Module 5: HL Essay - The Independent Research Project (HL Only)
The HL Essay is a significant component of the IB Diploma Programme that fosters independent research and academic writing skills. It allows students to explore literary or non-literary texts in-depth, develop original arguments, and engage critically with existing interpretations. The essay requires a well-structured approach, adherence to academic honesty, and the integration of primary and secondary sources to support claims.
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What we have learnt
- The HL Essay is a self-directed task that encourages independent inquiry.
- Selecting a focused and arguable research question is crucial for a successful essay.
- The assessment criteria for the HL Essay include focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical engagement, language, and academic honesty.
Key Concepts
- -- Independent Research
- The process of formulating a research question and conducting a detailed investigation into selected texts without direct supervision.
- -- Research Question
- A specific question that guides the research and analysis within the HL Essay, which should be focused, arguable, and engaging.
- -- Academic Honesty
- The ethical guideline that requires acknowledgment of all sources used in the research, preventing plagiarism and ensuring integrity in academic work.
- -- Primary Sources
- The original texts being analyzed in the HL Essay, which form the basis of the argument.
- -- Secondary Sources
- Scholarly works that analyze or provide context to primary sources, aiding in the development of the essay's argument.
- -- P.E.E.L.
- A method used for structuring body paragraphs in essays, standing for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link.
Additional Learning Materials
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