ib history comparative essay

How to Write a High-Scoring IB History Essay: A Complete Guide for N24 and M25

Author: Jonathan Baker, IB History Examiner and Teacher

Introduction

Writing an IB History essay can be a daunting task, but it’s also a great opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and knowledge of historical events. Whether you’re working on a Paper 2 essay or preparing for your Internal Assessment (IA), mastering the art of writing a strong IB History essay is crucial for scoring top marks.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to writing a high-scoring IB History essay, providing you with the structure, strategies, and tips you need to succeed in the N24 and M25 exam sessions.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

One of the most common mistakes students make in IB History is failing to fully address the essay question. IB essay questions are often complex and multi-layered, so it’s crucial to carefully read and analyze the question before you begin writing.

Tips for Understanding the Question:

• Identify the command terms : Look for key phrases like "evaluate," "analyze," "compare," or "to what extent." These terms tell you exactly what the question is asking you to do.
• Break down the question : What is the specific event, period, or theme being asked about? Identify the key historical terms, dates, or figures mentioned.
• Focus on the scope : Make sure you understand the time period and context that the question is asking you to address. Don’t stray beyond the required scope.

Example Question : “To what extent did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the outbreak of World War II?” Here, the command term “to what extent” is asking you to weigh the impact of the Treaty of Versailles in comparison to other causes of the war.

Step 2: Structuring Your Essay

A well-structured essay is essential for clarity and logical flow. IB History essays typically follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Essay Structure:

• Introduction : In your introduction, restate the essay question and briefly outline your argument. State your thesis clearly, outlining the direction your essay will take.
• Body Paragraphs : Each body paragraph should focus on one specific point or argument. Begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence, analysis, and a mini-conclusion.
• Conclusion : Summarize your key arguments and restate your thesis. Your conclusion should demonstrate how you’ve answered the essay question.

Pro Tip : Use PEE paragraphs (Point, Evidence, Explanation) to ensure each paragraph is focused and coherent. Begin with a point, provide historical evidence (such as facts, dates, or quotes), and then explain how it supports your argument.

Step 3: Conducting Research and Gathering Evidence

The strength of your IB History essay depends on the quality of your research and the evidence you provide. Make sure to use both primary and secondary sources to support your arguments.

Steps for Effective Research:

• Use a range of sources : Combine textbook material with journal articles, academic books, and historical documents. For Paper 2, focus on relevant historiography and historians' interpretations.
• Evaluate your sources : Assess the reliability and bias of each source, especially when using primary documents. Show an understanding of different perspectives.
• Organize your notes : Keep a well-organized list of your sources, quotes, and citations so you can easily reference them in your essay.

Pro Tip : For essay topics like “The Causes of the Russian Revolution,” ensure you present evidence from multiple perspectives—political, social, and economic—to demonstrate a balanced argument.

Step 4: Writing an Effective Argument

IB History essays are not just about recounting facts; they are about building a persuasive argument . Your thesis should be clear and well-supported throughout the essay, and each point should directly address the essay question.

How to Build a Strong Argument:

• Develop a thesis : Your thesis is the central argument of your essay. It should answer the question directly and outline your stance on the issue.
• Use evidence strategically : Each piece of evidence should be carefully selected to support your argument. Avoid generalizations or vague references.
• Analyze, don’t just describe : Go beyond simply describing events. Analyze the causes and consequences of historical events, and consider different perspectives or historiographical debates.

Example : In answering “To what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for World War II?”, you should explore both the immediate effects of the treaty and long-term factors like economic depression, Nazi ideology, and the failure of the League of Nations.

Step 5: Addressing Counterarguments

A high-scoring IB History essay will not only present a clear argument but also consider alternative views or counterarguments. Acknowledging other perspectives shows that you have critically engaged with the topic.

How to Include Counterarguments:

• Identify alternative viewpoints : For example, in a discussion about the Treaty of Versailles, you might consider arguments that other factors, such as economic crises or nationalism, played a larger role in causing World War II.
• Refute or integrate counterarguments : After presenting the counterargument, explain why your original thesis still holds stronger. Alternatively, show how both perspectives can coexist in a nuanced view of history.

