A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Category: A-Level / IB History
IB History, AS History, A2 History
Was it the Arab refusal to accept the UN Partition Plan that caused the 1948 War?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Why did Britain decide to pull out of the Palestinian mandate in 1947?
A sample sourcework assignment in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Origins of the Cold War (60 Question quiz for IB History)
Another revision quiz – this time with 60 possible questions – designed to help students revise the “Origins of the Cold War” as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based…
The Rise of Pinochet: Fling the Teacher Quiz
Part of this complete scheme of work on the Rise of Pinochet, which we study as part of the “Rise and Rule of Single Party States” at IB. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a…
Mussolini’s Italy: Arcade Games (44 possible questions)
This quiz is part of an extensive batch of revision quizzes for IB that I’m uploading to the site. Play Manic Miner, Cannonball Fun, Wordshoot or Matching Pairs! You can create your own Arcade Game here. You can access the entire scheme of work for Mussolini’s Italy here.
IB History – Video Archive
This is a selection of some of the best documentary video that I use to teach History at IB Level, organised by topic to help students with their revision.
Teacher-led activity: Historiography on the Origins of Warfare
Students are provided with a detailed breakdown of six key schools of historiographical thought relating to the origins of wars. Using their knowledge of a wide range of wars students decide which wars could be used to illustrate each theory. This then leads towards the final essay being produced.
Paired Feedback and Presentation Task: Comparisons and Contrasts between two wars
Students then compare and contrast their allocated conflict with that of a partner to start drawing out some key areas of comparison and contrast. This is followed by a whole-class discussion to start identifying some common themes for consideration.
Dozens of IB History Revision Quizzes!
To help students with their revision, this is a quick summary of resources for some of the main topic areas that I cover at IB History Level at ActiveHistory. During revision time I tend to start each lesson by introducing the main task, then directing students to a ‘Fling the Teacher’ quiz. Students have 10 minutes…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar Germany Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
The Middle East, 1939-79: Fling the Teacher Challenge (135 possible questions!)
Another great revision quiz – this time with 135 possible questions – designed to help students revise the Middle East Paper 1 depth study as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets…
Individual Research Task: In-depth analysis of one war
Each student in the class is given a different war to focus on taken from the IB syllabus, and asked to analyse it in terms of key themes of causation (e.g. political, military, socio-economic).
Mussolini’s Italy: 45 Question Fling the Teacher Quiz
Another great revision quiz. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task, whatever that happens…
Lenin’s Russia – keyword challenge
30 keywords to test knowledge of Lenin’s USSR.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
Does a study of the Palestinian struggle after 1948 prove that violence pays and diplomacy does not?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
IB History – Sample Sourcework Papers / Model Answers
mnadi / People Photos / CC BY-NC I’ve just uploaded a range of Sourcework exercises that I’ve designed for the IB History Paper 1, focusing on the Middle East, along with model answers. More to follow…!
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79 Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939 Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point…
Undercover in Mussolini’s Italy: new additions
The popular “Undercover in Fascist Italy” simulation has been improved with extra details, a more comprehensive worksheet complete with keyword prompts and various video clips to enrich the experience.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
IB History Internal Assessment – guidance and examples
A new section of the webiste. • Click on the various headings to get guidance in choosing a question and writing your study! • There are also fifteen exemplar studies for download from students at the International School of Toulouse which were all graded in the top level by the examiner!
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1920s
Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero points for that round. You can play…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Lenin: Hero or Villain?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Lenin: Hero or Villain?
The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924: A popular question in the exam, and this worksheet helps students frame an approach to it in a logical way. A completed teacher version is also available.
Nicholas II- Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?
Nicholas II – Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?: Detailed notes on the key questions, with activities for students included.
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary?
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Tsar Alexander II/III: Analysis of IB History Past Paper Questions
Alexander II/III: Analysis of Past Paper Questions: Students work through a list of about 20 past examination questions focusing on spotting and addressing the ‘hidden assumptions’ within each question. They can then look at some sample markschemes to determine if they were on the right lines with their analyses.
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1947-79
Timeline of Events, 1947-79 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1939-47
Timeline of Events, 1939-47 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Mapwork Task – Change over Time
Mapwork Task – Change over Time: Students label various maps of the Middle East and shade them in different ways to represent the changing nature of Israel’s borders following key events in the syllabus.
The Middle East Crisis 1914-1939 – The main issues for debate
The main issues for debate: Using a series of discussion points based on the syllabus, a collapsible bullet list from ActiveHistory and also a Keyword Challenge quiz from Classtools, students form their own viewpoints prior to the exam so that their answers have some sharp focus.
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy?
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How Fascist was Fascist Italy?
How Fascist was Fascist Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?: Building on from the previous activity, students now consider the nature of Fascism by looking at various policy areas (economy, society etc) and comparing the Fascist to the Communist approaches to them. A completed teacher version is…
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia: These detailed handouts provide plenty of material for discussion and further research: Books on Stalin Summary of the Main Historiographical Issues
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?: The main study unit for my students ends in 1941. However, to give students the full picture of Stalin’s Russia, this is a good activity to bring the various policies right up-to-date. Detailed notes are available for Economics 1945-53 and Other Policies 1945-53.
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?: This activity gets students thinking about the nature of communism, and then measuring the success of each ruler on these criteria. It thereby covers a lot of ground very efficiently. A completed teacher version is also available.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China?
