IB English A Lang & Lit SL Extended Essay Example

The student's investigation is clearly focused and the line of inquiry stays connected to the chosen tracks throughout.

The student communicates the purpose of the essay effectively and the topic is consistently framed in a purposeful way.

The student's selection of methods shows clear intent, especially the use of textual analysis alongside theoretical lenses.

The method is still broader than it needs to be, so some parts of the inquiry feel less controlled than others.

The student needs to explain more clearly how each theoretical lens is being used in practice rather than simply naming them.

The chosen scope would be stronger if the student prioritized a smaller set of techniques and applied them more systematically.

The student shows secure understanding of the songs, their themes, and the wider cultural context behind them.

The student uses relevant subject-specific terminology with generally accurate control.

The student often connects terminology to meaning rather than listing terms in isolation.

Some contextual claims are inaccurate or not sufficiently verified, which weakens confidence in parts of the discussion.

A few terms and concepts are used too broadly, so the distinctions between lyric, persona, speaker, and performer are sometimes blurred.

The student's source base is uneven, so the authority of some knowledge claims is limited.