Pro Tip : Use phrases like “However,” “On the other hand,” or “Despite this” to introduce counterarguments smoothly into your essay.

Step 6: Citing Sources and Historiography

In IB History, proper citation is essential for academic honesty and to show that you’ve based your essay on solid research. You should use a consistent citation style, such as MLA , APA , or Chicago , as required by your school.

Key Tips for Citing Sources:

• Use footnotes or in-text citations : Whenever you quote or paraphrase a historian or a primary source, include a citation.
• Incorporate historiography : In Paper 2 or your IA, mentioning different historians’ interpretations adds depth to your essay. For example, compare views on World War I’s causes from different historians.
• Create a bibliography : List all the sources you’ve referenced in your essay. This is essential for IB academic standards.

Pro Tip : When discussing historiography, mention key historians who have contributed to the debate on your topic. For example, if discussing the Russian Revolution, consider citing Orlando Figes or Richard Pipes .

FAQ Section

Q1: How long should my IB History essay be?

A: For Paper 2 essays, aim for 750-1,200 words. For the Internal Assessment (IA), your word count should be around 2,200 words. Always check your specific subject guidelines.

Q2: How many pieces of evidence should I include in each paragraph?

A: Each paragraph should contain at least one strong piece of evidence, accompanied by detailed analysis. Quality over quantity is key, so ensure your evidence is relevant and well-explained.

Q3: Can I include personal opinions in my IB History essay?

A: Your essay should focus on presenting a well-reasoned argument based on evidence rather than personal opinions. However, your critical evaluation of evidence and perspectives is essential to building a strong essay.

Q4: How can I effectively use historiography in my IB History essay?

A: Use historiography to highlight different interpretations of historical events. You can agree with one historian’s view or compare it with others, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.

Q5: How important is it to address counterarguments?

A: Addressing counterarguments is very important in IB History essays. It shows your ability to engage critically with the question and demonstrates a balanced understanding of the topic.

Writing a high-scoring IB History essay requires careful planning, thorough research, and clear argumentation. By fully understanding the essay question, structuring your essay effectively, and backing up your arguments with strong evidence, you can excel in your History papers for the N24 and M25 sessions. Remember to analyze different perspectives, cite your sources properly, and always keep the essay question in mind.

Good luck with your IB History essays, and remember: the more you practice, the better you’ll become at crafting strong, persuasive arguments!

How to Master IB Internal Assessments (IAs): A Complete Guide for N24 and M25

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• Tips for Writing IB History Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

The Essay Writing Challenge

Writing essays for IB History can be challenging due to the depth of analysis required and the necessity to construct clear, coherent arguments. However, with the right approach and techniques, you can master the art of essay writing and excel in your IB History exams. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft well-structured, insightful essays.

The Importance of Structure and Argument

Imagine reading an essay that wanders off-topic, lacks clear arguments, and is difficult to follow. It’s frustrating, right? Structuring your essay well and developing clear, coherent arguments are crucial to capturing the reader’s attention and making a strong case.

Key Elements of a Strong History Essay

1. Understanding the Question

• Analyze the Prompt : Carefully read the essay prompt to understand what is being asked. Identify the key terms and directive words (e.g., evaluate, analyze, compare).
• Answer the Question : Ensure that your essay directly addresses the question and remains focused on the topic throughout.

2. Research and Evidence

• Use Reliable Sources : Gather information from credible sources such as textbooks, academic journals, and reputable websites.
• Historical Evidence : Use specific examples, dates, events, and quotes to support your arguments. The evidence should be relevant and well-integrated into your analysis.

3. Thesis Statement

• Clear Position : Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your main argument or perspective on the topic.
• Direct Answer : Your thesis should directly answer the essay question and set the stage for your arguments.

4. Essay Structure

• Hook : Start with a compelling fact, quote, or question to grab the reader’s attention.
• Context : Provide brief background information to set the context for your essay.
• Thesis Statement : Present your main argument clearly.
• Topic Sentences : Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph.
• Evidence and Analysis : Provide evidence to support your point and analyze how it contributes to your overall argument.
• PEEL Method : Use the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) technique to structure your paragraphs effectively.
• Summary of Arguments : Summarize the key points made in your essay.
• Restate Thesis : Reinforce your thesis statement in light of the evidence presented.
• Final Thought : End with a thought-provoking statement or question that leaves a lasting impression.

