidence → Analysis
Claim: Japan used the Mukden Incident to justify pre-planned expansion.
Evidence: The Lytton Report found “no evidence of sabotage,” contradicting Japan’s justification.
Analysis: This shows the incident was used strategically to legitimize action, not as a genuine trigger.
Struggling to turn your research into a focused, analytical argument?
Work with an IB tutor who can help you structure your investigation and sharpen your analysis.
IB History IA Criterion C - Reflection (4 marks)
What does the IB History IA Reflection assess?
This final section asks you to reflect on the process of historical inquiry - not just what you found, but how you approached the investigation, what challenges you faced, and what that says about how historians work.
What do examiners want you to reflect on?
They’re looking for thoughtful commentary on:
The methods used by historians
The challenges involved in historical research
How your own investigation helped you understand those ideas
This isn’t about restating your conclusion or listing what went well. It’s about showing insight into what it means to do history.
How to write an effective 4-mark reflection
Refer to specific decisions you made while planning or researching
Describe a difficulty or limitation you encountered (e.g., bias, missing data, conflicting interpretations)
Connect that experience to the bigger picture of how historical knowledge is constructed
Keep it academic but personal—first person is fine if used thoughtfully
Avoid filler or vague statements; aim for one or two clear insights
Common mistakes to avoid
Repeating your conclusion or summarizing your investigation
Making generic comments (“Historians need to use reliable sources”)
Writing only about your personal feelings without linking to historical method
Trying to evaluate your performance instead of reflecting on the process
Mini reflection snippet: method → challenge → insight
“During the investigation, I found that some primary sources lacked key context and reflected political agendas of the time. This made it difficult to determine their accuracy, and helped me see how historians must balance different types of evidence to construct a full picture of events.”
Struggling to write a solid 4-mark reflection?
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IB History IA FAQs
Is the IB History IA different for SL vs HL?
No. The task and criteria are exactly the same. The only difference is the weighting: 25% of your final grade at SL, 20% at HL.
How many sources should I use overall in my IB History IA?
There’s no fixed number, but most successful IAs use 6–10 well-chosen sources. Only two are evaluated in Section A.
Can I choose a topic that wasn’t covered in class for my IB History IA?
Yes—if it fits within the syllabus and is approved by your teacher. It should be specific, focused, and researchable.
Do footnotes or images count in the word count of my IB History IA?
No. Footnotes, bibliography, captions, and images don’t count—but avoid using footnotes to sneak in extra analysis. Examiners are trained to spot that.
IB History IA Final Checklist
Make sure your IA hits all the key expectations:
RQ is focused, clearly stated, and drives the whole investigation
Section A includes two relevant sources with specific OPVL linked to the RQ
Section B is structured, analytical, and uses evidence from both primary and secondary sources
Section C reflects on how you investigated, not just what you concluded
You’ve cited sources correctly and avoided narrative or filler
Each section is clearly labeled and stays within the 2,200-word cap
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The History IA can feel like a lot to manage - balancing sources, structure, and analysis while keeping everything within 2,200 words. Working with someone who’s already been through it makes the process simpler and less stressful.
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