The Extended Essay assessment criteria ‘The criteria against which all Extended Fssays will be assessed from September 2016 (fist assessment 2018) are as follows: iter Creal thinking (sem) aeiae: Presentation (amet This chapter is focused on how to navigate the assessment crteia so as to maximize the marks awarded. As a general rule itis useful to bear in ‘mind that ifthe essay dacs not meet the criteria, then it eannot access, the full marks, The exiteria act asthe goal poss so its crucial that you {and your supervisor) understand what they ask of you and also how to fo about ensuring you meet them. Golden rule: Know the criteria so1ONT The strands ‘The IB has set outa series of strands that act as the core focus of each criterion, In order to atain the highest grades a student needs to meet these foreach ofthe criteria, These strands areas follows: Communication Research Analysis Discussion and evaluation Severe Layout Research focus Panning and process ach criterion willbe elaborated upon in the following section with suggested approaches, useful tips and explanations relating tothe strands offered across a wide range of IB subjects. Criterion A: Focus and method (6 marks) ‘This criterion has a number of aspects that are closely aligned with 1 Choice oftopi 1 Research question 1 Methodology andforsources utilized The introduction The introduction to the essay is your best fiend when it comes Criterion A as its the perfect place 10 outline how almost all ofthe sttands for Criterion A are to be covered inthe body ofthe essay that follows. Due to this, iis advisable to write the introduction asa separate «and clearly labelled section so that examiners can identily how you've gone about meeting the strands for Criterion A. Although you can certainty create an outline of what your essay may Include and look like contents-wise a the outset of the EE process it I recommended that you finalize the writing ofthe introduction last once the essay has taken shape.[RITERION A: FOCUS AND METHOO (6 MARKS) ‘Question: What do include in my introduction? “Answer: Ther ae fourcore things to explicitly mention in your introduction: the research question, some context with regards your topic, ‘wnyitis worthy of investigation and the methodological approach and/or ‘Source material you've used to arive at your conclusion ‘Aside rom on the tie page itis advisable to explicitly refer te your research question inthe introduction Do not simply ist it but rather blend into the prose of yourinteduton (for ‘example, "This paper seeks explore the extent to which.) ‘so, bear in mind thatthe conclusion to your RO must natbe obvious but should rather involve a degree of esearch and analysis on you part. Questions that ae lagely othe xesino variant, orthat lea toa simple conclusion, ae not appropriate Usually questions that begin with "who" or ‘what lead to peor investigations as seen inthe examples below: RO: What did Chamberlain hope to achieve fm the Munich Agreementin 1938? "+ Conclesion: He sought to avoid war with Nari Germany. "+ RO-Which techniques did HR Giger Find more emblemateforhis wok? “= Conclusion: Airbrush ‘RO: Who stands to benefit the most rom the publi listing of Company X2 ‘Conclusion: The shareholders (See Chapter2, pages 10-17 formore on how to devise goxd research questions) ‘You should aways situate your RO within any existing theres, approaches or evaluations ‘that underpin youropicas a whale. For example: > Ar therepre-existinginterpretations ofthe “text you're wating about? > What pre-existing theories ae there as tothe cause ofan event you're investigating? > What conclusions d the major analytical tols or echn ques related to your topic point ta? > What altemative schools of thought have been applied the analysis ofthe topic you have in min (or example, psychoanalytical and deconstruct)? > bee there altemative methodological approaches to you question?kis imperative that you mention why your questions worthy of investigation orwhy we the readers should care about the potential conclusions), “Types of things that would be suitable her include: Offers diferentinterprtation to existing ones Is aconterporaneous andior controversial topic that demands investigation (you must state the nature ofthe controversy) Has relevance or application in real-world dynaries / Has often been ertoneously represented (fr example, through film adaptations ermedia sound bites) Ian often pooty explored fed area or topic ofivestigation Y ls ofcitical importance tothe reading of "tex Challenges exstng assumptions or interpretations elatingtothe topic (or texts) / Is assessing he validity of existing assumptions or interpretations Uslizesa different methodological approach in he hope of gleaningnew insight intoa gventopie / Evaluates diferent methodological approachesin the hope of deducinga "best" one (that is forexample, bing more accurate or more relable) 7 Testing existing theories within a specific sample set Types ofthings that are not suitable here include: X king the subjecttopie X tis interesting stating this not sufcint as you must fame what makesit so, ideally in elation to one of the ick pints above) X Yourparens are fond ofthe subject mattertopie Yourteacher/supervsor instructed you to reseachit (this snot alowed under the 1B rules governing the EE wo begin wit) Yourelder sibling or fends studying this at university Yourinodtion should offer an outine into your chosen methodological or source-basea) approach so thatthe examiners learon how you went about answering the RO. [Methodology Consider the ftiowing sso: ‘Why was this method chosen? 