The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists: Reading and Comprehension Exercise An extract from the excellent novel by Robert Tressell and some accompanying questions forms the ideal follow-up to the roleplay activity. Part of the study unit on Marxism v. Capitalism.
Category: Historical Periods
Mark Steel’s Video Documentary on Marxism and accompanying worksheet
Mark Steel’s Video Documentary on Marxism and accompanying worksheet I set this as a homework task and discuss the answers in class afterwards, but if time allows it’s a good one to watch together. Mark Steel approaches the topic with rigour but also with humour. Part of the study unit on Marxism v. Capitalism.
Marxism for Beginners: Introduction to the project
A couple of PowerPoint slides outlining that the project will consist of producing a guide to Marxism covering the following areas. Students will use tables, mindmaps, diagrams as appropriate to illustrate comparisons and contrasts in the most effective way possible. How does Capitalism Work? Criticisms of Capitalism Marx’s Solution – Socialism The Contribution of Lenin…
Rise of Stalin: Telescopic Topic
A telescopic topic of revision notes using the ClassTools Telescopic Topic template.
Middle East pre-1939: 30-Question Quiz
A revision quiz – this time with 30 possible questions – designed to help students revise the Middle East Paper 1 depth study as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a…
Was the Palestinian refugee crisis the deliberate policy of the Jewish leadership?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Spanish Civil War: Causes and Events – Interactive Quizzes
A series of revision quizzes. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task, whatever that…
Who was to blame for the outbreak of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Was it the Arab refusal to accept the UN Partition Plan that caused the 1948 War?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Why did Britain decide to pull out of the Palestinian mandate in 1947?
A sample sourcework assignment in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
Pirate Codes: Comparisons and Contrasts with the film
This exercise gets students to compare and contrast the different pirate codes side by side to help decide which pirate had the most reasonable terms of service. A teacher version is available.
How accurately is the Pirate Code reflected in the Pirates of the Caribbean?
The Pirate Code: Overview In this activity students will get an overview of some of the central rules of Pirates and consider why they existed. A teacher version is available.
The Wars of the Roses
Jebulon / Foter.com / CC BY-SA The Wars of the Roses In this activity students analyse a royal family tree to make deductions regarding the changing fortunes of the Houses of Lancaster and York. Further stimulus material leads into a research phase in which students try to determine whether other royals – all of whom…
Origins of the Cold War (60 Question quiz for IB History)
Another revision quiz – this time with 60 possible questions – designed to help students revise the “Origins of the Cold War” as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based…
The Princes in the Tower: Classroom Debate
The Princes in the Tower: Classroom Debate Students are organised into 6 teams to construct a case seeking to prove a particular fate for the Princes in the Tower. At the end of the exercise students write-up their findings declaring Richard guilty or innocent of the crime.
The Rise of Pinochet: Fling the Teacher Quiz
Part of this complete scheme of work on the Rise of Pinochet, which we study as part of the “Rise and Rule of Single Party States” at IB. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a…
The Princes in the Tower: Card Sort Exercise
This worksheet provides students with an overview of the mystery relating to the Princes in the Tower. Students then organise a series of statements into evidence of guilt or innocence, then match up pairs of statements relating to similar themes / pieces of evidence.
Mussolini’s Italy: Arcade Games (44 possible questions)
This quiz is part of an extensive batch of revision quizzes for IB that I’m uploading to the site. Play Manic Miner, Cannonball Fun, Wordshoot or Matching Pairs! You can create your own Arcade Game here. You can access the entire scheme of work for Mussolini’s Italy here.
League of Nations in the 1920s: New Worksheets
Two new worksheets to accompany the League of Nations in the 1920s game. Worksheet 1: Teacher led Use this worksheet when you only have access to one computer. The teacher should introduce each question using the game to provide detail. The class then discusses how they think the League should react. The teacher then clicks…
IB History – Video Archive
This is a selection of some of the best documentary video that I use to teach History at IB Level, organised by topic to help students with their revision.
Does King Richard III deserve a Royal Funeral?
Introductory Presentation / Video This presentation provides a series of ‘mystery’ images. Students are asked to raise their hands when they think they know what the topic is (but not to say anything!). Before showing the video clip and final slide, the teacher should ask students with their hands up what they think the images…
Teacher-led activity: Historiography on the Origins of Warfare
Students are provided with a detailed breakdown of six key schools of historiographical thought relating to the origins of wars. Using their knowledge of a wide range of wars students decide which wars could be used to illustrate each theory. This then leads towards the final essay being produced.
