IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) - Old SL Internal Assessment Example

The research question is focused, geographically specific and clearly states both cause and effect.

A thorough discussion of eutrophication, nitrate loading, hypoxia and global fertilizer trends situates the study in a broad context.

Connections between agricultural runoff, algal blooms, oxygen depletion and biodiversity loss are explained comprehensively.

Minor wording redundancies remain in the research question formulation.

The narrative lacks explicit reference to key environmental policies (e.g., EU Nitrates Directive).

One sentence in the local connections section is incomplete, interrupting flow.

The method is repeatable and appropriate, with clear step‐by‐step procedures and equipment details.

Sampling strategy is justified with 20 random sweep‐net samples and rationale contrasted with alternatives.

Risk and ethical considerations are comprehensively addressed with likelihood and severity tables and mitigation measures.

Only one nitrate and pH measurement per pond limits statistical power—replicates are needed.

Depth control instructions (“10 m downward”) are ambiguous and need precise specification.

Control of confounding variables (e.g., depth variation) lacks a detailed methodology.