1 Whatisitabouthis method tat helps answer he question for example greater roaity repeaabity sample sie, maginofenorerndusy standard)? {source-based] Consider the allowing: 4 Why were the sources chosen fr example, they establish the waonl interpretative approaches that you wil evaluate or ehalleng fer diverse evaluative approaches or provide anew interpretative ramewerk)? How are you going to use respond to theircims (or example, challenge, fim, prove ores}?CATERON 8: KNOWLEDGE ANONOERSTNONG (6NAnis) EM ar Devas Avoid narrating the estensve background of your chosentopc as this oftenis ether irelevantorends up being purely descriptive filler Keep tt the point and relevant tothe focus of your RO. Example of poor inteductons * Candidate mentions details relating to Hier chilshaod and upbringing. * Candidate ofes biographical information on HarprLee. Candidate ofers an accountofthe historical development of research on sa topic beginning with Louis Pastour's early pioneering wor. Biographical data although useful under certain circumstances, is usually a poor substitute {or proper esearch and analysis into a given topic anghing it ofen leads toa reductionist ‘approach whereby the work of given inaidual's summarized as n extension of thei actual if. thas next ton place inthe EE asa whole, an, therefore, shoud be avoided in the inveductionas wel ‘The introduetion (or EE a5 whole sn place to outine your personal polticalor religous agenda, ‘As the Eis imendedto be an academic syle research paper the use ofthe personal ‘pronouns "my" and son] is best avoided on the whe. For an exemplar introduction, reer to Chapter 5: Weting Essays Essay (page 64) Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding (6 marks) ‘This criterion effectively evaluates how well you demonstrate content knowledge and understanding of the Key issues, debates, theories, and arguments that surround your chosen topic. I also measures how fluensly and accurately you use the command teem (or terminology} and concepts of your chosen subject. This also includes demonstrating knowledge of any subject-specific modes of analysis, preferred methodological approaches or styles and any evaluative or interpretative frameworks. Lastly, high marks inthis ertrion are awarded ifthe hoc of resources i consistently relevant and befitting of an academic research paper inthe chosen subject 105The table below highlights some other subject-specific requirements for a range of subjects: Knowledge and understanding of prmarytext(s) _K Excessive historical andlor biographical sedis the Key here.This is demonstrated ‘background information throughhowwellkey passages, uotesorlines 59 notincude definitions in fomnates fromthe criginaltex(s] are used tobackupthe “ Donetinclude defi pone claims made. X Donotinlude images that ae not referenced in the body ofthe essay Some content shouldbe offered, This could ake the form ofan acknowiedgment of aerate textual readings orinterpretatins from established scholars. tis aways advisable to.arguehow your approach agrees, fers or challenges these pre-established viewpoints. Some context shouldbe oferedthat showcases. K_Pesonal experiences ar opinions any exiting theories or approaches to your {Unless you fllno the target. chosen wext(s} orlanguage aspects audience ofthe language) Demonstrate in what way you topics of Donotincude definitions in footnotes relevance or of partcularinterestiniicance 0 4 notinhade images tat ar not erie referencedinthe body ofthe ea V Some consideration ofthe eontestintowiehthe _X- Excessive histories anor biographical ‘opis stuted frexamplecutural context) background information Y Anunderstandngofthe implications ofyour _¥ Dortinelude definitions in Foomotes topitothe mercukureorlnguage ch0se>. yoo gained images that are not “Some of yourresearch material shouldinclude _referanedinthe body ofthe e834 (orbe based on primary sources See Literature Group 1. See Literature Group 3. “Y Source material chosen should allberelevanto Xa not include defnkions in octntes. ree X Donotinclude images that are not “7 Stuate yourtopc/RO within the wider business. referenced inthe body ofthe essay, Accurate and consistent use of business terminology and concepts shouldbe present ‘throughout the essay, Ofer explanations and definitions for complex terms orconcepts use (spectcally in relation thaw you use them in your essay) 106CRITERION B KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (6 HARKS) Use ofrelevanteconomictheory and madels is X Donat include a separate section on the key here. background theory or terminology. Any references to background theory shouldbe X Donotinclude defintionsin footnotes. Integrated within the body oftheessayitselE Ideally this should appear atthe exact point vihereitisreferedto as oppasedto ina