History · IB SL
IB History SL — 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.
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History SL chapters
11 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)
- 2.3Societies in transition (1400-1700)
- 2.4Origins, development and impact of industrialization (1750–2005)
- 2.5Independence movements (1800–2000)
- 2.6Authoritarian states (20th century)
- 2.7Causes and effects of 20th-century wars
- 2.8The Cold War: superpower tensions and rivalries
Papers in History SL
- Paper 1SL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2SL
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 SL?
- IB History at SL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, 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 SL past papers?
- Browse every recent History SL 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.