D: Analysis (500-650 words) [6 marks]
0
1-2
3-4
5-6
There is no analysis.
There is some attempt at analyzing the evidence presented in section B.
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.
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
analyzed.
Will comprise the majority of your original writing
Using Summary from B  critically break down key issues, points
As well as awareness of the significance of the sources used, especially those evaluated in section C
DO NOT add new evidence unless you also add it to your Part B/Summary of Evidence
Clearly explains WHY this topic/question is important
 YOU MUST CONNECT THE ANAYLYSIS SECTION WITH THE ORIGINAL RESEARCH QUESTION OR TOPIC. This is true
for the entire paper. There should be a thread running through the entire paper connecting all sections back to the research question.
Analysis of the evidence & alternate interpretations or POV
Breaks down complex issues in order to bring out the essential elements, any underlying assumptions and any
interrelationships involved
Historical context will add weight & perspective so don’t ignore it
Suggested Format for Analysis:
Section 1 - Historical Context 
 Demonstrates understanding of the issue in historical
context.
 What events were going on in that may have led to
underlying assumptions or points of view on this issue that
you will break down and analyze in this section?
Section 2 - Significance of Sources from C 
 Demonstrate awareness of the significance of the sources
evaluated in Part C.
 Make critical comments on evidence from those sources
Section 3 - Critical examination of one possible answer 
 Examine evidence from part B that could lead to one
possible answer / interpretation of research question.
 Here it is essential to make critical comments based on
evidence.
 Discuss cause-and-effect relationships, underlying
assumptions and any interrelationships that are related to
the evidence you presented.
Section 4 - Critical examination of DIFFERENT possible answer

 Examine evidence from part B that could lead to a
DIFFERENT possible answer / interpretation of research
question.
 Here it is essential to 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.
Section 5 – Foundation for Conclusion 
 Write a paragraph that considers the above interpretations
and starts to transition toward a conclusion [see Section E]
Examples:
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
___________"
An example from: To what extent did Stalin's Five-Year Plans
improve Russia’s military?
(Stalin established collectivization and the five-year plans because of
the very real threat of foreign invasion during the 1920s and 30s.)
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
Russia’s previous failures from World War I. Russia had lost many
soldiers due to Russia’s 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.
ANALYSIS: Critical thinking & Problem solving
-This is the part you do from your own knowledge & experience
-What are your conclusions based on the evidence?
*The elements of the investigation identified in your summary of evidence will be broken down into key issues or points*
-Don’t add any new facts. Only use facts already introduced
-You posed the question
-You did the research
-Now you show how the two fit together
Examples:
With what justification can it be claimed that it was the leadership of Trotsky which promoted Red victory in the Russian
Civil War?
Moderators Comments: Criterion D
 The section is effectively referenced. It refers to a
variety of historians’ views in an integrated fashion in
the analysis.
 The critical commentary is largely consistent with what
has been stated in section B, though there could have
been “some evidence of awareness of the significance to
the investigation of the sources evaluated in section C”.
 There is a well-written and balanced coverage of factors
in this 714-word section.
 Received 5 of 6 marks
Tips:
-Clear, Analytical, and Comprehensive Thesis
-Address all parts of the question
-Substantiate the thesis with ample historical evidence
-Address P.O.V.
-Strong topic sentences
-Uses material from Parts B & C Only!
(Ideally… anchors argument around Sources from Part C)
Non-Example:
Iranian Revolution (1977-1979)
A Case Study of Power Struggle Spawned from an Inept Leadership
To What Extent was the Iranian Revolution Stolen by the Islamic Fundamentalists?
Marks: 2 out of 6
Moderator Comments: Better proofreading of this section could have reduced the problems of expression and weak sentence
structure that hindered the analysis. There is heavy emphasis on describing what particular authors think, though the student’s own
leanings or argument in this analysis is difficult to discern. There is no referencing provided despite the copious references to the
viewpoints of different writers. To reach level 3–4 references need to be provided. Analysis is more than narrating the views of others.