What the investigation does
A focused decision question asks whether an agricultural organization should enter a new overseas market.
What the examiner response highlights
The organization and proposed market give every section a direct role in the eventual recommendation.
The structure moves from strategic purpose to external conditions, internal position and the decision itself.
Business tools are most useful when findings are integrated and weighted; stand-alone lists remain descriptive.
What to examine critically
Forward-looking questions work only when enough reliable evidence exists. A purely hypothetical decision is not a strong research basis.
Company, press and industry sources need explicit reliability testing, and unsupported cost-benefit claims should not carry a recommendation.
How to use this example
Study the decisions behind the work: how the question is narrowed, what counts as evidence in this subject, how the line of argument develops, and where the evaluation becomes specific. Do not copy its wording, structure or method as a template.
Assessment changes for first examination in May 2027 redesign the criteria around the essay framework, knowledge and understanding, analysis and argument, discussion and evaluation, and reflection. Always check the requirements for your own session.
Essay & examiner commentary
Read online or save both PDFs to study alongside this breakdown.
Source & assessment context
These files come from the IB’s 50 More Excellent Extended Essays (2011). The essay and commentary retain their original attribution. Consult the current guide for your assessment session.
IB Extended Essay resources ↗Current Extended Essay updates ↗
