Criterion B:  Knowledge and Understanding (Maximum mark 6)

Strands

This criterion focuses on two main strands.

1. Knowledge and understanding – clear, relevant and coherent

2. Terminology and concepts – accurate and consistent

The assessment is based on the extent to which your research relates to the chemistry used to explore your research question and the way in which you use appropriate terminology and concepts to underpin the knowledge and understanding of chemistry related to your topic and chosen research question.

Specific points covered

Specifically the assessment considers:

1. Has your put the stated research question that you are investigating into the context of chemistry?

2. Does your essay demonstrate the relevant selection of sources appropriate to your research question and is the way you have applied these sources identifiable?

3. Have you demonstrated your knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic and research question?

4. Have you used the appropriate terminology consistently and correctly throughout your essay to indicate knowledge and understanding of chemistry?

Level 5-6 descriptor

How you have addressed each of the specific points above then determines the mark out of six to be awarded. The level descriptors are given on pages 102 and 103 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 two main strands:

Excellent knowledge and understanding is demonstrated.

i.e. Your selection of source materials is clearly relevant and appropriate to the research question.
      Your knowledge of the topic is shown to be clear and coherent and your sources are effectively used with understanding.

Excellent use of terminology and concepts

i.e. You have made accurate and consistent use of concepts and terminology relevant to both chemistry and the topic which demonstrates effective knowledge and understanding.