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.
Read the evidence behind this breakdown
Open the available archived material, then return to the guide to compare the examiner's comments with the choices made in the essay.
Find the official source
The underlying essay belongs to an IB-published legacy collection. Access it through the IB Store or the Programme Resource Centre if your school provides access.
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