Advanced Tips for Excellence

1. Critical Analysis

• Depth of Analysis : Go beyond describing events. Analyze the causes, consequences, and significance of historical events.
• Multiple Perspectives : Consider different viewpoints and interpretations of historical events. This demonstrates a thorough understanding and critical thinking.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

• Logical Flow : Ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Use transitional phrases to connect paragraphs and ideas.
• Consistency : Maintain a consistent argument throughout your essay. Avoid contradicting statements and stay focused on your thesis.

3. Writing Style

• Clarity and Precision : Write clearly and concisely. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon.
• Formal Tone : Use a formal academic tone. Avoid slang and colloquial language.

4. Revision and Feedback

• Proofread : Carefully proofread your essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity issues.
• Seek Feedback : Ask teachers or peers to review your essay and provide constructive feedback. Use their suggestions to improve your work.

Steps to Write a Strong IB History Essay

• Understand the Question : Analyze the essay prompt and plan your response.
• Research Thoroughly : Gather and organize your evidence from reliable sources.
• Develop a Thesis : Craft a clear and concise thesis statement.
• Plan Your Essay : Outline the structure, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Write and Revise : Write your essay, then revise and proofread to ensure clarity and coherence.
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from teachers or peers and make necessary improvements.

Mastering the History Essay

Writing strong IB History essays requires a combination of thorough research, clear argumentation, and effective writing techniques. By understanding the question, structuring your essay well, and analyzing historical events critically, you can craft insightful essays that stand out. Embrace the challenge and use these tips to excel in your IB History exams.

Related Articles:

• Understanding IB History: A Comprehensive Guide
• Understanding the Differences Between IB History SL and HL
• How to Structure an IB History Extended Essay: A Comprehensive Guide
• Common Mistakes in IB History Exams and How to Avoid Them
• Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the IB History Exam
• Preparing for IB History with Mock Exams and Practice Tests
• How to Prepare for IB History Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

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IB English Paper 2 Explained

Free introductory guide to IB English Paper 2 by IB45 and IB7 graduates.

This guide will explain IB English Paper 2 and what you need to ace the exam come May or November, when the IB Gods throw you this (seemingly) insurmountable task.

If you don't know all about Paper 1 already, do check out LitLearn's amazing guide  for IB English Paper 1. Paper 1 is all about on-the-spot thinking and  adrenaline-pumping analysis . What about Paper 2?

Well, IB English Paper 2 is  all of those things , plus extensive preparation . But don't fret! I survived Paper 2, and so have many others before you. All you need is a couple sprinkles of guidance from a seasoned Paper 2 veteran (ahem).

Meet your instructor Jackson Huang, Founder of LitLearn. His mission is to make IB English as pain-free as possible with fun, practical lessons. Jackson scored an IB45 and was accepted to Harvard, Amherst, Williams Colleges, and full scholarships to University of Melbourne & Queensland.

What is IB English Paper 2?

You're in the exam room. You stare at the page and wipe the sweat from your forehead and try to focus on the words on the page:

"We are all prisoners of ourselves.” Discuss how the sense of imprisonment shapes the meaning and the effect on the audience of at least two texts you have studied."

A Paper 2 exam consists of four of these prompts. From these options, you choose one prompt and write a 1000 to 1300-word essay on it.

How long do you get? 1 hour 45 minutes for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students.

In these 1000 to 1300 words, your task is to write a comparative essay , which — you guessed it — means comparing similarities and contrasting differences between the texts you've studied in class for Paper 2 (i.e., poems, novels, plays or short stories) .

Now that you understand what a Paper 2 essay involves, let's jump into how to properly answer one of these IB English Paper 2 prompts.

How to answer a Paper 2 Question

Let's stick with the above example about the theme of “imprisonment”.

