How to answer Papers 2 and 3?

  1. General Advice and Command Terms
  2. Paper 2
  3. Paper 3

General Advice and Command Terms

  • Make sure you select the questions from the topics you have studied.
  • Choose the questions that you understand the most.
  • For Paper 2, these must be from two different topics.
  • For Paper 3, you can answer any three questions.
  • Focus on the key terms from the essay title. For example, from May 2022:
    • “Weak political systems were the most significant factor in the emergence of authoritarian states.” Discuss with reference to TWO states.
  • You MUST focus on the demands of the prompt for at least half of the essay. By all means, argue against it but aim for balance and do not rewrite the question to suit your knowledge.
  • Ensure you are aware of the demands of the command term. See below.

Analyse – Breakdown in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Compare and Contrast – Give an account of the similarities and 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 hypothesis. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Evaluate – Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

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

To what extent – Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

This is a short quiz to help you remember what each of these terms mean: Quizizz – History Command Terms

Paper 2

https://www.thinkib.net/history/page/24664/2-assessment-for-paper-2

Subject Report May 2022

  • Avoid sweeping generalisations, ensure you support all points made in your essays.
  • Make sure you understand the command terms, evaluate was was example where students misunderstood the demands of the question.
  • It is important to know the difference between when an authoritarian leader has emerged and when he is maintaining power.
  • Useful to use the following terminology when analysing history: perspective, continuity, change, significance, cause and consequence.

C20th Century Wars

  • Although there is an argument that the Second World War was actually two separate conflicts, you should treat 1937/39 to 1945 as one. This ensures that you do not compare and contrast the Asian and European theatres.

Subject Report May 2023

  • Many scripts lacked balance.
  • Some students found it difficult to distinguish between emergence and maintenance of power. You must focus on the demands of the question. As I teach in class, use the words from the essay question in your answer. This helps you remain focused.
  • Several answers used examples or evidence from the wrong time period to support their arguments.
  • On the whole, many excellent examples of knowledge and understanding.
  • Some students found it difficult to write two essays in the time allowed. Practise in timed conditions is therefore recommended.
  • Useful to learn a basic timeline for each topic. This helps students identify the correct context of events.
  • Some answers were illegible. If your handwriting is poor, or it becomes so, skip every other line on your page. This allows you to exaggerate the size of your letters so they are more legible for examiners.

General Guidance

Paper 2 generally requires you to compare and contrast (although a range of command terms can be used) either wars or authoritarian leaders. The most effective strategy to develop your arguments is to identify Political, Economic, Social, or Military comparisons. You could also incorporate long and short-term comparisons if the question demands these.

You may find this document IBDP History Essay Checklist or guidance below useful.

  • Irrespective of the command term, focus most of your answer on the topic of the question. It is recommended that you refer to the key terms of the question in your essay. For example, in November 2021 the following question was asked: Examine the impact of foreign powers on the outcome of two civil wars. The words highlighted in red are those which should be referred to. At IGBIS, we study the Spanish and Chinese Civil Wars. If we focus on ‘examine’ to begin with, we should analyse the assumption that foreign powers played a decisive role (largely Italy and Germany) in the outcome of the Spanish Civil War but less so in China. The assumption for the latter conflict is that Mao’s guerrilla warfare proved decisive. Hopefully, you can argue that this was not the case.
  • Regardless of which command term is used for these questions, aim to analyse BOTH wars or leaders in EACH paragraph. This is a higher-level skill which enables you to achieve the higher bands of the rubric.
  • You only have 50 minutes for each essay so make sure you devise a plan for the first five. An unfinished essay can seriously affect your score.
  • Develop a thesis statement in the introduction. What are you going to argue and why? Give the main reason and/or why there is a debate about the question.
  • Create an argument that supports your thesis statement. Use the PEEL (Point, Explanation, supporting Evidence or Explanation, and Link to the question and/or thesis statement). If the question asks for comparisons, you should identify one and also link it to your thesis statement.
  • Who or what would agree with this argument? The view of a historian would be great to read but if you cannot remember or do not have one, include a social group, nationality or person instead. Including these perspectives will allow you to move beyond 9/15 to the higher bands.
  • Include a final sentence which links to the next paragraph.
  • Your third paragraph (the introduction is one) can be a further argument supporting the thesis statement. Use the same advice as above.
  • The fourth paragraph should usually offer balance to the argument. What evidence is there which counters your thesis statement and who opposes it? It is essential that you offer a counter argument to ensure you hit the 13-15 band.
  • Use ‘However’ or ‘On the other hand’ to begin the paragraph.
  • The last paragraph is your conclusion. This is not a summary of what you have written. Try to link your evidence together and then show how this proves your thesis.
  • Do not introduce new evidence or arguments into this part of the essay.
  • You can end with a philosophical statement if you wish, explaining why the debate is ongoing or the obstacles to the historian. This is difficult under examination conditions so try to prepare an answer for each topic.

Paper 3

https://www.thinkib.net/history/page/24669/2-assessment-for-paper-3

The biggest difference between papers 2 and 3 is the command terms used. This paper requires you to write a critical analysis of one of the historical topics we have studied. The structure of the essays is the same as above but you must identify and understand the demands of the command term. Two what extent, examine, discuss and evaluate are common.

Subject Report May 2022