Scoring IBDP visual arts CS F&P - Function and Purpose.pdf

Criterion B (to be retired fall 2025)

1. CS Function & Purpose
Scoring Guide
Joshua Eckert 2021

2. Score Mid-to High-2
There is very limited
evidence of function and
purpose on this screen,
where the student has
mentioned the symbolism
of vanitas for Pardington’s
artwork.
This is limited, superficial
and relies heavily on
personal opinion.
Limited evidence of
research.

3. Score Mid-4 to
Low-5
Evidence of limited
research, but not enough
deep analysis. Not
insightful enough for the 5-
6-7 level.
Vague claims: “A.G.’s use of
color, placement delivers
his message and the mood
of the situation”
Perhaps the student:
--could have argued that
the artist makes us feel like
voyeurs.
--could have discussed the
artist’s chosen settings
(modern public city
settings).
--could have connected this
selfie obsession with a
similar phenomenon
another artist observed in a
pre-phone era

4. How to score above a 4:
•Show off your knowledge of art history.
Mention other artists or other artworks by
your artist. Compare to other artists.
(Yes, the comparison section is for
comparing your three selected artworks.
However, you can compare present
artwork to other historical artists in your
F&P or cult signifscreens)
•Organizewithsubheadings.Seefollowing
samples.
•Defend your claims. Don’tjustsay“the
flower represents the Virgin Mary.” Argue
from evidence and research.
•Researchthoroughly. And cite.

5. Score 6
This screen demonstrates
deep research and analysis.
It’s well organized.
If it doesn’t quite reach the
7 level, it’s only because the
artist doesn’t find
surprising, non-obvious (yet
well-defended) arguments
about F&P. She sticks to the
generic points, the low-
hanging fruit of her
research.
See next 2 slides for
examples.

6. Score 7
The great strength of this
study is the analysis of the
relationship between
design and purpose. The
social function of
architecture and its
relationship with aesthetics
and form are well
understood and evidenced
with detailed examples and
supported by thorough
research. Notice the
extensive use of references
to fully justify the analysis
of function for the Sydney
Opera House.
Surprising, non-obvious
insights.
This is a top 2% slide.

7. Score 7

8. Score 7
Note the
use of
sub-
headings.
Also the
tiny main
heading
(it doesn’t
waste
space)

9. Case Study:
Suppose a student has chosen Jealousy by
E. Munch.
Student scoring 3-4 writes “Munch was
influenced by Van Gogh.”
Student scoring 5+ explains VG’s influence,
with examples of how specific VG painting
techniques, composition tricks, or subjects
are integrated into Jealousy. She shows details
(zoom-ins) of VG’s paintings.
Student scoring 6+ might add a diagram or
chart. For example: a continuum to show
where is this painting sits on thecontinuumof
naturalism toabstraction. OR, a chart showing
all Munch’s periods, and where this work fits.

10. CS Checklist:
oAll biographical info should relate to THIS ARTWORK—they should help the reader understand why the artist
made particular decisions when making this artwork.
oWRONG:“Klimt was influenced by Byzantine art. He tried to copy the irregular mosaic effects and the gaudy gold patterns”
oRIGHT: “Klimt was influenced by Byzantine art. He tried to copy the irregular mosaic effects and the gaudy gold patterns, which you can
see in The Kiss’s background.”
oWRONG:“Here are some other artworks by Vlaminck. [then random facts about other paintings]”
oRIGHT: “Vlaminck made other paintings of stormy street scenes, but [the present painting] is painted more roughly than the others. The
present work finds him in a transitional phase where he was seeking inventive, unrealistic colors, …” (you’re connecting those other works
to THIS PAINTING)
oSubheadings should be like a thesis statement or a descriptive headline. Not vague.
oWRONG:Subheading: Critical reception
oRIGHT: Subheading: Rejected by most critics
oALSO RIGHT: Subheading: Positively received by a small fanbase
oAvoid vague claims.
oWRONG:“The artist was clearly affected by WWI” (doesn’t tell us how he was affected)
oRIGHT: “After he saw how brutally men treated each other in WWI, the artist decided people were savages.”