First, see that philosophical quote at the start of the prompt? It's there to spark ideas, to get the juices flowing in your brain. You don't have to refer to it directly unless the questions explicitly asks you to do so. So the take-away message here is to not be ‘imprisoned' by the philosophical quotes at the start of the prompts.

Second, notice the command term “discuss”. This is usually replaced by words like “evaluate”, “analyse”, “examine”. Don't worry about it too much : it doesn't mean anything too important, because at the end of the day you still have to analyse, you still have to compare, and you still have to contrast.

The key of the prompt

The part after the command term is the most important part of the prompt:

"[…] how the sense of imprisonment shapes the meaning and the effect on the audience […]"

Here the “sense of imprisonment” — the key of the prompt — tells us exactly what we need to write about in the essay.

Can you find the key in this next prompt?

"Compare and contrast the effectiveness of the use of irony in two or more texts you have studied."

Notice the command term “compare and contrast” and the important part after it. The key of this prompt is “ the use of irony “.

Get comfy with morphing stuff

More often than not, our texts do not contain anything explicitly related to the prompt's key, say, the theme of “imprisonment”.

Pay attention to this next paragraph…

The secret to scoring a 7 in IB English Paper 2 is to get very comfortable with bending, morphing and twisting your texts and/or the prompt so that they are as compatible with each other as possible.

There are two ways that this can be achieved:

1. Morphing existing ideas in your own texts to fit the prompt

While Jane Sherwood's (some random character) nostalgia in your Incredible Text 1 may not directly relate to “imprisonment”, you could twist the character's nostalgia into the idea that emotions can trap or “imprison” an individual in a treasured memory or a past experience.

Nostalgia and imprisonment seem like unlikely brothers at first, but with a bit of justification they look almost like identical twins.

2. Redefining the prompt (reasonably)

The key of the prompt can often be vague . For example, there was a real IB exam prompt that asked whether “male characters were more interesting than female characters.” What does “interesting” even mean?

The IB Gods are inviting you to constrain the topic in a way that works for your texts specifically. You could write in the first sentence of your introduction:

"Interest, an important part of dramatic works, is often generated by emotional conflict and the subsequent creation of tension." "

Here I have restricted the broad topic of “interesting” to the more clearly-defined topic of “emotional conflict” because this redefinition works well for the texts I've studied for IB English Paper 2. You should do the same.

In reality, you have to morph both your texts and the prompt in order to reach a snug fit between the two. Getting to this point, which all happens during the planning stage, is the most difficult part of the Paper 2 process because it requires you to know your texts so well that you can apply the ideas in your texts to different situations.

How many texts to compare and contrast?

Before we continue with this introductory guide, we need to address the age-old question of how many texts should we compare and contrast in an IB English Paper 2 comparative essay?

In the old syllabus, you had the choice to compare and contrast up to three texts.

Luckily, in the new syllabus (First assessment 2021), you don't have to make a choice: the IB requires you to compare and contrast just two texts . One less decision for you to make!

However, you are still recommended to prepare three texts, so that you have 3 possible combinations of texts to answer your prompts (Texts 1 & 2, Texts 1 & 3 and Texts 2 & 3).

Now that we agree on how many texts to compare and contrast, let's see how we can make the texts work together.

Choosing the best points across your two texts

There's an easy way, and there's a hard way.

If you want a score of 5 or below , you can simply think of two points to answer the prompt for Text 1 and two other points to answer the prompt for Text 2. Then, slap them together into different paragraphs, regurgitate some shallow comparison and contrast, and call it a comparative essay. That doesn't sound very sophisticated, does it?

On the other hand, if you want a score of 6 or 7 , you'll need to use a lot more brainpower and insight. The points that you choose for your two texts are very important, in terms of how the points relate to each other and to the prompt. The points need to have enough overlaps that similarities can be analysed, but not too much similarity because you also want to contrast differences.

What ends up happening is you enter an algorithm — a set of steps, sort of like a recipe — where you repeatedly attempt to find good points for the prompt, gradually morphing them while re-defining the prompt itself, until you reach a good plan for your Paper 2 essay.

What does a good plan generally look like?

