Extended response questions are where many students lose the most marks in IB Design Technology exams — not because they lack knowledge, but because their answers lack structure, focus, or evaluation. These questions appear most often in Paper 2, and they are designed to test depth of thinking, not memory.

The good news is that extended responses are highly predictable once you understand what examiners are looking for.

What Is an Extended Response Question?

An extended response question typically:

• Is worth a higher number of marks
• Uses command terms like analyse, evaluate, or justify
• Requires structured paragraphs, not bullet-point lists
• Expects application to a specific scenario

These questions reward students who can build a logical argument, not those who list everything they know.

Why Students Struggle with Extended Responses

Common reasons students underperform include:

• Writing without a plan
• Describing instead of analysing
• Ignoring evaluation
• Not linking ideas to the scenario

Extended responses are not about length. They are about control and clarity.

A Reliable Structure That Scores Marks

A simple structure works for most extended response questions.

Paragraph 1: Identify and Apply the Concept

Start by clearly identifying the relevant concept (for example, ergonomics, sustainability, or user-centred design).

Then:

• Apply it directly to the given scenario
• Show you understand the context

Avoid generic definitions. Application must come early.

Paragraph 2: Explain Impact and Reasoning

Next, explain:

• How the concept affects performance, usability, or the user
• Why it matters in this specific situation

This is where cause-and-effect reasoning earns marks.

Paragraph 3: Evaluate Benefits and Limitations

High-mark answers always include evaluation.

This means:

• Considering advantages
• Acknowledging limitations or trade-offs
• Avoiding absolute statements

Balanced evaluation is essential for top markbands.

Paragraph 4 (If Needed): Justified Conclusion

For higher-mark questions, a short conclusion can:

• Summarise judgement
• Justify which option or approach is most suitable

Conclusions should be brief and evidence-based.

How Much Should You Write?

Write as much as needed to fully answer the question, no more.

Strong answers:

• Stay focused on the command term
• Use clear paragraphs
• Avoid repetition

Overwriting often wastes time without increasing marks.

Use Examples Strategically

Examples strengthen extended responses when used correctly.

Effective examples:

• Directly support your argument
• Are explained, not just named
• Link back to the scenario

Weak answers list examples without explaining relevance.

Language and Terminology Matter

Examiners expect:

• Subject-specific terminology
• Clear, formal writing
• Logical flow of ideas

However, complex vocabulary does not replace clear explanation. Precision matters more than sophistication.

Common Extended Response Mistakes

Students often lose marks by:

• Writing everything they know instead of answering the question
• Ignoring evaluation
• Repeating definitions
• Not linking answers to the scenario

If your answer could apply to any question, it is probably too generic.

How to Practise Extended Responses Effectively

Strong practice involves:

• Planning answers before writing
• Practising under timed conditions
• Reviewing answers against markbands

Ask yourself: Did I apply, explain, and evaluate? If not, revise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do extended responses need a conclusion?

Not always, but for evaluation-heavy questions, a short justified conclusion helps demonstrate judgement.

Is structure really that important?

Yes. Clear structure helps examiners identify analysis and evaluation quickly, which protects marks.

Can short answers score full marks?

Yes. Concise, well-structured answers often score higher than long, unfocused ones.

Final Thoughts

Extended response questions reward thinking, structure, and evaluation. Students who plan briefly, apply concepts clearly, and evaluate honestly consistently reach higher markbands.

RevisionDojo Tip

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