20 pts

Superior (20 – 16 points) The research question is clearly and precisely stated in the early part of the essay and is sharply focused, making it susceptible to effective treatment within the word limit. The approach used is well chosen and highly appropriate to the research question.

15 pts

Good (15 – 11 points) The research question is stated in the early part of the essay but one of the following is missing or not completely developed: • The precise manner or the research question is not clearly and precisely stated • It is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit. • The approach used is generally appropriate to the research question.

10 pts

Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) The research question is stated in the early part of the essay but BOTH of the following are missing: • The precise manner or the research question is not clearly and precisely stated • It is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit. • The approach used is generally inappropriate to the research question.

5 pts

Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) The research question is not stated in the early part of the essay or does not lend itself to systematic investigation in the context of an extended essay. The approach used is completely inappropriate to the research question.

20 pts

Superior (20 – 16 points) The approach used is well chosen and highly appropriate to the research question.

15 pts

Good (15 – 11 points) The approach used is generally appropriate to the research question.

10 pts

Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) The approach used is generally inappropriate to the research question.

5 pts

Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) The approach used is completely inappropriate to the research question.

20 pts

Superior (20 – 16 points) A convincing argument, which addresses the research question, is well developed, well organized and clearly expressed. Where an evaluation is appropriate, it is fully substantiated.

15 pts

Good (15 – 11 points) An argument which addresses the research question is competently developed. Where an evaluation is appropriate, some attempt has been made to substantiate it.

10 pts

Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) An argument is developed which addresses the research question but which is incomplete. Where an evaluation is appropriate, it is likely to be subjective, with little attempt at substantiation.

5 pts

Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points) There is a limited or superficial attempt to formulate an argument relevant to the research question, or there is no argument relevant to the research question.

20 pts

Superior (20 – 16 points) A strong conclusion is clearly stated, is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the argument or explanation presented in the essay. Where appropriate, the conclusion clearly indicates unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the research.

15 pts

Good (15 – 11 points) A conclusion is clearly stated, is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the argument or explanation presented in the essay.

10 pts

Needs Improvement (10 – 6 points) Some conclusion is attempted which is consistent with the argument presented in the essay.

5 pts

Does Not Meet Standards (5 – 0 points)Little or no attempt has been made to provide a conclusion which is consistent with the argument presented in the essay.

5 pts

No revision needed (5 points) APA style is used properly throughout the document

4 pts

Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Typical APA errors are present

2 pts

Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) APA style is used but inconsistently

0 pts

Substantial revision needed (0 points) No evidence of APA style awareness

5 pts

No revision needed (5 points) No grammatical errors are present and document is in good shape grammatically

4 pts

Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Only a few grammatical errors appear

2 pts

Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Several grammatical errors appear throughout the document

0 pts

Substantial revision needed (0 points) Major grammatical errors are present throughout the entire document

5 pts

No revision needed (5 points) Text is organized well and easy to follow. There is a logical order of information and transitions are present

4 pts

Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) The narrative overall is clear but there is at least one element or section in need of revision

2 pts

Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Logical order of ideas is present but text is lacking overall coherence

0 pts

Substantial revision needed (0 points) Text is difficult to follow

5 pts

No revision needed (5 points) Paper included all required elements seamlessly

4 pts

Some isolated revision needed (4 – 3 points) Required elements included but paper could be developed more fully

2 pts

Moderate revision needed in some areas (2 – 1 points) Paper is missing a required element

0 pts

Substantial revision needed (0 points)Paper is incomplete and is missing most of the required elements