Exemplar Extended Essay
SUBJECT: 	… Theatre Arts……………………SESSION : May 2006

General assessment criteria
Refer to the general criteria	ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL	Comments	
A research question	                1	This is a clumsily phrased research question that leads the student down the wrong path. The question needs to be asked why would Artaud appreciate Shunt's Tropicana? Is this an analytical question or does it require evaluation of one's personal opinion, rather than analytically evaluative elements?	
B approach	                1	There is a valid research question somewhere in this extended essay. Comparing and contrasting Artaud's ideas of theatre with Shunt's practice could have become an intriguing and original piece of work. Sadly, because of the way in which the student chose to frame the question that opportunity was lost.	
C analysis/interpretation	                2	The student attempts to build a coherent case out of a faulty research question, and he does a good job with what he has got (or rather with what he has chosen to do). 	
D argument/evaluation	                3	In most parts the essay reads as an account of the student's personal experience of Shunt's show, rather than a rigorous analysis. However, the student does develop an argument which addresses his research question completely and endeavours to substantiate an evaluation in an appropriate manner.	
E conclusion	                0	There is no conclusion that would be consistent with the argument followed through in the essay.	
F abstract	                2	This is a good abstract that states the research question, the scope of investigation and the expected research outcomes.	
G formal presentation	                2	Good formal presentation is slightly tainted by a messy contents page and the fact that, structurally, paragraphs in the essay do not always link logically. The essay meets the required length.	
H holistic judgement	                1	Though it is clearly evident from this essay that the student is more than able to write an essay that would be structurally sound, and offer an adequate analysis and coherent argument, unfortunately, the choice of faulty question has resulted in a less than successful analytical piece of work.	
TOTAL OUT OF 24	                12		

Subject assessment criteria
Refer to the subject guidelines	ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL	Comments	
Criterion J
	                3	The student demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of the theatrical aspects of the topic and makes an attempt to illustrate and justify his/her personal point of view.	
Criterion K
	                2	While adequate consideration is given to the effect of the research findings on the practice of the theatre form investigated, the student's choice of secondary research material is limited, and his/her understanding of analytical approaches to the chosen theatre practice is built upon a faulty premise.	
Criterion L
	                3	While argument/evaluation is placed in its historical/social/cultural context, the content and the context alike lack critical and systematic analysis that would most probably result in the change of the scope of the research question.	
Criterion M
			
TOTAL OUT OF 12	                8