Introduction to IB History Internal Assessment

This blog will serve as a hub for students to post ideas on their topic for the internal assessment share resources, and provide each other with constructive critical feedback.

Over the course of the first term students will be required to post an entry on their topic comprising:

• research question
• summary of their choice of this topic
• potential resources

In addition, prior to semester 1 exams in January 2012, students will meet with Mr. Brentnell in flex block to discuss their topic and prepare a schedule to write a practice internal assessment

Internal Assessment

This will be started in semester one (grade eleven) mock assessed and reviewed with students. In semester three (grade twelve) it will be revisited, as students have matured hopefully their writing will follow and their final copy will be submitted. Over all students will select and focus topics, research evidence, compose, edit and submit investigations.

The written account

Every student must produce a written account consisting of the following six sections.

A. Plan of the investigation

Students should:

· state the topic of the investigation, which should be formulated as a question

· define the scope of the investigation

· explain the method of the investigation

B. Summary of the evidence

This section should consist of factual material that is:

· drawn from sources that are appropriate for the investigation

· correctly and consistently referenced

· organized thematically or chronologically

C. Evaluation of sources

This section should consist of:

· a critical evaluation of two important sources appropriate to the investigation

· explicit reference to the origin, purpose, value and limitations of the selection

D. Analysis

This section should consist of:

· an analysis that breaks down complex issues in order to bring out the essential elements, any underlying assumptions and any interrelationships involved

· an understanding of the issue in its historical context

· a critical examination of the factual material presented in section B

· an awareness of the significance of the sources used, especially those evaluated in section C

· a consideration of different interpretations of evidence, where appropriate

E. Conclusion

The conclusion must be clearly stated, consistent with the evidence presented and relevant to the research question

F. Sources and word limit (1500-2000 words)

A bibliography or list of sources and all citations, using one standard method, must be included; any illustrations, documents, or other supporting evidence should be included in an appendix. None of these will form part of the word count. The word count for the investigation must be clearly and accurately stated on the title page.