IB History Paper 1 Sound Advice

Paper 1 Question 1 Comprehension Balance out the simple ‘meaning’ and too much historical contextualization. You need not provide the dictionary definition, nor do you write the whole story. Use bullet points to avoid narrative. Look at the mark allocation and remember the time limit.

Question 2 Analysis Use a highlighter Useful terms: similarly, whereas, both, in contrast Useful phrases: Source A backs; supports source B Avoid an end-on approach: do not analyse each document separately Add direct quotes, but only relevant words or phrases Don’t waste your time saying something unnecessary; no need to state the provenance of the source

Question 3 Evaluation Keep to the question. No need to make general statements, such as ‘Both sources have their values and limitations.’ Treat each source separately. Do not compare or contrast the document. Do not use the following formulae: – Limitation because it is a translation – Limitation because it is an excerpt – Limitation because it is a secondary source – Do not analyze the content of the document

Evaluation cont. To find the origin, purpose, value and limitations, – Ask ‘Wh’ Questions BUT Ask what the implications of these answers are. Useful terms: trustworthy or useful rather than ‘reliable’

More Evaluation Did the recorder produce the source for personal use, for one or more individuals, or for a large audience? Was the source meant to be public or private? Did the recorder wish to inform or persuade others? Did the recorder have reasons to be honest or dishonest? Was the information recorded during the event, immediately after the event, or after some lapse of time? How large a lapse of time?

Question 4: Synthesis Read this question first and write down some of the facts for the section ‘from your own knowledge.’ It is not a good idea to start answering this question first. You should allocate minutes to this question. “Construct an answer to the question and support this by material drawn from the sources and your own knowledge.”