Evaluation Throughout the Essay (DP IB Extended Essay): Revision Note

How should evaluation be integrated?

Integrating evaluation into the argument

• Evaluation—the process of appraising the value, strengths and limitations of research—must be integrated consistently throughout the entire essay

• Students must weave evaluation into the body of the text as they develop their points

  • This is a core requirement for a successful academic-style paper

  • Evaluative comments should appear at appropriate points in the discussion when presenting and analysing findings

• In some subjects (especially sciences), students are used to a lab report structure — but the EE must still read as continuous academic argument, not a checklist of procedures and results

  • In a lab report, an evaluation section typically follows the conclusion

  • In an EE, the conclusion—the final summative section that answers the research question—must be the final part of the written text

Evaluating research materials and methods

• Consistent evaluation requires an appraisal of the strengths and limitations of the sources, theories and methods used,

• Students should be self-critical of their own work

  • This involves judging whether the chosen research methods were truly effective

  • Researchers should address the decisions made during the inquiry and how those choices impacted the final results,

• Handling contradictory information—evidence that opposes the main argument—is a vital part of evaluation

  • Students should not ignore contrary data but instead use it to discuss uncertainties or controversies in the field

  • Explaining why certain information should be discounted or prioritised helps build a balanced perspective

Moving from description to evaluation

• Analytical writing—the style required for the EE—goes beyond "what" and "where" to explore "why" and "how",

• Analysis and evaluation should dominate over description throughout an extended essay, showing how each piece of evidence contributes to answering the research question

• Evaluation requires the student to look at their work from a distance

  • This "distancing" technique allows the researcher to judge their findings and methods more objectively

  • Students should propose how any identified limitations could be reduced in future research

Assessment requirements for Criterion D

• The quality of evaluation is primarily assessed under Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation

  • This criterion carries a maximum of 8 marks

  • It specifically rewards a balanced discussion that is supported by evidence and consistent evaluation

• High-level achievement requires the student to evaluate the effectiveness of the essay by explaining relevant strengths and limitations (not just listing them)

• Misplacing evaluation can negatively impact the final grade

  • If essential evaluation is placed in an appendix—a supplementary section for raw data or transcripts—the examiner is not required to read it,

  • Evaluation must remain in the main body of the essay to ensure it is fully assessed