The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a mandatory component of the IB Diploma Programme, requiring students to produce an in-depth, independent research paper on a chosen topic. The Extended Essay is assessed using a set of criteria that evaluate the student’s research question, methodology, analysis, conclusion, and overall presentation. The assessment of the Extended Essay is based on a marking system that awards points according to specific criteria, which are then translated into grade bands. Understanding these grade bands and the criteria associated with them is crucial for both students and educators aiming to achieve high scores.
Mark Band 1-2: Little or No Understanding (0-4 points)
- Research Question (RQ): The research question may be non-existent, unclear, or too broad and lacks focus. It does not lend itself to a systematic investigation.
- Introduction: The introduction fails to introduce the topic or provide context, and the significance of the research question is not explained.
- Methodology: There is little or no attempt to describe the approach to investigating the research question.
- Analysis: The analysis lacks depth, with little or no evidence to support the argument. The writer does not engage with the topic.
- Conclusion: The conclusion is missing or lacks a summary of the main findings. It does not address the research question.
- Formal Presentation: Serious deficiencies in layout, organization, and style hinder the reader’s understanding.
- Engagement: The essay demonstrates little understanding of the topic and fails to engage with the research question.
Mark Band 3: Limited Understanding (5-8 points)
- Research Question (RQ): The research question is present but lacks clarity or focus, making it challenging to investigate systematically.
- Introduction: The introduction introduces the topic but lacks depth in explaining the significance of the research question.
- Methodology: The approach to investigating the research question is described but lacks detail or clarity.
- Analysis: The analysis is present but lacks depth, with some evidence to support the argument. The engagement with the topic is superficial.
- Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points but may not fully address the research question.
- Formal Presentation: There are noticeable deficiencies in layout, organization, or style that may impede the reader’s understanding.
- Engagement: The essay shows a limited understanding of the topic and only superficially engages with the research question.
Mark Band 4: Adequate Understanding (9-12 points)
- Research Question (RQ): The research question is clear and focused, lending itself to a systematic investigation.
- Introduction: The introduction clearly introduces the topic and explains the significance of the research question.
- Methodology: The approach to investigating the research question is clearly described and appropriate.
- Analysis: The analysis is thorough, with substantial evidence to support the argument, and demonstrates a good understanding of the topic.
- Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main findings and addresses the research question.
- Formal Presentation: The essay is well-organized, with minor deficiencies in layout, organization, or style that do not significantly impede the reader’s understanding.
- Engagement: The essay demonstrates an adequate understanding of the topic and engages appropriately with the research question.
Mark Band 5: Good Understanding (13-16 points)
- Research Question (RQ): The research question is clear, focused, and thought-provoking, allowing for a detailed and systematic investigation.
- Introduction: The introduction provides a clear and compelling context for the research question, demonstrating a good understanding of its significance.
- Methodology: The approach to investigating the research question is well-described, appropriate, and possibly innovative.
- Analysis: The analysis is comprehensive, with a wide range of evidence supporting a well-argued case. The writer demonstrates a deep engagement with the topic.
- Conclusion: The conclusion is effective in summarizing the findings and thoroughly addresses the research question, possibly offering insights or implications.
- Formal Presentation: The essay is well-organized and presented, with minor or no deficiencies in layout, organization, or style.
- Engagement: The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and engages thoroughly with the research question.
Mark Band 6-7: Excellent Understanding (17-20 points)
- Research Question (RQ): The research question is challenging, original, and allows for a sophisticated, systematic investigation.
- Introduction: The introduction is compelling, providing a detailed and nuanced context for the research question, showing an excellent understanding of its significance and implications.
- Methodology: The approach to investigating the research question is sophisticated, possibly innovative, and thoroughly appropriate.
- Analysis: The analysis is meticulous and exhaustive, with a vast array of evidence supporting a meticulously argued case. The writer demonstrates an exceptional engagement with the topic.
- Conclusion: The conclusion is outstanding, effectively summarizing the findings, thoroughly addressing the research question, and possibly offering significant insights or implications.
- Formal Presentation: The essay is impeccably organized and presented, with virtually no deficiencies in layout, organization, or style.
- Engagement: The essay demonstrates an excellent understanding of the topic and engages exceptionally well with the research question, showing mastery of the subject matter.
Conclusion
Navigating the IB Extended Essay marking bands requires a deep understanding of the assessment criteria and the ability to apply them to produce a piece of work that meets the high standards of the IB. Students should strive to produce work that not only demonstrates a good understanding of the research question but also engages thoroughly with the topic, offering insights and analysis that reflect an excellent command of the subject matter. By aligning their work with the criteria outlined for the higher mark bands, students can achieve high scores and successfully complete this critical component of the IB Diploma Programme.