different X Donot include images that arenot section. referenced inthe body ofthe essay ‘1 Clearly indicatinghow the economic theory and data gatheredis used toanswerthe RO is also, essential /-Reabword data should underpin llarguments and be the basis of any application of economic ‘models. Diagrams should be corecty labelled and supported wth evidence through in-text analysis and commentary $038 0 demonstate theirtelevance. Explain the tems and concepts used within the X Oonotexplainterms and concepts in body of youressay. foctnates oras separate sections, Useacknowledged geographical sources as Donotinclude definitions in fotnotes. ue ee ae X-Donotinclude images that are not Include only relevant source material referenced in the body ofthe essay, Support you pints/arguments with relevant source material ataltimes Donotuse generic diagrams or graphs. + Diagrams, graphs, maps and so forth should Ibe corecty labelled and supported by sold geographical evidence (either primary or secondaryin nature). / Establish clearlinks beween your chosen topic Donot include definitions in footnotes. andthe poical theories, gues oinsttuons— pongtinlud mages that ae not cat refsenced in the body ofthe essay, Place your topic within the wider political context by showing how they relate \/ Demonstrate an awareness of how socio-cultural biases can affect the poltcalissue being investigated. tis vital thatyou demonstrate asald grasp of the subjects terminology as taughtin the [BOP 7 Ensure you provide ongoing analyses ofthe data and source material you've utlized2 SS “/ source material used inthe body ofthe essay X Do not simply use source material to ‘musthelp develop anargumentand berelevant recount events ortell anaraive Seana Do not base your EE on events within {7 Place yourresearch question withinthe wider __thelastten years (or the maximum you historical context (eg linkitto causation, can gtforCterion Bs 4 marks, implications, impact etc). Y Aecuray employs commandtams op ngtinude images ant oe referenced in the body ofthe essay, Coal per teeeeeete! a Do not include definition in footnotes, Offer clear explanation ofthe Tsystem your X_Donotinclude images that ae not essay isexplring alongwith accurtelycted __referencedinthe body ofthe essay a ‘Domnotincude definitions in footnotes. Aivisual material should be labelled, ted accurately and referred ton the body ofthe essay, 7 Use corect terminology fluently inthe body of the e332y. Offeran evaluation andor commentary ofthe X Generallyavoid using sources that ‘studies chosen based on ay cultural ethical, donot ithe academic model for gender and methodological factors that may psychological studies. Le EES ae ‘Do not include definitions in fotnotes. 1 Accurately and consistent utilize the tems and yp natincude image that are not ‘concept associated withthe IBOP psychology” Mravreeainthe tay ofthe essay (7 Base your essay on relevant source material (ideally ofan academic nature, Y Seeing 2s secondary source materials areabare _X Donotmake excessive use ofscience minimum requirement, allessays should ensure jargon (laityis prefered above al, ‘thatallmaterals are from reputablesciontiic Jo natprovde step-by-step recipe: sources and clealylevanttothe investigation. Poe aresatces csein Correctyutlize any scientific terms and apply experimental wok and overly detailed ‘hem coectly inthe body othe essay. procedural [remember the Extended Make appropiate and consistent useofscience. Essays notaniA) speciicunits ofmeasurement, symbols nde X_Donotinlude definitions in footnotes. rae Do not include images that are not Explain any technical terms inrelationtehow referenced inthe body ofthe essay. {you use them in your essay,Y Only mathematics thatiselevanttothe specific Donotinclude wider mathematical research question should bused in the body of knowledge ifnot directly elevantto the theessay, ‘husen research question tis generally avised to pitch an EE in 2. Donet draw conclusions from ‘mathematics an audience of people who mathematics without having fist haveanythingranging roma strong nterestto shown the working oui the body of advanced knowledge of mathematics Thisoften the essay, ‘means wringin such away thatthe argument, as demonstrated bythe mathematics used is Cleat This involve doing the mathematics and Donotinclude images thet aenot showing llthe steps behind the reasoning referenced in the body ofthe essay, Donotincludedefntionsin foctntes, \ \feomplextheorems ae used, lvays accompany ‘hem ith an exampletolusvate what youmean. Ze ca Ta ee aR eel esl Pe nee ee et en ene hatte same as roving nghyBEGDIN i inudnglnghy bogaphiaor eel Pires backgyund rate, Demonstrate an awareness of any existing a ese theories, approaches, calgue orericism Dons chit Set eer Gore, relevanttothespeciicarssubjectandtopie. __X Donotinclude images that are not 7 Evaluate your source material forrelablity and _"*PTene#d inthe body ofthe essay, validity, commenting on anylimitations, / Ensure youre consistent in yourusageof subject specie teminalogy and any speci language (Cor example, musical notation, stage terminology and visual ats techniques). Knowledge and understanding checklist ‘The worksheet below includes