IB History IA: Choosing the Right Question

The IB History IA is more than just another essay. It is your chance to explore a historical topic that interests you, demonstrate research skills, and show examiners that you can think critically about the past.

But here is the catch: your IA is only as strong as the question you choose. A weak or unfocused question can lead to vague arguments, poor analysis, and a lower score.

At Frontier Tuition, our tutors have guided many IB students through the History IA process. Here are the key tips for choosing the right question and avoiding common mistakes.

1. Avoid Overly Broad Questions

Many students start with topics that are too wide, such as "What were the causes of World War II?" Questions like this are impossible to cover effectively in 2,200 words.

✅ Tip: Narrow your focus to a specific event, leader, policy, or short time period. For example, instead of "Why did the Cold War start?", try "To what extent did the Truman Doctrine contribute to the start of the Cold War between 1947 and 1949?"

2. Pick a Question That Can Be Researched

Some students choose fascinating topics, only to discover there are few reliable sources available. Without strong evidence, your analysis will feel weak.

✅ Tip: Before finalising your question, check that you have access to primary and secondary sources. A good IA question balances personal interest with practical research possibilities.

3. Ask an Analytical Question, Not a Descriptive One

The IA is not about retelling history, it is about evaluating and interpreting it. Questions that simply ask "What happened?" will not score highly.

✅ Tip: Frame your question around "how far," "to what extent," or "why." These encourage critical thinking and allow you to build an argument rather than just describing events.

4. Choose a Topic You Actually Care About

The History IA takes time. If you pick a topic only because it seems easy, you may lose motivation. Passion makes research and writing far more engaging.

✅ Tip: Choose a historical period, conflict, or theme that genuinely interests you. Many successful IAs come from students researching local history, or lesser-known case studies in time periods that interest them the most.

5. Make Sure the Scope Fits the Word Count

Some topics are too large, while others are so narrow they do not give you enough material. Striking the right balance is essential.

✅ Tip: Test your question by drafting a quick outline with all your points laid out. Go on the hunt for both primary and secondary evidence, and if you cannot find enough evidence or you end up with too many angles to cover, adjust the scope of the question until it feels manageable.

Sometimes, the research itself will help you perfect the question you should be asking.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right History IA Question

The IB History IA is a unique opportunity to dive into a subject you care about, but it all starts with the right question. A strong, focused, and analytical question gives you the best chance of scoring highly.

At Frontier Tuition, our expert IB History tutors can help you refine your question, find reliable sources, and guide you through the IA step by step.

👉 Ready to get started on your History IA? Contact Frontier Tuition today and work with a tutor who knows how to make your IA stand out.