IB History SL community
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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
- SLPaper 1Practise under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- SLPaper 2Drill 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 ->IB History SL — papers & markbands
Source analysis (Paper 1), thematic essays (Paper 2) and — at HL — a regional depth-study paper (Paper 3). Above are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for 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.