IB History Internal Assessment

Why?

The Internal Assessment is an integral part of the IB History course. It enables students to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests.

What?

The Internal Assessment is a written account of between 1,500-2,200 words, divided into four sections:

  1. Identification and Evaluation of sources (6 marks)
  2. Investigation (15 marks)
  3. Reflection (4 marks)
  4. Bibliography
  5. *Appendix

There is a 2,200 word limit. Very low word counts are self-punishing.

Key Concepts of History

There are six key concepts that recur throughout the IB History Course. Your question will fall into one of them. Review these concepts to deepen your thinking in regards to your inquiry.

  • Change - Why do things change?
  • Continuity - Despite of change, why do things stay the same?
  • Causation - What causes major events?
  • Consequence - What are the results of change?
  • Significance - What lessons does history provide?
  • Perspectives - Who witnesses history? How do they experience it? Why are they in their position?

Command Terms:

Analyse

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Compare

Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situation, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare and Contrast

Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situation, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Contrast

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situation, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Discuss

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors,or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Examine

Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.

To What Extent

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusion should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument

How do you Locate and Handle Sources?

Print Sources

You must select appropriate academic sources. At least 3 sources must be print sources (books, articles, or articles that have been digitized and held in a database).

When using non-fiction books, search for book reviews on the book by other historians. Book reviews can be found in historical journals that are held in databases such as OSLIS, JSTOR or in academic search engines like Google Scholar. The most successful IAs always use articles found in sources like OSLIS and JSTOR.

Encyclopedias, Wikipedia and textbooks are not serious academic sources. They can be used to gain working knowledge for you to have the keywords, people, events to enable you to begin true research, but do not make the mistake of relying on these sources.

Web Based Sources

Once you have read Wikipedia to gain enough working knowledge on your proposed topic to know the keywords, people, and events to search for, you will not use such sources again in the research process if you desire to receive top marks.

Web sources should be consulted and definitely cited even more sparingly. If a web based source is cited, it should be from a legitimate source (e.g. .edu, .org., .gov).

Pictures/Graphs/Charts

Must be labeled and placed in an appendix section after the bibliography.

Total Number of Sources: Good IAs will use between 5-8 sources total.

How do you format the Final Draft?

  • The scoring criteria must be carefully consulted to ensure each element in the level descriptor is included at a high standard.
  • The layout of the investigation should correspond to the four IB sections listed. Use IB Section Headings; they do not count in the word count.
  • Use your self-generated subtitles you created to organize your notes for Section 2, The Investigation, in the final draft. These sub-titles do count towards the 2,200 word count, but contribute to student success greatly and are well worth spending the word count.
  • You will use size 12 font, normal page margins and double space all text
  • All pages must be numbered.
  • You will create a title page with the following information: Name, Research Subject, Research Question, your Candidate Number, Cleveland’s School Code 1229
  • Chicago style or MLA will be used to format the bibliography and footnotes.

Section 0: Research

How do you take notes as you research?

Note Taking

  • Start by conducting basic research.
  • Once you have some ideas, find legitimate sources (e.g. OSLIS and JSTOR)
  • When taking notes, indicate in your notes whether you quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.
  • Record ALL citation info from a source in your notes, especially the page number!
  • Failing to follow this advice is where most plagiarism in the final draft occurs. Fabricating page numbers or source information is still a violation of Cleveland’s academic honesty policy and will be treated as plagiarism. Be a principled learner and always give credit where it is due.
  • Each source will have a thesis, not just facts and evidence. Be sure to include the author’s thesis in your notes. The thesis may be different than the purpose.

When to Quote:

  • Do not over use quotes in section 2.
  • The result of overusing quotes will create a final draft that lacks cohesion and weakens the strength of your argument. The best time to quote is when an author’s words are so unique or profound that you could not possibly recreate the impact in your own words. For example: In the documentary “Shoah” a Polish train driver who ferried Holocaust victims to the camps was asked how he felt about his role in WWII. The driver said “If you could lick my heart, it would poison you.”
  • The only other acceptable time to quote is when the author’s phrase is such that it conveys the material in a precise manner. But again, do not over use other’s words, even when properly cited.

How do you cite sources & avoid plagiarism?

Citations and Academic Honesty:

  • Use the common plagiarism resource to ensure that you do not intentionally or unintentionally plagiarize. It is located at the end of this IA guide.
  • It is impossible to over site in the IA. Thus, when in doubt, always give credit where credit is due.
  • It is the responsibility of each individual student to ensure that proper citation is always used. Failure to properly cite in the submission of the final draft, even for one sentence is an example of plagiarism. 

Section 1: Identification and evaluation of sources explained

A crucial element of this section of the internal assessment task is formulating an appropriate question to investigate. The question’s scope must be clearly defined and be narrow enough to complete in the 2,200 word limit.

