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

General assessment criteria
Refer to the general criteria	ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL	Comments	
A research question	                1	Ordinarily the extended essay should consist of a topic that allows extensive and in-depth research into an aspect of a theatre convention. This extended essay, being set on the topic of stage design, just about falls on the margin of the accepted scope. Looking at the research question, there is no reason why it should not be manageable within the allowed word count if the right approach to methodology is applied.	
B approach	                1	Unfortunately, this is where the extended essay fails most. It becomes evident that the student has not undertaken any adequate research into the topic as the expressed views are rather simplistic and often inaccurate (e.g. Beauty and the Beast can only be staged on a realistic set). The approach is too vague and lacking in analysis. Perhaps the essay would be better served if the student picked out one play and then discussed how different types of design (what s/he calls realistic vs. minimalist) might affect not only performances, but also meanings within the text as well.	
C analysis/interpretation	                1	There is some attempt at analysis/interpretation, however, this is seriously thwarted by the lack of appropriate research sources that would adequately back up the student's ideas.	
D argument/evaluation	                2	An argument is developed which addresses the research question, but this argument is incomplete and inaccurate. The views expressed by the student are subjective, and very little appropriate substantiation has taken place.	
E conclusion	                1	Although some conclusion has been attempted, it does not clearly summarize the main points of the extended essay, neither does it discuss research outcomes in any length.	
F abstract	                 1	Although the abstract is included in this extended essay and it identifies the topic, scope and methodology, it does not outline any expected research outcome. The chosen methodology is outlined in an unclear manner.	
G formal presentation	                 1	There is a good contents page, and overall the formal presentation is adequate. However, the extended essay lacks a bibliography. The essay meets the required length.	
H holistic judgement	                 1	Because of the lack of proper research sources, the ideas offered in this extended essay are rather short-sighted and offer only a basic understanding of the chosen topic. The student tries to engage with the topic, and definitely tries to offer an individual view, but this view is based on faulty and insufficient sources.	
TOTAL OUT OF 24	                 9		

Subject assessment criteria
Refer to the subject guidelines	ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL	Comments	
Criterion J
	                 1	It would be inaccurate to claim that the student neither understands nor possesses knowledge of the chosen topic. On the contrary, it is evident that the student demonstrates some knowledge of the theatrical aspects. It would also be inaccurate to claim that the student does not indicate a personal point of view. However, the student's understanding and knowledge of the theatrical aspects of the topic are so basic that s/he does not achieve level 2 of this criterion.	
Criterion K
	                 1	The extended essay is based on assumptions rather than careful analysis, hence not much attention is paid to the effect of the research findings on the practice of the theatrical form investigated and what is paid is superficial and inaccurate.	
Criterion L
	                 1	The argument is loosely based in its historical/social/cultural context, but the essay lacks serious analysis. There is no bibliography included at the end of the essay, hence it is not possible to conclude how many of the relevant links have been explored. Very few are noted in the text itself.	
Criterion M
			
TOTAL OUT OF 12	                 3