IB History HL/SL Paper 1
IB History Paper One: Tips and Writing Frames
The key with this paper is to ensure that you structure your answers correctly. The sources will vary from
year to year, but they style of question is the same and therefore although we cannot prepare for the exact
sources, we can prepare the format of the answers.
Question 1a (3 marks / 5 mins)
• You should have considered an answer to this question during the reading time
• The answer requires three points but try to give four to cover you
• You do not need to quote
• Make sure you answer is focused and succinct
• Do not spend too long on this question
Question 1b: What is the message...(2 marks / 5 mins)
• Ensure you identify the key figures symbols and labels before you begin your answer
• Think about the context in which the source was made to best understands its message
• Again, don’t spend too long on this question
Political cartoon analysis tips:
1. Who are the key figures and what are they doing? What, if any, is the significance of the way they are dressed
or what they are doing?
2. Are there any symbols in the cartoon? What are they and what do they represent? Why were they chosen?
3. Is there any labelling present and if so, what is its purpose?
4. Is the issue treated satirically or seriously?
5. How does the picture relate to the issue/event that the cartoonist is presenting?
6. What is the cartoonist’s point of view and what is the message being conveyed?
Question 2: With reference to the origin, purpose and content, assess the value and
limitations of sources B …(4 marks / 10 mins)
• Key words: origin, purpose content, value and limitation
• You must assess all five key words
• Try to write a value and limitation for each aspect, but don’t panic if you cannot do both
for all three
Common limitations of sources:
Subjective (emotionally laden) evidence, language, tone or style; proximity to the event; selective use of information;
political bias; lack of depth; language issues (translation); government secrecy; propaganda; exaggeration; face -saving;
Historian’s background; etc
Values and limitations of ORIGIN
Values and limitations of PURPOSE
Values and limitations of CONTENT
Example sentence: “The origin of the source is valuable because Winston Churchill was a central figure in the diplomatic
process as the British Prime Minister and was therefore well informed on the issues. However, a limitation is that he is …
Page | 1
IB History HL/SL Paper 1
Question 3: Compare and contrast the views expressed in...(6 marks / 15mins)
• Compare (similarity) and contrast (difference)
• DO NOT look at the sources separately
• Ensure you reference the sources directly
• Contrast can be the differences between the sources or when one of the sources
mentions something the other ignores
• DO NOT refer to similarities or difference in origin or nature of the sources
Similarities of A and B
Differences of A and B
Question 4: Using the sources and your own knowledge, explain to what extent you agree
with...(9 marks / 25mins)
• Must use all the sources and your own knowledge
• This answer requires a balanced assessment
• Ensure that you reach a judgement at the end to address the ‘to what extent’ element
of this question. Think is this question like a mini-essay and approach your judgment as
you would therefore normally.
Agree with...
SOURCES
OWN KNOWLEDGE
Disagree with...
SOURCES
OWN KNOWLEDGE
Page | 2
IB History HL/SL Paper 1
Final Tips:
1. Don’t panic! Read the documents and do not be surprised if the subject of the paper is
rather obscure – remember that they are really assessing your ability to analyse the
sources and not the own knowledge that you bring in with you.
2. Read the questions closely and ensure you tackle what they are really asking for.
3. There are no right answers for these questions. The explanation and support that you
provide is what will make it a good answer.
4. Note three key things about each source before you begin your answers – the date of the
sources, the tone of the source and finally the point of view of the author. These are all
vital to really understanding any source.
5. Remember the sources are not necessarily facts. These documents will quite likely express
the opinion/perception of the author.
6. Quote when possible but ensure you make clear where you are quoting from (e.g. Source B
argues...). However, do not over quote as you need to explain as well.
7. Concise and accurate responses are far better than long and general ones.
Bibliography:
IB History Syllabus
Paper 1 Bible by Paul Hart, UAS Dubai
Page | 3
