HOW IS THE EXTENDED ESSAY GRADED?
STEP 1: THE EXTENDED ESSAY IS GRADED OUT OF 36 MARKS:
GRADING CRITERIA
MARKS
QUESTION
2
INTRODUCTION
2
CONCLUSION
2
FORMAL PRESENTATION
4
ABSTRACT
2
The abstract must clearly state the research question, method of research and conclusion reached
INVESTIGATION
4
Evidence taken from a range of sources must be gathered to support the analysis
ANALYTICAL AND EVALUATIVE SKILLS
4
The essay must be analytical and show a critical evaluation of sources
REASONED ARGUMENT
4
The arguments must be presented in a logical and organized way
KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC
4
The essay must demonstrate a very good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied
TERMS USED
4
The terms must be used appropriately for the subject and must be clearly understood
GLOBAL JUDGEMENT
4
The essays must show intellectual initiative, depth of understanding and insight
FORMAL
PRESENTATION
(12 marks)
RESEARCH SKILLS
(12 marks)
UNDERSTANDING
OF TOPIC
(12 marks)
GOALS
The research question must be clearly stated in the introduction and must be sharply focused
The introduction must clearly explains the context of the question, its significance and why it is worthy
of investigation
A conclusion must be clearly stated and must be consistent with the evidence presented in the essay,
while including unresolved questions where appropriate
The essay must have a title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations,
documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used)
STEP 2: THE TOTAL OF 36 MARKS IS CONVERTED INTO A LETTER GRADE (A TO E):
Conversion table used in May 2009:
29 to 36 points
23 to 28 points
16 to 22 points
8 to 15 points
0 to 7 points
= A (excellent)
= B (good)
= C (satisfactory)
= D (mediocre)
= E (failing)
STEP 3: THE EE LETTER GRADE IS COMBINED WITH TOK AND CONVERTED INTO 0 TO 3 POINTS:
MATRIX
A
3
2
2
B
3
3
2
1
1
C
2
1
1
0
D
2
1
0
0
E
No
diploma
No
Diploma
No
Diploma
No
Diploma
A
EXTENDED
ESSAY
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
B
C
D
E
No
Diploma
No
Diploma
No
Diploma
No
Diploma
No
Diploma