History · IB HL
IB History HL — papers & markbands
Source analysis (Paper 1), thematic essays (Paper 2) and — at HL — a regional depth-study paper (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
IB History HL community
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History HL chapters
17 topics · free- 1.1Paper 1 — understanding and evaluating sources
- 1.2Paper 1 — comparison and synthesis of sources
- 1.3Paper 1 — structured essay from sources
- 2.1Society and economy (750–1400)
- 2.2Causes and effects of medieval wars (750–1500)
- 2.3Dynasties and rulers (750–1500)
- 2.4Societies in transition (1400–1700)
- 2.5Early Modern states (1450–1789)
- 2.6Causes and effects of Early Modern wars (1500–1750)
- 2.7Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750–2005)
- 2.8Independence movements (1800–2000)
- 2.9Evolution and development of democratic states (1848–2000)
- 2.10Authoritarian states (20th century)
- 2.11Causes and effects of 20th-century wars
- 2.12The Cold War: superpower tensions and rivalries
- 3.1Paper 3 — regional depth study essay skills
- 3.2Paper 3 — historiography and historical debate
Papers in History HL
- Paper 1HL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- Paper 3HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB History HL?
- IB History at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. Source analysis (Paper 1), thematic essays (Paper 2) and — at HL — a regional depth-study paper (Paper 3).
- How is IB History marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB History HL past papers?
- Browse every recent History HL exam series on our IB History past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB History course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB History course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB History resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.