Lecture Notes: IB History Exam - Paper 1 Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: The lecture is conducted by an instructor who is reviewing Paper 1 of the IB History Exam.
• Presence of Finnian: Finnian is mentioned but not present for most of the lecture due to needing sleep.

Paper 1 Overview

• Percentage of Overall Score: Paper 1 constitutes 20% of the overall score.
• Duration: The exam lasts for one hour.
• Marks: Total of 24 marks.
• Objective: Aim to score at least half (12 marks) to ensure a good start before tackling Paper 2 and Paper 3.
• Focus: Source-based examination on prescribed subjects, specifically the "Move to Global War".

Key Topics

• "Move to Global War": Covers causes of World War II or Axis expansion.
  • Subtopics: German expansion, Italian expansion (invasion of Abyssinia), Japanese expansion (Manchuria and China).

Exam Questions Breakdown

Question 1

• Format:
  • 1a: Primary source text analysis; worth 3 marks.
  • 1b: Visual source analysis (e.g., political cartoons); worth 2 marks.
• Strategy:
  • Provide 3 specific details for 1a.
  • Identify main and secondary arguments for 1b.
  • Use "explain then quote" method.

Question 2

• OPCVL Analysis: Origin, Purpose, Content, Value, and Limitation.
• Marks: Worth 4 marks.
• Strategy:
  • Discuss values and limitations for each component.
  • Aim for two values and two limitations if feasible.
• Resources: Utilize the "super duper paper one guide" for question breakdowns.

Question 3

• Comparison of Two Sources: Worth 6 marks.
• Format: Usually secondary sources from different historians.
• Strategy:
  • Discuss both similarities and differences.
  • Organize into paragraphs (similarities and differences).
  • Consider content, author’s point of view, historical context, and purpose.

Question 4

• Mini Essay: Worth 9 marks.
• Structure:
  • Thesis statement with no introduction or conclusion needed.
  • Use at least three sources, incorporating outside knowledge.
• Strategy:
  • Focus on conceptualizing questions into topics.
  • Paraphrase instead of quoting directly.

Final Exam Tips

• Preparation: Use OPCVL sentence frames and question guides.
• Approach:
  • Clearly label each question answered (e.g., 1a, 1b).
  • Read questions before analyzing sources.
  • Annotate sources thoroughly.
• Time Management: Start with Question 1, then move to 2 or 3, and tackle Question 4 last.
• Utilize Resources: Leverage class materials and starter packs for preparation.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts: Emphasis on the importance of including outside knowledge and effective time management.
• Encouragement: Assurance of doing well with preparation and understanding of the content.

These notes should help in reviewing the key points discussed in the lecture regarding Paper 1 of the IB History exam, providing strategies and insights into effectively tackling the exam questions.