CONSIDERING THE MATH 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 mathematics. 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)
Clearly state your research question and ensure your essay remains focused on it throughout. Make sure your mathematics is written well by using an equation editor. This will help you avoid poor mathematical presentation, such as not using a new line for each step in your algebra, or using inappropriate symbols like * for multiplication and ^ for powers.
B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 pts)
Showing your knowledge and clear understanding of the mathematics you use is arguably the most important criterion in a mathematics essay. If you have not shown that you really understand the mathematics, this will impact other criteria.
Do not be overly ambitious—an extended essay is not a research paper revealing that you have discovered something profound and new. Understand and explain something that is new to you (in more theoretical essays) or apply some mathematics that you understand well in a situation that is new (in more practical essays).
C: Analysis & Line of Argument (6 pts)
Avoid the temptation to extend your analysis beyond the realm of your research question—this is likely to lessen the impact of your essay.
In more practical essays, it is better that the techniques you use to analyse your data are decided based on looking at that data, rather than being predetermined. In more theoretical essays, make sure that the mathematical theory described and the illustrative examples used, remain focused on the research question. This will result in a consistent line of argument.
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Clearly discuss the relevance of your findings throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion. Consider the strengths of what you have found and describe any limitations.
In more practical essays, discuss the findings from your data and ensure this informs how you proceed through the essay. In more theoretical essays, explain how the theory you are developing is relevant to your research question. In both cases, ensure that the conclusions you reach are relevant to your research question and are supported by findings in your essay.
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 mathematics. 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)
Clearly state your research question and ensure your essay remains focused on it throughout. Make sure your mathematics is written well by using an equation editor. This will help you avoid poor mathematical presentation, such as not using a new line for each step in your algebra, or using inappropriate symbols like * for multiplication and ^ for powers.
B: Knowledge & Understanding (6 pts)
Showing your knowledge and clear understanding of the mathematics you use is arguably the most important criterion in a mathematics essay. If you have not shown that you really understand the mathematics, this will impact other criteria.
Do not be overly ambitious—an extended essay is not a research paper revealing that you have discovered something profound and new. Understand and explain something that is new to you (in more theoretical essays) or apply some mathematics that you understand well in a situation that is new (in more practical essays).
C: Analysis & Line of Argument (6 pts)
Avoid the temptation to extend your analysis beyond the realm of your research question—this is likely to lessen the impact of your essay.
In more practical essays, it is better that the techniques you use to analyse your data are decided based on looking at that data, rather than being predetermined. In more theoretical essays, make sure that the mathematical theory described and the illustrative examples used, remain focused on the research question. This will result in a consistent line of argument.
D: Discussion & Evaluation (8 pts)
Clearly discuss the relevance of your findings throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion. Consider the strengths of what you have found and describe any limitations.
In more practical essays, discuss the findings from your data and ensure this informs how you proceed through the essay. In more theoretical essays, explain how the theory you are developing is relevant to your research question. In both cases, ensure that the conclusions you reach are relevant to your research question and are supported by findings in your essay.
E: Reflection (4 pts)
See the Reflection tab above for detailed guidance on planning for and writing your reflection.