Section+E

=Section E: Conclusion, 2 marks=

The IB moderator will be looking for the following:

• A clearly stated conclusion; • consistent with the evidence presented • relevant to the research question.

This section should really be relatively short but should clearly address the research question. New material should not be included and no comment which has not been supported by evidence presented earlier in the investigation should be expressed at this stage. In fact, the information in Section B and the analysis in Section D should all work together towards a logical conclusion in Section E.

Suggested word count: 150 - 200

**E Conclusion, Marks Level descriptor**

0 = There is no conclusion, or the conclusion is not relevant. 1 = The conclusion is stated but is not entirely consistent with the evidence presented. 2 = The conclusion is clearly stated and consistent with the evidence presented.

What to do:
See this section as a conclusion to Section D. This is where you answer the research question that you stated at the beginning and make your argument/thesis. You also need to support your thesis by bringing together the evidence that you have collected and analyzed into a final discussion/analysis. Do not introduce any new information. Do not analyse or evaluate any information, just draw everything together. Make it crystal clear what your conclusion is, repeat the key words from your research question and provide a clear answer.

What the examiners say:
After every round of exams, IAs and EEs, the IB examiners prepare a "Subject Report". See example here. It is very useful to read the comments for all areas (Papers, IAs and EEs) as it gives you valuable pointers.

The majority did have a consistent conclusion, supported by the evidence presented. Even though the majority were consistent there seemed to be an increase in inconsistent conclusions.
 * Criterion E - Conclusion (May 2102)**

This was a successful section for a large number of candidates. Conclusions that were inconsistent or that introduced new evidence were typically the conclusions that failed to attain full marks.
 * Criterion E: Conclusion (May 2011)**

No major problems here. But candidates should be reminded that no new information should be included in this section.
 * Criterion E: Conclusion (May 2010)**