essential questlons tha al students should ama o espond to tn order to maximize the grades awarded for Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding CHECK: List your sources and then evaluate each one fo eliabilty and vali should pass the following ‘questioning Fits tobe deemed of academic valu: ‘8. Does yourdata come fam approved ar acknowledged sources? (Remember:bigs, general websites, Wikipedia ‘andthe like do not usually qualify.) ». fyourdsta comes fam primary research, have you fllowed an approved. acknowledged methodology in terms of data collection? [Checkwith your supervisorifthe method adheres tothe subjects research guidelines) Ifthe majrty of your source material doesnot pass the above checks, consider finding altemate sources that do, Some of your sources can be non cademicin nature though care should be taken when using them in your \wotk 2 minimum, acknowledge theirimittionsin your writing110 EEO 2. Have you assessed the value and limitations of your source material in your YES.) writing? (See Chapter 3.41 on pages 45-8 forhelp with his} 3. Have you situated your research question within wider context? ws O Forexample (psychology) I your question explores the relationship between video games andviolent bbehaviurin young males, have you shown an awareness of wider theories governing violence in males? 4. Have you accurately labelled allimages, graphs, diagrams, maps and soon YES ( that you may have used? 5. Have you used subject specific terminology (orconceptuallanguags) YES | accurately throughout your essay? If youve used a technical term ina particular wayt helps to define you Particular usage of it inthe body of your work ‘Also, complexterms benefit om a brie definition ferthe sake of latyoran itustative example to hep the reader fallow your vain of ough 6 Is yourcontent accurate and factual ataltimes? (For example, ves ‘measurements, dates, events, characters and so on are allcorrect) 2 Does your method ofanalusis adhere tothe subjects acknowledged ves conventions? (Check with your supervisor to ensure that your approach ‘meets the subjects general guidelines) 8. Where appropriate, does your essay meet the I's ethical gu ne es Criterion C: Critical thinking (12 marks) “This crtrion hs the most marks allocated it or the very simple eason fngument and sound conduson ithe key focus of any research per ‘here are thee key strands that need 1 be met in order to score high marks under this citerion «Relevance ofresearch ‘+ Allesearch materials gathered and used are cles elevantt the research question posed Analysis of research ndings ‘+The esearch findings are effectively analysed sos to produce a reasoned argument Any developing analyses are wel-supported by rlevant evidence «Discussion and evaluation of evidence * coherent and well reasoned arguments developed thatis supported by the evidence presented, Whats more, 2 ctical evaluation ofthe source ‘materials present. Noo No 3 Noo Noo No No No a a acorenowo:romatrmeserunon nis) Ea a “+ leyourcontent knowledge accurate andl the source material wed te support your claims relevant the RO at alltime (se Citron Bor ore)? + Thisis abasic expectation since any inaccuracies in content knowledge orirelevent ource mati il minis he potenti for god anaiysisto emerge. * Thisincudes responding tothe who, what, where’, how” and"ahy" questions ae well asbeng abe 10 describe evens, processes and methods sed accwately, Coe ‘and Sey “= What does your research (primary and/or secondary] indicate wih regards to your RO? ‘+ Why ai you choose thet particular method or spproachteanawerthe RO? You should consider the sutabity of your appoach inthe min body + ve you abl to pait out any inherent contradiction or aemativeviewpaintthatneed abe considered? + What limitations or weaknesses have you identified in your souce material ormethodlogie! spproachtothe RO? + Have you developed min analyses orev at micr-conclsios teach plnt youraiedn the essay? ‘+ As a result of your researc, what have you determined isthe coe answer (or multiple anewers 25 ‘the case maybe) to your RO? + Aether any aspects rfactor you have not taken into account hat need metoningin your conclusion? * How definitive a conclusion can you aie at? What would help nake tore deinitve? + How far does your conclusion afer rom or challnge conventional wisdom or pprouches? + Are your conclusions consistent with your argument sit dvelps inthe mala Cd Critical thinking skills mn order to demonstrate that critical thinking has taken place jn your «essay, you should aim to have answered the following questions in the body of your work, Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks) Icis important to bear in mind tha the Extended Essay is a formal piece ‘of academic writing and a such must be presented sing the agrect- upon conventions of independently writen research papers, ‘The t prescribes a set of aspeets that must be induded as pat ofthe Extended Essay These ane a follows + Tk Page + Spacing + Table of contents + Referencing (cations and + Page numbers bibliography) + For ‘Thefollowingsections wll guide youthrough each presentation requirement. {A checklist also provided for your use on page 132 use + Word count