Henry VIII – Multimedia Presentation
This presentation contains 21 images and several video clips, and should be used in conjunction with the introductory lesson on “Henry VIII: Hero or Villain?” that can be found in the Henry VIII section.
Paired Feedback and Presentation Task: Comparisons and Contrasts between two wars
Students then compare and contrast their allocated conflict with that of a partner to start drawing out some key areas of comparison and contrast. This is followed by a whole-class discussion to start identifying some common themes for consideration.
The Rule of Stalin: Fling the Teacher Challenge
Fling the Teacher: The Rule of Stalin I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task,…
Dozens of IB History Revision Quizzes!
To help students with their revision, this is a quick summary of resources for some of the main topic areas that I cover at IB History Level at ActiveHistory. During revision time I tend to start each lesson by introducing the main task, then directing students to a ‘Fling the Teacher’ quiz. Students have 10 minutes…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Weimar Germany Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Pirates – End of Unit Project: Instructions / Markscheme
End of Unit Project: Instructions / Markscheme To round the unit off, students produce an individual research project bringing their findings together using this helpsheet. The mark scheme is based closely on those used for the ActiveHistory Mysteries so that students can build upon their previous progress.
The Middle East, 1939-79: Fling the Teacher Challenge (135 possible questions!)
Another great revision quiz – this time with 135 possible questions – designed to help students revise the Middle East Paper 1 depth study as part of their IB revision programme. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets…
Individual Research Task: In-depth analysis of one war
Each student in the class is given a different war to focus on taken from the IB syllabus, and asked to analyse it in terms of key themes of causation (e.g. political, military, socio-economic).
Mussolini’s Italy: 45 Question Fling the Teacher Quiz
Another great revision quiz. I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task, whatever that happens…
Henry VIII – New resources for Year 8
I’ve developed the resources for teaching Henry VIII to include a markscheme for the suggested essay, a helpsheet for writing the ‘storybook’ and a markscheme for the same project, as well as further instructions for how to run a joint lesson with primary school students.
How far are Sea Myths accurately portrayed in the Pirates of the Caribbean?
The Flying Dutchman, Davy Jones, the Kraken and Calypso | Primary Sources on the Flying Dutchman Students are presented with information about the ways in which various sea myths are depicted in the film. Firstly, we use some primary sources which show the evolution of the Flying Dutchman myth to test the accuracy of the…
Lenin’s Russia – keyword challenge
30 keywords to test knowledge of Lenin’s USSR.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Spanish Civil War Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
Mission MapQuest: Modern World History Revision
This 20-question quiz requires students to locate places hidden within Google Maps that tests their knowledge of Modern World History. A great way to revise, it also contains a leaderboard so you can monitor their progress!
Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates
…-Wink-… / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND Table: Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates and / or Venn: Comparisons and Contrasts between different pirates This could be used as an extension activity if time is pressing, but otherwise should be used as a standard part of the unit.
Does a study of the Palestinian struggle after 1948 prove that violence pays and diplomacy does not?
A sample sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of the IB History Paper 1.
IB History – Sample Sourcework Papers / Model Answers
mnadi / People Photos / CC BY-NC I’ve just uploaded a range of Sourcework exercises that I’ve designed for the IB History Paper 1, focusing on the Middle East, along with model answers. More to follow…!
Primary Sources – Genuine Pirate Codes
…-Wink-… / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND Part of the Pirates unit. This study unit allows students to investigate the key question “How useful is the film ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ to historians investigating the ‘Golden Age’ of Piracy? An interactive strategy game forms the hub of the unit, with students investigating the following key elements…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East 1939-79 Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
“Save Game” Facility for the “Middle Passage” Simulation
I have added a ‘save this game’ feature to the Middle Passage Simulation on this page. This means that students can now save their progress in the game and pick up where they left off later. Is this a useful feature that you’d like to see rolled out over other games?
How accurately is Weaponry used in the Pirates of the Caribbean?
Weaponry in the films: Evidence of Accuracy | Video Clip The Pirates of the Caribbean films do a good job in using historically accurate weaponry. This worksheet and this accompanying video clip helps students understand how and why.
