 Criterion D: Knowledge and Understanding of Topic Studied  Criterion E: Reasoned Argument  Criterion F: Application of Analytical and Evaluative skills Appropriate to the Subject  Criterion G: Use of Language Appropriate to the Subject

Assessment Criteria

For categories 1 and 2 literature essays, the topic studied here is principally the primary text(s) that is/are the focus of the essay. The quality of the student’s understanding of the primary text(s) is the main concern. The use of secondary sources is not an essential requirement: this may be helpful in the case of classic texts, enabling discussion to start at a higher level, but it should not replace the student’s personal engagement with the primary text(s).

For category 3 language essays, the topic studied is a primary text or texts, explored and understood through a critical consideration of its culturally specific production and reception. Students should move between analysis of the linguistic features of a primary text or texts and the social and cultural circumstances in which it is produced and understood. In this way, knowledge and understanding are revealed through the way a student is able to understand and situate a text or texts in its cultural context. Students should demonstrate an awareness of meaning as a constructed and often contested entity.

Assessment Criteria

Reasoned Argument  English ◦ Avoid descriptions of a literary text through plot summary or narration  Biology ◦ Essays that attempt to deal with a large number of variables are unlikely to be focused and coherent  Politics ◦ Seek to achieve a balance, by presenting conflicting views in an impartial way before reaching a conclusion History – Personal views should not simply be stated but need to be supported by reasoned argument based on specific details Philosophy – Developing a philosophical argument must be clearly distinguished from simply describing or narrating a series of theories or opinions

Criteria F -- Application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject – Scientific Skills Analysis of Data (biology) Experimental Design (chemistry) show an understanding of the statistics and mathematical relationships (physics) – Literary Skills – Themes and Literary Devices – Economics need for Theories and Concepts – Historiography (refers either to the study of the history and methodology of history as a discipline, or to a body of historical work on a specialized topic )

Assessment Criteria

English -- The abstract is judged on the clarity with which it presents the three required elements, not on the quality of the research question itself, nor on the quality of the argument or the conclusions. History -- The abstract must consist of three elements: the research question (or hypothesis), the scope of the essay (that is, what was investigated and how it was investigated) and the conclusion. An abstract is not a précis of the topic

Assessment Criteria

 Criterion I: this criterion assesses the extent to which the layout, organization, appearance and formal elements of the essay consistently follow a standard format. The formal elements are: title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative materials, quotations, documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used).  Achievement level 4: The formal presentation is excellent.

 All margins 1”  Times New Roman 12 font size (Standard fonts include Arial, Helvetica, and Times Roman)  Double spaced

 Each page should have: ◦ your Name and Last Name; and your candidate number. Use ‘Header’, right aligned. Robert Smith Candidate: cpm876 ( )  Do not number the Title page.

 1 st page of your essay  Must include the following: Essay’s Title Extended Essay Subject: your subject, e.g. Visual Arts Word Count: e.g. 3,979 South Iredell High School Session: Month, Year Candidate: your Name and Last Name Candidate Number: e.g. cpm876 ( ) * * this number will be provided by coordinator

 3rd page of your essay  Provide only the first page of each section/subsection  Check the Table of Contents for correct page numbering when your paper is finished. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. First Major Point Subpoint Subpoint Subpoint 7 3. Second Major Point Subpoint Subpoint12 4. Conclusion14 5. Works Cited15 6. Appendix (or Appendices)17

 Title Page  Abstract  Table of Contents  Body ◦ Introduction ◦ Sections, subsections ◦ Conclusion  Works Cited  Appendices

 Abstract = Max. 300 words  Essay (count ONLY from the Introduction to the end of Conclusion) = Max. 4,000 words  Footnotes are not included  Word limits are strictly enforced

 Title Page  Abstract and Table of Contents  Works Cited page  Provide sufficient evidence to support your arguments  Citations ◦ Complete in-text citations with their PAGE NUMBER ◦ Complete entries in the Works Cited page ◦ Works Cited page entries in ALPHABETICAL ORDER ◦ Each in-text citations matches an entry in the Works Cited page  ABSTRACT w/3 required elements (RQ, Scope, Conclusion)  Visuals materials identifying source of information, referenced in-text  Use a VARIETY of sources – not only the Internet  Internet sources must be academic or scientific  Table of Contents with ALL sections and correct page numbering  WORD COUNT (abstract=300; essay= 4,000)