The structure of IB History essay
(A) Begin with an introduction to the research question!
* But at first: Read the (research) question very carefully! > Underline main points (f.ex. the command term)
* "The aim of the essay is to investigate..."
* "To what extent is it fair to say that...?"
* "It is important to study this (these) question(s) because..."
* Give an ARGUMENT on the question!
(B) Make analysis!
* Introduce evidence on the argument and discuss about the evidence
* Give different points of views; make interpretations
* "On the other hand,...", "However,...", "Moreover,..."
* Use linkages if the command term demands to compare and/or contrast:
- when comparisons/ similarities f.ex.: "Both Lenin and Trotsky...", "In the USSR...; similarly in Mao's China..."
- when contrasts/ differences f.ex.: "After the 1905 Revolution...Whereas/However/But as a consequence of the February 1917 Revolution...)
* Use KEY CONCEPTS of History!
(C) Introduce the conclusion(s) of your analysis!
* "As a conclusion..."
* Answer the question(s)
* Put things in the wider context; introduce the effects in the long run (vs short run)
* There are no exact rules for the certain minimum amount of the words. BUT: Could the essay be analytical enough without at least 500 words?
* But at first: Read the (research) question very carefully! > Underline main points (f.ex. the command term)
* "The aim of the essay is to investigate..."
* "To what extent is it fair to say that...?"
* "It is important to study this (these) question(s) because..."
* Give an ARGUMENT on the question!
(B) Make analysis!
* Introduce evidence on the argument and discuss about the evidence
* Give different points of views; make interpretations
* "On the other hand,...", "However,...", "Moreover,..."
* Use linkages if the command term demands to compare and/or contrast:
- when comparisons/ similarities f.ex.: "Both Lenin and Trotsky...", "In the USSR...; similarly in Mao's China..."
- when contrasts/ differences f.ex.: "After the 1905 Revolution...Whereas/However/But as a consequence of the February 1917 Revolution...)
* Use KEY CONCEPTS of History!
(C) Introduce the conclusion(s) of your analysis!
* "As a conclusion..."
* Answer the question(s)
* Put things in the wider context; introduce the effects in the long run (vs short run)
* There are no exact rules for the certain minimum amount of the words. BUT: Could the essay be analytical enough without at least 500 words?