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History IA Criteria and Checklist
Are you approaching your History IA deadline? Rest assured, we're here to assist you in ensuring that your investigation aligns with the assessment criteria. Continue reading for our recommendations, apply them in your History IA and improve your grade!
History internal assessment is graded for 25 points which contributes to 20% of the HL and 25% of the SL assessment.
Criterion A: Identification and evaluation of sources - 6 points
Begin your essay by clearly stating the research question with defined scope in terms of dates, significant historical figures, and historical events. The six key concepts for the history course (causation, consequence, continuity, change, significance, and perspectives) can be a very useful starting point for determining the topic. Next, you must analyse two of the sources on which you will base your investigation. Briefly explain the nature of the selected sources and their relevance in context of your History IA. Discuss their origins, purpose and content. You are also expected to assess their value and limitations.
For a maximum of 6 points, your IA should include:
Clear articulation of an appropriate and specific question for the historical investigation.
Selection of appropriate and relevant sources for the investigation's topic.
Clear explanation of the sources' relevance to the investigation's topic.
Identification of the nature of the chosen sources (primary or secondary).
Precise analysis and evaluation of the values and limitations of the origins of the two selected sources.
See this exemplar for inspiration.
Criterion B: Investigation - 15 points
The investigation should contain a well-developed critical analysis that is focused clearly on the stated question. In this section, you are required to utilize a variety of evidence to prove your argument. You have the option to employ primary sources, secondary sources, or a combination of both. The investigation must be clearly and effectively organized. Remember to focus on different perspectives and that your conclusion must be consistent with the evidence and arguments provided.
For a maximum of 15 points:
The investigation displays effective organization, clarity, and coherence.
A variety of high-quality, reliable sources are incorporated.
The argumentation remains focused on the stated question throughout the investigation.
Well-developed paragraphs are utilized, each contributing to the overall organization and coherence of the essay.
Critical analysis is evident through the evaluation of different perspectives and ideas presented by the sources, leading to a relevant conclusion.
Here you can find a highly marked investigation.
Criterion C: Reflection - 4 points
The final section of the internal assessment requires students to reflect on what undertaking their investigation highlighted to them. Demonstrate clear awareness of challenges facing the historian and the limitations of the methods used by them. Make sure that there is a clear and explicit relation between the reflection and the previous parts of the IA.
Some guiding questions for reflection may include:
What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of the chosen methods?
What are the challenges facing the historian?
What challenges in particular does archive-based history present?
How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
What is the difference between bias and selection?
For a maximum of 4 points:
Deeply reflect on the research methods employed by historians, drawing from your own experience of conducting a historical investigation.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges confronting historians.
Present the awareness of the limitations of the research methods utilized by historians.
Effectively integrate your reflections into the broader context of the investigation.
Refer to these reflections while writing your IA.
Now you know what to include in a perfect History IA! What is left is to employ all these tips in your investigation. If you want to make sure that your essay fits all the criteria we recommend trying out the Clastify's review service. You'll receive professional feedback without worrying about the safety of your work.
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