HOW IS THE EXTENDED ESSAY GRADED?

STEP 1: THE EXTENDED ESSAY IS GRADED OUT OF 36 MARKS:

GRADING CRITERIA MARKS GOALS
QUESTION 2 The research question must be clearly stated in the introduction and must be sharply focused
The introduction must clearly explains the context of the question, its significance and why it is worthy
INTRODUCTION 2
of investigation
FORMAL A conclusion must be clearly stated and must be consistent with the evidence presented in the essay,
PRESENTATION CONCLUSION 2
while including unresolved questions where appropriate
(12 marks) The essay must have a title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations,
FORMAL PRESENTATION 4
documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used)
ABSTRACT 2 The abstract must clearly state the research question, method of research and conclusion reached

INVESTIGATION 4 Evidence taken from a range of sources must be gathered to support the analysis
RESEARCH SKILLS
ANALYTICAL AND EVALUATIVE SKILLS 4 The essay must be analytical and show a critical evaluation of sources
(12 marks)
REASONED ARGUMENT 4 The arguments must be presented in a logical and organized way

KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC 4 The essay must demonstrate a very good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied
UNDERSTANDING
OF TOPIC TERMS USED 4 The terms must be used appropriately for the subject and must be clearly understood
(12 marks)
GLOBAL JUDGEMENT 4 The essays must show intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight

STEP 2: THE TOTAL OF 36 MARKS IS CONVERTED INTO A LETTER GRADE (A TO E):

Conversion table used in May 2009: 29 to 36 points = A (excellent)
23 to 28 points = B (good)
16 to 22 points = C (satisfactory)
8 to 15 points = D (mediocre)
0 to 7 points = E (failing)

STEP 3: THE EE LETTER GRADE IS COMBINED WITH TOK AND CONVERTED INTO 0 TO 3 POINTS:
MATRIX THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
A B C D E
No
A 3 3 2 2 Diploma
No
B 3 2 1 1 Diploma
EXTENDED
No
ESSAY C 2 1 1 0
Diploma
No
D 2 1 0 0
Diploma
No No No No No
E
diploma Diploma Diploma Diploma Diploma