How many topics do I need to teach for Paper 2?
You must teach at least two topics. Teaching a third is optional but gives students more flexibility and can be useful for school-based assessments or if a student struggles with one area unexpectedly.

How many case studies should I teach within each topic?
Aim for three case studies from different IB regions. This gives students the range they need to answer most questions. It also ensures they can compare different contexts effectively in the exam.

Do I need to teach all the bullet points listed in the syllabus?
Yes. Each bullet point can appear in a question, so students need to be prepared for all of them. Choose case studies that allow students to answer any part of the topic using two relevant examples from two regions.

What counts as different regions according to the IB?
The IB divides the world into five regions:

• Europe

• The Americas

• Asia and Oceania

• Africa

• The Middle East

Students must use examples from two different regions to access the top bands. Using Germany and Italy, for example, would count as one region (Europe) and wouldn’t meet the requirement.

Can I teach fewer than three topics if we’re short on time?
While two topics are the minimum, it’s always safer to teach three if time allows. If you’re tight on schedule, focus on depth over breadth—but make sure students are fully secure in the two topics they’ll use in the exam.

Can topics or case studies overlap with other IB papers?
Yes. There’s no rule against overlap. For example, Hitler can appear in Paper 2’s Authoritarian States, Paper 3’s Inter-war developments, and Paper 1’s German expansion. It’s often helpful for consolidation if the overlap is deliberate and well-structured.

Exam Choices and Question Selection

Can students write both essays on the same topic?
No. Students must answer one essay from each of two different topics. Writing both essays on Authoritarian States, for example, is not allowed.

Can students bring in examples from other topics if relevant?
Yes, as long as the main focus is clearly within the selected Paper 2 topic. Cross-topic references can deepen analysis, but they should support—not replace—the main examples.

Topic-Specific FAQs

Topic 11: Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars

How many wars do I need to teach for this topic?
Students should study wars that allow them to address the three types required by the syllabus: civil wars, guerrilla wars, and wars between states.

Some wars such as the Spanish Civil War, Chinese Civil War, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iran–Iraq War, Algerian War of Independence, or the Nicaraguan Revolution / Contra War, can be used to cover more than one type. It’s also essential to ensure regional variety, as exam questions may ask for examples from different parts of the world.

Can students use both World Wars in a comparison essay?
Yes, but only if they’re treating them as wars from different regions. For example, comparing WWI in Europe with WWII in Asia is fine. But comparing WWII in Europe with WWII in the Pacific is still just one war.

Essay Planning and Writing

Should students write a plan before their essays?
Definitely, but keep it short. A quick outline helps students stay focused and avoid rambling, but spending too much time planning can hurt their writing time. Examiners don’t mark outlines, so students shouldn’t rely on them to make up for weak essays.

Is there a set structure students must follow in their essays?
There’s no official structure from the IB, but strong essays usually have a clear introduction, well-developed arguments, evidence-based paragraphs, and a conclusion. Whatever structure is used, the key is to stay analytical and focused on the question.

What does ‘perspectives’ mean in the markscheme?
It’s a broad term. Perspectives might include:

• Different sides in a conflict

• Political vs. social interpretations

• Historians’ viewpoints

• Contemporary vs. retrospective views
  It’s not just about name-dropping historians. A good essay shows an awareness of different ways to approach the issue.

Do students need historiography to get top marks?
No. Referencing historians can help but it’s not required. What matters most is the strength of the argument, the clarity of analysis, and the quality of evidence used. If historiography is included, it should support the student’s thinking, not replace it.

Assessment and Marking

What happens if a student uses only one case study in an essay?
That limits the depth and comparative element required in Paper 2. Using just one example will keep the essay in the lower bands—students must use two examples from two regions to access the higher levels.

Can students be penalised for factual errors?
Yes. Mistakes or inaccuracies can weaken an otherwise strong argument. Students should revise thoroughly and only include details they’re confident in.

Where can I find the latest grade boundaries for Paper 2?
Your school’s IB coordinator should have these. You can also find official grade boundaries and examiner feedback in the Subject Reports on MyIB.