HL History

Writing a GOOD Historical Investigation

Hi Everyone!

     Welcome back to IB Survivalists. This week, I have been busy with writing up the first two sections of my historical investigation. I am an HL History student studying the European History route, but I did not pick a research question that fell within my syllabus. Even though it is highly recommended to pick a topic from your syllabus, it is not mandatory. The IB provides an outline for how to write the historical investigation, but I wanted to do more research to find out what exactly I should include in each section and also what I should avoid including in each section. Anyone who has completed the historical investigation knows that the criteria is extremely strict when it comes to each section of the paper, so it is crucial to follow it to a T. I found an incredibly helpful PDF that outlined the Don'ts of a historical investigation. You can read about it here. This is my quick summary of what the PDF had to say:

10 Things To Avoid When Writing Your Historical Investigation

1.  Choosing an inappropriate/unclear question

Much like any other subject, choosing too broad of a question usually leads to an underdeveloped essay. Being specific is highly recommended here!

2. Failing to properly structure you investigation into the 6 sections

As I mentioned above, the criteria for your investigation is tough. If you mistakenly mix up your sections and add something that belongs in Section C to Section B instead, you won't be awarded any points even though you included the information! Also, make sure to organize your essay in a way that it i easy to follow. Use sub-headings. They are greatly appreciated!

3. Omitting key information in Part A

Part A requires you to state your research question, mention the scope of your investigation, and summarize the methods you will use for answering your question. If you miss out any of these three things that are fairly easy to answer, you will be marked down!

4. Failing to properly cite sources

Okay, this one's a given. You can use any format you want for this investigation, but MLA is recommended since it is widely recognized. In Part B of the paper, you are required to summarize every bit of information you will use later in your essay. If you don't cite this information, even if you paraphrase, you will lose a ton of marks (and your teacher's respect). 

5. Plagiarise

We have been lectured about this several times. But for any internal assessment, it is a BIG no-no. 

6. Using short bullets instead of writing in paragraphs

You are allowed to use bullet points in Section B of the investigation, but it isn't recommended. This is because it's easy to write in short sentences and not have proper grammar/clear language. Instead, you should bullet your subheadings for this section and write a small paragraph for what it's about underneath. This will also help with the organization of your paper when it comes to your analysis!

7. Not analyzing the origin, purpose, value and limitations for 2 sources in Part C

Part C asks for an OPVL analysis of two sources. Why two? Because it is much easier to focus on your two biggest sources rather than analyze each and every one individually. Try and pick one primary source and one secondary source. Also, even though origin and purpose are the easiest to answer, they are often overlooked. Don't forget about them!

8. Confusing your summary of evidence with your analysis

Part C asks for a detailed analysis of all of the information you included in Part B. Therefore, Part B should be all about stating the facts. Don't interpret them - save it for later. Also, don't analyse a piece of information that wasn't included in Part B. 

9. Exceeding the 2,000 word limit

This one is pretty straight forward. You won't get marked for anything you write past 2,000 words. And who wants to read that much, anyway? (By the way I am guilty of doing this in other classes so don't feel bad about yourself)

10. Forgetting to have someone proofread for you

Sometimes it's hard to recognize your own mistakes (not just when it comes to essays!). Have someone you trust proofread for you!

     I hope that helps. This was the kind of things I was looking to find during my research before I started writing, so I hope it's a jackpot for you too!

- Sophie F.