As an International Baccalaureate or IB student, it’s important to understand the Extended Essay Rubric. This is a marked component of the IB Diploma, and therefore can have significant effects on your final grades. This guide will offer a detailed explanation of the Extended Essay Rubric and its five assessment criteria, including strategies and tips for achieving high scores.
Key Takeaways
- The Extended Essay Rubric is a marked component of the IB Diploma, and this guide provides a comprehensive overview of it.
- The rubric is based on five assessment criteria: Engagement, Knowledge and Understanding, Evaluation, Analysis, and Synthesis.
- Each of these criteria has multiple levels of achievement that can be obtained.
- There are tips and strategies for achieving high scores on each of the criteria.
- The Extended Essay Rubric can be used as a tool for self-assessment and improvement.
Introduction
The Extended Essay (EE) is a research paper that is a requirement of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The Extended Essay Rubric is used to assess students’ work throughout the research and writing process, from the formulation of a research question to the final submission of the paper.
Understanding the Five Assessment Criteria
The Extended Essay Rubric is based on five assessment criteria. These are Engagement, Knowledge and Understanding, Evaluation, Analysis, and Synthesis.
Engagement
This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research question, how well they have maintained their focus throughout their research, and how well they have presented their ideas. The level range of this criterion is from 0-3.
Knowledge and Understanding
This criterion reflects the student’s knowledge of their chosen subject area, how well they understand their research question, and how well they have incorporated their new knowledge into their essay. The level range for this criterion is from 0-6.
Evaluation
This criterion assesses how well the student has evaluated their sources in terms of reliability, credibility, relevance, and breadth. The level range for this criterion is from 0-6.
Analysis
This criterion assesses how well the student has analyzed their data and research findings, and how well they have integrated these findings with their research question. The level range for this criterion is from 0-6.
Synthesis
This criterion assesses how well the student has brought together their research findings and presented them in their essay. The level range for this criterion is from 0-6.
Detailed Explanations of Each Assessment Criterion
Engagement
The Engagement criterion assesses how well the student has focused their research and maintained their focus throughout the writing process. It also considers how well the student has presented their ideas and chosen a format that is appropriate for the subject area.
To achieve a score of 3, the student must have a clear research question that demonstrates focus and purpose, a clear understanding of the audience, and an innovative approach to presenting their work.
Knowledge and Understanding
The Knowledge and Understanding criterion assesses how well the student understands their chosen subject area, their research question, and how well they have incorporated their new knowledge into their essay. To achieve full marks in this criterion, the student’s essay must demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject area and address the research question with insight and sophistication.
Evaluation
The Evaluation criterion assesses how well the student has evaluated their sources in terms of reliability, credibility, relevance, and breadth. To achieve full marks in this criterion, the student’s essay must demonstrate an evaluative approach to sources, acknowledging strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
Analysis
The Analysis criterion assesses the student’s ability to analyze their data and research findings, and how well they have integrated these findings with their research question. To achieve full marks in this criterion, the student’s essay must demonstrate the ability to analyze complex ideas and data, using appropriate methods to draw out meaning and insights.
Synthesis
The Synthesis criterion assesses how well the student has brought together their research findings and presented them in their essay. To achieve full marks in this criterion, the student’s essay must demonstrate the ability to synthesize a range of ideas and data into an original and well-presented argument.
Tips and Strategies for Scoring High
Here are some tips and strategies to help you achieve high scores in each of the assessment criteria:
Engagement:
- Choose a research question that is focused and purposeful, and ensure that your essay demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the question throughout.
- Use an appropriate format for your essay, taking into account the requirements of your subject area and the nature of your research question.
Knowledge and Understanding:
- Take time to research your chosen subject area thoroughly, and ensure that you have a deep understanding of your research question.
- Incorporate your new knowledge into your essay in a sophisticated and insightful way.
Evaluation:
- Be critical and evaluative in your approach to sources, acknowledging strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
- Use a range of sources, including primary and secondary sources, and ensure that they are relevant and credible.
Analysis:
- Use appropriate methods to analyze your data and research findings, and ensure that your analysis is sophisticated and insightful.
- Draw out meaning and insights from your data and research findings, using appropriate methods to present your ideas.
Synthesis:
- Bring together your research findings into an original and well-presented argument, demonstrating your ability to synthesize a range of ideas and data.
- Use appropriate methods to present your argument, taking into account the requirements of your subject area and the nature of your research question.
Using the Extended Essay Rubric as a Tool for Self-Evaluation and Improvement
The Extended Essay Rubric can be used as a tool for self-evaluation and improvement. Before submitting your essay, you can use the rubric to evaluate your work and identify areas for improvement. This can help you to focus your attention on those areas where you need to improve and develop strategies for achieving higher scores.
Conclusion
The Extended Essay Rubric is a critical component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and it is essential that students understand its five assessment criteria and the levels of achievement that can be obtained. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the rubric, including tips and strategies for achieving high scores in each of the assessment criteria. With the right approach and a clear understanding of the rubric, students can achieve outstanding results in their Extended Essays.
FAQ
1. What is the Extended Essay Rubric?
The Extended Essay Rubric is a marked component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. It assesses students’ work throughout the research and writing process of their extended essays, and is based on five assessment criteria.
2. What are the five assessment criteria of the Extended Essay Rubric?
The five assessment criteria of the Extended Essay Rubric are Engagement, Knowledge and Understanding, Evaluation, Analysis, and Synthesis.
3. How can students use the Extended Essay Rubric to improve their work?
Students can use the Extended Essay Rubric as a tool for self-evaluation and improvement. By evaluating their own work against the rubric’s assessment criteria, students can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for achieving higher scores.