1. I.B. HISTORY
Internal Assessment

2. The Internal Assessment
YOU ARE THE HISTORIAN!
AND

3. HISTORY IS FUN!

4. What is the IA?
A written investigation of a historical concept(s), event(s), or situation(s) which has been narrowed and made as specific as possible.
Skills which need to be understood and conveyed in your investigation:
How to make strong arguments.
The tools of historiography.
The difference between narrative data and analysis of data.
Should provide the reader with an understanding of your appreciation for the limits of historical “knowledge.”

5. Internal Assessment
The History I.A. is a historical investigation of 2200 WORDS
It is divided into three sections.
Identification and Evaluation of Sources (500 words)
Investigation (1300 words)
Reflection (400 words)

6. In Higher Level History the I.A. is worth 20% of your final mark!
Relevance
In Higher Level History the I.A. is worth 20% of your final mark!
This is good news!!!!

7. The Topic The topic should be a historical issue. DUH!
It CANNOT be related to your extended essay. It CAN be a modification of other historical research you have done
It cannot deal with an event in the last TEN YEARS
Describing the assassination of Franz Ferdinand is not a historical issue.
Did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand cause WW I? - is a historical issue.
I strongly suggest you pick a topic related to 20th Century World History - Asia would be even better!

8. Recommendations
Choose a topic which lends itself to analysis – a topic which is arguable or controversial is recommended.
Make sure there are plenty of resources available to you before you settle on a topic.
Avoid dependence on the internet sites (this does not include internet databases like Questia or JSTOR!)
The topic must be NOT be a narrative.
Descriptions are narrative.

9. Research Question Your title must be a research question.
It must involve analysis.
The research question must be ‘sharply focused.’
It must not be too broad.

10. Questions -The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!
How have women’s roles changed under Castro?
Problem: too descriptive, doesn’t lend itself to discussing interpretation, what is the time frame?
FIX: To what extent were Castro’s efforts to achieve gender equality between 1959 and 1990 driven by ideological interests, versus political and economic ones?
New warfare technologies used in WWI
Problem: too broad, how is “use” to be understood?; this is not a research question
FIX: Did the military commands involved in WWI comprehend how new war technologies (planes, tanks, etc.) were going to effect how battles were fought, and did they adjust their strategies accordingly?
The US Civil War
Problem: way too broad, no focus, would lead to pure description
FIX: What conditions and factors explain the victory of the Union forces over those of the Confederacy in the American Civil War?

11. IMPORTANT Write your thesis in the form of a question.
Make sure your thesis is focused - not too general.
Be sure to cite your sources frequently.
Ensure the conclusion is based upon the evidence and analysis presented.
Keep within the world limit. (NO MORE THAN 2200 WORDS!)
MANY STUDENTS END UP COMPLAINING THAT THEY ARE INHIBITED BY THE 2200 WORD LIMIT. TRY TO NARROW YOUR TOPIC!

12. IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOURCES (6 POINTS)
Formulate an appropriate question
A clear command term and narrow focus
Identifies appropriate and relevant sources
Detailed analysis of two sources with explicit discussion of OPVL.

13. INVESTIGATION (15 POINTS)
The analysis part of your IA - think essay - with introduction and conclusion
Clearly and coherently organised.
Focusses on RQ
Uses evidence from a range of sources.
Evaluation of different perspectives.

14. REFLECTION (4 POINTS) Individual and personal.
Reflects on your growth and development as an historian.
Methods, Process and Challenges.

15. Planning Your IA 1. Start by identifying a general area of interest.
2. Narrow it down to a specific question or area of investigation.
3. Choose a working title that may be changed or refined at a later stage.
4. Make sure sufficient resources can be obtained for the planned investigation.
5. Read widely around the area of study and note down resources used.

16. Planning cont’d.
6. Take notes from resources, gathering evidence and diverse opinions.
7. Ensure accurate use of referencing.
8. Sort evidence thematically or chronologically.
9. Choose two suitable sources to evaluate in section A.
10. Review your analysis. Check for differing viewpoints where appropriate.

17. A Note on Sources
Secondary sources from the Internet are not usually acceptable - excpetions would be academic journals
The Internet is an excellent source for documents and other primary sources.
Books - digital or hard copy are good!!!

18. Plagiarism Plagiarism IS EVIL!!!! - This is non-negotiable!!!!
A paper without citations is plagiarized and thus should receive a failing mark.
You must cite (reference) all ideas and quotes that are taken from your sources.
You do not have to cite general knowledge.

19. Appendix
Your IA may have appendices - BUT most papers do not need them!
Use the appendix for anything that does not fit into the body of the investigation.
This might include maps, charts, illustrations, etc.
You CANNOT place something in appendix if not referenced in paper.

20. Explanatory Footnotes
Explanatory footnotes are used sparingly.
They ARE NOT to sneakily get around the word count!!!
They are used to translate non-English words or define terms. i.e. Weltpolitik, NSC 68 etc.
To include ‘explanatory’ information that does not fit into the context of the paper.

21. Embedded Quotes In History papers you DO NOT use embedded quotes.
In English papers you do use embedded quotes.
In History papers you DO NOT use embedded quotes.
You do not use someone else’s words to finish your own sentence.

22. Keys to a good I.A. Follow Directions!
Write with two books or documents by your side.
Directions to I.A.
Thesaurus [I don’t trust online Thesauruses]

23. The three most important keys to a good I.A.
Revise!