The VAs Extended Essay is:
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The Extended Essay is NOT:
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Assessment Criteria
A: research question /2 B: introduction /2 C: investigation /4 D: knowledge and understanding of the topic studied /4 E: reasoned argument /4 F: application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject /4 G: use of language appropriate to the subject /4 H: conclusion /2 I: formal presentation /4 J: abstract /2 K: holistic judgment /4 Total /38 |
Interpreting the assessment criteria
Recent Examiner's Reports Titles of some higher scoring essays from the May 2012 session included:
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Selecting a topic
Tips from the May 2012 Examiner's Report:
Some EE’s were well-focused on the Visual Arts and carried special meaning for the candidate either in relation to a future program (e.g., the study of architecture), or for a current artistic reason, e.g. related personal studio pursuits. It was good to see some candidates steering away from well-worn topics. If one is going to write yet another essay on Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Banksy, the Impressionists, etc., it is helpful to uncover something new, or to take issue with some existing scholarship and challenge conventional views. Local topics remain a good choice, especially in the area of architecture, or where one is able to visit a museum, gallery, view public art or meet with a significant artist or craftsperson. As one examiner stated, the number of candidates who write about an artist’s work without ever having seen a piece “in the flesh” is amazing.
Tips from the May 2012 Examiner's Report:
Some EE’s were well-focused on the Visual Arts and carried special meaning for the candidate either in relation to a future program (e.g., the study of architecture), or for a current artistic reason, e.g. related personal studio pursuits. It was good to see some candidates steering away from well-worn topics. If one is going to write yet another essay on Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Banksy, the Impressionists, etc., it is helpful to uncover something new, or to take issue with some existing scholarship and challenge conventional views. Local topics remain a good choice, especially in the area of architecture, or where one is able to visit a museum, gallery, view public art or meet with a significant artist or craftsperson. As one examiner stated, the number of candidates who write about an artist’s work without ever having seen a piece “in the flesh” is amazing.
Forming a Good Research Question
“How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?”
“An analysis of African influences on Henry Moore” “What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai?” “Klimt’s use of gold” “Robert Ntila’s etching techniques: a critical investigation” |
is better than |
“The Bauhaus”.
“20th-century British sculpture”. The art of Native North American people”. “Sezession in Berlin”. “Contemporary East African art”. |
Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work
Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?
Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.
Topic: The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal
Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?
Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two buildings.
Topic: The impact of immigration on an artist’s work
Research question: What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?
Approach: An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.
--From IB EE Syllabus
Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?
Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.
Topic: The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal
Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?
Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two buildings.
Topic: The impact of immigration on an artist’s work
Research question: What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?
Approach: An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.
--From IB EE Syllabus
More Examples
Is the use of shock tactics a legitimate contemporary strategy?
To what extent has the design of Federation square been a success?
Can Luc Tuymans be classified as a political painter?
Borrowing Culture: The Appropriateness of Picasso's Use of the Mbangu Mask in 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon'
Is the use of shock tactics a legitimate contemporary strategy?
To what extent has the design of Federation square been a success?
Can Luc Tuymans be classified as a political painter?
Borrowing Culture: The Appropriateness of Picasso's Use of the Mbangu Mask in 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon'
Research Tips
Search Engines and Databases
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
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Academic Honesty
Style Guide
EasyBib |
Works Cited
May 2012 Extended Essays Report
EE syllabus
EE syllabus
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