IB History IA Format & Structure (2025)
Step-by-step guide to structuring a high-scoring History IA
The History IA is a written investigation into a historical question of your choice.
At 2,200 words for HL and about 1,500 words for SL, it makes up 20% of your final grade at HL or 25% at SL.
A clear structure makes it easier to stay focused, meet the criteria, and present your work in a way examiners can reward.
The format is the same for HL and SL: three sections (A, B, and C) plus a bibliography. The only difference is the word limit.
Want to be confident your IB History IA is structured the right way?
Book a trial lesson and work with an expert IB History tutor who’s guided hundreds of students through their own IAs.
IB History IA Structure at a Glance
Your IB History IA has three main sections plus a bibliography. Each part serves a clear purpose and should be balanced carefully within the word limit.
IB History IA Structure Table
| Part | What to Include | Suggested Word Count |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | State your research question and evaluate two key sources with OPVL | ~500 (HL) / ~350 (SL) |
| Section B | The main investigation: build an argument, use evidence from multiple sources, and end with a conclusion that answers your RQ | ~1,200 (HL) / ~900 (SL) |
| Section C | Reflection: discuss historical methods, challenges, and what your process revealed | ~400 (HL) / ~250 (SL) |
| Bibliography | List of all sources cited (does not count toward word limit) | – |
| Appendix | Optional, only if essential (e.g., transcripts, maps). Examiners are not required to read it | – |
Keep in mind: the suggested word counts are guides, not rules. What matters most is that each section does the job the criteria require.
Formatting Rules for the IB History IA
Getting the IB History IA format right is about meeting the basics IB examiners expect: clear sections, consistent referencing, and staying under the word limit.
Word Count
HL: 2,200 words max
SL: about 1,500 words max
Footnotes, bibliography, captions, and headings don’t count
Examiners stop reading once the limit is reached
Sections & Labels
Divide your IA into Section A, Section B, and Section C
Use those labels as headings in order - don’t merge or rearrange
Research Question
Must be stated clearly (on a title page or at the top of Section A)
Referencing
Use one consistent citation style (Chicago, MLA, APA, or Harvard are all acceptable)
Include a bibliography listing all sources used (not in the word count)
Appendices
Optional; only include if truly necessary (e.g., interview transcript)
Examiners are not required to read them, so all analysis must be in the main text
IB History IA Title Page (Optional)
A title page isn’t required for the IB History IA, but some students include one to make their work look cleaner. If you add one, keep it simple:
Your Research Question (the most important element)
Your name and candidate number
Session (e.g., May 2025)
Word count
If you’d rather not bother with a title page, that’s fine - just make sure your Research Question appears clearly at the top of Section A. Examiners should see it immediately without hunting for it.
IB History IA Section A - Sources
Section A of your IB History IA is where you show examiners that you can choose and evaluate evidence like a historian. Start by stating your Research Question clearly at the top.
Then identify two significant sources you used in your investigation. These can be primary or secondary, but they must be central to answering your RQ. Introduce them with enough detail - author, type, date, and context - so the examiner understands exactly what you’re working with and why.
The bulk of Section A is the OPVL analysis (Origin, Purpose, Value, Limitation) for each source. Go beyond description: explain what each source can and cannot tell you about your RQ. For instance, a memoir written decades later might offer hindsight (value) but also suffer from memory gaps or bias (limitation).
Above all, tie everything back to your investigation. Don’t just evaluate sources in isolation - make it clear how their strengths and weaknesses affect your ability to answer the RQ. By the end of Section A, the examiner should see why you picked these two sources and what role they play in your analysis.
Want to boost your grades? Master the art of correct citation and bibliography with guidance from our expert IB tutors!
IB History IA Section B - Investigation
Section B of your IB History IA is the core of your IA: an essay-style argument that directly answers your Research Question. It’s worth 15 of the 25 marks, so most of your word count should go here.
A strong investigation has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Your intro should set the scope and outline your approach. The body should be organized logically (chronological or thematic) and developed through well-structured paragraphs. End with a conclusion that explicitly answers the RQ based on the evidence you’ve presented.
