The two topics I have focused on as an IB History teacher are:
World history topic 10: Authoritarian states (20th century)
World history topic 11: Causes and effects of 20th century wars
A third possible topic is:
World history topic 12: The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)
This essay paper is based on 12 world history topics. You need to answer two essay questions on two different topics. Paper Two gives 45% of the final grade for SL (Standard Level) and 25% of the final grade for HL (Higher Level).
The IB Syllabus points out these specific parts to study: PAPER TWO Syllabus explanation on what to study
Markscheme for Paper Two: PAPER 2 MARKSCHEME 2017
TUTOR COMMENT: This paper focuses on the ability to write history essays so essay skills are essential (if you have poor or no essay skills note that I offer a specific essay writing course). Paper Two has a time limit of 90 minutes. During this time you should be able to write two full essays from two different topics. In the tutoring session you will be given some samples and learn to focus on the question as well as practising organisering an essay answer within the time limit. If you study at SL (Standard Level) this is the Paper that gives you the most marks (45% of your final grade) so it’s important to know what to do.