The Internal Assessment (IA) and Extended Essay (EE) are often the most daunting parts of the IB History curriculum, but they are also your best opportunity to secure high marks before you even sit for your exams. I provide specialized, step-by-step guidance to take the stress out of the research process.

Here is exactly how we will tackle your coursework together:

Formulating a Winning Research Question: 

A great essay starts with a great prompt. We will brainstorm and refine a focused, debatable, and highly specific research question that meets IB standards and provides a clear, manageable path for your investigation.

Strategic Source Selection: 

Finding the right evidence is half the battle. I will guide you on how to locate, select, and evaluate high-quality primary sources and academic historiography, ensuring your arguments are rooted in credible historical evidence.

Decoding the IB Rubric: 

We will break down the exact IB grading criteria so you know exactly where your marks come from.

For the IA: 

We will perfect your source evaluation (OPVL) in Section A, structure a balanced, analytical investigation in Section B, and write a highly scoring reflection in Section C.

For the EE: 

We will ensure your methodology, critical thinking, and engagement align perfectly with the highest mark bands, turning a good draft into an outstanding piece of historical research.

IB History IA Checklist

Your step-by-step guide to scoring top marks in your Internal Assessment.

Topic & Research Question

•  The 10-Year Rule: My topic does not focus on events that happened within the last 10 years.

•  Focused Research Question (RQ): My RQ is specific, debatable, and clearly stated. (e.g., “To what extent did X cause Y?” rather than “What happened during X?”)

•  Scope: My topic is narrow enough to be analyzed deeply within the 2,200-word limit.

Section A: Identification and Evaluation of Sources (Max 500 words | 6 Marks)

This section sets the stage by evaluating two of your most important sources.

•  State the RQ: I have clearly stated my Research Question at the very beginning of this section.

•  Source Selection: I have selected exactly two key sources and briefly explained their relevance to my investigation.

•  OPVL Analysis (Source 1): I have analyzed the first source for its Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitations.

•  OPVL Analysis (Source 2): I have analyzed the second source for its Origin, Purpose, Value, and Limitations.

•  Link to the RQ: My evaluation of the values and limitations is specifically tied to how useful the source is for answering my specific research question, not just general statements.

Section B: Investigation (Max 1,300 words | 15 Marks)

This is the core essay where you argue your case using evidence.

•  Clear Context: I have provided brief historical context so the reader understands the background of the event.

•  Critical Analysis (Not Narrative): I am analyzing why and how things happened, rather than just telling a story of what happened.

•  Integration of Sources: I have actively used the two sources evaluated in Section A, alongside other primary and secondary sources.

•  Multiple Perspectives: I have included and evaluated different historical perspectives or historiography (e.g., orthodox vs. revisionist views).

•  Logical Structure: My investigation flows logically with clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific theme or argument.

•  Strong Conclusion: My conclusion directly answers the Research Question and is fully supported by the evidence presented in the essay.

Section C: Reflection (Max 400 words | 4 Marks)

This section is about your experience acting as a historian.

•  Focus on the Process: I have reflected on the methods used by historians, not just summarized my essay's conclusion.

•  Personal Challenges: I have discussed specific challenges I faced during my research (e.g., dealing with biased sources, lack of access to archives, conflicting evidence).

•  The Nature of History: I have made connections between my investigation and broader questions about what history is (e.g., Can historians ever be truly objective? How does hindsight affect our understanding?).

Formatting & Final Polish

•  Word Count: My total word count is strictly under the 2,200-word limit (excluding bibliography).

•  Citations: I have consistently used a recognized citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) for all quotes, paraphrases, and statistics.

•  Bibliography: I have included a complete and correctly formatted bibliography at the end of the document.

•  Proofreading: I have checked for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

Need Expert Help with Your IA?

Don't let the Internal Assessment drag down your final IB grade. If you are struggling to find the right sources, structure your investigation, or perfect your OPVL, I can help.