Economics Extended Essay Criteria: A Comprehensive IB Grading Guide

Struggling to understand the IB Economics Extended Essay grading criteria? This comprehensive guide breaks down each criterion, providing clear explanations, practical tips, and examples to help you achieve top marks. We'll cover everything from focus and method to engagement and presentation, ensuring you understand exactly what examiners are looking for.

What is the Economics Extended Essay?

The Economics Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word independent research paper that forms a core component of the IB Diploma Programme. It allows students to delve deeply into an economics topic of their choice, applying economic theories and analytical skills to a specific research question. The EE is externally assessed and contributes significantly to the overall IB Diploma score.

Understanding the Grading Criteria

The Economics Extended Essay is graded based on five criteria: Focus and Method, Knowledge and Understanding, Critical Thinking, Presentation, and Engagement. Each criterion assesses different aspects of the essay, from the clarity of the research question to the student's engagement with the research process. Understanding these criteria is crucial for planning, writing, and refining your EE. Let's dive into each one.

Detailed Breakdown of Economics Extended Essay Criteria

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

What it assesses: This criterion assesses the clarity of the topic, research question, methodology, and their relevance to economic investigation. It's about setting the stage for your research and demonstrating that you have a clear plan.

Mark bands:

• 0 Marks: The topic is unclear, the research question is missing or irrelevant, and the methodology is not described.
• 1-2 Marks: The topic is vaguely defined, the research question is broad or unclear, and the methodology is poorly described.
• 3-4 Marks: The topic and research question are identified, but their economic relevance is not fully established. The methodology is described but lacks detail.
• 5-6 Marks: The essay clearly establishes the topic and context within economics. The research question is specific and focused. The methodology is clearly described, outlining research and data collection methods, ensuring reliable and relevant data.

Tips for success:

• Choose a focused topic: Avoid overly broad topics. Narrow your focus to a specific area within economics.
• Develop a clear research question: The research question should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Clearly outline your methodology: Explain how you will collect and analyze data. Will you use surveys, interviews, statistical analysis, or a combination of methods?
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Selecting a topic that is too broad.
  • Formulating a vague or unclear research question.
  • Failing to describe the methodology in sufficient detail.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

What it assesses: This criterion assesses the student's understanding of relevant economic theory and its application to the research question. It's not enough to simply state economic principles; you must demonstrate how they relate to your specific topic.

Mark bands:

• 0 Marks: Economic theory is not applied, or its application is inappropriate and inaccurate.
• 1-2 Marks: Limited application and understanding of economic theory. Data used is not always relevant.
• 3-4 Marks: Relevant economic theory is applied, but the connection to the research question could be stronger. Diagrams, if included, may lack accuracy or relevance.
• 5-6 Marks: The EE demonstrates a strong understanding of relevant economic theory and its application to address the research question. All data and economic theory used are directly relevant and appropriate. Diagrams, if included, are accurately drawn, labeled, and placed appropriately, supported by relevant evidence.

Tips for success:

• Identify relevant economic theories: Determine which economic theories are most relevant to your research question.
• Apply theory to your data: Don't just present data; explain how it supports or contradicts economic theory.
• Use diagrams effectively: If applicable, use accurately drawn and labeled diagrams to illustrate economic concepts.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Failing to apply relevant economic theory.
  • Using inaccurate or irrelevant data.
  • Including poorly drawn or labeled diagrams.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

What it assesses: This criterion assesses the student's ability to research, analyze, discuss, and evaluate economic issues related to the research question. This is where you showcase your analytical skills and ability to form a well-supported argument.

Mark bands:

• 0 Marks: No analysis or evaluation is present. The essay is purely descriptive.
• 1-3 Marks: Limited analysis and evaluation. The argument is weak and lacks support. The essay is mostly descriptive.
• 4-6 Marks: Some analysis and evaluation are present, but the argument could be more logical and supported by evidence. Limitations of the study are not adequately addressed.
• 7-9 Marks: A clear and logical argument is presented, incorporating economic theory and real-world evidence. The analysis is generally analytical rather than descriptive. Limitations are discussed.
• 10-12 Marks: A clear and logical argument is presented, incorporating economic theory and real-world evidence to support the analysis. All points in the analysis are backed by specific, relevant material. The essay is analytical rather than descriptive. There is a conclusion stating the answer to the research question and evaluating the entire investigation.