• Your re-defined prompt has not strayed far, or at all, from the original prompt.
• The points for Text 1 fit well with the prompt.
• The points for Text 2 fit well with the prompt as well as the points your chose for Text 1.

The million dollar question is: How do we get to this optimum stage where the prompts and the texts and married so harmoniously ? The answer is brainstorming.

In these Pro lessons from our study guide, we go into detail about the exact strategies for brainstorming for Paper 2 under exam conditions, choosing the right Paper 2 essay structure, and writing a strong Paper 2 thesis.

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How to best prepare for Paper 2

We've talked a lot about the skills and questions necessary to tackle an IB English Paper 2 prompt, but all of that happens during the exam itself. What can we do before Paper 2 to put ourselves in the best position?

• (Really) understanding your text
• Choosing great quotes for your Paper 2 (covered in a later lesson )
• Practice past Paper 2 exams

Let's go through Steps 1 and 3.

Understanding your text

IB English Paper 2 tests skills that require a deep understanding . First, to compare and contrast effectively, you need to know your texts well enough that you can find similarities and differences in the micro-details and in the macro themes, in the characters and in the techniques. Second, in order to adapt the ideas in your text to the prompt , you need to know how far you can stretch those ideas while maintaining their validity.

Without a deep understanding, you're dead in the water.

In our Paper 2 Preparation guide, we tell you exactly how to prepare your Paper 2 knowledge and notes, down to the specific questions you should be able to answer. The preparation is organized into Level 1 to Level 4 to give you a structured study roadmap for Paper 2. That way you don't get overwhelmed.

No sign up or credit card required.

Practising Past Paper 2s

The most challenging part of Paper 2 is bringing together three aspects:

• The quotes you've memorised
• Your analysis skills
• Your ability to adapt the quotes and ideas to a new prompt that you've never, ever encountered before

Grabbing that 7 in IB English Paper 2 requires that you are solid on all three fronts . You cannot just practice each of these aspects individually. Practising to plan and write Paper 2 responses ensures that you practise this core trifecta of skills together, all at once.

Practising past Paper 2s was the core of my IB English Paper 2 preparation schedule. It helped me to memorise quotes, learn which quotes are better than others, and learn certain pairs of themes, characters and techniques that work well in my texts for comparison and contrast.

By practising Paper 2s extensively, you increase your awareness of what works (and what doesn't) for your texts. Hence, the main thing you have to worry about on the day of your exam is the prompt itself--the only variable that you cannot control.

In the Paper 2 study guide, we have an exemplar IB English Paper 2 essay from a past exam: See the exemplar essay .

Question​bank

Paper 1 Practice Exams

Past Paper 1 Solutions

Paper 2 Guide

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Learn Analysis

The 3 basic principles essential to IB English analysis

Learn how to analyze diction for IB English

Learn how to analyze modality & imperative language for IB English

Questionbank

Try Question 7 from the Analysis Questionbank

Try Question 23 from the Analysis Questionbank

Free introductory guide to the Paper 1 guided analysis exam

The 3 ingredients you're not including in your thesis

Free introductory guide to the Paper 2 comparative analysis exam

Covers the levels of knowledge crucial to Paper 2 preparation

Individual Oral

Free introductory guide to the Individual Oral assessment

Helpful list of global issue starters to kickstart your imagination.

Higher Level Essay

Free introductory guide to the HLE assessment

HL External Assessments, first examinations 2021

HL Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. (30 marks) 25%

SL Paper 2: Comparative essay (1 hour 45 minutes)

The paper consists of four general questions. In response to one question, students write a comparative essay based on two works studied in the course. Students are required to answer one question only.(30 marks) 35%

The only difference between HL and SL is that HL Paper 2 is weighted less at 25% while SL Paper 2 is weighted at 25%.

Comparative essay on literary texts

Paper Two Explained

Paper Two Rubric

High Exemplar and Comments

Mid Range Exemplar and Comments

Producing a Paper Two: Compare and Contrast Two Texts Analysis, IB External Assessment (May of Senior Year)

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Similarities and Differences

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Point by Point Method

Compare and Contrast Two Texts, Block Method

Developing a Thesis

TWO WORKS: Writing the thesis statement for a compare/contrast essay

In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme), while in (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).

