The Internal assessment

1. The Internal assessment

2. THE COMPONENTS OF THE IA • The Plan of the Investigation – 3 points • The Summary of Evidence – 6 points • The Evaluation of Sources – 5 points • Analysis – 6 points • Conclusion – 2 points • Sources and Word Limit – 3 points • Total Maximum: 2000 words/25 points

3. The Plan of Investigation • The research question is clearly stated • The scope is clear and specific: • What are you investigating focused by time and theme or event analysis • Investigate a question that can be answered • The method is clear and specific to the topic: • What will you use (letters, interviews, political cartoons, newspaper articles, etc.) • What resources (journals, print media, web sites, etc.)

4. EXAMPLE • BAD – “The Childhood of Adolph Hitler” • GOOD – “How did Hitler’s childhood family relationships influence his life?” • BAD – I will use books and the internet to research this topic. • GOOD – I will analyze personal letters, memoirs and recollections from those who were close to Hitler’s family during his youth.

5. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE • List (in any form) the evidence from your sources that you will analyze later for the answer to your investigation • Use only evidence that belongs in your specific topic • You must cite your sources – use one format throughout your paper and be consistent (default = MLA); 2 vs. 6! • Organize your evidence either by theme or chronology; 3 vs. 6!

6. EXAMPLE • For Hitler’s childhood you might organize your evidence according to relationship: • Hitler and His Father • Hitler and His Mother • Hitler and Other Family Members • You would not include evidence concerning World War Two or Hitler’s service in World War I

7. Evaluation of Sources • You should have 8 – 15 sources cited from your research • Aim for 1/3 to half to be from accepted academic text sources (not internet, not encyclopedia’s , etc.) • Do not cite search engines (Google, Wikepedia, etc.) – use their resources to locate other acceptable sites! • Select your TWO most important sources for a thorough OPVL evaluation • 5 points and easy!

8. Analysis • Break down the issue into essential elements to show inter-relationships, patterns, etc. • Places the topic in its historical context • Critically examine evidence presented earlier • Aware of significance of sources – especially the ones evaluated • A consideration of different interpretations where appropriate

9. Conclusion • Must be clearly stated • Must be consistent with the evidence presented • Must be relevant to the research question • Another very easy section

10. Sources and Word Limit • Bibliography of all sources used – use one method throughout paper (MLA) • NOTE – don’t forget the requirements mentioned above in the “source evaluations” section • Appendix for any illustrations, maps, etc. to clarify (rare). Does not count against word limit • Word count must be clearly and accurately stated on the title page! • Another easy one!

11. What to Turn in • Three printed copies of paper • Title page: topic question, name, word count • One copy on disc in Microsoft Word format (disc labeled in a protective jewel case) • Put all of the above in a pocketed folder (any color) • When – Before February 1