Introduction
Humanities subjects like History, Geography, and Psychology place heavy emphasis on argumentation in the Internal Assessment (IA). Unlike science or math IAs that rely on experiments and data, humanities IAs are judged on how well you build, support, and evaluate arguments. Weak or descriptive essays rarely score well, while strong, structured arguments show examiners that you can think critically and engage with evidence.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to develop strong arguments in a humanities IA, from crafting a focused research question to structuring evidence and evaluating perspectives. For models of high-scoring humanities IAs, you can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Strong Arguments in a Humanities IA
- Start with a clear, focused research question
- Use reliable primary and secondary sources
- Structure arguments logically with clear topic sentences
- Support claims with evidence, not just opinion
- Acknowledge counterarguments and alternative perspectives
- Conclude with a reasoned, evidence-based judgment
Step 1: Begin With a Focused Research Question
Strong arguments grow from strong questions. A vague or broad question will only lead to weak analysis.
Examples:
- Weak: “How did propaganda affect World War II?”
- Strong: “To what extent did Nazi propaganda influence German civilian morale between 1939–1945?”
The second example forces argumentation and invites multiple perspectives.
Step 2: Build Arguments Around Evidence
In humanities IAs, evidence is the foundation of every argument. Avoid generalizations like “propaganda was effective” unless you can back it up with data, sources, or case studies.
Types of evidence:
