How to Answer a Paper 1

 

The content of the Paper 1 will be focused on one of the two case studies in Move to Global Wars: Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931-1941) or German and Italian expansion (1933-1940). There will always be four sources that are a mix of primary and secondary. There will always be one visual source. Students must answer all four questions based on the sources provided as well as prior knowledge.

 

STEP 1: Reading Time                                                                                                                                                                    5 Minutes

• Open the examination booklet to the correct section “Move to Global Wars” (pages will be noted on the cover page)

• Read the questions first to know what you are looking for.

• Read ALL of the sources. Pay careful attention to the origins of each source as they are given to HELP you. Consider the content of the source in relation to the questions posed.

• If time permits start to answer question 1 in your head.

Things to Remember:

• You cannot highlight or write on the sources at this point.

• Do not dilly-dally or daydream at this point, this is exam time. Think about how you will answer the questions if you have extra time.

 

Question 9a  (Guide with samples)                                                                                                                                              [3 marks]

Reading Comprehension

 

• You should have started to consider this question during reading time.

• Highlight or underline relevant material to the question in the source.

• Paraphrase; don’t quote extensively.

• Keep answers direct and precise, about 2-3 sentences.

• Begin the answer, “According to Source __...”

• Do not analyze the material. Directly answer the question.

• Do not spend too much time on this question

• Make sure there are THREE clear points for a three mark question.

 

Question 9b                                                                                                                                                                                       [2 marks]

Visual Analysis

 

• Before you try to answer what the message is, deconstruct/annotate the cartoon by identifying symbols, labels, key figures, and the origin.

• State the message conveyed in the image with an explicit connection to the symbols, labels, key figures, and origin.

• Make sure you state at least TWO messages with explanations for a two mark question. If there is time, try to do three.

• Begin the answer. “One of the main messages of the cartoon is that…” then provide supporting evidence.

 

Question 10 (Guide with samples)                                                                                                                                                  [4 marks]

Evaluation of Sources (OPCVL)                                                                                                                                                       10 minutes

• Briefly reread the source including the origin and underline any important information.

• Highlight/underline the date in the origin. This usually gives you clues.

• Make sure you link values and limitations to the origin, purpose, and content.

• Your answers must be explicit, developed in all areas, and relate directly to the question that is asked.

• This should be written in paragraph form. One paragraph on values and one on limitations.

• In each paragraph write two or three ideas related to the value and limitation of the source.

• Remember to explicitly use the terms origin, purpose, content, values and limitations.

• Avoid using the word “bias” without stating what the bias is and providing justification.

 

Question 11  (Guide with samples)                                                                                                                                                  [6 marks]

Compare and Contrast                                                                                                                                                                     15 minutes

• Underline or highlight the part of the question that gives you the context in which to answer the question

• Quickly reread the sources and highlight/underline key information

• You are only to look at content of the source.

• On the exam booklet or scrap paper briefly bullet out similarities and differences in a T-chart

• This should be written in paragraph form. One paragraph to compare and one to contrast.

• Make sure it is clear to the reader the connections you are making using terminology such as “similarly”, “both”, “agree”, “while”, “however”.

• Make sure you specifically refer to the sources used.

• You want to link material that is in both sources. You should only mention information that is missing if you would expect to see it in the source.

 

Question 12   (Guide with samples)                                                                                                                                                [9 marks]

Mini- Essay                                                                                                                                                                                  25-30 minutes

• At this point you will have read all of the sources and answered at least one question on them so you should be able to skim them over quickly at this point.

• Sketch a brief essay outline (2-3 minutes)

• You do not need a full introduction paragraph but, you do need a full thesis statement (answer to the question & three themes/why factors)

  • Sources should not be mentioned in the thesis.

• Sources should not be used in the topic sentence of ANY paragraph. Sources should only be used as supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.

• Try to use all of the sources AND your own knowledge.

• You must evaluate and synthesize the evidence you provide.

• You do not need a conclusion.

• If you are running out of time, start to outline the essay

 

How to Answer a Paper 2/3

 

The content of the Paper 2 will be focused on Topic 10: Authoritarian States and Topic 11: Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars. In the Paper 2 you are required to answer two questions from DIFFERENT Topics. The Paper 3 content will focus on HL option 2: History of the Americas specifically looking at Great Depression, Cold War, and Civil Rights. You are not required to answer from all three topics in a Paper 3.

 

How to Select a Question

• Go directly to the topics you have studied in class.

• Read over the options in all topics.

• Make sure you understand what terms and scope of the question is asking.

• Confidence is key!

  Deciphering the Demands of the Question

• Highlight or underline key components of what the question is asking.

  • Command term(s)

  • Parts of the IB bullet(s)

  • Regions (if applicable)

• Make sure you answer what the question asks, not what you want it to be.

• Remember what the command term is asking you to do.

 

Outline The Essay                                                                                                                                                                   ( 5 min. each)

• Write on the question booklet or a separate paper

• Jot down your basic argument and what your three body paragraphs will be

  • Make sure they are thematic

  • Make sure you actually are answering the question

• Once you have figured out the basic argument write down EK terms, dates, perspectives, and any statistics related to the paragraphs

 

Thesis Paragraph

• Set the historical context by providing a date or timeframe (i.e. 1930s).

• Clarify any key terms from the question.

• The thesis should explicitly answer the question and provide your three themes/why factors (your three body paragraphs).

  • The themes should be mentioned in the order they will appear in the paper.

  • Make sure the order of your themes makes sense.

    Body Paragraphs

  • Make sure you start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly connects to your thesis.

  • All evidence in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence and in turn the thesis.

  • Avoid writing a narrative.

  • Use EK terms and define them in your writing.

  • Use dates to show your understanding of historical context.

  • Remember to be as detailed as possible. Avoid generalizations

  • Use formal language

 

How to Structure the Body Paragraph?

• A- Assertion/ Topic Sentence stating what you will argue in the paragraph

• P- Proof/ Evidence/ Facts

• E- Explanation- This is the analysis of the evidence you have provided.

• C– Conclusion statement/ transition to the next paragraph

 

Perspective

• This should be used as support of an argument, not in lieu of one or as specific evidence.

• Avoid name-dropping of historians just for the sake of mentioning one.

• You must integrate the perspective into your argument and discuss how it supports or counters what you are saying.

  Conclusion

• This is the least important part of your paper but, there needs to be at least a sentence. Aim for 2-3 but, no more than 5.

• This can be very broad and should be a comment on the “big picture” or the historical significance of the question.

 

The Command Terms

Analyze - Find the essential elements or structure of an issue. Present an argument that demonstrates essential elements to explain the reasons for a particular event, movement, or development.

 

 

Compare- Give an account of similarities between two or more items or situations, referring to all of them throughout.

 

Compare and Contrast- Give an account of similarities and differences between two or more items or situations, referring to all of them throughout.

 

 

Contrast- Give an account of differences between two or more items or situations, referring to 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 clear and supported by evidence.

 

 

Evaluate- Make a judgment of the argument, concept, policy or individual under discussion. Examine evidence by weighing strengths and limitations of the topic.

 

 

Examine- Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.

 

To what extent- Consider the merits of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be clear and supported with evidence and sound argument.