The International Baccalaureate or IB World Schools Foundation is a global educational organization, registered in Geneva, Switzerland. Supporting rapidly evolving globalization in every industry, the non-profit foundation oversees the IB educational curriculum of more than 3,300 schools in 142 countries. Claiming student enrollment of nearly one million students, ages three to 19 years, the IB
. Foundation develops challenging educational programs for international, national, state-funded, and private educational institutions. Students are encouraged to develop lifelong learning and research skills for understanding differences and similarities among people throughout the world. IB diplomas for the two-year high-school program are based on completion of a course of study, final examinations and an internal assessment or extended essay. A network of 45,000 IB-trained teachers administers the courses, which are overseen by the IB Foundation. Schools pay a fee of approximately $900 per student to offer IB Foundation courses. Students ages 16-19, participating in IB Diploma programs, must take a specified number of classes from among a set of basic subject categories, such as: chemistry, French, English, mathematics, social and cultural anthropology and history. Experts offer candidates for the history internal assessment several tips. The written piece consists of 1,500 to 2,000 words that are formatted in six sections, with a suggested word count. The sections are; investigative plan, 150 words; 400 to 500-word summary of evidence; evaluation of sources, 200-350 words; analysis of up to 800 words; 200-word conclusion. A bibliography, not part of the word count, is included. The summary of evidence and analysis should contain the majority of the word count. Each student submits an essay; no group work is allowed. IB educational consultants advise that students choose an essay topic that: is enjoyable; relates to their country; and overlaps with the class syllabus to help with preparation for exams. Also, hardcore sources, such as history books, periodicals, and interviews with people are considered better sources of research than simple reliance on the Internet. Examiners prefer topics that can provide a fresh view on a subject. Students should make essays clear and concise. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs/departments/socialstudies/ibhistoryia/topics.htm or http://geoff-williams.suite101.com/ib-history-fifty-ideas-for-internal-assessment-topics-a308141
