MacGregor Is History

IB Paper 1 2017-2021

These are the Paper One that has been used 2017-2021 : 1. Paper One 2016 Specimen Paper – Source Booklet 2. Paper One 2016 Specimen Paper – Questions 3. Paper One 2016 Specimen Paper – Markscheme 4. Paper One 2017 May – Source booklet 5. Paper One 2017 May – Questions 6. Paper One 2017 May – Markscheme 7. Paper One 2017 November – Source Booklet 8. Paper One 2017 November – Questions 9. Paper One 2017 November – Markscheme 10. Paper One 2018 May – Source Booklet 11. Paper One 2018 May – Questions 12. Paper One 2018 May – Markscheme 13. Paper One 2018 November – Source booklet 14. Paper One 2018 November – Questions 15. Paper One 2018 November – Markscheme 16. Paper One 2019 May – Source booklet 17. Paper One 2019 May – Questions 18. Paper One 2019 May – Markscheme 19. Paper One 2019 November – Source booklet 20. Paper One 2019 November – Questions 21. Paper One 2019 November – Markscheme 22. Paper One 2020 May – Source booklet – Cancelled due to Covid-19 23. Paper One 2020 May – Questions – Cancelled due to Covid-19 24. Paper One 2020 May – Markscheme – Cancelled due to Covid-19 25. Paper One 2020 November – Source booklet 26. Paper One 2020 November – Questions 27. Paper One 2020 November – Markscheme 28. Paper One 2021 May – Source booklet 29. Paper One 2021 May – Questions 30. Paper One 2021 May – Markscheme 31. Paper One 2021 November – Source booklet 32. Paper One 2021 November – Questions 33. Paper One 2021 November – Markscheme

  • How to Structure an IB History Extended Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

The Extended Essay Challenge

The IB History Extended Essay (EE) is a significant academic undertaking that requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. Structuring your essay effectively is crucial to presenting your research in a clear and coherent manner. This guide will help you organize your IB History EE to ensure that it meets the IB criteria and showcases your analytical and research skills.

The Importance of Structure

A well-structured essay not only helps you present your arguments clearly but also makes it easier for the examiner to follow your line of thought. Imagine reading an essay where ideas are jumbled and key points are lost in the confusion. Proper structure is key to avoiding this pitfall.

Key Elements of an IB History Extended Essay

1. Title Page

  • Title : Should be concise and focused on your research question.
  • Candidate Details : Include your name, candidate number, and session.
  • Subject : Specify that the subject is History.
  • Word Count : Provide the total word count of the essay.

2. Abstract (No longer required in the new EE guidelines)

  • The abstract is no longer a requirement as per the updated IB guidelines. Ensure you are following the latest requirements by checking the IB Extended Essay guide.

3. Table of Contents

  • Headings : List all major sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.
  • Clarity : Ensure the table of contents is clear and accurately reflects the structure of your essay.

4. Introduction

  • Research Question : State your research question clearly and succinctly.
  • Context : Provide background information and context to your research question.
  • Significance : Explain why the topic is significant and worth researching.
  • Thesis Statement : Present your main argument or thesis statement.
  • Scope : Outline the scope of your essay, including what you will and will not cover.
  • Overview of Sources : Summarize the key sources you have used.
  • Historiography : Discuss different historical interpretations and debates related to your topic.
  • Thematic or Chronological Organization : Organize your analysis either thematically or chronologically, depending on what best suits your topic.
  • Detailed Analysis : Provide a detailed analysis of your primary and secondary sources.
  • Evidence and Examples : Support your arguments with specific evidence and examples from your research.
  • Critical Evaluation : Critically evaluate the sources and interpretations, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
  • Constructing Arguments : Develop clear and coherent arguments that support your thesis.
  • Linking Sections : Ensure each section logically follows from the previous one and leads into the next.

6. Conclusion

  • Restate Thesis : Summarize your main findings and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.
  • Implications : Discuss the broader implications of your findings.
  • Further Research : Suggest areas for further research or questions that remain unanswered.

