Comparison sits at the heart of IB History, but it is also one of the most misunderstood skills. Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), comparison is no longer an optional extra — it is a core method of historical inquiry.
Many students believe they are comparing when they place two examples side by side. In reality, this approach rarely scores highly. True comparison requires explanation, judgment, and conceptual focus.
This article explains how comparison actually works in IB History, how it is assessed under the new specification, and how students can use it effectively across exams and essays.
Quick Start Checklist
- What comparison means in IB History
- Why comparison matters more under FA 2028
- How examiners assess comparison
- Common comparison mistakes
- How to practise comparison effectively
Why Comparison Is Central to IB History
Under the first assessment 2028 specification, IB History is explicitly designed as a comparative, global course.
Comparison allows students to:
- Identify patterns across contexts
- Explain similarities and differences
- Apply historical concepts consistently
- Avoid narrow, single-case explanations
Comparison is how students demonstrate historical understanding, not just knowledge.
What Comparison Is (And What It Is Not)
True comparison involves:
- Identifying a point of similarity or difference
- Explaining why that similarity or difference exists
- Linking the explanation to context and concepts
Comparison is not:
- Writing about one case, then another, separately
- Listing similarities or differences without explanation
- Treating examples as isolated narratives
Examiners reward explanation, not juxtaposition.
How Comparison Appears in IB History Questions
Under FA 2028, comparison appears in several forms:
- Explicit “compare” questions
- Questions requiring analysis of patterns
- Thematic essays across regions
- HL Paper 3 synthesis questions
Even when the word compare is not used, comparison is often implied.
The Role of Concepts in Comparison
Strong comparison is always concept-driven.
Students compare using concepts such as:
- Cause and consequence
- Continuity and change
- Perspectives
- Significance
Concepts provide the framework that makes comparison analytical rather than descriptive.
What Examiners Look For in Comparative Responses
Examiners reward students who:
- Integrate cases within the same paragraph
- Use comparative language (“whereas”, “in contrast”, “similarly”)
- Explain reasons for divergence or similarity
- Maintain focus on the question throughout
- Evaluate relative importance
Separate mini-essays rarely score well.
Common Comparison Mistakes Students Make
Under the new course, common mistakes include:
- Writing separate case studies with no integration
- Comparing surface features only
- Ignoring context
- Failing to explain why differences exist
- Avoiding evaluation
These mistakes lead to low-to-mid markband responses.
What Strong Comparative Paragraphs Look Like
Strong comparative paragraphs:
- Address both cases together
- Identify a clear comparative point
- Explain underlying causes
- Use selective evidence
- Link back to the question
They read as analytical arguments, not summaries.
Comparison at SL vs HL
Both SL and HL students must compare, but expectations differ.
- SL students focus on clear explanation of similarities and differences.
- HL students must evaluate, synthesise, and judge relative importance more explicitly.
HL comparison is deeper, not just broader.
How to Practise Comparison Effectively
Effective comparison practice under FA 2028 includes:
- Planning essays around comparative points
- Writing integrated paragraphs
- Practising thematic questions
- Reviewing examiner markschemes
- Comparing fewer cases more deeply
Quality of comparison matters far more than quantity.
How RevisionDojo Helps Students Master Comparison
RevisionDojo is designed to help students build strong comparative skills under the new IB History course.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Recognise when comparison is required
- Structure integrated comparative paragraphs
- Apply concepts consistently
- Avoid descriptive case studies
- Meet examiner expectations
This turns comparison into a scoring opportunity rather than a weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to compare in IB History essays?
Not always explicitly, but many questions reward comparative thinking even when not stated directly.
Is comparison more important at HL?
Yes. HL students are expected to compare with greater depth, evaluation, and synthesis.
Can I compare more than two cases?
Yes, but only if comparison remains clear and focused. Overloading comparisons often weakens analysis.
Final Thoughts
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), comparison is one of the most powerful ways to demonstrate historical understanding. It shows that students can connect evidence, apply concepts, and explain patterns across contexts.
Students who master comparison gain a clear advantage across essays and exams. With structured guidance and consistent practice, comparison becomes a strength rather than a challenge.
That is exactly what RevisionDojo is built to support.
