Topic is communicated accurately and effectively with comprehensive explanations of core concepts and relevance.
Research question is clearly stated and consistently referenced throughout the work.
Methodology uses an appropriate range of relevant secondary sources with clear rationale for selection.
Research question phrasing remains somewhat broad and binary, risking over-simplification.
Explanation of data synthesis lacks detail and a systematic selection matrix.
Occasional wordiness and repetition detract slightly from overall clarity.
Consistent and accurate use of specialized terminology (e.g., DNA methylation, CpG sites, co-expression networks).
Coherent and relevant application of a wide range of peer-reviewed sources to support discussion.
Clear understanding of key epigenetic concepts and correct deployment of statistical indicators from studies.
Reliance on descriptive summaries rather than deeper re-analysis of source data.
Occasional conceptual inaccuracies (e.g., transcription/termination enzyme mislabelled).
Use of non–peer-reviewed websites requires clearer reliability rationale.
Argument is well structured and coherent, with clear links back to the research question throughout.
Analysis of each case study is focused, comparing statistical findings and biological pathways across studies.
Evaluation sections acknowledge methodological limitations such as sample size, causation versus correlation, and generalizability.
Independent synthesis is limited—analysis often mirrors original authors’ conclusions without new quantitative interrogation.
Some sections lapse into descriptive narrative, and cross-study synthesis could be tighter.
Discussion of potential confounders (e.g., age-related epigenetic drift) and effect-size interpretation remains surface-level.
All IB formatting requirements are met: title, word count, page numbers, table of contents, and consistent reference list.
Logical, reader-friendly structure with clearly labelled sections, figures, and tables placed near relevant text.
Clean layout and consistent citation style with well-captioned visuals and complete bibliography.
Minor inconsistencies in citation punctuation and italics across bibliography entries.
Occasional wide tables disrupt page flow, and some figures are not fully introduced or interpreted in the text.
