Language Acquisition EE Grader
This page is designed to help you understand the assessment criteria for the Language Acquisition Extended Essay (EE) and guide you in self-evaluating your work. By breaking down the rubric and providing clear explanations, you'll be better equipped to assess your essay's strengths and areas for improvement.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you begin self-assessment, ensure you have the following:
- Final Draft of Your EE: Complete and ready for review.
- Research Question: Clearly stated and focused.
- Annotated Bibliography: List of sources with brief descriptions.
- Reflection Notes: Insights on your research and writing process.
- Assessment Criteria: Familiarity with the IB EE rubric.
Rubric Breakdown (Paraphrased & Plain English)
The Language Acquisition EE is assessed across five criteria, totaling 34 marks:
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your ability to formulate a clear research question and apply an appropriate methodology.
Performance Levels:
- High (5-6 marks): The research question is sharply focused, and the methodology is well-suited to the topic.
- Medium (3-4 marks): The research question is clear but may lack focus; the methodology is appropriate but not consistently applied.
- Low (1-2 marks): The research question is vague, and the methodology is inappropriate or poorly executed.
Common Mistakes:
- Choosing a broad or ambiguous research question.
- Applying a methodology that doesn't align with the research question.
Evidence You Must Show:
- A well-defined research question.
- A clear explanation of the chosen methodology.
- Consistent application of the methodology throughout the essay.
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your grasp of the topic and its context within the subject area.
Performance Levels:
- High (5-6 marks): Demonstrates in-depth understanding and integrates relevant concepts effectively.
- Medium (3-4 marks): Shows adequate understanding with some integration of concepts.
- Low (1-2 marks): Limited understanding with minimal integration of concepts.
Common Mistakes:
- Superficial treatment of the topic.
- Lack of connection between the topic and broader subject concepts.
Evidence You Must Show:
- Comprehensive background information.
- Integration of subject-specific concepts.
- Use of relevant terminology accurately.
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
What It Tests: Your ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
Performance Levels:
- High (10-12 marks): Presents a well-reasoned argument with critical analysis and evaluation.
- Medium (6-9 marks): Develops an argument with some analysis and evaluation.
- Low (1-5 marks): Presents a descriptive account with little analysis or evaluation.
Common Mistakes:
- Relying on description rather than analysis.
- Failing to consider multiple perspectives.
Evidence You Must Show:
- Critical analysis of sources.
- Evaluation of different viewpoints.
- Synthesis of information to support your argument.
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
What It Tests: The organization and formatting of your essay.
Performance Levels:
- High (3-4 marks): Essay is well-structured with consistent formatting.
- Medium (2 marks): Essay has a clear structure but some formatting inconsistencies.
- Low (1 mark): Essay lacks clear structure and has significant formatting issues.
Common Mistakes:
- Inconsistent citation style.
- Poor paragraph organization.
Evidence You Must Show:
- Clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Consistent use of citation style.
- Logical flow of ideas.
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your reflection on the research process and personal engagement.
Performance Levels:
- High (5-6 marks): Demonstrates deep reflection and insight into the research process.
- Medium (3-4 marks): Shows some reflection with insights into the research process.
- Low (1-2 marks): Limited reflection with minimal insight into the research process.
Common Mistakes:
- Providing a narrative of events without reflection.
- Lack of discussion on challenges faced and how they were addressed.
Evidence You Must Show:
- Thoughtful reflection on your research journey.
- Discussion of challenges and how you overcame them.
- Insights into what you learned from the process.
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
After using the embedded grader, you'll receive a score out of 34. Here's how to interpret your score:
- 27-34: Excellent (Grade A)
- 21-26: Good (Grade B)
- 14-20: Satisfactory (Grade C)
- 7-13: Mediocre (Grade D)
- 0-6: Elementary (Grade E)
If You're Between Bands or Uncertain:
- Review Specific Criteria: Identify which areas need improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Consult with your supervisor or peers for insights.
- Revise Accordingly: Focus on enhancing weaker sections.
Improvement Actions Tied to Each Criterion:
- Criterion A: Refine your research question and ensure your methodology aligns with it.
- Criterion B: Deepen your understanding of the topic and integrate relevant concepts.
- Criterion C: Enhance your analysis and consider multiple perspectives.
- Criterion D: Ensure your essay is well-organized and adheres to formatting guidelines.
- Criterion E: Reflect more deeply on your research process and personal engagement.
Annotated Examples
High-Band Excerpt:
"The evolution of Spanish loanwords in Filipino reflects the historical and cultural interactions between Spain and the Philippines. This essay analyzes the phonological and semantic changes of these loanwords over time, highlighting the influence of colonial history on language development."
Why It Scores High:
- Clear and focused research question.
- In-depth analysis with critical evaluation.
- Strong connection between language and cultural context.
Mid/Low-Band Excerpt:
"Spanish loanwords are common in Filipino. This essay lists some of these words and talks about their meanings."
What's Missing:
- Lacks a clear research question.
- Descriptive rather than analytical.
- Minimal connection to cultural context.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
The IB uses the following grade boundaries for the Extended Essay:
| Grade | Marks |
|---|---|
| A | 27-34 |
| B | 21-26 |
| C | 14-20 |
| D | 7-13 |
| E | 0-6 |
These boundaries may vary by session, so it's advisable to verify the latest figures.
Contribution to Diploma Score:
The EE contributes to the overall Diploma score in conjunction with Theory of Knowledge (TOK). The combination of EE and TOK grades can add up to 3 points to your total score.
Common Mistakes & Fast Fixes
- Mistake: Vague research question.
- Fix: Narrow down to a specific aspect of the topic.