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China? (summary notes also available) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts: Students first have a brainstorm about what are the most frequent causes for the rise of single party state rulers. They then analyse the key methods and conditions which led to the rise of particular individual dictators, then compare and contrast them. In this way…
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries – a useful revision resource for IB History
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved?
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved? (plus essay plan) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Effects of War – Comparisons and Contrasts
Effects of War – Comparisons and Contrasts: Students are provided with detailed information about the practices of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by providing further examples of other wars that they have studied and try to…
Why did Mao win the Chinese Civil War?
Why did Mao win the Chinese Civil War? – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Why did Germany Lose World War One?
Why did Germany Lose World War One? – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Compare and Contrast the Impact of Foreign Involvement in the Russian Civil War and the Spanish Civil War
Compare and Contrast the Impact of Foreign Involvement in the Russian Civil War and the Spanish Civil War – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Practices of War – Comparisons and Contrasts
Practices of War – Comparisons and Contrasts: With a central focus on the issue of “Limited War v. Total War”, students are provided with detailed information about the practices of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by…
Model Essay: What were the most frequent causes of 20th Century Wars?
Model Essay: What were the most frequent causes of 20th Century Wars?: A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Causes of the Chinese Civil War
Causes of the Chinese Civil War: A detailed summary grid for revision purposes.
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Summary and suggested linkage
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Summary and suggested linkage: A summary diagram for revision purposes.
Causes of World War One: What was Responsible?:
Causes of World War One: What was Responsible?: An analysis grid which moves towards linking and prioritising the various factors that caused World War One. Students are invited to complete the blank cells using their own knowledge.
Causes of World War One – Who was Responsible?
Causes of World War One – Who was Responsible?: A summary grid for revision purposes.
Causes of Wars – Comparisons and Contrasts
Causes of Wars – Comparisons and Contrasts: Students are provided with detailed information about the causes of three major wars in the form of a grid, broken down into key themes (political, economic, etc). Their task is to complete the grid by providing further examples of other wars that they have studied and try to…
Causes, Practices, Effects of War – Overview of Past IB History Questions
Overview of Past Questions: Students are asked to collate a list of past paper questions from the most recent examination papers, to categorise these into causes, practices and effects questions, and offer some initial observations on the sorts of demands made by each.
A comprehensive list of useful topic quotes for the IB History Syllabus
Using Key Quotes: A series of short, memorable quotes relating to the key topics being studied. Students have to reflect on how they may best be used in the examination.
The October Revolution: Popular Uprising, or Coup d’Etat?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – The October Revolution: Popular Uprising, or Coup d’Etat?
Essential Historiographical Terms for IB
Essential Historiographical Terms for IB: A condensed, one-sided summary sheet defining clearly and with examples such historiographical terms as Determinism, Accidentalism, Intentionalism, Structuralism.
Analysing IB History Essay Question ‘Command Terms’
The examiner is very keen that students demonstrate a clear understanding of central terms when they are used in essay questions. In this activity, students work in pairs then as a class to design a clear definition of such key terms as ‘Guerilla Warfare’ and ‘Totalitarianism’. The worksheet uses the examples of Stalin and Mao…
IB History Curriculum Map
I’ve updated my IB History Curriculum Map to reflect the way I currently teach the syllabus. I’m always changing things around but this approach is how I’m currently doing the course with my Year 12 students.
National Minorities in Lenin’s Russia
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Model Essay on the Reign of Alexander III (Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit)
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
Propaganda Posters of the Russian Civil War
This PowerPoint is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
War Communism – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Lenin’s Testament
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
End of Unit Factual Test (Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit)
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
The New Economic Policy – Lenin’s USSR
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Timeline of the Reign (Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit)
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
The Kronstadt Rebellion and the Tambov Rebellion
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
The Bolshevik Victory in the Russian Civil War – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Debate Record Sheet (Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit)
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
The Red Terror – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Debate Preparation Worksheet (Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit)
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The USSR under Stalin
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The USSR under Stalin Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
Tsar Alexander III Roleplay Unit – 30 Slide Presentation
This resource is part of a new roleplay unit for teaching this topic at IB / A-Level. The teacher takes on the role of the Tsar, and the students as his ministers. Over several hours the ‘reformers’ and the ‘reactionaries’ debate the issues whilst the teacher uses the 30-slide presentation to guide the debate and…
The Treaty of Brest Litovsk – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
The Constituent Assembly – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
The 1917 Decrees and the 1918 Constitution – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Research Grid – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members.
Essay Planning: The October Revolution
A worksheet to help students plan their essay assignment. A completed teacher version is also available.
Primary Source Analysis: Was the October Revolution a popular uprising, or a coup d’etat?
A worksheet activity designed to get students thinking about the key historiographical debate.
Mussolini’s Italy: Two model essays on his domestic policies
Two model essays, written by RJ Tarr to help students understand how to structure an effective essay: 1. How Fascist was Fascist Italy? 2. How Successful were Mussolini’s Domestic Policies?
Factual Test: The Provisional Government and the October Revolution
A student test; there is also a completed teacher version available.
Mussolini’s Italy: Essential Teacher Notes on all key policy areas
A series of notes [1][2][3] to help teachers with their planning and preparation.
The Provisional Government and the October Revolution – Structured Narrative
This resource is designed to get students turning their timeline into a thematic analysis. A completed teacher version is also available.