In (Name of Work) and (Name of Work), both (Full Name of First Author) and (Full Name of Second Author) (use, employ, utilize, rely on) (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme)

Explaining Command Terms in IB History

It is Tuesday, and you enter the history classroom, prepared to write an essay – all set, notes polished, brain of a scholar. You receive your essay question, and you write, write, write until you finally finish. A week later, you get your essay back, and a dark and sorrowful mood takes away your sunshine – although equipped with plenty of examples, analysis, and interpretations, your essay did not receive a high mark as you did not answer the question fully . According to your teacher, that is because you used the wrong definition of a command term. 

And yes, you may think – these are so small, tiny, minuscule words that hold such a similar meaning, and yet they are so significant. In the IB curriculum, a command term (such as analyze, identify, outline, etc.) is considered to be a key element of an essay question or a task, which serves the purpose of directing a student to some sort of understanding of how the question should be approached. They may seem daunting to tackle at first, but thankfully, it is not rocket science and this article will provide you with a detailed explanation of 6 command terms: analyze, discuss, evaluate, examine, to what extent, compare and contrast – often used in IB History essay questions. 

“To break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.” (IBO, 2017)

Although commonly used in many social sciences subjects, this word carries a puzzling definition. To analyze means to process and evaluate material, in opposition to only providing or describing facts. In essay writing, to analyze means to come up with insights and conclusions through a certain structure of weighing and comparison; In other words, students should find “thematic points” and group information according to their understanding. In other words, this command term encourages the student to ask questions starting with “why” and “how” instead of “what”, thus, breaking down and exploring the core elements of the given situation.

For example, in the essay “Analyze the short-term causes of modern war” , one could analyze the short-term causes of the Chinese civil war by first finding the thematic points (categorizing short-term causes into ideological, social, and economic) and finding relationships between them before prioritizing them in relation to their individual roles in the conflict (e.g. one can state that the most important aspect of Chinese civil war causality was an ideological clash, as it later on lead to the political and economic implications).

“To offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.” (IBO, 2017)

It may help if one associates this with the definition of the word discussion since it is the medium in which different opinions collide and conceptual compromises take place. Similarly, this command term implies that a student must offer a balanced analysis that would consider a variety of arguments and perspectives based on applicable evidence. The counterfactual evidence to proposed arguments (for instance, in the form of contrasting perspectives, or identification of advantages and disadvantages) is at the heart of this command term, and should never be overlooked. This command term is complex, but it is all about maintaining equilibrium in one’s essay: (1) introducing contrasting perspectives, (2) supporting them with evidence, and (3) establishing a balanced conclusion.

As an example, to answer the essay question “Discuss the impact of limited mobilization on the outcome of two wars” , one may focus on conveying the perceptions of two different points of view. Let us take the Falklands/Malvinas and the First Gulf wars. On one hand, a student can state that the limited mobilization of these wars led to a similar outcome as it caused the defeat of Argentina and Iraq while enabling Great Britain and Allied forces to achieve their war objectives more effectively. On the other hand, one can claim that the impact of mobilization intensity in both conflicts differed as it inflicted large-scale civilian casualties in the First Gulf War, whereas the casualties were relatively small in the Falklands/Malvinas War. At the end of this essay, students should be able to deduce that given both perspectives, different conclusions can be made. 

“To make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.” (IBO, 2017)

Just like a film critic evaluates a movie, a student, in their essay, must come across straightforward and constructive conclusions. A student should not only provide historical evidence, names, dates, and events to base one’s decision on but also weigh the arguments based on the arguments’ strengths and limitations in supporting the overarching point. As with any other judgment, your evaluation should be based on certain criteria that you can identify on your own. For example, at the beginning of your essay you may mention that in order to come to a certain conclusion, a certain burden of proof must be proven.

For instance, to answer the question “Evaluate the success of the Conference of Berlin (1878) in terms of peace dynamics of European international relations afterward” , as a student I can claim that to conclude whether the Conference of Berlin was successful, one must prove that it built the foundation for the long-term peace in Europe. If in my essay I find that this event had more significant limitations than strengths on peacebuilding of Europe in the long run, I should conclude that it did not fulfill this criteria and thus this conference was not successful.

