The Grade 11 Extended Essay (Start) rubric is designed to guide students in the initial stages of their extended essay project; ensuring they develop essential research; critical thinking; and academic writing skills. This rubric evaluates students on their ability to formulate a clear and focused research question; select appropriate sources; and outline a coherent research plan. By meeting these criteria; students demonstrate their readiness to engage in an in-depth; independent investigation. The rubric emphasizes the importance of a well-defined research question; which serves as the foundation for the entire essay. Students must show that their question is specific; relevant; and researchable within the given scope. This step encourages analytical thinking and helps students refine their focus early in the process. Additionally; the rubric assesses the quality of preliminary research; requiring students to identify credible and diverse sources that support their inquiry. This fosters information literacy and the ability to evaluate sources critically. Another key component is the research plan; where students must outline their methodology and timeline. This promotes organizational skills and foresight; ensuring they approach their project systematically. The rubric also evaluates students’ ability to reflect on potential challenges and ethical considerations; cultivating responsible research practices. Overall; the Grade 11 Extended Essay (Start) rubric supports students in developing foundational academic skills that are transferable to higher education and beyond. It encourages intellectual curiosity; disciplined planning; and a structured approach to independent research; preparing students for the rigorous demands of the full extended essay and future scholarly work.
