IBDP History SL & HL Paper 1 Focused Studies—Exam-Style Questions- New Syllabus
IBDP History SL & HL Paper 1—Focused Studies Exam-Style Questions
Prepare for IBDP History SL and HL Paper 1 with source-based exam-style questions, worked answers and detailed explanations aligned with the new syllabus—first assessment 2028.
Paper 1 is a source-based assessment based on the focused study selected by the student. Each focused-study option contains two studies, both of which must be studied. In the examination, students answer three questions connected by an overarching historical inquiry question.
The questions assess understanding of historical sources, analysis of how a source’s context affects its use, and synthesis of different historical perspectives. Students must apply relevant knowledge and understanding from their chosen focused study.
This Paper 1 assessment is taken by both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students.
IBDP History New Syllabus - 2028 Exam
Paper 1 – SL & HL
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Weighting: 30% at SL and 20% at HL
- Total marks: 24
- Assessment type: Source-based assessment based on the focused studies
- Sources: Three sources (A, B and C), which may include primary and secondary sources in written, pictorial, diagrammatic or multimodal form
- Inquiry question: Each source set is linked to one overarching inquiry question drawn from the relevant focused study
- Focused study assessed: Students study both prescribed examples within their chosen focused study, but only one of the two examples will feature in the examination
- Question 1 – 6 marks: Explain how the content of Sources A and B can be used to answer the inquiry question
- Question 2 – 6 marks: Analyse how the context of Source C influences how it can be used to answer the inquiry question
- Question 3 – 12 marks: Examine how the perspectives in all the sources can be used to answer the inquiry question
- Key skills assessed: Understanding source content, analysing source context, examining perspectives and applying knowledge from the relevant focused study
Focused Study 1: Climate and Innovation – HL & SL Paper 1
Focused Study 2: Independence and Identity – HL Paper 1
Focused Study 3: Political and Economic Transitions – HL & SL Paper 1
Focused Study 4: Conflict and Displacement – HL Paper 1
Focused Study 5: Protest and Change – HL & SL Paper 1
Free Resources vs Full Access
Begin with selected free resources or choose Full Access for comprehensive IBDP History preparation under the new syllabus, first assessment 2028.
| Resource | Free Resources | Full Access |
|---|---|---|
| Topic-wise study notes | Selected resources | Complete revision support |
| Exam-style questions | Sample questions | Full topic-wise question bank |
| Detailed answers and explanations | Limited access | Included |
| Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 preparation | Basic resources | Complete exam preparation |
| Mock tests and prediction papers | Limited access | Included where available |
Choose Your Full Access Course
Select the required examination paper or Paper 3 regional study to access complete exam-style questions and detailed explanations.
Complete resources to help you score higher.