IB History SL Paper 1
For IB History HL Paper 1, you have 1 hour to answer four questions based on sources.
Since this is a source-based paper, managing your time efficiently is crucial.
Recommended Time Breakdown
1.​ Question 9 (5 minutes) – Comprehension
○​ 9a) (3 marks) → Identify information from the source. Give 2–3 points. (~2 min)
○​ 9b) (2 marks) → Identify the message of the source. Keep it concise. (~2 min)
2.​ Question 10 (5 minutes) – Comparison
○​ (4 marks) → Compare similarities and differences between two sources.
○​ Use direct references to both sources.
3.​ Question 11 (10 minutes) – Evaluation of Origin, Purpose, Content,Value, and
Limitations (OPCVL)
○​ (6 marks) → Assess one source using OPVL:
■​ Origin: Who wrote it? Who published it? When? Where?)
■​ Purpose: Who is the intended audience of the source? What are they meant
to get from it
■​ Content: What are the main ideas?
■​ Value: How does this source help you to explore your research question? How
will it help you to connect to your global context, create your final project
and/or achieve your goal?
■​ Limitations: What questions does this source raise? What perspective does
the source take? Does the information contrast with other sources? Does it
present a balanced view? What does it make you think about the next steps
for your research?
○​ Provide contextual knowledge to support your evaluation.
4.​ Question 12 (20 minutes) – Essay using sources & own knowledge
○​ (9 marks) → Develop an argument using all sources + your own knowledge.
○​ Structure:
■​ Intro (2 min) → Define terms, state argument.
■​ Body (15 min) → Use all sources + outside knowledge to support your points.
■​ Conclusion (3 min) → Summarize argument clearly.
Final Review (5 minutes)
●​ Double-check key terms and historical accuracy.
●​ Double-check the sources and the questions –did you really choose the “Move to
Global War” section.
IB History SL Paper 2
For IB History HL Paper 2, you have 1 hour 30 minutes to write two essays, meaning you
should aim for 45 minutes per essay. Here's how you can structure your time efficiently:
Time Management per Essay (45 minutes each)
1.​ 5–7 minutes: Planning
○​ Read the question carefully and underline key terms.
○​ Identify the command terms (e.g., "To what extent," "Evaluate," "Compare and
contrast").
○​ Brainstorm key points, arguments, and supporting evidence.
○​ Outline a clear structure: Thesis + 3-4 body paragraphs + Conclusion.
2.​ 30–35 minutes: Writing
○​ Introduction (5 minutes) → Define key terms, state your argument (thesis),
and briefly outline your main points.
○​ Body Paragraphs (25–30 minutes) → Each paragraph should have a topic
sentence, supporting evidence (historical examples), and analysis linking back
to the question.
○​ Conclusion (5 minutes) → Summarize key points and reinforce your thesis.
3.​ 3–5 minutes: Reviewing
○​ Check clarity, coherence, and grammar.
○​ Ensure arguments are well-supported and consistently answer the question.
Overall Exam Time Management
●​ First 5 minutes: Read all the questions and pick the two best ones.
●​ Next 1 hour 25 minutes: Follow the 45-minute breakdown for each essay.
What is your plan per writing?
IB History HL Paper 3
For IB History HL Paper 3, you have 2 hours 30 minutes to write three essays—meaning
you should aim for about 50 minutes per essay, leaving some time for planning and
reviewing. Here's a suggested breakdown:
Time Management per Essay (50 minutes each)
1.​ 5–7 minutes: Planning
○​ Carefully read the question and underline key terms.
○​ Brainstorm key points, arguments, and examples.
○​ Outline a rough structure (thesis, main points, and evidence).
2.​ 35–40 minutes: Writing
○​ Introduction (5 minutes) → Define key terms, state your argument
(thesis), and outline your main points.
○​ Body Paragraphs (25–30 minutes) → Each should have a clear topic
sentence, specific evidence, and analysis.
○​ Conclusion (5 minutes) → Summarize key arguments and reinforce your
thesis.
3.​ 3–5 minutes: Reviewing
○​ Check for clarity, coherence, and small errors.
○​ Make sure your argument is consistent and well-supported.
Overall Exam Time Management
●​ First 5 minutes: Read all the questions and choose your best three.
●​ Next 2 hours 25 minutes: Follow the 50-minute breakdown for each essay.
What is your plan per writing?