Guide to developing a 7-mark Extended Essay Introduction (ESS IA)
In the realm of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Internal Assessment (IA) is a significant component, accounting for 25% of the final grade (for the current syllabus, 2017-2025) and 20% for the new syllabus (first assessment starting in 2026). This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to write a strong ESS IA report.
- Choose a Focused Research Question (RQ): Select a clear, manageable, and specific environmental research question that involves interaction between environmental systems and societies. The RQ should be measurable and allow for data collection and analysis.
- Background and Context: Provide concise background information relevant to your research question. Contextualise the environmental system studied (e.g., ecosystem, pollution, resource use) alongside the societal aspect (e.g., human impact, policy, community engagement).
- Methodology:
- Describe your research methods clearly and in detail.
- Use both fieldwork or lab work and data collection appropriate for ESS (quantitative and qualitative data).
- Include sampling techniques, tools, procedures, and justification for the methods chosen.
- Ensure safety, environmental, and ethical considerations are addressed.
- Data Presentation and Processing:
- Present data systematically using tables, graphs, charts, or qualitative data formats.
- Process data appropriately (statistical analysis, calculations, comparisons).
- Analysis:
- Interpret and analyse the data in relation to your RQ.
- Use scientific concepts, theories, and ESS terminology to explain findings.
- Discuss data reliability, limitations, uncertainties, and validity.
- Conclusion: Summarise your findings clearly, directly addressing the research question. State how the data supports your conclusion and identify any anomalies.
- Evaluation:
- Critically evaluate your investigation.
- Comment on strengths, weaknesses, possible improvements, and implications for future research or policy related to both environmental and societal systems.
- Reflection on Environmental and Societal Implications: Show awareness of the broader impact of your findings on both environmental sustainability and human communities, considering ethical, economic, or social viewpoints where relevant.
- References and Citations: Include a bibliography citing all sources of information, data, and literature used, following a consistent referencing format.
- Presentation and Academic Integrity: Write clearly and logically, use appropriate scientific terminology, include labeled visuals, and ensure your work is your own.
These steps align with the internal assessment requirements, emphasising investigation, analysis, and evaluation within the IB Environmental Systems and Societies course. The IA should involve balanced consideration of environmental science and social perspectives, demonstrating an understanding of systems thinking and sustainability concepts.
For best results, also consult the official IB ESS guide and updated teacher resources. Happy investigating!
- To ensure a successful ESS IA in online education, consider enrolling in an online course designed for self-development and education-and-self-development, which covers methodologies for data collection and analysis in the Environmental Systems and Societies context.
- In the process of researching and writing an ESS IA report, utilize various learning platforms offering online education to reinforce your knowledge of scientific concepts, theories, and ESS terminology, fostering a comprehensive understanding of environmental sustainability and societal systems.
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