Randomiser / Pirate Insult Tool
Randomiser / Pirate Insult Tool – this useful tool helps you to choose random positions on the board for each ship at the start of the game and if they get hit by hurricanes / the Kraken. The ‘insult’ tool is one of the ‘forfeits’ that appears in the game.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Middle East to 1939 Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means…
Pirate Flags Quiz
This quiz is designed to accompany the Pirates Strategy Game.
Quiz Questions – Pirates Strategy Game
Student teams succeed in their ‘attacks’ only if they can correctly answer factual questions testing their knowledge of the topic. This detailed bank of questions is broken down into various categories focusing on particular worksheets in this unit.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Chinese Civil War Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they…
Game Rules – Caribbean Pirates Strategy Game
Game Rules – The full explanation of how the game works in class is provided here. It requires just a bit of preparation – the students will love it!
Feedback Phase – How far is Jack Sparrow based on genuine pirates?
Each ‘crew’ pool their findings to complete this worksheet, which encourages them to test key points about Jack Sparrow to determine if they match what we know about one or more of the pirates that they have now researched. This is followed by a quiz round which enables each ‘ship’ and its crew to win…
How far is Jack Sparrow based on genuine Pirates?
Research instructions | ‘Wanted Poster’ Template The first thing we investigate is how far “Jack Sparrow” is based on actual pirates. The class conducts a discussion about the sorts of things we know about “Jack Sparrow” from “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Students are then allocated different pirates to research. They record their findings in the…
How Accurate is ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’? to the historian of the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’?
This worksheet gets students familiar with the key areas to be investigated. They organise themselves into ‘crews’, elect a ‘captain’ in preparation for the strategy game at the heart of the unit, and name their pirate ship. They also use the following two videos, along with a written account, to develop some basic knowledge. A…
Nature of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills.
Purpose of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet for IGCSE History
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills.
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin
“Who Am I?” Challenge: The Rule of Lenin Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get…
Origin of Sources: Evaluation Worksheet for IGCSE History
This worksheet, part of a new batch on the IGCSE History Revision area, helps students develop source work skills.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolutions Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Origins of World War One Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point…
Crazy Victorian Inventions – a Quiz!
Using this worksheet, students are given this presentation of 10 wacky inventions. They have to match each depicted invention with one of four possibilities. They should then try designing their own suitably nutty invention which can be later used as ‘Horatio Ramsbottom’s’ invention in the newspaper report task that follows the computer simulation (see below).
Undercover in Mussolini’s Italy: new additions
The popular “Undercover in Fascist Italy” simulation has been improved with extra details, a more comprehensive worksheet complete with keyword prompts and various video clips to enrich the experience.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Nazi Germany Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Events of the American Civil War – Mission C: Campaigns and Battles
Mission C: Campaigns and Battles In this final stage of the game-based unit, students take the role of an advisor to either President Davis, or President Lincoln. They will be given a series of military, economic and political problems to deal with. Their first objective is to choose the course of action which they think…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1930s Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means…
Events of the American Civil War – Mission B: Events and Themes
Mission B: Events and Themes In the second stage of the simulation, students are presented with a series of decision points based on key events that took place during the course of the war. For each one, both teams have to decide how their president would have reacted. Correct guesses lead to an increase in…
Events of the American Civil War – Classroom Simulation Part 1: People and Places
Mission A: People and Places In this first stage of the simulation, students are divided into “Union” and “Confederate” teams and learn more about the key figures involved in the war. They can then use this to formulate a strategy for winning the simulation – which consists of various armies deciding how best to increase…
Fakebook Project – Key Figures of the American Civil War
In preparation for the roleplay strategy game that follows, each student needs to take on the role of one key politician or soldier from the Civil War and research their life and career and present their findings through a ‘Fakebook’ profile. In this way they will be able to act in role much more effectively…
“Who Am I?” Challenge – International Relations in the 1920s
Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero points for that round. You can play…
Causes of the American Civil War – Video Project
Video Project – What were the Causes of the American Civil War? This markscheme is designed to help students produce an effective video documentary about the Civil War using the information they have so far gathered.
Causes of the American Civil War – Students’ Timeline Worksheet
Students’ Timeline Worksheet – preparation for the videomaking task Students are guided through the main events leading up to the Civil War using this timeline, which should be used in conjunction with specified clips from the first episode of Ken Burns’ excellent documentary about the American Civil War. At appropriate times they should have time…
Causes of the American Civil War – Teacher’s Introductory Slideshow
Teacher’s Introductory Slideshow The teacher uses this worksheet to help introduce students to the main themes, events and personalities. To be used in conjunction with the student worksheet below.
