IB Biology Extended Essay Exemplar
To what extent does the starch breakdown rate by 1% amylase solution differ between gluten-containing (wheat, rye, spelt) and gluten-free (white corn, rice, chickpea) flour samples?
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Criteria A: Focus and Method
4/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Clear and adequate communication of topic with defined key terms and accessible background explanation
Explicit, focused research question tied to measurable variables
Generally appropriate and replicable methodology with detailed procedural controls
Persistent conceptual misunderstanding linking gluten content directly to starch concentration
Rationale for using linear regression not justified against enzyme‐kinetic models
Lack of a true negative control and incomplete justification of control choice
Criteria B: Knowledge and Understanding
4/6
0
3
6
Criteria Strands
Accurate and consistent use of scientific terminology and statistical concepts
Definitions section demonstrates clear conceptual awareness
Relevant application of source material to background and discussion
Uneven integration of literature, with some claims insufficiently supported
Minor inaccuracies in conceptual linkage between gluten and starch
Occasional unit‐formatting and label inconsistencies
Criteria C: Critical Thinking
8/12
0
6
12
Criteria Strands
Data analysis moves beyond description: error bars, regression statistics, anomalies are identified
Analysis remains focused on the research question, with clear linkage between slopes and reaction rates
Structured conclusions revisit key findings and discuss strengths and weaknesses
Reliance on an unverified assumption about gluten–starch proportionality
Lack of justification for linear rather than exponential modelling of enzyme kinetics
Evaluations are surface‐level and some conclusions remain speculative
Criteria D: Presentation
3/4
0
2
4
Criteria Strands
Logical overall structure with clear section headings and a consistent citation style
Word count and pagination are present, facilitating navigation
Figures and tables are labelled and referenced in the text
Inconsistent formatting of tables and equations, occasional truncated captions
Some figures lack integration into the narrative
Dense presentation in appendices disrupts flow