Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Producing the Project Outcome Syllabus

How can a student evidence development for a non-written outcome (e.g. an artefact or event)?

Through a process log/production diary, photographs or video, draft designs, witness statements, feedback records and the accompanying written report.

What is the purpose of the accompanying written report for a non-written outcome?

To explain the planning, research and decision-making, evaluate the outcome against the aims, and demonstrate the skills used so the work can be assessed.

Why does referencing matter in academic work? Give three reasons.

It credits original authors and avoids plagiarism, supports claims with evidence, allows readers to locate sources, and demonstrates the depth of research undertaken.

Define a citation.

A brief in-text acknowledgement that points to a full source, identifying where an idea, quotation or piece of evidence came from.

What is the difference between an in-text citation and a reference list entry?

An in-text citation is a short marker within the text; a reference list entry gives the full publication details needed to locate that source.

Name three commonly used citation/referencing systems.

Harvard (author–date), Vancouver (numeric), and footnote systems such as MLA/Chicago (notes and bibliography). APA is also widely used.

How does an in-text citation appear in the Harvard (author–date) system?

As the author's surname and year of publication in brackets, e.g. (Smith, 2020), with a page number for direct quotations, e.g. (Smith, 2020, p. 15).

How does the Vancouver (numeric) system handle in-text citations?

Sources are numbered in the order they first appear, shown as a number in the text (e.g. [1] or superscript), with full details in a numbered reference list.

In a footnote referencing system (e.g. Chicago notes), where do the source details appear?

In a numbered note at the bottom of the page (or end of the document), corresponding to a superscript number in the text.

What is the difference between a reference list and a bibliography?

A reference list contains only sources actually cited in the text; a bibliography may also include all background sources consulted even if not directly cited.

In what order is a Harvard reference list arranged?

Alphabetically by author surname (then by year for multiple works by the same author).

List the typical elements of a Harvard reference for a book.

Author surname and initial, year of publication, title (italicised), edition (if not first), place of publication, and publisher.

What extra detail must a reference for a website include compared with a book?

The URL and the date the site was accessed, plus the author/organisation and year where available.

Define plagiarism.

Presenting someone else's words, ideas or work as your own without proper acknowledgement, whether deliberately or accidentally.

Define malpractice in the context of an EPQ.

Any deliberate or negligent act that gives an unfair advantage or breaks exam-board rules, including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication of data, and falsifying records.

What is collusion as a form of malpractice?

Working with others to produce work that is then submitted as a student's own individual work, without authorisation.

Give two possible consequences of proven malpractice in an EPQ.

Loss of marks or disqualification from the qualification, and being reported to the exam board, which may bar the candidate from other exams.

How can a student avoid unintentional plagiarism?

By citing every source, using quotation marks for direct quotes, paraphrasing properly in their own words, and keeping accurate notes of where information came from.

What is the difference between quoting and paraphrasing? Must both be cited?

Quoting reproduces exact words in quotation marks; paraphrasing restates an idea in your own words. Both must be cited to avoid plagiarism.

Why must the finished outcome be checked against the original aims and objectives?

To evaluate how successfully the project met its intended purpose, evidence critical reflection, and identify what worked and what did not.

What is the difference between an aim and an objective?

An aim is the broad overall goal of the project; objectives are the specific, measurable steps taken to achieve that aim.

What is the supervisor's role during the production phase of the EPQ?

To give guidance and feedback, monitor progress and academic integrity, and sign off the production log, without doing the work for the student.

Why is acting on supervisor feedback important, not just receiving it?

Demonstrating that feedback was used to revise and improve the work evidences reflection and the management skills assessed in the EPQ.

What should a student do when given critical feedback from a supervisor?

Record it, evaluate which points to act on, make and document the resulting changes, and reflect on the impact in the production log.

What three qualities does the editing stage aim to improve in a report?

Accuracy (correctness of facts and language), coherence (logical flow and consistency of argument), and presentation (formatting and readability).

What does 'coherence' mean when editing a report?

That ideas connect logically and consistently, with clear transitions so the argument flows and the reader can follow the line of reasoning.

Name four formatting elements to standardise before final submission.

Consistent font and size, line spacing, heading styles, page numbering, and a uniform referencing style throughout.

Why should a contents page and accurate page numbering be added before submission?

They help the reader and assessor navigate the report, signal a professional standard of presentation, and meet formatting requirements.

What final checks should be completed during submission preparation?

Confirm word count is within limit, all sources are referenced, the production log is complete and signed, formatting is consistent, and the file/format meets the exam-board requirements.

Why is meeting the word count requirement important, and what does going far over or under it signal?

It evidences the ability to write concisely to a brief; going far over suggests poor editing/lack of focus, while going under suggests insufficient depth or research.

What is usually excluded from the EPQ word count?

The title page, contents page, references/bibliography, appendices, and often footnotes, tables and diagrams (exact rules depend on the exam board).