Criteria &

Visual Arts, Part 1: Comparative Study (EA)

A. 5-6 3-4 1-2 0

The work does not reach a standard identified by the descriptors of the
qualities analysis, but this is underdeveloped. opinion.

B. Analysis & The work provides a consistent, insightful and The work provides a largely descriptive account of The work provides an outline of the function
informed analysis and demonstrates thorough the function and purpose of the selected pieces and purpose of the selected pieces, but this is
Understanding
understanding of the function and purpose of from at least two contrasting cultural contexts. limited, superficial, or relies heavily on personal
of function & the selected pieces from at least two contrasting
There is some evidence of informed analysis and opinion.
purpose cultural contexts.
understanding, but these are not fully developed.

C. Analysis & The work provides a consistently insightful and The work provides a largely descriptive account The work provides an outline of the material,
informed analysis and thorough evaluation of of the material, conceptual and cultural conceptual and cultural significance of the
Evaluation of
the material, conceptual and cultural significance of the selected pieces from at least selected pieces, but this is limited, superficial, or
cultural significance of the selected pieces from at least two contrasting cultural contexts. There is some relies heavily on personal opinion.
significance two contrasting cultural contexts evidence of informed analysis and evaluation,
but these are not fully developed.
D. Making The work critically analyses the connections, The work shows the connections, similarities and The work outlines connections, similarities and
comparisons similarities and differences between the selected differences between the selections, w/ some differences between the selections, w/ little

corresponding criteria.
and pieces. These connections are logical and underdeveloped critical analysis. Connections are critical analysis. These connections are largely
coherent, showing a thorough understanding of logical / coherent and demonstrate a sound superficial or inappropriate and demonstrate a
connections
how the pieces compare and contrast. understanding of how the pieces compare & basic understanding of how the pieces compare
contrast and contrast.

E. The work clearly and coherently conveys info The work clearly and coherently conveys The work is limited or inconsistent in conveying
Presentation which results in a visually creative and legible information, in a visually appropriate and legible information clearly or in a visually appropriate
manner, with some consistent use of appropriate manner, The work contains some appropriate
and subject- study that enhances the impact of the work and subject-specific language. subject-specific language but this is limited.
specific the reader’s understanding. Subject-specific
language language is used accurately and appropriately
throughout.

F. HL ONLY – 10-12 7-9 4-6 1-3

Making The work provides a consistent and insightful The work provides an analysis of the The work provides some analysis of the The work outlines the
connections to evaluation on the outcomes of the outcomes of the investigation. The outcomes of the investigation. The student outcomes of the
own art- investigation. The student effectively student explains the extent to which describes the extent to which their own investigation in a
their own art-making and pieces art-making and pieces have been limited way. There are
making analyses and evaluates the extent to which
have been influenced by artworks, influenced by artworks, objects and few or only superficial
practice their own art-making and pieces have been objects and artifacts examined in the artifacts examined in the comparative connections to their
influenced by artworks, objects and artifacts comparative study, making adequate study, making inconsistent or incomplete own art-making
examined in the comparative study, making connections. connections. practice.
informed and meaningful connections
throughout.

SL /30 HL /42

Part 1: Comparative Study Criteria

A. Analysis of formal qualities To what extent does the work demonstrate:
• Informed identification and analysis of the formal qualities of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts?
B. Analysis and understanding of function and purpose To what extent does the work demonstrate:
• informed analysis and understanding of the function and purpose of the selected artworks, objects and artifacts within the cultural context in
which they were created?
• Candidates who do not examine and compare at least 3 artworks by at least 2 different artists will not be awarded a mark higher than 2 in
this criterion.
C. Analysis & evaluation of cultural significance To what extent does the work demonstrate:
• informed analysis and evaluation of the cultural significance of the selected artworks, objects, and artifacts within the specific contect in
which they were created (such as the cultural, socio-political and historical significance of the works, with respect to the original audience
and purpose, as well as to a contemporary audience)?
• Candidates who do not examine and compare at least 3 artworks by at least 2 different artists will not be awarded a mark higher than 2 in
this criterion.
D. Making comparisons and connections To what extent does the work demonstrate:
• effective identification and critical analysis of the connections, similarities and differences between the selected artworks, objects and
artifacts?
• Candidates who do not examine and compare at least 3 artworks by at least 2 different artists will not be awarded a mark higher than 3 in
this criterion.
E. Presentation and subject-specific language To what extent does the work:
• ensure that information is conveyed clearly and coherently in a visually appropriate and legible manner, supported by the consistent use of
appropriate subject-specific language?
F. At HL only -- Making connections to own art-making practice To what extent does the work:
• analyse and evaluate the outcomes of the comparative study investigation and on how this has influenced the student’s own development as
an artist, identifying connections between one or more of the selected works and the student’s own art-making processes and practices?