Overview of the IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria
The IB Extended Essay (EE) is externally assessed using a set of clearly defined criteria. Understanding how these criteria work is essential—not only for maximizing your final score, but also for structuring your research, writing with purpose, and reflecting effectively throughout the process.
Each criterion rewards a specific aspect of academic thinking. High-scoring EEs are not longer or more complicated—they are precise, focused, and aligned with what examiners are trained to look for.
Criterion A: Focus and Method
Criterion A evaluates how clearly your research question is defined and how well your investigation is planned and structured within the conventions of your chosen subject.
To score highly, your EE must:
- Present a sharply focused and clearly worded research question
- Use a methodology that is appropriate for the subject
- Maintain coherence between the research question, method, and essay structure
Strong essays justify why a particular approach was chosen and show deliberate planning rather than accidental structure.
Common weaknesses include vague research questions, mismatched methods, or essays that drift away from the original focus.
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding
This criterion assesses how well you understand the subject context and how accurately you use subject-specific terminology and concepts.
High-level responses:
- Demonstrate strong subject knowledge relevant to the research question
- Use terminology precisely and confidently
- Integrate sources critically rather than relying on description or quotation
Examiners are not looking for how many sources you used, but how effectively you used them to support your argument.
Criterion C and D: Critical Thinking and Discussion
These criteria assess the intellectual core of your EE: analysis, evaluation, and argument development.
Top-scoring essays:
- Develop clear, logical arguments
- Evaluate evidence rather than simply presenting it
- Consider limitations, counterarguments, or alternative interpretations
- Show progression of thinking across the essay
Critical thinking is not about complexity—it is about reasoned judgment. Examiners reward students who question assumptions, explain choices, and justify conclusions.
Criterion E: Engagement and Reflection
Criterion E evaluates the quality of your reflections in the Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) and the viva voce.
Strong engagement is shown when you:
- Explain why you chose your topic
- Reflect on challenges and how you adapted
- Show growth in understanding or approach over time
This criterion is not about enthusiasm or storytelling. It is about intellectual engagement—demonstrating awareness of your research journey and decision-making process.
How the EE Is Scored
While exact mark ranges depend on the subject framework, the general structure is:
- Criterion A (Focus & Method): 0–6
- Criterion B (Knowledge & Understanding): 0–6
- Criterion C/D (Critical Thinking & Discussion): 0–6 or 0–8
- Criterion E (Engagement): 0–4 or 0–6
Each criterion is assessed independently, which means weaknesses in one area cannot be fully compensated for by strengths in another.
Common Mistakes That Lower EE Scores
Many essays lose marks not because of weak ideas, but because of misalignment with the criteria. Frequent issues include:
- Research questions that are too broad or not suited to the subject
- Writing that describes rather than analyzes
- Poor or inconsistent referencing
- Reflections that summarize events instead of examining decisions
- Strong content that is poorly structured
Avoiding these mistakes often makes the difference between a mid-level and high-level EE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the EE criteria the same for all subjects?
Yes, but how they are applied varies by subject. Each discipline interprets methodology and analysis differently.
Can I still score highly if my research didn’t go smoothly?
Yes. In fact, thoughtful reflection on challenges and adjustments often strengthens Criterion E.
How important is methodology alignment?
Extremely important. Examiners expect your method to match both the research question and subject conventions.
Does excessive quoting affect my score?
Yes. Overuse of quotations weakens analysis and can reduce marks under Criterion B and C.
Is the EE marked by my school?
No. Your supervisor provides guidance, but the final essay is marked externally by IB examiners.
Conclusion: Write With the Criteria in Mind
Success in the Extended Essay comes from strategic alignment, not volume. High-scoring students understand what each criterion rewards and write with intention:
- A focused and well-justified investigation
- Accurate and contextual subject knowledge
- Clear, evaluative argumentation
- Genuine reflection on the research journey
When every section of your essay clearly serves a criterion, examiners can reward your work confidently and consistently.
Strengthen every part of your Extended Essay with RevisionDojo’s EE support tools:
- Rubric-aligned planning checklists and outline templates
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Visit RevisionDojo and make sure every word of your EE earns marks where it matters most.
