IB Paper III Style Essay IB HOTA 1

Writing an Effective Essay Misconceptions/Biases BIG IDEAS Remove Misconceptions/Biases Question? Effective Essay Effective Essay Arguments/Evidence Introduction/Body Paragraphs/Conclusion

IB PAPER III Why is it so important to plan? You need a clear argument before you start writing your essay. A plan will allow you to see if your argument works. Do you have enough evidence to support it? It will allow you to sort out your key paragraphs and decide the order. It will allow you to write your essay faster and avoid time pressures and repetition.

IB PAPER III The Introduction Show that you understand the question. This could involve referring to the dates set or events mentioned in the question and putting them into context and also explaining any concepts. Indicate the scope of your essay. Set out your line of argument. Provide a transition to the first body paragraph of your essay.

IB PAPER III The Main Body: Paragraphs A clear opening sentence which links to the question and states the key point or argument of the paragraph. Evidence which supports the point given in the first sentence. A final sentence which sums up the argument of the paragraph and leads on to the next paragraph. Your sequence or paragraphs should lead the reader through a clear line of argument and also show that you are being analytical rather than just describing or telling a story.

IB PAPER III Using Evidence You need to develop the idea you established in your opening sentence further and support it with evidence. Selecting the appropriate evidence is key. Only include information that supports your claim and make it clear why that piece of information supports your claim - don’t leave it for the reader to work out. Include analytical links to show how your evidence links to the question.

IB PAPER III Use of Historiography Part of your evidence must include the views of historians or even direct quotes from historians (if practical). Your essay is NOT an essay about historians’ views. Your aim is to use historical debate as evidence for your own argument. Only use quotations to support your argument. Do not use quotations just to fill space or word/page requirements. Evidence should support the key point in the paragraph. Historiography should not be a substitute/replacement for solid factual knowledge, accurate chronology and sequencing which must form the basis of any effective essay.

IB PAPER III The Conclusion It is important that your conclusion leaves a good impression and reminds the reader of your argument. Restate your main point or argument. Link back to the title to show that your argument answers the question set. Don’t introduce any new points or evidence in your conclusion.

ESSAY QUESTIONS for IB Paper III Style Essay Choose One

Question #1: For what reasons and, in what ways, did supporters of slavery in the 18th and 19th century use legal, religious, and economic arguments in its defense?

Question #2: Why was the slave rebellion in Haiti successful, while slave rebellions elsewhere in the Americas before 1850 failed?