HL-Essay-Assessment-Criteria-Detailed-Guide

Higher level essay 20 There are four assessment criteria at HL Criterion A Knowledge understanding and interpretation 5 marks Criterion B Analysis and evaluation 5 marks Criterion C Focus organisation and development 5 marks Criterion D Language 5 marks Total 20 marks Criterion A Knowledge understanding and interpretation How well does the candidate demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work chosen To what extent does the candidate make use of knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work to draw conclusions in relation to the chosen topic How well are ideas supported by references to the work or body of work in relation to the chosen topic Marks Level descriptor 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below 1 There is little knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work shown through the essay in relation to the topic chosen References to the work or body of work are infrequent or are rarely appropriate in relation to the chosen topic 2 There is some knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work shown through the essay in relation to the topic chosen References to the work or body of work are at times appropriate in relation to the chosen topic 3 There is satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work shown through the essay and an interpretation of its implications in relation to the topic chosen References to the work or body of work are generally relevant and mostly support the candidates ideas in relation to the chosen topic 4 There is good knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work shown through the essay and a sustained interpretation of its implications in relation to the topic chosen References to the work or body of work are relevant and support the candidates ideas in relation to the chosen topic 5 There is excellent knowledge and understanding of the work or body of work shown through the essay and a persuasive interpretation of their implications in relation to the chosen topic References to the work or body of work are wellchosen and effectively support the candidates ideas in relation to the chosen topic Criterion B Analysis and evaluation To what extent does the candidate analyse and evaluate how the choices of language technique and style andor broader authorial choices shape meaning in relation to the chosen topic Marks Level descriptor 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below 1 The essay is descriptive andor demonstrates little relevant analysis of textual features andor the authors broader choices in relation to the chosen topic 2 The essay demonstrates some appropriate analysis of textual features and the authors broader choices in relation to the chosen topic but is reliant on description 3 The essay demonstrates a generally appropriate analysis and evaluation of textual features and the authors broader choices in relation to the chosen topic 4 The essay demonstrates an appropriate and at times insightful analysis and evaluation of textual features and the authors broader choices in relation to the chosen topic 5 The essay demonstrates a consistently insightful and convincing analysis and evaluation of textual features and the authors broader choices in relation to the chosen topic Criterion C Focus organization and development How well organized focused and developed is the presentation of ideas in the essay How well are examples integrated into the essay Marks Level descriptor 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below 1 Little organization is present No discernible line of inquiry is apparent in the essay Supporting examples are not integrated into the structure of the sentences and paragraphs 2 Some organization is apparent There is little development of a line of inquiry Supporting examples are rarely integrated into the structure of the sentences and paragraphs 3 The essay is adequately organized in a generally cohesive manner There is some development of the line of inquiry Supporting examples are sometimes integrated into the structure of the sentences and paragraphs 4 The essay is well organized and mostly cohesive The line of inquiry is adequately developed Supporting examples are mostly well integrated into the structure of the sentences and paragraphs 5 The essay is effectively organized and cohesive The line of inquiry is well developed Supporting examples are well integrated into the structure of the sentences and paragraphs Criterion D Language How clear varied and accurate is the language How appropriate is the choice of register and style Register refers in this context to the candidates use of elements such as vocabulary tone sentence structure and terminology appropriate to the HL essay Marks Level descriptor 0 The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below 1 Language is rarely clear and appropriate there are many errors in grammar vocabulary and sentence construction and little sense of register and style 2 Language is sometimes clear and carefully chosen grammar vocabulary and sentence construction are fairly accurate although errors and inconsistencies are apparent the register and style are to some extent appropriate to the task 3 Language is clear and carefully chosen with an adequate degree of accuracy in grammar vocabulary and sentence construction despite some lapses register and style are mostly appropriate to the task 4 Language is clear and carefully chosen with a good degree of accuracy in grammar vocabulary and sentence construction register and style are consistently appropriate to the task 5 Language is very clear effective carefully chosen and precise with a high degree of accuracy in grammar vocabulary and sentence construction register and style are effective and appropriate to the task