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What is the IB History (SL) exam format?
IB History SL has internal and external assessments: the IB external assessment is the part you do on test day and the IB internal assessment is usually a project or a presentation you have to work on ahead of time.
For the external assessments:
Paper 1 - source-based paper based on the five prescribed subject; will take you 1 hour (worth 30% of your final grade)
Paper 2 - essay paper based on the 12 world history topics; will take you 1 hour 30 minutes (worth 45% of your final grade)
For the internal assessments:
Historical investigation - will take you 20 hours (worth 25% of your final grade)
To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through the IB History Syllabus and our free IB History resources that cover the most important material you should know.
How do I study for IB History (SL)?
IB exams are scored using a combination of internal and external assessments. The IB score range is 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. External assessments, such as the written exams, are marked by external IB examiners, while internal assessments, such as projects or oral presentations, are graded by the student's teacher and then moderated by IB examiners. The scores from different assessments are combined, and students may earn up to 42 points from six subjects, with an additional 3 points available from the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the IB Extended Essay, for a maximum total of 45 points.
What units are on IB History (SL)?
You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 7 on the International Baccalaureate exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. Once you take a look through the breakdown below, make sure to read through the IB History (SL) study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit. The IB History (SL) revision notes are made by other students who already took that class. After that, run through the IB History (SL) flashcards to practice important terms you should know for the exam. You can also do some test prep using the tests attached to each note. There’s a lot of IB History (SL) resources for you to shuffle between until you find the method that works best for your learning style. Make sure to start ahead and leave enough time to practice.
What are the video resources?
When approaching your IB History exam review, take some time to understand how the different units are actually broken up so you can place the right emphasis on each one.
Unit 1: Military Leaders
Unit 2: Conquest and Its Impact
Unit 3: The Move to Global War
Unit 4: Rights and Protest
Unit 5: Conflict and Intervention
Unit 6: Society and Economy (750-1400)
Unit 7: Causes and Effects of Medieval Wars (750-1500)
Unit 8: Dynasties and Rulers (750-1500)
Unit 9: Societies in Transition (1400-1700)
Unit 10: Early Modern States (1450-1789)
Unit 11: Causes and Effects of Early Modern Wars (1500-1750)
Unit 12: Origins, Development and Impact of Industrialization (1750-2005)
Unit 13: Independence Movements (1800-2000)
Unit 14: Evolution and Development of Democratic States (1848-2000)
Unit 15: Authoritarian States (20th Century)
Unit 16: Causes and Effects of 20th-Century Wars
Unit 17: The Cold War: Superpower Tensions and Rivalries (20th Century)
Where can I ask IB History (SL) questions?
IB History SL requires strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of historical concepts. You’ll need to master topics in different historical periods, events, and themes, such as wars, revolutions, and political movements, while applying them to both theoretical and practical historical analysis.
What is IB History (SL)?
We’ve handpicked some of our favorite YouTube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our IB History SL study guides. These channels can be a great way to get a better understanding of fundamental topics such as historical events, political movements, wars, and revolutions. Experience practical learning through case studies and interactive classroom activities, while applying historical analysis to understand past events and their impact on the present.