IB Environmental systems and societies SL grade descriptors

Demonstrates: comprehensive and sound knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental systems and societies (ESS) concepts and issues; well-structured, clearly expressed accounts with consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology; effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples that show some originality; some informed appreciation for a range of viewpoints or value systems alongside their own; thorough, well-balanced and insightful analysis or argument with thorough evaluations; ability to solve complex and unfamiliar problems; explicit judgments or conclusions that are well-supported by evidence or arguments, and that include some critical reflection. Analyses and evaluates quantitative and/or qualitative data thoroughly.

Practical work demonstrates: insight and independence to design and complete innovative practical investigations with thorough regard to ethical issues and highly competent investigative and analytical techniques; innovative and effective conclusions to resolve authentic problems; an appreciation and effective attempt to minimalize the potentially harmful impacts of the study; thorough discussion of an environmental issue that provides a detailed explanation of the research question.

Demonstrates: a wide breadth of sound knowledge and understanding of relevant ESS concepts and issues; structured, clearly expressed accounts with appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology; effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples that may show hints of originality; some informed acknowledgement of a range of viewpoints or value systems alongside their own; thorough, well-balanced analysis or argument with valid evaluations; some ability to solve complex and unfamiliar problems; explicit judgments or conclusions that are well-supported by evidence/arguments. Analyses and evaluates quantitative and/or qualitative data with a high level of competence.

Practical work demonstrates: some innovative thinking and independence to design and complete investigations in an ethical manner with competent investigative and analytical techniques; highly competent and reasonable conclusions to resolve authentic problems; an appreciation and valid attempt to minimise the potentially harmful impacts of the study; highly competent discussion of an environmental issue that provides a clear explanation of the research question.

Demonstrates: several areas of sound knowledge and understanding of relevant ESS concepts and issues; generally clearly expressed accounts with largely appropriate use of ESS terminology; effective use of relevant examples that include some explanation; some informed awareness of a range of viewpoints or value systems alongside their own; clear analysis or argument that shows a degree of balance and attempts at evaluation; some ability to engage effectively with complex or unfamiliar problems; identifiable judgments or conclusions that are partially supported by evidence/arguments. Analyses and evaluates quantitative and/or qualitative data competently.

Practical work demonstrates: some independence to complete investigations in an ethical manner with appropriate investigative and analytical techniques; relevant and pertinent conclusions to resolving authentic problems; some appreciation of the potentially harmful impacts of the study and some reasonable attempts at minimising them; a competent discussion of an environmental issue that generally explains the research question.

Demonstrates: one or two areas of sound knowledge and understanding of relevant ESS concepts and issues; sometimes clearly expressed accounts and largely appropriate use of ESS terminology; some use of relevant examples with very limited explanation; some awareness of other viewpoints or value systems alongside their own; some clear but patchy analysis or argument with a limited attempt at balance; some ability to solve simple or familiar problems; identifiable judgments or conclusions that are supported by very limited evidence or argument. Demonstrates some analysis or evaluation of quantitative or qualitative data.

Practical work demonstrates: an ability to complete fairly routine investigations in an ethical manner with some appropriate investigative and analytical techniques; some conclusions relevant to the problem under study; occasional appreciation of the potentially harmful impacts of the study; an outline of the environmental issue and identifies a link to the research question.

Demonstrates: only vague, partial knowledge and understanding of relevant ESS concepts and issues; generally unclear accounts and relevance with some isolated use of ESS terminology; examples that lack relevance and explanation; very limited awareness of viewpoints or value systems other than their own; analysis/argument is lacking or no more than a list of facts/ideas; very limited ability to solve simple or familiar problems; judgments or conclusions are unclear and not supported by evidence or argument.

Practical work demonstrates: an ability to complete a basic investigation, with vague recognition of ethical issues and simplest of analytical techniques; some partial conclusions of some relevance to study; very limited appreciation of the potentially harmful impacts of the study; a limited grasp of environmental issue and link to the research question.

Demonstrates: fragmented or limited knowledge but little understanding of relevant ESS concepts and issues; generally incomprehensible accounts with very little, if any, use of ESS terminology; examples (if any) that are incomplete and or irrelevant; limited ability to express their own viewpoints or value system; no evidence of real analysis/argument; attempts to solve simple or familiar problems are incorrect/unsuccessful; no clear attempt to make judgments/conclusions.

Practical work demonstrates: an ability to undertake basic investigations with little recognition of ethical issues and requiring considerable guidance and instruction; attempts at conclusions that are largely incorrect or irrelevant; no valid appreciation of the potentially harmful impacts of the study; identification of environmental issue is unclear or absent, and may not be linked to the research question.

Demonstrates: very little knowledge of relevant ESS concepts and issues; incomprehensible accounts with no use of ESS terminology; no recognisable use of examples; expresses no clear viewpoint/value system; no analysis/argument; no significant attempts to solve simple or familiar problems; no judgments/conclusions.

Practical work demonstrates: an ability to undertake very basic investigations with limited regard for ethical issues and completely dependent on supervised instruction; attempts at conclusions are either absent or completely incorrect/irrelevant; no recognition of the potentially harmful impacts of the study; no identification of an environmental issue.