Essay writing

THE STRUCTURE OF AN IB HISTORY ESSAY

(A) Begin with an introduction to the research question!
* "The aim of the essay is to investigate..."
* What is your focus/ argument in this essay?
* "It is important to study this (these) question(s) because..."
* Keep the question and its demands (f.ex. a command term, timelines/-limit) in your mind while planning and writing your essay
(B) Make analysis!
* Argumentative writing style
* Use concepts/terms
* Introduce evidence and discuss about this evidence
* Give different points of views; make interpretations
* "On the other hand,...", "However,...", "Moreover,..."
* Use linkages esp. because of the command term compare and contrast:
- when comparisons/similarities like this: "Both in USA and in China...", "In China...; similarly in the USA..."
- when contrasts/differences like this: "For the Chinese system it was typical...However/Whereas/But in the USA...")
* Use key concepts of History: change - continuation - causation - consequence - significance - perspectives
(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)

Mark Bands for Paper 3

	Approach to the Question		Knowledge		Analysis
	Demands of Q	Structure	Knowledge	Concepts	Critical Analysis	Perspectives
0	Not understood	No obvious structure	No obvious knowledge	No relevant examples	No analysis	None
1-3	Little Understanding	Poorly structured, or not focussed on task	Little knowledge present, factual inaccuracies or vague assertions		No critical analysis. Unsubstantiated assertions and generalisations	N/A
4-6	Some understanding	Some attempt at structure but lacking clarity and coherence	Some knowledge demonstrated but inaccuracies/ irrelevancies.	Superficial context	Some limited analysis, but mainly narrative	N/A
7-9	Understanding but only partially addressed	Attempts at structured answer	Knowledge is relevant and mostly accurate. Appropriate examples	Events in context	Mainly narrative but some critical comment, often unsustained	N/A
10-12	Question understood and addressed	Generally well structured. Some lack of clarity	Knowledge is relevant and accurate. Examples are appropriate and support analysis	Events in context and clear understanding of historical concepts	Mainly clear and coherent arguments and critical analysis. Points mainly substantiated and clear conclusion	Some awareness and evaluation of different perspectives
13-15	Clear focus with high level of understanding and implications	Well structured throughout	Knowledge is relevant and accurate. Appropriate and relevant examples used to effectively support analysis.	Clear context and understanding of concepts	Clear and coherent arguments and critical analysis. Points are substantiated and clear conclusion	Evaluation of different perspectives integrated into answer.

Command terms for history

Command term		Definition
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 situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast		Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast		Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, 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 conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.