Examiners expect you to use multiple sources - both primary and secondary — and to weave them into your argument rather than keeping them in separate blocks. Each piece of evidence should be followed by analysis that explains what it shows and how it supports your point.
Top-scoring investigations also show awareness of different perspectives. This might mean contrasting historians’ interpretations or showing how sources from the time present opposing views. Acknowledging and weighing these perspectives strengthens your analysis.
What to avoid:
Writing a narrative or timeline of events instead of analysis
Spending too much space on background context that doesn’t answer the RQ
Dropping quotes or facts without commentary
Forgetting to cite sources properly
Keep every paragraph tied to the RQ, make your argument flow logically, and finish with a conclusion that leaves no doubt you’ve answered the question.
Need help turning your History IA research into a clear, analytical argument?
Book a trial lesson and work with an IB tutor who’s guided hundreds of History IAs.
IB History IA Section C - Reflection
Section C of your IB History IA is where you step back and reflect on what your investigation showed you about how history is done. Instead of restating your findings, focus on the methods historians use and the challenges they face - as revealed through your own research process.
Good reflections often mention things like evaluating source bias, comparing conflicting accounts, or dealing with gaps in the record. Show how these methods played a role in your own IA. For example: “Because many of my sources came from government records, I saw how historians must weigh official perspectives against other evidence.”
You should also highlight at least one challenge you encountered that mirrors a real issue in historical work. This might be limited access to sources, contradictions between accounts, or the difficulty of separating propaganda from fact. Connect this challenge directly to your investigation so it doesn’t feel generic.
It’s fine to write this section in the first person, since you’re reflecting on your own process. Just keep the tone academic and focused on methodology rather than feelings. A concise 300–400 words is usually enough to cover one or two thoughtful insights well.
Not sure if your History IA reflection really answers Criterion C?
Get feedback on your paper from an IB History expert before you submit.
Bibliography
Your History IA must end with a bibliography listing every source you cited. This is required, and missing it can cost marks.
Use one consistent citation style throughout (Chicago footnotes are common in history, but MLA, APA, or Harvard are all acceptable).
Include all sources you actually used in Sections A, B, or C. If it appears in your IA, it should appear in your bibliography.
Don’t pad the list with books or websites you didn’t use — examiners can tell when sources are inflated.
The bibliography isn’t part of the word count, so there’s no reason to cut corners.
Appendices (If Needed)
Appendices are optional and rarely required. Only include one in your History IA if it genuinely adds something essential, like an interview transcript or a map that supports your analysis.
If you use an appendix, label it clearly (e.g., Appendix A: Interview Transcript).
Never use appendices to hide extra analysis or evidence - examiners are not required to read them.
All key points must be in the main 2,200 (or 1,500) words. Think of appendices as background material, not part of the argument.
Many strong History IAs don’t include appendices at all.
IB History IA Final Tips & Checklist
Before you submit, run through this quick check to avoid easy mark losses:
Label Sections A, B, and C clearly so examiners can follow your work.
Stay within the word limit (2,200 HL / ~1,500 SL). Examiners stop reading once it’s exceeded.
Cite every source you use and keep your bibliography consistent.
Keep structure logical — intro, body, conclusion in Section B, with no missing pieces.
Cross-check against the criteria: does A evaluate two sources, B analyze and conclude, C reflect on methods and challenges?
A few minutes spent checking these points can make the difference between dropping marks and securing them.
Need Help with Your IB History IA?
Whether you’re still shaping your research question, polishing your argument in Section B, or checking citations before submission, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our tutors are all former IB students - many now IB teachers and examiners - with years of experience guiding students through every stage of the IB History IA.
With a 4.8★ rating on Trustpilot, Think Smart has helped thousands of IB students structure stronger IAs, sharpen their analysis, and submit with confidence.
Book a trial lesson for one-on-one support at any stage of your IA
The help we wished we had - now available for you.
