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CAJCS Extended Essay Guide: CRITERIA A- FOCUS AND METHODOLOGY--6 MARKS

Important and relevant information to assist you in writing your Extended Essay.

CRITERIA A

WHAT IT MEANS?

This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question),how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

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INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

METHODOLOGY

AVOID IN THE INTRODUCTION

AVOID

DETAILS

Descriptive backgrounds

Avoid narrating the extensive background of your chosen topic as this often is either irrelevant or ends up being purely descriptive filler. Keep it to the point and relevant to the focus of your RO. 

Biography

Biographical data, although useful under certain circumstances, is usually a poor substitute for proper research and analysis into a given topic. If anything, it often leads to a reductionist approach whereby the work of a given individual is summarized as an extension of their actual life. It has next to no place in the EE as a whole, and, therefore, should be avoided in the introduction as well. 

Political or Religious Stance

The introduction [or EE as a whole) is no place to outline your personal political or religious agenda. 

Personal Pronouns

As the EE is intended to be an academic-style research paper the use of the personal pronouns ("I", "my" and so on) is best avoided on the whole. 

RESEARCH QUESTION

WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION

OUTLINE OF ARGUMENT

QUESTIONS TO ASK

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it?

• Is your research question stated as a question?

• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?

• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task?

  • Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?

• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)?

• Did you explain why you selected your methodology?

• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?

• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

CRITERIA A- RUBRIC

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors.

The topic is communicated unclearly and incompletely.

  • Identification and explanation of the topic is limited; the purpose and focus of the research is unclear, or does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject for which it is registered.

The research question is stated but not clearly expressed or too broad.

  • The research question is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit and requirements of the task, or does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject for which it is registered.
  • The intent of the research question is understood but has not been clearly expressed and/or the discussion of the essay is not focused on the research question.

Methodology of the research is limited.

  • The source(s) and/or method(s) to be used are limited in range given the topic and research question.
  • There is limited evidence that their selection was informed.

The topic is communicated.

  • Identification and explanation of the research topic is communicated; the purpose and focus of the research is adequately clear, but only partially appropriate.

The research question is clearly stated but only partially focused.

  • The research question is clear but the discussion in the essay is only partially focused and connected to the research question.

Methodology of the research is mostly complete.

  • Source(s) and/or method(s) to be used are generally relevant and appropriate given the topic and research question.
  • There is some evidence that their selection(s) was informed.

If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion.

The topic is communicated accurately and effectively.

  • Identification and explanation of the research topic is effectively communicated; the purpose and focus of the research is clear and appropriate.

The research question is clearly stated and focused.

  • The research question is clear and addresses an issue of research that is appropriately connected to the discussion in the essay.

Methodology of the research is complete.

  • An appropriate range of relevant source(s) and/or method(s) have been applied in relation to the topic and research question.
  • There is evidence of effective and informed selection of sources and/or methods.