natural-science
The effect of acid rain on the growth and leaf condition of agricultural plants wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays).
IB SAMPLE
2026-05-24
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EE Subject
Biology
A. Framework for the essay
4 / 6
The research question is relevant to the investigation but rather vague, as it is not clear how the "general condition" of the leaves is going to be measured. The methods are mostly suitable. Details on how the seedlings were measured are missing. Structural conventions used in this essay support some aspects of the communication of the research. Raw data and some images should have been in an annex as they hinder the reading of the essay. Tables are not that clear and standard deviations are not properly drawn in the graph.
B. Knowledge and understanding
4 / 6
There is knowledge on the topic. There is a good use of sources to explain the effect of acid rain on crops and soil, but more detail of its effect on leaf cells could have been explained. Some relevant terminology is used accurately to demonstrate understanding of the effect of acid rain on plants. The effect of acid rain on soil indirectly affecting plants is well explained but the explanation on the direct effect of acid rain on plant cells is missing.
C. Analysis and line of argument
4 / 6
The data obtained is not reliable as the calculated standard deviations are larger than the means. The data is displayed in a bar graph, but the SD are not properly shown. An ANOVA was done to see the significance in the differences, but unfortunately, due to the large SD, the results are not valid. This was not acknowledged in the essay. The line of argument is consistent, but rather superficial. It partially links the research question with the findings and conclusion.
D. Discussion and evaluation
6 / 8
The discussion is balanced but uses a limited number of sources. The argument is focused on the leaching of aluminum when there are other factors that are just as important and have not been considered. The large SD is not mentioned, and it clearly affects the results. The
E. Reflection
4 / 4
The reflection is based on the learning experience and evaluates the methodology of the experiments and of the writing of the essay. It shows evidence of the student´s growth and transfer of learning.
Holistic Commentary
The student demonstrates appropriate research skills, resulting in a research question that can be explored within the scope of the effect of acid rain on the growth and leaf condition of agricultural plants wheat and maize. The essay is backed by good knowledge and understanding of a wider context of Biology. There is a reasonably effective application of source material and reasonable use of scientific terminology and concepts. It is a well-planned essay where unfortunately the results were dispersed, affecting the statistical analysis and therefore the analysis of results. It would have been much better to acknowledge and try to explain the reasons for such variability in measurements in seedlings. Research shows critical evaluation. The structural conventions support readability to a good degree. Reflection on the extended essay learning experience is partially evaluative and includes examples of this, also showing evidence of the student´s growth.
- Title
- The effect of acid rain on the growth and leaf condition of agricultural plants wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays).
- Category
- natural-science
- Keywords
- Not specified
- Organization
- Not specified
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