This section requires students to analyse in detail two of the sources that they will use in their investigation. Sources selected must appropriate academic sources. In this section students must:

  • Clearly state the question they have chosen to investigate (this must be stated as a question)
  • Include a brief explanation of the nature of the two sources they have selected for detailed analysis, including an explanation of their relevance to the investigation.
  • Analyze the value and limitations of the two sources in relation to the investigation.

Marks

Criterion A: Identification and evaluation of sources (6 marks)

0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1-2

The question for investigation has been stated. The student has identified and selected appropriate sources, but there is little or no explanation of the relevance of the sources to the investigation.

The response describes, but does not analyze or evaluate, two of the sources.

3-4

An appropriate question for investigation has been stated. The student has identified and selected appropriate sources, and there is some explanation of the relevance of the sources to the investigation.

There is some analysis and evaluation of two sources, but reference to their value and limitations is limited.

5-6

An appropriate question for investigation has been clearly stated. The student has identified and selected appropriate and relevant sources, and there is a clear explanation of the relevance of the sources to the investigation.

There is a detailed analysis and evaluation of two sources with explicit discussions of the value and limitations of two of the sources for the investigation, with reference to the origins, purpose and content of the two sources.

Section 2: Investigation explained

This section of the internal assessment task consists of the actual investigation. The internal assessment task provides scope for a wide variety of different types of historical investigation, for example:

  • A historical topic or theme using a variety of written sources or a variety of written and non-written sources.
  • A historical topic based on fieldwork, for example, a museum, archeological site, battlefields, places of worship such as mosques or churches, historic buildings
  • A local history study.

The investigation must be clearly and effectively organized (chronological/thematic with sub-titles that indicate organization). While there is no prescribed format for how this section must be structured, it must contain critical analysis that is focused clearly on the question being investigated, and must also include the conclusion that the student draws from their analysis.

In this section, students must use a range of evidence to support their argument from appropriate sources. Web sources of any kind should be used very sparingly. Those sources selected must be vetted to ensure reliability. The exception to this guidance is the use of databases, which contain academic print sources that have digitized.

How do you write your investigation?

Create an outline for “Section 2: The investigation” by using the following structure:

  • My Thesis is (phrased to address a command term):
  • My First Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did you prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • My Second Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • My Third Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • What other historians’ answers to my question are:
  • Conclusion: Why I ultimately came to my answer to the question:

  • The rough draft should be submitted with properly formatted Citations (Chicago Style Footnotes/MLA…)
  • The rough draft should be carefully reviewed for common mistakes that result in plagiarism.

Marks

Criterion B: Investigation (15 marks)

0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1-3

The investigation lacks clarity and coherence, and is poorly organized. Where there is a recognizable structure there is minimal focus on the task.

The response contains little or no critical analysis. It may consist mostly of generalizations and poorly substantiated assertions. Reference is made to evidence from sources, but there is no analysis of that evidence.

4-6

There is an attempt to organize the investigation but this is only partially successful, and the investigation lacks clarity and coherence.

The investigation contains some limited critical analysis but the response is primarily narrative/ descriptive in nature, rather than analytical. Evidence from sources is included, but is not integrated into the analysis/ arguement.

7-9

The investigation is generally clear and well organized, but there is some repetition or lack of clarity in places.

The response moves beyond description to include some analysis or critical commentary, but this is not sustained. There is an attempt to integrate evidence from sources with the analysis/ argument.

There may be awareness of different perspectives, but these perspectives are not evaluated.

10-12

The investigation is generally clear and well organized, although there may be some repetition or lack of clarity in places.

The investigation contains critical analysis, although this analysis may lack development or clarity. Evidence from a range of sources is used to support the argument.

There is awareness and some evaluation of different perspectives. The investigation argues to a reasoned conclusion.

13-15

The investigation is clear, coherent and effectively organized.

The investigation contains well- developed critical analysis that is focused clearly on the stated question. Evidence from a range of sources is used effectively to support the argument.

There is evaluation of different perspectives. The investigation argues to a reasoned conclusion that is consistent with the evidence and arguments provided.

Section 3: Reflection explained

This section of the internal assessment task required students to reflect on what undertaking their investigation highlighted to them about the methods used by, and the challenges facing you, the historian.

Examples of discussion questions that may help to encourage reflection including the following:

  • What methods used by historians did you use in your investigation?
  • What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of those methods?
  • What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician?
  • What challenges in particular does archive- based history present?
  • How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
  • What is the difference between bias and selection?
  • What constitutes a historical event?
  • Who decides which events are historically significant?
  • It is possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way?
  • What is the role of the historian?
  • Should terms such as “atrocity” be used when writing about history, or should value judgements to be avoided?
  • If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?

