Paper 3 of the International Baccalaureate (IB) History exam is a source-based examination that aims to test students' ability to analyze and evaluate primary and secondary sources in order to construct an argument and arrive at a historically defensible conclusion.
The paper consists of two parts. In the first part, students are required to answer one question from a choice of three, each of which is based on a different theme. The themes for Paper 3 are:
- Causes, practices, and effects of wars
- The history of genocide
- The history of human rights
In the second part of the paper, students are required to answer one essay question based on a 20th century topic chosen by the IB. The essay question is designed to test students' ability to analyze and evaluate a range of sources, including primary and secondary sources, and to construct a historically defensible argument.
To prepare for Paper 3, it is essential that students have a strong foundation in historical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze and evaluate sources, recognize bias and perspective, and construct a well-reasoned argument. It is also important for students to have a solid understanding of the historical context of the topic they are studying and to be familiar with the key events, people, and ideas that shaped it.
In order to succeed on Paper 3, students must be able to synthesize information from a variety of sources and use it to support their argument. They must also be able to clearly articulate their ideas in written form, using evidence from the sources to support their claims.
Overall, Paper 3 of the IB History exam is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires students to demonstrate their skills in historical analysis and synthesis. By preparing thoroughly and approaching the exam with confidence, students can feel well-equipped to succeed on this important assessment.