The 7 key concepts, themes, and categories linked to IB History IA are cause, continuity, change, importance, viewpoints, and consequence. The purpose of these concepts is to present a wider picture, which enables you to make a clear comparison and think more clearly, critically, and locally about historical occurrences.
1. Cause
Causation (or cause) in history involves examining and explaining the origins of specific events.
Humans show a profound grasp of history by acknowledging that most events result from the interplay of various causes.
This demands making evidence-based evaluations to determine which causes were more significant or influential and distinguishing between those that were under individual control and those that were not.
2. Continuity
Although the study of history often highlights moments of dramatic change, it’s important to recognize that some changes occur gradually and that significant continuity often persists.
Demonstrating a deep understanding of history involves acknowledging these periods of stability alongside notable transformations.
For example, you might examine whether a shift in political leadership led to a change in foreign policy or if it merely continued the policies of previous administrations.
3. Change
Exploring history involves delving into how people and events have influenced transformation. While some may claim that no changes occur, it’s crucial to investigate and uncover them.
Additionally, you should gather evidence to challenge traditional theories and assumptions about the individuals and events that brought about significant changes.
Your inquiries and assessments of historical shifts should be on a deep understanding of the subject and a comparison of conditions before and after the events in question.
4. Importance
History is more than just a list of past events. It is a record created from evidence and remnants of the past, highlighting what someone has chosen to document and preserve.
It’s important to ask why certain events appear in historical narratives and to consider who or what part of a historical event is no longer and why.
Additionally, you should evaluate the relative significance of events, individuals, groups, and developments, and assess whether the evidence supports the claims made about their importance.
5. Viewpoints
It’s crucial to recognize when history suffers manipulation to construct and promote a singular grand narrative, often a narrowly focused national myth that dismisses alternative perspectives or elevates one viewpoint above others.
To counter this, one should evaluate and analyze diverse historical viewpoints critically by using historical data to compare and validate the narrative. It’s important to acknowledge that for any historical event, there may be multiple contradictory or divergent viewpoints.
Additionally, studying and comparing how different individuals, especially specific groups like minorities or women, experienced historical events differently is essential. Historians that highlight diverse experiences and perspectives can achieve this through examining primary source narratives and interpretations.
6. Consequence
History explores how past causes have influenced the people and society of the future. You demonstrate expertise as a historical thinker when you understand and articulate how significant events and individuals have had both immediate and lasting impacts.
By using data and interpretations of these events and figures, you can draw comparisons across different periods and assess the extent to which these factors led to enduring and consequential effects.
What is History Internal Assessment?
The IB History IA is an assessment component mandatory for all students at Standard and Higher Levels. It focuses on a historical investigation and it’s no more than 2,200 words long.
History IA has three significant sections: the evaluation of sources, the investigation, and a reflection.
IB relaxes rules on this subject, allowing students to follow their personal interest provided they can demonstrate their knowledge in the subject.
How Many Sections Does History IA Have?
The IB History IA has three sections, and they’re as follows:
- Identification and Evaluation of Sources: You have to state your research question, identify and select relevant sources, explain why each source is relevant to your investigation, and use explicit reference to contents, origin, and purpose to evaluate two sources.
- Investigation: Show a clear organization of your investigation, give a well-developed analysis of your research question, support your arguments with evidence, evaluate perspectives, and give a logical conclusion.
- Reflection: Write what you learned about the unique techniques employed by historians, the limitations of their approaches, and the link between the reflection and inquiry.
What is Referencing in IB History IA?
Referencing in IB History IA refers to acknowledging the contributions of other people in your written work. Your assessment has to include citations in the instances where you’ve used words, ideas, or materials you do not own.
Because you don’t have the intellectual rights to the actual words of a different author, you must credit them for their effort. In other words, you have to offer an accurate citation whenever you use words, phrases, and summaries that aren’t your own.
You risk subjecting yourself to plagiarism if you don’t cite sources in your work, and plagiarism can easily get your History IA rejected.
What Makes a Good History IA Topic?
First, a good History IA topic is one that you find the most fascinating. Consider an idea that piques your interest or one that falls within an area you’ve always wanted to investigate.
At Buy IA Online, we often recommend topics that spark historical controversies, as long as they’re specific enough to investigate within the required word count.
In summary, the topic you choose must be 100% on history and focused on an issue that’s at least 10 years old. The issue should have sufficient reference, with the topic being specific enough to address the issue in question in no more than 2,200 words.