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🎯 Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
What It Means...
✅ Presents a clear and well-structured argument
✅ Analyses the issue critically; not just describes it
✅ Uses evidence skillfully and explains its relevance
✅ Evaluates; that means questioning the quality, reliability, or implications of evidence
✅ Arrives at conclusions that are justified, not assumed
✅ Consistently connects everything back to the RQ
Here’s what the IB rubric says for top marks (12):
“The research is clearly focused and connected to the research question.
There is critical analysis and evaluation of the research.
Conclusions are well developed, fully supported by evidence, and consistent with the arguments presented.
There is a clear and logical structure to the essay.”
So a strong essay must:
⭐ Answer the Research Question Clearly and Logically
The essay must remain focused on answering the RQ throughout.
The structure must build a coherent line of reasoning — each paragraph should move the argument forward.
⭐ Analyse Evidence, Not Just Present It
Simply listing facts, quotes, or data is not enough.
The student must explain:
“What does this mean?”
“How does this support my argument or answer my question?”
⭐ Discuss and Connect Ideas
The essay should show how pieces of evidence relate to one another.
It should compare, contrast, or link sources, studies, or examples.
Avoid isolated points — weave ideas together.
⭐ Evaluate Sources, Perspectives, or Theories
Identify strengths and weaknesses of your evidence or viewpoints.
Address bias, reliability, limitations, or context of your sources.
Don’t just use a source — question it.
⭐ Consider Complexity
The student should acknowledge different perspectives, uncertainties, or ambiguities.
This shows depth and academic maturity — real-world issues are rarely black and white.
⭐ Draw Well-Reasoned, Evidence-Based Conclusions
Every conclusion must be a result of clear reasoning.
No assumptions, leaps of logic, or emotional appeals.
The final argument should logically follow from the body of the essay.
⭐ Maintain a Logical, Structured Flow
The essay needs to be organised and easy to follow.
Ideas should be grouped logically, transitions should be smooth, and the essay should never go off-topic.
🔍 DEEP DIVE: The Three Pillars of Critical Thinking in EE
1. 🧠 Analysis
“What does this mean?”
“Why is this significant?”
✅ Breaks evidence down into parts
✅ Explains how it supports the RQ
✅ Avoids listing facts — instead, interprets them
💬 Example:
“Although the unemployment rate fell, the inflation rate rose simultaneously, suggesting the application of the Phillips Curve may not hold under the current fiscal policy.”
2. 💬 Discussion
“How do these points relate to each other?”
“Are there multiple interpretations?”
✅ Links ideas together
✅ Shows complexity — not everything is black and white
✅ Explores possible contradictions or patterns
💬 Example:
“While Orwell critiques totalitarianism through ‘Big Brother,’ Huxley offers a more subtle commentary on manipulation through pleasure. These differing dystopian visions reveal competing anxieties of their time.”
3. 🎯 Evaluation
“How reliable is this evidence?”
“What are the limitations of this study/source/argument?”
✅ Assesses strengths and weaknesses of arguments
✅ Discusses reliability, bias, validity, scope
✅ Includes ethical, cultural, or methodological limitations
💬 Example:
“The Milgram experiment demonstrates obedience to authority, but its findings may not be generalisable due to the artificial setting and emotional stress placed on participants.”
Strong Critical Thinking Might Include…
History: Weighing opposing historical interpretations, analyzing causes vs. consequences, questioning source bias
English: Interpreting imagery, questioning narrator reliability, comparing authorial intent across texts
Economics: Interpreting elasticity with data, evaluating the short vs. long-term effects of a policy, identifying assumptions in models
Biology: Discussing data variation, evaluating method reliability, explaining unexpected results
Visual Arts: Exploring the cultural/political context of a style, evaluating technique vs. message
Psychology: Analysing conflicting theories, evaluating ethics/methods of studies, discussing limitations of generalisation
✍️ Checklist (for 12/12)
Is there a clear line of argument running through my essay?
Is the essay logically structured with ideas building on each other?
Are transitions between points smooth and logical?
Have I presented evidence and analysis, not just description?
Are multiple perspectives or counterarguments considered where relevant?
Do I show an awareness of complexity, ambiguity, or alternative interpretations?
Do I evaluate sources or evidence, not just quote them?
Are conclusions logically drawn from the analysis provided?
Is every major claim linked back to the RQ?
Do I reflect on the implications or limitations of my argument?
Is my reasoning coherent and consistently critical, not narrative?
Is it clear that I have thought deeply and critically about my topic?
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