Section+B

=B Summary of evidence, 6 marks= toc This section should consist of factual material that is:


 * drawn from sources that are appropriate for the investigation; sources should be sufficient to provide an
 * in-depth understanding of the topic and clearly related to the question
 * correctly and consistently referenced\organized **thematically** or **chronologically**.

This section should be organized, referenced and provide evidence of thorough research. This can be in either a bulleted list or continuous prose.

Suggested word count: 500 - 600 words

B Summary of evidence, Marks Level descriptor
0 = There is no relevant factual material. 1–2 = There is some relevant factual material but it has not been referenced. 3–4 = There is relevant factual material that shows evidence of research, organization and referencing. 5–6 = The factual material is all relevant to the investigation and it has been well researched, organized and correctly referenced.

What to do:
This is where you prove that you have done your research and that you were able to use a wide variety of sources. You need to organize your evidence either by theme or chronologically. It needs to be presented in a logical way that the reader can easily follow. Use only information that is relevant to your research question. (Only evidence that you will use in section D “Analysis”)

A pitfall for many candidates is that they confuse Section B and @Section D. Section B is were you present information only; you do not evaluate, analyse, judge or do anything else but present the story.

Any information that you will use anywhere else in your investigation must be presented in this section. You cannot introduce new information in sections D and E. Use both primary and secondary sources. You can present your information in bullet points, but you need to use complete sentences. All the sources that are cited in your summary of evidence must be included in section F (list of sources). You must use the Sources you used in Part C and show that these sources are important in answering your research question.

Reference everything. Make it clear that you have read widely.

Given the maximum word limit of 2,000 words, you should be very careful in the selection of material for Section B and avoid, for example, unnecessary background. You may be tempted to 'cheat' by putting more in the appendices - but remember the moderator is NOT required to look at these, especially if it is obvious that the appendices are being used to circumvent the word limit. Similarly, the excessive use of footnotes to include material which should be placed in the body of the investigation is discouraged.

The following is an extract from a November session Subject report:

//More selection of the sources of evidence to be used was apparent and there were many examples of topics that had been researched very thoroughly. There were some cases, though, of evidence being utilized that was not focused upon the demands of the question being set and had poor structure.//

=The difference between B and D:=


 * Some analogies to illustrate the difference between B and D:**

Ever heard of Tasseography or Tassology, where fortune-tellers interpret patterns in tea leaves or coffee grounds? Imagine that Section B is the cup with coffee grounds and Section D is the fortune teller who analyses the grounds. (...and will predict that you will receive high marks for your IA because you read the instructions on this site so well)
 * Analogy 1:**

Section B is the witness who explains to the judge what happened during an event. Section D is the judge's report/verdict.
 * Analogy 2: **

The difference between B and D represented visually:
 * Analogy 3: **

What the examiners say:
After every round of exams, IAs and EEs, the IB examiners prepare a "Subject Report". See example here. It is very useful to read the comments for all areas and Papers as it gives you valuable pointers.

Work ranged from excellent to inadequate. Many of the historical investigations were well researched and the evidence clearly presented and referenced, though not always thoroughly or consistently. Referencing seemed to be improved slightly but there continues to be concerns due to a lack of referencing which limits the amount that can be awarded for this section to a maximum of two marks. Candidates continued to blend sections B and D, with analysis demonstrated in the summary of evidence, section B, and new evidence being used in section D, analysis.
 * Criterion B – Summary of evidence (May 2012)**

Most candidates successfully presented relevant evidence with referencing and some type of organization. This section is where the facts of evidence are to be presented yet candidates still blend analysis with their facts and limit the mark awarded. The analysis should be placed in Section D where it is more appropriate and would receive credit for the material. Many investigations were well researched and fit the description required of the upper level mark for this criterion yet a large number of candidates provided only a very limited source list. Referencing style was also a problem for some of the papers as they should reflect one standard style. Again this year some of the candidates submitted work not referenced in this section which limits the section to a maximum of 2 marks.
 * Criterion B: Summary of evidence (May 2011)**

Many candidates successfully used factual material for this section, and the material was correctly referenced. On the other hand, it was noticed that despite the new guidelines, candidates were willing to include in this section analysis and interpretations that should have been placed on D. Furthermore, as in previous years references presented problems for some centres. This section must be relevant, well researched and comprehensive. Referencing must conform to a standard acceptable system.
 * Criterion B: Summary of evidence (May 2010)**

Samples Part B

 * Sample 1:**
 * Click here to download the sample Section B only: Section B only sample09_studentwork_en.pdf
 * Click here to download this whole Sample IA (which received a 23 out of 25): Sample IA including moderator comments.pdf

An online IA can be found here.
 * Sample 2:**

Here is an example of a weaker IA. It scored 16/25
 * Sample 3:**