IB Philosophy SL Extended Essay Example

You state a clear research question and keep the essay anchored in Wittgenstein’s private-language debate.

You use a recognisable philosophy essay structure with an introduction, argument sections, and conclusion.

You include primary and secondary sources in a way that shows an intended research pathway.

The question remains broader than the essay fully controls, especially in the movement between semantics, logic, cognition, and use.

The method is not always explicit enough about why each source was chosen or how each one functions in the argument.

Some terms are introduced without being defined tightly enough at the start, which makes the focus feel less precise than it could be.

You use a good range of philosophical vocabulary and mostly apply it in a way that fits the topic.

Your understanding of Wittgenstein’s core ideas, especially use, public criteria, ostension, and rule-following, is clearly visible.

You bring in source material in ways that usually stay relevant to the central discussion.

Some terminology is used imprecisely or inconsistently, which weakens the clarity of your explanation.

The accounts of Russell and Fodor are less secure and sometimes blur different philosophical claims together.

Several claims are explained in a way that sounds plausible but needs tighter textual or conceptual support.