IB English B SL Extended Essay Example

The student states a workable literary research question and keeps returning to Scout’s development throughout the essay.

The student shows a clear sense of how close reading can be used to analyse narrative perspective, motifs, and historical context.

The student's topic is relevant to the novel and the essay has a recognisable line of inquiry.

The investigation is generally understandable and purposeful.

The student's question is still quite broad because it combines several large ideas such as class, racism, justice, and historical setting.

Some sections drift into description or contextual summary rather than staying tightly focused on the exact question.

The method is explained, but not always justified in enough detail, especially when it comes to source selection and how sources are being used.

The balance between close literary analysis and historical context is not always controlled clearly.

The student uses quotations that are mostly relevant to the claims they are making.

The student demonstrates solid knowledge of the novel’s major characters, events, and themes.

The student's terminology is generally appropriate, with terms such as symbolism, motif, irony, and narrative perspective used in a meaningful way.

The student shows a good grasp of the novel’s social and historical setting.

Some quotations are followed by broad explanation rather than close attention to language and effect.

At times the student's discussion simplifies the novel’s narrative voice, especially when describing Scout as if she were only a child narrator.

A few literary terms are used loosely and could be applied more precisely.

Some source use confirms points rather than extending the student's own understanding through independent interpretation.