A: Focus and method

[Maximum possible mark: 6]

The topic is communicated accurately and effectively. Identification and explanation of the research topic is effectively communicated; the purpose and focus of the research is clear and appropriate. Even though the essay has not got a title (it always helps) in the introduction, the topic is clearly communicated.

The research question is clearly stated and focused. The research question is clear and addresses an issue of research that is appropriately connected to the discussion in the essay. The research question by itself is not complete, but in the introduction the student introduces more global politics key concepts and an international insight of the research question.

Methodology of the research is complete. An appropriate range of relevant sources and methods has been selected in relation to the topic and research question. There is evidence of an effective and informed selection of sources and methods. The student shows the importance of using global politics key concepts to address the topic and there is evidence of an informed selection of sources (critical view of biased sources).

The criterion is not perfectly achieved but we used positive marking and gave it the maximum marks here.

B: Knowledge and understanding

[Maximum possible mark: 6]

Knowledge and understanding are excellent. The application of source materials is clearly relevant and appropriate to the research question. Knowledge of the topic and global politics is clear and coherent and sources are used effectively and with understanding.

The student relates his/her investigation to three main global politics key concepts—legitimacy (present in the research question), sovereignty and power. Concepts are properly defined and referenced. These key concepts are not isolated in the essay but linked to the facts.

In the bibliography not all the sources are about the Philippines, but there are some about global politics, which is correct. These theoretical sources are used along the essay.

Use of terminology and concepts is good. The use of terminology and concepts is accurate and consistent, demonstrating effective knowledge and understanding of global politics. As previously stated, terminology and concepts are well used in the essay. Vocabulary is global politics related.

C: Critical thinking

[Maximum possible mark: 12]

The research is excellent. The research is appropriate to the research question and its application to support the argument is consistently relevant.

Even though it could have been better, the research is great for a global politics extended essay. There are sources related to the situation in the Philippines, sources of human rights violations in the Philippines and sources (though these could have been better) of key concepts of global politics.

Analysis is excellent. Conclusions to individual points of analysis are effectively supported by the evidence. Even though I do not agree with everything here, the conclusions are supported.

Discussion/evaluation is excellent. An effective and focused reasoned argument is developed from the research with a conclusion reflective of the evidence presented. Even with flaws, the argument of the essay is excellent. Sometimes further theoretical background would have been better to build a proper argument.

This reasoned argument is well structured and coherent; any minor inconsistencies do not hinder the strength of the overall argument or the final or summative conclusion.

The research has been critically evaluated. Sources are evaluated in the introduction.

D: Presentation

[Maximum possible mark: 4]

Presentation is good. The structure of the essay clearly is appropriate in terms of the expected conventions for the topic, the argument and subject in which the essay is registered.

Layout considerations are present and applied correctly.

Flaws: the title is missing; the bibliography is not visually complete; references are missing (but this is not evaluated in this criterion); the essay should be flagged for lack of references.

E: Engagement

[Maximum possible mark: 6]

Engagement is excellent.

Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process.

The student considered using global politics key concepts from the beginning.

These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach in the student voice.