Marks

Criterion C: Reflection (4 marks)

0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

1-2

The reflection contains some discussion of what the investigation highlighted to the student about the methods used by the historian

The reflection demonstrated little awareness of the challenges facing the historian and/ or the limitations of the methods used by the historian.

The connection between the reflection and the rest of the investigation is implied, but is not explicit.

3-4

The reflection is clearly focused on what the investigation highlighted to the student about the methods used by the historian.

The reflection demonstrates clear awareness of challenges facing the historian and/ or limitations of the methods used by the historian.

There is a clear and explicit connection between the reflection and the rest of the investigation.

Total marks = 25

History IA: Quick Reference Guide 

Section 0: Research

You must first know something about your selected topic before you can create a successful research question. This is the appropriate time to read textbooks, encyclopedias, and even Wikipedia to gain a working knowledge of your topic. Collect the important people, ideas, dates, events, and terms that will enable you to then launch into serious academic research.

  • Start by conducting basic research.
  • Once you have some ideas, find legitimate sources (e.g. OSLIS and JSTOR)
  • Keep track of notes using notecards or a t-chart:   Quotes  |  Source
  • When taking notes, indicate in your notes whether you quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.
  • Record ALL citation info from a source in your notes, especially the page number!
  • Use your research to formulate a research question

Section 1: Identification and evaluation of sources (400-500 words)

  • Clearly state the question they have chosen to investigate (this must be stated as a question)
  • Explain the relevance of their sources to their questions
  • Include a brief explanation of the nature of the two sources they have selected for detailed analysis, including an explanation of their relevance to the investigation.
  • Include a detailed analysis and evaluation of two sources with explicit discussions of the value and limitations of two of the sources for the investigation, with reference to the origins, purpose and content of the two sources.

Section 2: Investigation (1000-1200 words)

Create an outline for “Section 2: The investigation” by using the following structure. After completing an outline and your research, type your paper using 12 point font, normal page margins, and double space all text. Submit with properly formatted citations.

  • My Thesis is (phrased to address a command term):
  • Divide your investigation using sub-headings
  • My First Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did you prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • My Second Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • My Third Reason my thesis is correct is:
  • Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:
  • What other historians’ answers to my question are. Address other possible answers to your research question
  • Conclusion: Explain how you came to answer your research question.

Section 3: Reflection (400-500 words)

Reflect on what your investigation highlighted about the methods used by, and the challenges facing you, the historian.Use examples from your research. Write, “For example….” Examples of discussion questions that may help to encourage reflection including the following:

  • What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician?
  • What challenges in particular does archive-based history present?
  • How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
  • What is the difference between bias and selection?
  • What constitutes a historical event?
  • Who decides which events are historically significant?
  • It is possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way?
  • If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?

Section 4: Bibliography

  • Include on separate page at the end of your research paper. It should have the same margins and last name, page number header as the rest of your paper.
  • Label the page Works Cited (do not italicize the words Works Cited or put them in quotation marks) and center the words Works Cited at the top of the page.
  • Double space all citations, but do not skip spaces between entries.
  • Indent the second and subsequent lines of citations by 0.5 inches to create a hanging indent.
  • List page numbers of sources efficiently, when needed. If you refer to a journal article that appeared on pages 225 through 250, list the page numbers on your Works Cited page as 225-50. Note that MLA style uses a hyphen in a span of pages.
  • If you're citing an article or a publication that was originally issued in print form but that you retrieved from an online database, you should type the online database name in italics. You do not need to provide subscription information in addition to the database name.

Section 5[1]: Appendix

Name __________________________________________________________ DUE DATE _____________________________ Per____

History IA: Research Question and Sources

What is your research question?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Research:

Collect a series of quotes and sources as your research your issue. These quotes and sources should help in answering your research question.This is a short list, you will need more sources. Good IAs will have between 8-10 sources total.

QUOTE

SOURCE/CITATION

Name __________________________________________________________ DUE DATE _____________________________ Per____

History IA: Writing the Investigation

Directions: After you have begun your research, you need to create an outline for your investigation. Use these questions to organize your investigation.

My Thesis is (phrased to address the research question):

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. My First Reason my thesis is correct is:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Did you prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

II. My Second Reason my thesis is correct is:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

III. My Third Reason my thesis is correct is:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Did I prove it? List the evidence here AND indicate what source it came from:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IV. What other historians’ answers to my question are:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion: Why I ultimately came to my answer to the question:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remember:

  • Properly formatted Citations (Chicago Style Footnotes/MLA…)
  • Review for common mistakes that result in plagiarism.

[1] This section is only necessary if you refer to images or graphs in your paper