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 language A. 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 of this guide for more complete advice on using the assessment criteria to inform your writing.
A: Framework for the Essay (6 pts)
Consider whether you have provided an effective framework for your literary or language-based essay. Check that your research question and your choice of texts, research methods, and structural conventions are all suitable for your topic and this subject area.
Structural conventions include:
B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 pts)
Consider whether you have used sources, terminology, and concepts that are relevant to an essay on literature or language.
Terminology refers to the words that describe the techniques an author uses to create meaning.
Focus on literary analysis instead of plot description, and include a line of argument that links your analysis to the research question and the conclusion.
Literary analysis has two components, as follows.
Your explanation could also be considered the answer to a “so what?” question. For instance, in an essay about Gothic fiction, you might identify the various ways in which a ghost haunts a character. You would then want to explain the significance or effects of those hauntings.
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Consider what a balanced discussion of the findings of your essay looks like in a literary or language-based essay, and ensure that the supporting evidence you have used is appropriate. Evaluate your essay by weighing up the strengths and limitations of your essay.
A balanced discussion considers multiple points of view, as well as your own, regarding a text or texts. The discussion is supported using logic and facts obtained through a close reading of both primary and secondary sources. You can also think of balance with respect to a comparative essay as giving equal attention to each of the primary texts you are analysing, instead of privileging the discussion of one text over another.
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 language A. 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 of this guide for more complete advice on using the assessment criteria to inform your writing.
A: Framework for the Essay (6 pts)
Consider whether you have provided an effective framework for your literary or language-based essay. Check that your research question and your choice of texts, research methods, and structural conventions are all suitable for your topic and this subject area.
Structural conventions include:
- an introduction that explains your topic and the focus of your essay, and informs the reader which texts you will be writing about
- body paragraphs that build an argument using textual support from primary and secondary sources
- a conclusion that considers your answer to the research question in the light of your close readings of primary and secondary sources.
B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 pts)
Consider whether you have used sources, terminology, and concepts that are relevant to an essay on literature or language.
Terminology refers to the words that describe the techniques an author uses to create meaning.
- In a literary essay on a novel or in a language-based essay on a speech, you might note how metaphors and alliteration are used.
- If you are studying poetry, you might comment on how rhyme and enjambment are employed.
- If you are writing on drama, you might consider the role of stage directions, props, and noises (the “plastics” of theatre).
- If you are analysing a film, or even a series of print ads, relevant terminology can include the types of shots used: e.g., high angle, close-up.
- Concepts refer to an idea that occurs throughout a work, such as: dystopia, tragic hero, artificial intelligence, intertextuality, appeal to emotion, logic, and authority.
Focus on literary analysis instead of plot description, and include a line of argument that links your analysis to the research question and the conclusion.
Literary analysis has two components, as follows.
- Identification of a characteristic or element in the text
- Explanation of the significance or effects of what has been identified
Your explanation could also be considered the answer to a “so what?” question. For instance, in an essay about Gothic fiction, you might identify the various ways in which a ghost haunts a character. You would then want to explain the significance or effects of those hauntings.
- “So what” that the character is haunted by the ghost in a certain way? What is the effect on the character?
- What does that type of haunting say about the ghost?
- What is the significance of this haunting in the text as a whole?
- How does this haunting illuminate the text?
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Consider what a balanced discussion of the findings of your essay looks like in a literary or language-based essay, and ensure that the supporting evidence you have used is appropriate. Evaluate your essay by weighing up the strengths and limitations of your essay.
A balanced discussion considers multiple points of view, as well as your own, regarding a text or texts. The discussion is supported using logic and facts obtained through a close reading of both primary and secondary sources. You can also think of balance with respect to a comparative essay as giving equal attention to each of the primary texts you are analysing, instead of privileging the discussion of one text over another.
E: Reflection (4 pts)
See the Reflection tab above for detailed guidance on planning for and writing your reflection.