IB History Review Guide/Use of Source Material

The IB curriculum mandates the analysis of primary documents. This is required specifically in Paper 1 of the IB history exam. An assessment on the origins, values, limitations and purposes are required. Documents are primarily based upon Stalin, Lenin or Mao. Documents can either be in written form (diary, transcript etc) or a photographic document (which is generally the last primary document on the IB Exam in paper 1 - Document E). When assessing documents explicit reference to the origins, purpose, values and limitations must be expressed in the response.

When assessing the limitations, it is important not to use the word "bias". Clearly, any historian knows that a source is biased to some degree. The real skill is in determining what the bias is. For example, Bismarck's letters to the people were "limited" (not biased") in the fact that he toned down his language to a more aesthetic and pleasing style, in order to appeal to the masses. This is clearly not the same way he would address his peers.

Oftentimes, Paper 1 will require comparisons of sources in terms of similarities and differences. It is thus recommended to focus on ONE of Stalin, Mao, or Lenin's primary sources in order to excel on Paper 1.