7. References and Bibliography

  • Citation Style : Use a consistent citation style (such as Chicago, MLA, or APA) as recommended by your supervisor.
  • Comprehensive List : Include all sources cited in your essay in a comprehensive bibliography.
  • Primary and Secondary Sources : Differentiate between primary and secondary sources in your bibliography.

8. Appendices (if applicable)

  • Supplementary Material : Include any supplementary material such as maps, charts, or images that are relevant to your research.
  • Referencing in Text : Ensure that all appendices are referenced in the main body of your essay.

Tips for a Successful Extended Essay

1. Choose a Focused Topic

  • Narrow Scope : Select a specific and focused research question that allows for in-depth analysis.
  • Interest and Relevance : Choose a topic that interests you and has sufficient available resources.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

  • Primary Sources : Seek out primary sources such as letters, diaries, official documents, and contemporary accounts.
  • Secondary Sources : Use secondary sources such as books, journal articles, and scholarly critiques to provide context and analysis.

3. Draft and Revise

  • Initial Draft : Write a complete first draft, focusing on content and argumentation rather than perfection.
  • Feedback : Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers.
  • Revisions : Revise your essay based on feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and depth of analysis.

4. Proofread

  • Grammar and Spelling : Carefully proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
  • Formatting : Ensure that your essay adheres to the required formatting and citation guidelines.

Steps to Implement Your Structure

  • Plan Your Research : Create a research plan and timeline to ensure you cover all necessary areas.
  • Organize Your Notes : Keep your research notes organized by theme or chronological order.
  • Outline Your Essay : Create a detailed outline before you start writing.
  • Write in Sections : Write your essay in sections, focusing on one part at a time.
  • Review and Edit : Continuously review and edit your work to ensure it meets the IB criteria.

Crafting a Compelling Extended Essay

Structuring your IB History Extended Essay effectively is crucial for presenting your research clearly and coherently. By following this guide, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and analytically robust. Embrace the challenge, stay focused, and enjoy the process of exploring your chosen historical topic in depth.

Related Articles:

  • Tips for Writing IB History Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Understanding IB History: A Comprehensive Guide
  • Understanding the Differences Between IB History SL and HL
  • Common Mistakes in IB History Exams and How to Avoid Them
  • Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the IB History Exam
  • Preparing for IB History with Mock Exams and Practice Tests
  • How to Prepare for IB History Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

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How to Write a History Essay in IB

Victoria Lim

For a history essay, researching what we were studying was the most engaging method for understanding the material.  I did well in history because I genuinely enjoyed the subject. Pay attention in class, look up videos on your own time, and explore different perspectives – hopefully you’ll enjoy the subject enough to have fun working on it too. This extra research while also be the foundation of your essay. 

A strong thesis will provide an effective introduction to your history essay, so it is important to understand what you want to say with your essay and to spend some time refining the statement. I would suggest focusing on three major points in your thesis that you intend on developing in your essay. 

As for the conclusion, this is where I would reframe your thesis as well as some of the main arguments and counterarguments you brought up in the body of the essay.

Now onto some broader essay tips. Don’t merely list the facts of an event, say why they matter and what they add to your argument. Adding counter arguments and debunking them is also key to building a strong argument. In addition, making essay outlines is probably my second best tip. They helped me structure my thoughts in order to deliver well-constructed arguments. Discussing the events in class and with friends also helped with recalling the information. 

My best tip is to use historiography. Knowing the views and stances of different historians not only helped my understanding but is one of the criteria for a highly marked essay. Also, I find that knowing historiography helps greatly with structuring the essay, because you are able to interpret, interconnect and articulate events and evidence. 

History is a fun course, and although it does consist of a lot of writing, with the right approach and attitude, I’m sure you can excel!

You may also like…

  • Joanne’s thoughts on how to approach a History EE
  • Tyus’s tips on how to get an A on your History EE
  • Find IB information about History here

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  10. How to Write a History Essay in IB - IBlieve

    A strong thesis will provide an effective introduction to your history essay, so it is important to understand what you want to say with your essay and to spend some time refining the statement. I would suggest focusing on three major points in your thesis that you intend on developing in your essay.