1. IB Paper III Style Essay
IB HOTA 1

2. Writing an Effective Essay
BIG IDEAS
Content-based
Persuasive; develops and defends a position
Incorporates historians
On IB Exams: you chose 3 out of 36 prompts.
Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Arguments/Evidence
Introduction/Body Paragraphs/Conclusion

3. IB PAPER III Take a minute to plan.
You need a clear argument before you start writing your essay.
Do you have enough evidence to support it?
It will allow you to write your essay faster and avoid time pressures and repetition.

4. IB PAPER III Structure Show that you have understood the question.
Use a structured framework that uses analysis rather than narrative.
Make sure you always write a conclusion.
What to Avoid:
Pure narrative (storytelling).
Kitchen sink approach- everything in, but little to no analysis.
Generalizations of factual knowledge (“there were a lot of casualties during World War I.”)

5. IB PAPER III The Introduction
Show that you understand the question. This involves referring to the dates set or events mentioned in the question and putting them into a contextualization. You should also explain any concepts.
Indicate the scope of your essay. (Set out themes/criteria/factors that need to be considered to reach a final judgement).
Set out your line of argument.

6. IB PAPER III The Main Body: Paragraphs
A clear topic 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.
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.

7. IB PAPER III Using Evidence
You need to develop the idea you established in your topic sentence further and support it with evidence.
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.

8. IB PAPER III Use of Historiography
Part of your evidence must include the views of historians.
Your essay is NOT an essay about historians’ views. Your aim is to use historical debate as evidence for your own argument.
Only use references to support your argument. Do not use references just to fill space.
Evidence should support the key point in the paragraph.

9. IB PAPER III Structure Point, Explain, Example
MAIN POINT (Support your position)
EXPLAIN (Explain your point. This supported by historians who say…)
EXAMPLE (this is supported by evidence that shows…

10. 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 question to show that your argument answered it.
If it is a “to what extent” question, then make a judgement (how far?)
Don’t introduce any new points or evidence in your conclusion.