Tips for success:

• Develop a clear and logical argument: Present your argument in a structured and coherent manner.
• Support your argument with evidence: Use data, economic theory, and real-world examples to support your claims.
• Analyze rather than describe: Go beyond simply describing events or data. Analyze the underlying causes and effects.
• Address limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of your research and discuss how they might affect your conclusions.
• Draw a clear conclusion: State the answer to your research question and evaluate the entire investigation.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Presenting a weak or unsupported argument.
  • Relying too heavily on description rather than analysis.
  • Failing to address the limitations of the study.
  • Omitting a clear conclusion.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

What it assesses: This criterion assesses the structure, layout, referencing, and overall presentation of the extended essay. A well-presented essay is easier to read and understand, which can positively influence the examiner's perception of your work.

Mark bands:

• 0 Marks: The essay lacks structure and essential elements (title page, table of contents). Referencing is missing or inadequate.
• 1 Mark: The essay has some structure, but it is not always clear. Referencing is attempted but inconsistent.
• 2 Marks: The essay follows a generally accepted structure, including a title page and table of contents. Referencing is present but may contain errors.
• 3 Marks: The essay begins with a title page and a table of contents, adhering to standard formatting conventions. Sections and subsections have informative headings. Graphs, figures, or tables are appropriately labeled with numbers and brief descriptions.
• 4 Marks: The essay begins with a title page and a table of contents, adhering to standard formatting conventions. The structure of the essay follows the expected conventions for the topic, ensuring clarity and coherence. Sections and subsections have informative headings. Graphs, figures, or tables are appropriately labeled and maintain good graphical quality.

Tips for success:

• Follow a standard essay structure: Include a title page, table of contents, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, and bibliography.
• Use clear and informative headings: Organize your essay into sections and subsections with descriptive headings.
• Label graphs and tables correctly: Ensure that all graphs and tables are clearly labeled with numbers and brief descriptions.
• Use consistent referencing: Follow a consistent referencing style (e.g., MLA, APA) and cite all sources accurately.
• Proofread carefully: Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Omitting essential elements such as a title page or table of contents.
  • Using inconsistent referencing.
  • Failing to proofread the essay carefully.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

What it assesses: This criterion assesses the student's engagement with the research process, as evidenced by the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). It's about demonstrating that you actively reflected on your research journey and learned from the experience.

Mark bands:

• 0 Marks: No RPPF is submitted, or the reflections are superficial and lack insight.
• 1-2 Marks: The RPPF is submitted, but the reflections are brief and lack detail about the research process.
• 3-4 Marks: The RPPF demonstrates some engagement with the research process, describing initial thoughts, changes in approach, and challenges encountered.
• 5-6 Marks: The RPPF form demonstrates one's growth and engagement in the writing process. The student lists skills developed, describes challenges and actions undertaken, and provides evidence of the personal significance of the work.

Tips for success:

• Complete the RPPF thoughtfully: Reflect on your research process and document your initial thoughts, changes in approach, and challenges encountered.
• Be honest and self-critical: Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses as a researcher.
• Demonstrate personal growth: Explain how the research process has helped you develop new skills and insights.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Submitting a superficial or incomplete RPPF.
  • Failing to reflect on the research process in a meaningful way.

How to Excel in Your Economics Extended Essay

• Start early: Begin planning your EE well in advance of the deadline.
• Choose a topic you are passionate about: Your enthusiasm will make the research process more enjoyable and lead to a better essay.
• Seek guidance from your supervisor: Your supervisor can provide valuable feedback and support throughout the research process.
• Manage your time effectively: Break down the EE into smaller tasks and set realistic deadlines for each task.
• Revise and edit your work: Take the time to revise and edit your essay carefully before submitting it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Plagiarism: Always cite your sources properly to avoid plagiarism.
• Overly ambitious scope: Choose a topic that is manageable within the word limit.
• Lack of focus: Stay focused on your research question and avoid straying into irrelevant topics.
• Poor organization: Structure your essay logically and use clear headings and subheadings.
• Ignoring feedback: Pay attention to the feedback you receive from your supervisor and make necessary revisions.

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Conclusion

Mastering the Economics Extended Essay requires a thorough understanding of the grading criteria and a commitment to rigorous research and analysis. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score. Remember to focus on developing a clear research question, applying relevant economic theory, presenting a logical argument, and engaging with the research process.

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