Research Paper General Criteria & Rubric

All extended essays are externally assessed and are marked on a scale from 0 to 100. This maximum score is
made up of the total criterion levels available for each essay.
Total
Your
Available
Criterion
Description
Mark
Marks

Summary of
Research Paper

The research paper consists of an in depth study and commitment

undertaken to investigate a historical event/topic selected in
January. The student will be expected to relate results of their
research to their topic of choice in essay format properly.

A. Research
Question & Thesis

The research question is clearly stated in the introduction and

sharply focused, making effective treatment possible within the
word limit; thesis statement
The context of the research questions is clearly demonstrated. The
introduction clearly explains the significance of the history topic
and why it is worthy of investigation.
An imaginative range of appropriate sources has been consulted,
or data has been gathered, and relevant material has been
carefully selected. (S) uses correct bibliography format.
The research demonstrates a very good knowledge and
understanding of the topic researched. Where appropriate, the
essay clearly and precisely explains the topic and research in an
academic context.
Ideas are presented clearly and in a logical and coherent manner.
The essay succeeds in developing a reasoned and convincing point
of view associated with the research questions.
The research essay shows effective and sophisticated application
of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills.

The language used communicates clearly and precisely.

Terminology appropriate to the subject is used accurately, with
skill and understanding.

B. Introduction
C. Investigation
and Resources
(Bibliography)
D. Knowledge &
Understanding Of
The Topic Studied
E. Research
Analysis
F. Application Of
Analytical &
Evaluative Skills
Appropriate
G. Use Of
Language and
Grammar
appropriate to the
research topic
H. Conclusion

2
4
3
3
3

An effective conclusion is clearly stated; it is relevant to the

2
research question and consistent with the evidence presented in
the essay. It should include unresolved questions where
appropriate to the subject concerned.
I. Formal
The formal presentation is excellent - consistently follows a
4
Presentation
standard format of title page, table of contents, page numbers,
illustrative material, quotations, documentation (including
references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used) .
J. Word Count
The paper clearly indicates that appropriate number of words
1
recommended as required (1000 - 1250 words). Does not include
title or bibliography page
K. Holistic
The essay shows considerable evidence of intellectual initiative,
3
Judgment
depth of understanding and insight of research topic.
Letter Grade Equivalency:
Point Range:
A: Work of an excellent standard
100 - 93
Total ____ x 3 + 1
B. Work of a good standard
92 - 86
C. Work of a satisfactory standard
85 - 80
D. Work of a mediocre standard
79 - 71
F. Work of an unsatisfactory standard
70 - 0
Internal Assessment Letter/Point Grade: _______