The exams
- Paper 2 (SL and HL): concept analysis, followed by a short response and an essay within the selected thematic study.
- Paper 3 (HL only): two essays, each drawn from a different regional study, evaluating an argument.
The department’s thematic option is Authoritarian rule; its Europe studies cover the French Revolution and German and Italian unification. Timings and weights appear on the SL and HL course pages.
What examiners reward
A strong historical argument stays focused on the question, uses accurate evidence and explains its reasoning. Narrative establishes what happened; analysis explains why that sequence supports a judgement. Evaluate different perspectives rather than adding a historian’s name without explanation.
Before you write: five minutes of planning
- Unpack the command term. “To what extent” and “evaluate” ask for a judgement; “compare and contrast” needs both similarities and differences; “discuss” asks for a balanced review.
- Find the key concept. Is the question about causes, consequences, change, continuity or significance?
- Decide your answer before you start. Your thesis should answer the question in one or two sentences.
- Plan three or four analytical paragraphs, each making a point that supports or qualifies your thesis.
Paragraph structure
A reliable pattern is point, evidence, analysis, link:
- Point: a topic sentence that makes an argument, not a statement of fact.
- Evidence: specific, accurate detail — names, dates, figures, events.
- Analysis: explain how the evidence supports the point. This is where marks are won.
- Link: connect back to the question and your overall judgement.
The conclusion
Answer the question. Weigh your factors and reach a clear judgement that follows from your paragraphs — no new material.
Last updated 25 September 2026.