IBDP History SL & HL Paper 2 Thematic Studies - Exam-Style Questions- New Syllabus
IBDP History SL & HL Paper 2—Thematic Studies Exam-Style Questions
Prepare for IBDP History SL and HL Paper 2 with syllabus-focused exam-style questions, worked answers and detailed explanations aligned with the new syllabus—first assessment 2028.
Paper 2 is based on one thematic study selected from four options: Conflict; Innovation and Transformation; Authoritarian Rule; and Popular Movements. Students explore their selected thematic study through prescribed inquiry questions and relevant historical examples.
In Section A, students choose one of two questions and analyse specified historical concepts using a relevant example from their thematic study. In Section B, students choose one of two questions and answer both parts: a short-response question and an essay question requiring the synthesis of different historical examples.
Paper 2 is taken by both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. The examination lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 25 marks.
IBDP History HL & SL Paper 2- New Syllabus - 2028 Exam
Paper 2 – SL & HL
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Weighting: 40% at SL and 25% at HL
- Total marks: 25
- Assessment type: Short-response and essay-response questions based on the specified historical concepts and the thematic study
- Thematic study: Students select one thematic study from a choice of four
- Section A: Two questions are set on the specified historical concepts; students answer one question
- Section A focus: Analyse a historical concept using a relevant historical example from the selected thematic study
- Section B: Two questions are set for each thematic study; students choose one question and answer both parts
- Section B(a): Short-response question assessing understanding of a relevant historical example from the thematic study
- Section B(b): Essay-response question requiring students to synthesize diverse historical examples and formulate an analytical argument
- Historical examples: Students should use appropriate examples from more than one region, especially in essay responses
- Key skills assessed: Analysing historical concepts, explaining relevant examples, making connections between diverse global examples and constructing analytical arguments
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 |
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