Assessment Criteria

The extended essays are externally assessed and marked by specific IB-appointed examiners. The extended essay is marked out of a total of 34 points using the following rubric.


*This is a vague description of the IB extended essay mark scheme and is not exact*



    A: Focus and Method (6 Marks)

  • Topic
  • Research question
  • Methodology

    B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

  • Context
  • Communication

    C: Critical Thinking (12 Marks)

  • Research
  • Analysis
  • Discussion and evaluation

    D: Presentation (4 Marks)

  • Structure
  • Layout

    E: Engagement (6 Marks)

  • Research focus
  • Planning and process

The final score a student receives relates to a band created by IB. The bands are:


  • A - work of an excellent standard
  • B - work of a good standard
  • C - work of a satisfactory standard
  • D - work of a mediocre standard
  • E - work of an elementary standard