For Higher Level (HL) students, Paper 3 is where IB History becomes unmistakably demanding. It is the paper that tests whether students can go beyond explanation and demonstrate sustained evaluation, synthesis, and historical judgment.
Under the new IB DP History course (first assessment 2028), Paper 3 expectations are clearer — and higher — than ever before. Students who approach it like an extended Paper 2 often struggle to reach top markbands.
This article explains IB History Paper 3, what examiners are really looking for, and how HL students should approach depth and evaluation under the new specification.
Quick Start Checklist
- What IB History Paper 3 tests
- How Paper 3 differs from Paper 2
- What “depth” means in practice
- How evaluation is assessed
- Common HL mistakes to avoid
What Is IB History Paper 3?
Paper 3 is an HL-only essay paper focused on regional depth studies.
Students are required to:
- Write extended essays
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of specific regions
- Evaluate historical developments
- Compare and synthesise across case studies
Paper 3 is designed to distinguish strong HL historical thinkers from those relying on surface-level understanding.
How Paper 3 Differs From Paper 2
Although both are essay-based, Paper 3 demands a different level of thinking.
- Paper 2 focuses on concept-driven explanation and argument.
- Paper 3 requires sustained evaluation, synthesis, and judgment across a broader and deeper body of knowledge.
In Paper 3, explanation alone is not enough — evaluation must drive the essay.
What “Depth” Really Means in Paper 3
Depth in Paper 3 is not about memorising more facts.
It means:
- Understanding developments in detail
- Explaining how and why interpretations differ
- Recognising complexity rather than oversimplifying
- Linking specific evidence to broader arguments
Depth shows control over material, not just familiarity with it.
Evaluation: The Core of Paper 3
Evaluation is what separates mid-range HL responses from top-level ones.
Under FA 2028, evaluation involves:
- Weighing different factors or explanations
- Assessing relative importance
- Considering limitations of arguments
- Acknowledging complexity and nuance
Evaluation should appear throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion.
The Role of Synthesis in HL Responses
Paper 3 also rewards synthesis — the ability to bring ideas together.
This includes:
- Linking developments across case studies
- Comparing patterns across time or regions
- Integrating different perspectives
- Drawing coherent judgments from complexity
Essays that treat topics in isolation often struggle to access higher markbands.
Common Paper 3 Mistakes HL Students Make
Under the new course, common mistakes include:
- Writing descriptive or narrative essays
- Saving evaluation for the conclusion only
- Overloading answers with factual detail
- Failing to compare or synthesise
- Ignoring the question focus
These mistakes signal weak HL-level thinking to examiners.
What High-Scoring Paper 3 Essays Look Like
Strong Paper 3 responses:
- Establish a clear evaluative argument early
- Use evidence selectively and purposefully
- Integrate evaluation throughout
- Compare and synthesise effectively
- Maintain focus on the question
They read like reasoned historical judgments, not summaries.
How to Prepare for Paper 3 Effectively
Effective Paper 3 preparation under FA 2028 involves:
- Practising evaluative essay planning
- Comparing case studies deliberately
- Reviewing examiner markbands
- Focusing on quality of argument, not quantity of notes
- Getting feedback on depth and evaluation
HL success comes from refinement, not memorisation.
How RevisionDojo Supports HL Paper 3 Students
RevisionDojo is designed to support the highest-level demands of IB History HL.
RevisionDojo helps students:
- Understand what evaluation really means
- Build synthesis into essays naturally
- Avoid descriptive writing
- Practise HL-style questions
- Meet top markband expectations
This gives HL students clarity and confidence when approaching Paper 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paper 3 the hardest IB History paper?
For many students, yes — because it requires sustained evaluation. With the right approach, it becomes manageable.
Do I need more content for Paper 3 than Paper 2?
You need deeper understanding, not just more content. Depth and judgment matter more than volume.
Can I still score well if I struggle with evaluation?
Evaluation is essential for high marks. Improving it is one of the fastest ways to raise HL performance.
Final Thoughts
IB History Paper 3 under the first assessment 2028 specification defines what it means to study History at Higher Level. It rewards depth, evaluation, and synthesis — not memorisation or narrative writing.
HL students who understand this early and practise accordingly place themselves in a strong position to succeed. With structured guidance and targeted practice, Paper 3 becomes an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
That is exactly the support RevisionDojo is built to provide.