“To consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.” (IBO, 2017)

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, to examine means to check or study something carefully, especially to prove an idea, learn new information, or discover possible problems. It perfectly resonates with the requirements of this command term, as this, first and foremost, should be associated with the interrelation and correlation of factors. This command term is especially prominent in essays that investigate causality or the effects of particular events. To illustrate, you may consider yourself a detective, pathologist, and doctor all at once while writing the essay: you must look at all elements and see how they are connected. 

Say, in the essay “Examine the role of territorial factors as a cause for war in two case studies” , I analyzed the case studies of the Falklands/Malvinas and the First Gulf War and thus deduced that in the scenario of Falklands/Malvinas dispute, the claims for territories where fatal for the outbreak of the war, while in the case of the First Gulf war, political and economic causes were of the higher importance.

To what extent

“To 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.” (IBO, 2017)

Used to initiate discussions and debates in various subjects, this common term may become the symbolic phrase of an IB student. “To what extent” indicates that the essay will be a debatable one, meaning that both proposing and opposing arguments should be present. In the simplest terms, “to what extent” questions usually ask you to provide argumentation for both agreeing and disagreeing with the statement. However, notice that in order to disagree, you must compare proposed arguments with alternative ones.  

For instance, in the essay “To what extent was ideology the cause of two 20th-century wars?”, one may claim that in the Spanish Civil War, the ideological clash was only a result provoked by economic and political intricacies whereas the Chinese Civil War was purely ideology-driven, since the dispute between the leading political figures was rooted in their contrasting perceptions of how a country should be governed.

Compare and contrast

“To give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.” (IBO, 2017)

The confusion may arise from the fact that in many of the historical essays, a student has to weigh and compare historical events without the word “compare” being present in the question. However, two things must be noted. First, in such essays similarities and differences must be identified and analyzed, concerning both of the case studies. Second, once again, one must find core points of weighing and comparison.  

Let’s take a look at “Compare and contrast the effects of two 20th-century wars, each chosen from a different region.” We may compare the wars of the Falklands/Malvinas and the Algerian civil war. For example, one can claim that the similarity would be an economic effect, as both Argentina and Algeria suffered huge economic damages after the war, while the difference would be political, as Argentina managed to elect a democratic government afterward, whereas Algeria had struggled with the establishment of democracy for a long time. 

Comparison of command terms

Examine vs. evaluate.

Notice how these two terms differ in their purpose: while evaluating means to analyze and come to certain conclusions (identify limitations and successes), examining focuses purely on the process of investigating and finding connections (focusing on interrelations of factors). 

To what extent vs. Examine

To clarify, “to what extent” focuses on prioritization by shifting focus to one particular factor, while examining breaks down, and scrutinizing connections of various aspects, in the end concluding which role (and how important) each of them were in the particular event. 

Discuss vs. Evaluate

Although both command terms require consideration of different perspectives, discussing means focusing more on providing a range of opinions, thus signifying that the problem can be approached from many directions. Evaluating, on the other hand, forces one to come to clear conclusions, which means that a student should not only provide a balanced analysis but also engage with it and conclude which of the perspectives was the most valid. 

Last but not least, tips .

• You should not use another command term in your thesis statement besides the one mentioned in your essay question. This can help you focus your argument while not going beyond the bounds of the question. 
• Try to mention the command term regularly in your essay to demonstrate focus.

You may also like…

• Heidy’s tips on including histography is essays.
• Joseph’s guide to prepare for the IB Business Management case study.

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Website by Jo Thomas & Keely Rogers

Updated 20 October 2024

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• 3. Theme 3 - Cold War Crises

Cold War Crises: essay writing exercises and essay plansStudents will be choosing their own examples on which crises to include in their essays, and so this essay frame provides a general structure and gives ideas as to the kind of vocabulary which is useful in comparative essays; there is also an example of how it can be applied to specific examples. Some examples of comparative essays are in the Sample essay section...

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