IB SL PAPER 1Document Based Question

Paper 11 Hour in Length

30% of IB-SL History Grade (25 Marks)

Based on the European Inter-war Period (1918-1936)

Format

Consists of Five (5) Documents

Mix of Primary and Secondary

Four (4) Standard Analytical Questions

Paper 1 QuestionsQuestion 1A/1B (5 Marks)

Objective: Understanding the message of the sources

1B Deals with a cartoon of visual analysis

Ex: “What is the message of Source A?”

Question 2 (6 Marks)

Objective: Compare and Contrast Sources

Ex: “Compare and contrast the reasons for going to war in Source A and E.”

Paper 1 QuestionsQuestion 3: OPVL (6 Marks)

Objective: Critically assess the documents

“With reference to their origin, purpose, limitations, and value assess sources...”

Question 4: Mini-Essay (8 Marks/20%)

Include information from all the sources (A-E) (1/2)

Outside Information (1/2)

Question 1A (3 Marks):MessageHow to answer (Suggested Time: 5 Minutes):

▪ The first reason given by the source is that [...]

▪ The second reason given by the source is that [...]

▪ The third reason given by the source is that [...]

Markscheme

Award a mark for each valid reason provided from the source (no background knowledge needed).

A valid reason is one which is backed up by detail from the source.

List four (4) Reasons to ensure

full marks

Question 1B (2 Marks): Visual Message

How to answer (Suggested Time: 5 Minutes):

One message conveyed by the source is that [...], because the source says / shows [...]

A second message conveyed by the source is that [...] because the source says / shows [...]

Markscheme

Award a mark for each valid reason provided from the source (no background knowledge needed).

A valid reason is one which is backed up by detail from the source.

Question 2 (6 Marks): Compare and Contrast

How to answer (Suggested Time: 15 Minutes):

Firstly, both source agree that [...] – Source C says that [...] and Source D says that [...]. Secondly, both source agree that [...] – Source C says that [...] and Source D says that [...].Thirdly, both source agree that [...] – Source C says that [...] and Source D says that [...].

Markscheme

If only one document is addressed award a maximum of [2 marks];

If the two documents are discussed separately award [3 marks] or with excellent linkage [4 marks].

For [5-6 marks] expect a detailed running comparison.

Be sure to address how the sources are the same and different. Ex: Does

one leave something out?

Question 3: OPVL (6 Marks)How to answer (Suggested Time: 15 Minutes):

Source A is valuable because [...refer to origin and / or purpose]. The limitations of Source A are that [...refer to origin and / or purpose]. Source B is valuable because [...refer to origin and / or purpose]. The limitations of Source B are that [...refer to origin and / or purpose]

Markscheme

1-2 marks: The sources are summarized.

3-4 marks: One source is assessed well, or two superficially

5-6 marks: Both sources are assessed well (value and limitations, reference to origins and purpose)

Question 4: Mini-Essay (8 Marks

How to answer (Suggested Time: 20 Minutes):

Section 1: Provide one interpretation (the interpretation provided by the question if appropriate)

Section 2: Provide one section which provides an second interpretation

Section 3: Provide one section which provides a third interpretation (this section is not always needed)

Each of these sections should use sources, background knowledge and (if possible) historiography

A conclusion showing how the truth of the statement depends on factors like when / where you are looking; the best candidates will pick fault with loaded words in the question like "totally", "mainly", "brutal" and suggest better ones.

Question 4: Mini-Essay (8 Marks

Markscheme

1 Mark: One sided answer, sources OR background knowledge used

2-3 Marks: One sided answer, sources AND background knowledge used

3-4 Marks: Multi-causal answer, sources OR background knowledge used

5-6 Marks: Multi-causal answer, sources AND background knowledge used

7-8 Marks: As above, but with evidence of historiography and / or a meaningful conclusion

Tips & TricksRead the questions, the documents, then the questions again

Read the introductions to the documents (Origin/Purpose)

Use different color pens for compare and contrast

Respond to the questions in order

Use specific references to the documents:

“According to Source A...”