IB History Paper 1

Sound Advice

Paper 1 Question 1
Comprehension
Balance out the simple meaning and
too much historical contextualization.
You need not provide the dictionary
definition, nor do you write the whole
story.
Use bullet points to avoid narrative.
Look at the mark allocation and
remember the time limit.

Question 2 Analysis
Use a highlighter
Useful terms: similarly, whereas, both, in
contrast
Useful phrases: Source A backs; supports source
B
Avoid an end-on approach: do not analyse each
document separately
Add direct quotes, but only relevant words or
phrases
Dont waste your time saying something
unnecessary; no need to state the provenance of
the source

Question 3 Evaluation
Keep to the question. No need to make
general statements, such as Both
sources have their values and limitations.
Treat each source separately.
Do not compare or contrast the
document.
Do not use the following formulae:

Limitation because it is a translation

Limitation because it is an excerpt
Limitation because it is a secondary source
Do not analyze the content of the document

Evaluation cont.
To find the origin, purpose, value and
limitations,
Ask Wh Questions
BUT
Ask what the implications of these
answers are.
Useful terms: trustworthy or useful rather
than reliable

More Evaluation
Did the recorder produce the source for
personal use, for one or more individuals, or
for a large audience?
Was the source meant to be public or private?
Did the recorder wish to inform or persuade
others? Did the recorder have reasons to be
honest or dishonest?
Was the information recorded during the
event, immediately after the event, or after
some lapse of time? How large a lapse of
time?

Question 4: Synthesis
Read this question first and write down
some of the facts for the section from
your own knowledge. It is not a good
idea to start answering this question
first.
You should allocate 20-25 minutes to
this question.
Construct an answer to the question
and support this by material drawn from
the sources and your own knowledge.