Resource by RJ Tarr at www.activehistory.co.

uk The Internal Assessment in IB History Total: 1500-2000 words; 25 marks available in total Marks 2 Section A. Plan of the Investigation
INTRODUCTION This serves the same purpose as an introduction in a normal essay. Follow this sort of format and you can't go wrong: a. Paragraph 1: "This study will seek to answer the question 'X'. I chose this question because..." b. Paragraph 2: "In order to answer this question, I have structured my analysis section [d] in the following manner..." c. Paragraph 3: "Throughout the study, I make use of a variety of sources, including the following:..." NARRATIVE In this section, DESCRIBE the main events, issues, personalities etc. relevant to the study. As far as possible, it should "tell a story" - it is designed so the examiner gets an overview of the topic. It should be detailed, with plenty of QUOTES+FOOTNOTES to show that it is well researched (aim for at least five different sources and the more BOOKS the better). Illustrations / documents etc. should be included in Section [F] as appendices and are not included in the word count. ANALYSIS (a) Sourcework skills Select two sources of different types (e.g. NOT two films or two books - but rather one of each), and assess their usefulness. This should be approached in exactly the same way as the question in paper 1: "With reference to their origins and purpose, explain the value and limitations of Sources X and Y". ANALYSIS (b) Essay skills This is the main part of the study, and should be written in the same format as an IB essay. You could follow this format 1. Importance of the investigation in its historical context (why was your topic important THEN? What lessons does it still provide for use NOW?) 2. Different interpretations: What are the main debates between historians and commentators on your subject? 3. Critical analysis of evidence: Quote+Footnote as often as you can, from a wide range of sources. Refer to the value and limitations of all sources you use to help you answer the question. 4. Historiography and philosophy in history: Does the study raise any fundamental problems of history? Refer to your TOK sessions on causation and sources here to help. A bibliography and / or list of other sources must be included although this will not form part of the word count. All sources need to be listed. A consistent, recognised system should be used (e.g. the Harvard author-date system) It is recommended that non-written sources (websites, oral interviews, pictures etc) are listed separately.
Word Count (approx)

100-150

B. Summary of Evidence

500-600

C. Evaluation of Sources

250-400

D. Analysis

500-650

E. Conclusion

150-200

F. List of Sources

[not included]

Resource by RJ Tarr at www.activehistory.co.uk

Examiners Markscheme for the Internal Assessment (2010 Criteria) NAME = ??/25.
Section A. Plan of the Investigation 0 1 2 3 B. Summary of Evidence 0 12 34 56 C. Evaluation of Sources 0 1 23 45 D. Analysis 0 12 34 Mark There is no plan of the investigation, or it is inappropriate. The research question, method and scope of the investigation are not clearly stated. The research question is clearly stated. The method and scope of the investigation are outlined and related to the research question. The research question is clearly stated. The method and scope of the investigation are fully developed and closely focused on the research question. There is no relevant factual material. There is some relevant factual material but it has not been referenced. There is relevant factual material that shows evidence of research, organization and referencing. The factual material is all relevant to the investigation and it has been well researched, organized and correctly referenced. There is no description or evaluation of the sources. The sources are described but there is no reference to their origin, purpose, value and limitation. There is some evaluation of the sources but reference to their origin, purpose, value and limitation may be limited. There is evaluation of the sources and explicit reference to their origin, purpose, value and limitation. There is no analysis. There is some attempt at analysing the evidence presented in section B. There is analysis of the evidence presented in section B and references are included. There may be some awareness of the significance to the investigation of the sources evaluated in section C. Where appropriate, different interpretations are considered. There is critical analysis of the evidence presented in section B, accurate referencing, and an awareness of the significance to the investigation of the sources evaluated in section C. Where appropriate, different interpretations are analysed. There is no conclusion, or the conclusion is not relevant. The conclusion is stated but is not entirely consistent with the evidence presented. The conclusion is clearly stated and consistent with the evidence presented. A list of sources is not included or the investigation is not within the word limit. A list of sources is included but these are limited or one standard method is not used consistently or the word count is not clearly and accurately stated on the title page. A list of sources using one standard method is included and the investigation is within the word limit. An appropriate list of sources, using one standard method, is included. The investigation is within the word limit. Mark and Comment

56

E. Conclusion

0 1 2

F. List of Sources / Word Limit

0 1

2 3