Criterion A

Criterion A focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. This page details what is required to gain maximum marks and lists some of the common errors made by students when addressing this criterion.

Criterion A:  Focus and Method (Maximum mark 6)

Strands

This criterion focuses on three main strands.

1. The topic – identification and effective explanation

2. The research question – clear, relevant and focused

3. The methodology – relevance and appropriateness of source/methods chosen

The assessment is based on your explanation of the focus of the research, which includes both the topic and the research question, how the research was planned and undertaken and how the focus is maintained throughout the whole of your essay.

Specific points covered

Specifically the assessment considers:

1. How effectively does your essay identify and communicate the chosen topic. This includes justifying its worthiness?

2. Given the scope of the task, is your research question appropriate and sufficiently focused so that it can be addressed adequately within 40 hours/4000 words?

3. Is your research question clearly stated in the introduction and have you set it against the background knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic area?

4. Is the focus of your research question maintained throughout the whole of your essay?

5. Is there evidence of informed and effective selection of a variety of sources and methods of appropriate material to gather relevant information in order to address your research question within the 4000 word limit?

Level 5-6 descriptor

How you have addressed each of the specific points above then determines the mark out of six you will awarded. The level descriptors are given on page 101 of the Extended Essay Guide. To achieve the highest mark band of 5-6 the assessor must be satisfied that you have properly and competently addressed each of the three main strands:

The topic is communicated accurately and effectively.

i.e. You have identified, explained and effectively communicated the research topic.
       Both the purpose and focus of your research is clear and appropriate.


The research question is focused and stated clearly.

i.e. Your research question addresses an issue of research appropriately connected to your discussion in the essay.
 

The methodology of the research is complete.

i.e. You have consulted an appropriate range of relevant sources/methods and applied them to the topic and research question.
      You have shown evidence of effective and informed selection of the sources/methods.

Some common errors made by students

Some common reasons for not attaining Achievement level 6 for Criterion A: Focus and method include:

  • Choosing a topic and research question in a subject other than chemistry.

  • Not setting the research question within the context of the topic.

  • Not setting the topic into an academic context.
  • Failing to demonstrate clearly the significance and worthiness of the topic.

  • Forgetting to include the research question in the introduction. 

  • Not stating the research question clearly. 

  • Not stating the research question as a question.
  • Stating multiple research questions. 

  • Stating a research question that is too broad to be covered in 4000 words.

  • Stating a research question which does not lend itself to a systematic investigation.

  • Not clearly relating the discussion/investigation to the research question.

  • Not stating and discussing possible alternatives methods (experimental or otherwise) to the one chosen.

  • Not citing the source of the method used.
  • Not showing how the method has been modified by the student.

  • Making sweeping or subjective statements.

  • Making statements of fact without giving (or explaining) their origin.

  • Giving trivial or unresearched background information.
  • Repetition

  • Including too much content that is not chemistry.

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