IB · Diploma Programme
IB History Past Papers and Revision Resources
IB History papers are being added to this page, so the list below may be empty for now.
Humanities papers combine source or data questions with extended answers that need knowledge, selected evidence and a reasoned conclusion. IB papers differ by paper number, level and time zone, so the sections below explain how to pick the right ones for History.
IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers. Files are published by International Baccalaureate; Trinity Tutors is an independent tutoring service and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the board.
IB History Past Papers by Session
Rows will appear here as soon as IB History files are added.
Browse more on the IB past papers page.
Papers are being added
Available History Revision Resources
No IB History files have been added yet, so there is nothing to download from this page today.
Until files appear, check IB's own website (https://www.ibo.org) for the current papers and syllabus.
How to Use History Past Papers Effectively
Past papers are most useful when each one ends with a marked script and a short list of things to fix. This is a simple routine for IB History.
How to identify the paper, session and variant
IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
IB examinations take place in the May and November sessions, and some papers are set in more than one time zone (TZ1, TZ2) in the same session.
Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.
Attempt a paper under timed conditions
Choose a paper that matches your course, set the time allowed on the front page, and work without notes. Stopping early to look something up hides the gaps you are trying to find.
Learn the case studies, dates, terms or sources the syllabus expects, and practise using them as evidence instead of listing them.
Answer the command word precisely: describe, explain, evaluate and compare ask for different kinds of response.
Spend more time on the high-mark questions, and write a short plan with your main points before the long answer.
Checking your answers
No mark schemes have been added for History yet. Until they are, ask your teacher to check your work or look for the matching mark scheme on IB's website.
Read the indicative content and level descriptions to see what a developed point looks like, and compare the depth of your points rather than matching wording.
Typical slips are a list of facts without an argument, evidence that is not tied to the question, and ignoring the command word.
Keep an error log and plan your revision
After each paper, write down every lost mark in a log. Record whether marks were lost for missing knowledge, vague evidence, not answering the command word, or running out of time on long answers.
Then turn the log into a short weekly plan: choose two or three topics, revise them from your notes, and test them with fresh questions. Spread the papers you have across several weeks instead of attempting them all at once.
A good week pairs one paper with a rewrite of the weakest extended answer, then a short session on the case studies or sources it needed.
Revise by theme or period and attempt questions on one theme at a time before moving to full papers.
Check that the syllabus version matches
IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the correct IB History paper?
Check three things on the paper: the session and year, the paper number, and the variant or level when there is one. IB papers are named by subject, paper number and level. Paper 1, Paper 2 and, in some subjects, Paper 3 are separate examinations, and many papers are set for either Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
Which History syllabus version should I choose?
IB subject guides are revised on a cycle, with a first-assessment year, so confirm that your guide version matches the papers you practise. Internal assessment work is not part of past papers.
Where can I find the matching mark scheme?
No mark schemes have been added for this subject yet. Check IB's website or ask your teacher, and see the list above as new files are added.
Are all IB History past papers on this page?
No. This page lists only the files that have been added so far, and some sessions may be missing. For the full official list, use IB's own website.
Should I use Standard Level or Higher Level papers?
Use the papers that match the level you take. Check the level (SL or HL), the paper number and the time zone, and use the papers that match the level you take.
Are these files endorsed by IB?
No. The papers are published by International Baccalaureate. Trinity Tutors is an independent tutoring service and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the board, and it cannot promise any particular grade or result.
How do I revise content for History with past papers?
Attempt a question first, then close the gaps from your notes, and attempt a similar question later to see whether the knowledge now appears in your answer.
Can a tutor help me with History?
Contact us with the board, level and topics that cost you marks, and we will say honestly whether we have a suitable tutor.
Past papers, mark schemes and reports are the property of their exam boards. They are shared here for study and practice; always check the board's own website for the current syllabus and rules.
Need help with History?
Tell us the student's board, level and the topics that lose marks. We will say honestly whether we have a tutor.