Analysis

Suggested number of words: 500650

This section should consist of:

an analysis that breaks down complex issues in order to bring out the essential elements, any
underlying assumptions and any interrelationships involved

an understanding of the issue in its historical context

a critical examination of the factual material presented in section B

an awareness of the significance of the sources used, especially those evaluated in section C

a consideration of different interpretations of evidence, where appropriate.

In this section the elements of the investigation identified in section B will be broken down into key
issues/points. Consideration of historical context can add weight and perspective to the study. Where
appropriate (depending on the scope of the investigation) links can be made with associated events and
developments to aid understanding of the historical importance of the chosen investigation.

Suggested Format of Section D

Paragraph 1 - Historical Context
Write a paragraph demonstrating your understanding of the issue in its historical context. What events
were going on in the United States (or world) during the scope of your investigation that may have led
to underlying assumptions or points of view on this issue that you will break down and analyze in
this section?
Paragraph 2 - Significance of Sources from C
Write a paragraph or two that demonstrates your awareness of the significance of the sources you
evaluated in Part C. Make critical comments on evidence from those sources that could help answer
your research question.
Paragraph 3 - Critical examination of one possible answer
Write a paragraph or two that examines evidence from part B that could lead to one possible answer
to or interpretation of your research question. Here it is essential you make critical comments
based on your evidence. Discuss cause-and-effect relationships, underlying assumptions and any
interrelationships that are related to the evidence you presented.
Paragraph 4 - Critical examination of a different interpretation
Write a paragraph or two that examines evidence from part B that could lead to a different possible
answer or interpretation to your research question. Here it is essential you make critical
comments based on your evidence. Discuss cause-and-effect relationships, underlying assumptions
and any interrelationships that are related to the evidence you presented.
Paragraph 5 - Laying foundation for conclusion
Write a paragraph that considers the above interpretations and starts to transition toward what you
think your conclusion will say. Start laying the foundation for your conclusion.

Analysis Example

To make it clear that you are placing your topic within its historical context, literally spell it out by
writing, "This investigation is important in its historical context because ___________"
Examples of historical context:
Stalin established collectivization and the five-year plans because of the very real threat of
foreign invasion during the 1920s and 30s.
An example from Adam Campbell's investigation: To what extent did Stalin's Five-Year Plans improve
Russias military?
This investigation is important in its historical context because Stalin's motivation to correct the
problems with Russia's military came simply from the fact that he feared other countries, due to
Russias previous failures from World War I. Russia had lost many soldiers due to Russias unequipped
military, such as the 200,000 casualties in the Battle of Masuria. As Stalin wrote about industrializing
for military purposes in the Pravda, We must make good this distance in ten years. Either we do it, or
we shall be crushed.
Examiner Comment: A clear attempt at establishing historical context.
Other Examples:
The American Progressive reform movement to establish laws to eliminate child labor gained
momentum in the early 1900s as a result of the rapid, un-checked growth of industry from 1870 and
1900.
U.S. business interest in the Hawaiian Islands was fueled in part because of its natural resources, but
militarily, the young U.S. navy wanted control of the island before the British Empire took it to
maintain trade between Australia and British Columbia.
Markbands
0

There is no analysis.

12

There is some attempt at analysing the evidence presented in section B.

34

There is analysis of the evidence presented in section B and references are included. There
may be some awareness of the significance to the investigation of the sources evaluated in
section C. Where appropriate, different interpretations are considered.

56

There is critical analysis of the evidence presented in section B, accurate referencing, and an
awareness of the significance to the investigation of the sources evaluated in section C. Where
appropriate, different interpretations are analysed.

Internal Assessment

Analysis Example

Internal Assessment