1. History Assessments – Paper 2
Critical analysis
What does this phrase mean? How would you spot it in in an essay?
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
No critical analysis. Unsubstantiated assertions and generalisations
Some limited analysis, but mainly narrative
Mainly narrative but some critical comment, often unsustained
Mainly clear and coherent critical analysis. Points mainly substantiated and consistent conclusion
Clear and coherent critical analysis.
Points are substantiated. Response argues to a consistent conclusion

2. To develop knowledge of the different policies of each leader.
Essay Title: With reference to two leaders from different regions, to what extent do you agree that their economic policies failed?
Learning Objective:
To develop knowledge of the different policies of each leader.
To understand the assessment criteria for Paper 2.
To develop critical analysis skills.
Communicator
6-7 Grade
Essays are well organised. Accurate and relevant knowledge. Appropriate examples are used to support clear critical analysis. Points are all substantiated and there is an effective conclusion.
Learning Outcomes:
5 Grade
The answer is organised. Knowledge is mostly accurate and relevant. There is clear critical analysis and there is a clear conclusion.
4 Grade
There is some organisation. Knowledge is mostly accurate. The response moves beyond description to include some critical analysis.

3. History Command Terms Compare Contrast Evaluate Discuss Examine
A key to success is understanding the question. IB History questions use key terms and phrases known as command terms. Common command terms are listed on the next slide with a brief description of each.
Compare
Contrast
Evaluate
Discuss
Examine
To what extent

4. History Command Terms
Compare
Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare & 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.
Discuss with student what the question is asking them
See page 10 of your IB History Course Guide for Students. This should be in the front of your folder.

5. Critical Analysis
One way to develop your critical analysis is to practice writing critical commentary. These are statements that can support or oppose. See the examples below;
Support Statements
A widely accepted argument has been that X, which is accurate because Y…
Negate (opposition) Statements
While it has been argued that X, this is only partially true because it was also due to Y
It has been argued that Berlin was the central point of Cold War tension in the early 1960s, and this is accurate because nuclear tension was only eased due to the construction of the Berlin Wall.
While it has been argued that Berlin was the central point of Cold War tension in the early 1960s, this is only partially true because nuclear threats were also present in Cuba.

6. Critical Analysis – Practice time
Support Statements
A widely accepted argument has been that X, which is accurate because Y…
Negate (opposition) Statements
While it has been argued that X, this is only partially true because it was also due to Y
Argument topics:
The best holiday destination is Dubai
The best day of the week is Friday
The success of Hitler’s economic policy
With a partner write a statement that both supports and negates the topics above.

7. Essay Title: With reference to two leaders from different regions, to what extent do you agree that their economic policies failed?
Always take the YES … BUT … approach or the NO … BUT …. approach with a to what extent question. You must then make a judgement over which is more important. If you need criteria for judgement, e.g. success, effectiveness, achievement of aims, then make these clear in your intro.
Support Statement
A widely accepted argument has been that the Nazis economic policy was a success, which is accurate because within 18 months of Hitler coming to power unemployment fell from 6 million to 2.5 million.
Negate Statement
While it can be argued that the Nazis economic policy was a success, this is only partially true because the economic situation when Hitler took office was not as bad as he liked to suggest. Thanks to Bruning reparations had ended and unemployment had already begun to fall.