The revised investigation
For first assessment 2028, the investigation has three sections: historical inquiry question, sources and perspectives, and synthesis and evaluation. The former reflection section has been removed, and the investigation may use at most seven sources. These changes are confirmed in the IB’s History curriculum update.
The SL and HL pages give the current assessment weights. Use the teacher’s current guide for word limits, detailed criteria and submission requirements; the previous guide’s section allocations should not be reused.
Build a question that can be answered
Choose a bounded event or development. Define time and place, identify a historical problem, and check that accessible sources can support more than a descriptive account. A source search may change the question; record why it changed.
Select sources for a purpose
Keep a research log with full references, page numbers, relevant evidence and limitations. Select sources because of what they contribute to the inquiry. Several sources repeating the same account do not necessarily provide independent corroboration.
Turn evidence into an argument
Group evidence around competing explanations. Explain what each source can establish, consider tensions between accounts and reach a judgement proportionate to the evidence. Distinguish an absence of evidence from evidence that something did not happen.
Last updated 25 September 2026.