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy
“Who Am I?” Challenge – Fascist Italy Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point means they get zero…
Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Stalinism: The Betrayal, or the Natural Conclusion, of Leninism?
Lenin: Hero or Villain?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – Lenin: Hero or Villain?
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Events of World War One
“Who Am I?” Challenge – The Events of World War One Each team will be presented with a clue about a key historical figure. They get 50 points if they guess it correctly. If they wish to ‘pass’, they get further (easier) clues but the points available steadily decline. An incorrect guess at any point…
The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Historiography Handouts with Associated Tasks – The February Revolution: Caused, or Merely Accelerated, by the Great War?
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924
Compare and Contrast the Role of Lenin and Trotsky between 1917-1924: A popular question in the exam, and this worksheet helps students frame an approach to it in a logical way. A completed teacher version is also available.
Nicholas II- Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?
Nicholas II – Why did Tsarism survive in 1905, but not 1917? How similar were the Causes of the February and the October Revolutions?: Detailed notes on the key questions, with activities for students included.
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid
Alexander II and Alexander III – Contrasts and Comparisons Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid
The Reforms of Alexander II: Summary Grid – a useful revision resource for IB History
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary?
How far is it accurate to describe Alexander II as a reformer, and Alexander III as a reactionary? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Tsar Alexander II/III: Analysis of IB History Past Paper Questions
Alexander II/III: Analysis of Past Paper Questions: Students work through a list of about 20 past examination questions focusing on spotting and addressing the ‘hidden assumptions’ within each question. They can then look at some sample markschemes to determine if they were on the right lines with their analyses.
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1947-79
Timeline of Events, 1947-79 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Timeline of Events, 1939-47
Timeline of Events, 1939-47 – a useful revision resource for IB History
Middle East Mapwork Task – Change over Time
Mapwork Task – Change over Time: Students label various maps of the Middle East and shade them in different ways to represent the changing nature of Israel’s borders following key events in the syllabus.
The Middle East Crisis 1914-1939 – The main issues for debate
The main issues for debate: Using a series of discussion points based on the syllabus, a collapsible bullet list from ActiveHistory and also a Keyword Challenge quiz from Classtools, students form their own viewpoints prior to the exam so that their answers have some sharp focus.
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy?
How Successful was Mussolini as Ruler of Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How Fascist was Fascist Italy?
How Fascist was Fascist Italy? – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?
How far is Fascism different from Marxism? How similar were Stalin and Mussolini as rulers of their countries?: Building on from the previous activity, students now consider the nature of Fascism by looking at various policy areas (economy, society etc) and comparing the Fascist to the Communist approaches to them. A completed teacher version is…
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia
Historiography of Stalin’s Russia: These detailed handouts provide plenty of material for discussion and further research: Books on Stalin Summary of the Main Historiographical Issues
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?
High Stalinism: What policies characterised Stalin’s final years?: The main study unit for my students ends in 1941. However, to give students the full picture of Stalin’s Russia, this is a good activity to bring the various policies right up-to-date. Detailed notes are available for Economics 1945-53 and Other Policies 1945-53.
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?
How Communist were Lenin and Stalin?: This activity gets students thinking about the nature of communism, and then measuring the success of each ruler on these criteria. It thereby covers a lot of ground very efficiently. A completed teacher version is also available.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Lenin and Mao – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin
Summary Notes: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Stalin and Lenin – a useful revision resource for IB History.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin – a sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Pinochet – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China?
Model Essay: Why did Mao emerge as leader of China? (summary notes also available) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts
The Rise of Single Party State Rulers: Summaries and Contrasts: Students first have a brainstorm about what are the most frequent causes for the rise of single party state rulers. They then analyse the key methods and conditions which led to the rise of particular individual dictators, then compare and contrast them. In this way…
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries
Summary Grid – The Impact of World War One on various countries – a useful revision resource for IB History
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved?
What was the Social and Economic Impact of World War One upon two of the Countries Involved? (plus essay plan) – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two
Compare and Contrast the Impact of World War One and World War Two – A sample essay produced by Russel Tarr (author of this website) in timed conditions in the style of a Paper 2 answer.
