ib history ia example

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09-10-2024

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Cracking the Code: A Guide to Writing a Stellar IB History IA

The Internal Assessment (IA) is a crucial component of your IB History course, accounting for 20% of your final grade. It allows you to delve into a topic that genuinely interests you and showcase your historical analysis skills. But where do you even begin?

Fear not! This article will equip you with the tools and insights you need to write a successful IB History IA, using real examples from Academia.edu.

Choosing Your Topic:

• Pick something you're passionate about: This makes the research process more enjoyable and ensures a higher quality product. (Source: https://www.academia.edu/45498886/Tips_for_Writing_a_Successful_IB_History_IA).
• Focus on a specific event or period: Avoid overly broad topics. For example, "The Cold War" is too vast. Instead, narrow it down to "The Cuban Missile Crisis and its impact on US-Soviet relations."
• Consider the availability of sources: Ensure you have access to enough relevant primary and secondary sources to support your analysis.

Example:

Let's say you're fascinated by the French Revolution. Instead of writing about the entire revolution, you could focus on:

• "The Role of Women in the Parisian Insurrection of 1789"
• "The Impact of Enlightenment Ideas on the French Revolution"

Developing Your Research Question:

Your research question should be focused, debatable, and lead to a clear argument. It should also be formulated in a way that can be answered within the word limit.

Example:

• "To what extent did the French Revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity translate into tangible improvements for women in French society?"

Analyzing Your Sources:

• Primary Sources: These are firsthand accounts from the time period, such as diaries, letters, government documents, or even photographs. They provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals.
• Secondary Sources: These are interpretations of historical events by historians, scholars, and researchers. They can help you understand different perspectives and theories surrounding your topic.

Example:

• Primary: You could analyze a pamphlet written by Olympe de Gouges, a prominent feminist during the French Revolution, to understand her perspective on women's rights.
• Secondary: A scholarly article discussing the role of women in the French Revolution, such as "Women in the French Revolution" by Joan Landes, can provide a more theoretical framework for your analysis.

Writing Your IA:

• Structure: Your IA should follow a clear structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs (with evidence from your sources), and Conclusion.
• Analysis: Go beyond simply summarizing your sources. Analyze the information, compare perspectives, and draw connections between different sources to form a cohesive argument.
• Evidence: Use specific examples from your sources to support your claims. Don't just quote; integrate the quotes into your own writing and explain their significance.
• Conclusion: Restate your argument, summarize your findings, and answer your research question.

Additional Tips:

• Proofread and edit carefully: A well-written and polished IA will make a good impression on your teacher.
• Stay within the word limit: The IB History IA has a maximum word count of 2,000 words.
• Use appropriate formatting: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by the IB.

Remember: The IB History IA is a chance to explore a topic you find fascinating and develop your critical thinking skills. By following these tips and utilizing the examples provided, you'll be well on your way to writing a successful IA that will impress your examiners.