CONSIDERING THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Make sure you use the extended essay assessment criteria to remind yourself of the expected elements of the extended essay. Each of the five criteria (A–E) is accompanied by a guiding question that should be applied to the context of individuals and societies. In this way, you can see how the assessment criteria relate to your own essay. It is important that you also refer to the “General guidance for the extended essay” section in this guide for a broader spectrum of advice on using the assessment criteria to inform your writing.
A: Framework for the Essay (6 pts)
Make sure your focused research question and research methods clearly align with the individuals and societies subject you are using. It may be a good idea to refer to the subject guide for that subject to confirm that you understand the nature of the subject and its methodology—you are investigating your topic through the lens of your chosen individuals and societies subject. Structural conventions relating to individuals and societies subjects include: clearly labelling diagrams, maps (that have all the required elements, such as scale and a key/legend), images and graphs, acknowledging if these are the work of others, and actively referring to them in the body of your essay; appropriate use of headings to organize your essay where appropriate.
B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 pts)
Each individuals and societies subject will have its own terminology, technical words, and other special words or phrases that are used in that subject. Using this terminology identifies you as someone who understands the nature of the subject, e.g., “supply and demand” in economics or “digital systems” in digital society. Using important concepts in the subject in a meaningful and explanatory way in your writing demonstrates your knowledge and understanding. Application of key concepts in your writing is essential. For example, in a history extended essay, you are likely to work the concepts “causation” and “consequence” into your essay. In social and cultural anthropology, you might apply a concept such as “marginalization” to show your understanding of a topic concerning the social exclusion of a group of people.
C: Analysis & Line of Argument (6 pts)
Regardless of the individuals and societies subject you are using, when you “own” the theories, concepts, and methods of that subject, and can weave your research findings towards conclusions that answer your research question, you will have produced a strong line of argument that links your analysis to the research question and the conclusion.
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Consider what a balanced discussion looks like in an essay written on your subject. Review good examples of extended essays and other academic essays in that subject, and ensure that the supporting evidence you have used is appropriate. Evaluate by weighing up the strengths and limitations of your essay. A balanced discussion considers different perspectives on your topic. For example, a social and cultural anthropology essay exploring elements of cultural control in the context of neocolonialism could include discussions stemming from analysing the perspectives of the different stakeholders involved.
E: Reflection (4 pts)
See the Reflection tab above for detailed guidance on planning for and writing your reflection.
Make sure you use the extended essay assessment criteria to remind yourself of the expected elements of the extended essay. Each of the five criteria (A–E) is accompanied by a guiding question that should be applied to the context of individuals and societies. In this way, you can see how the assessment criteria relate to your own essay. It is important that you also refer to the “General guidance for the extended essay” section in this guide for a broader spectrum of advice on using the assessment criteria to inform your writing.
A: Framework for the Essay (6 pts)
Make sure your focused research question and research methods clearly align with the individuals and societies subject you are using. It may be a good idea to refer to the subject guide for that subject to confirm that you understand the nature of the subject and its methodology—you are investigating your topic through the lens of your chosen individuals and societies subject. Structural conventions relating to individuals and societies subjects include: clearly labelling diagrams, maps (that have all the required elements, such as scale and a key/legend), images and graphs, acknowledging if these are the work of others, and actively referring to them in the body of your essay; appropriate use of headings to organize your essay where appropriate.
B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 pts)
Each individuals and societies subject will have its own terminology, technical words, and other special words or phrases that are used in that subject. Using this terminology identifies you as someone who understands the nature of the subject, e.g., “supply and demand” in economics or “digital systems” in digital society. Using important concepts in the subject in a meaningful and explanatory way in your writing demonstrates your knowledge and understanding. Application of key concepts in your writing is essential. For example, in a history extended essay, you are likely to work the concepts “causation” and “consequence” into your essay. In social and cultural anthropology, you might apply a concept such as “marginalization” to show your understanding of a topic concerning the social exclusion of a group of people.
C: Analysis & Line of Argument (6 pts)
Regardless of the individuals and societies subject you are using, when you “own” the theories, concepts, and methods of that subject, and can weave your research findings towards conclusions that answer your research question, you will have produced a strong line of argument that links your analysis to the research question and the conclusion.
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Consider what a balanced discussion looks like in an essay written on your subject. Review good examples of extended essays and other academic essays in that subject, and ensure that the supporting evidence you have used is appropriate. Evaluate by weighing up the strengths and limitations of your essay. A balanced discussion considers different perspectives on your topic. For example, a social and cultural anthropology essay exploring elements of cultural control in the context of neocolonialism could include discussions stemming from analysing the perspectives of the different stakeholders involved.
E: Reflection (4 pts)
See the Reflection tab above for detailed guidance on planning for and writing your reflection.