IB Diploma Programme Extended Essay Assessment Criteria
The IB Diploma Programme Extended Essay Assessment Criteria scored out of 34 points across 5 criteria, for research essay, extended essay writing at DP (grades 11-12); this criteria model is valid through the November 2026 exam session — a revised EE model is first assessed May 2027. Published by International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); paraphrase compiled by Philpot Education.
How it is scored
- Criterion A: Focus and Method6 pts · 3 levels
- Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding6 pts · 3 levels
- Criterion C: Critical Thinking12 pts · 4 levels
- Criterion D: Presentation4 pts · 2 levels
- Criterion E: Engagement6 pts · 3 levels
What each criterion measures
This rubric is published by International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); paraphrase compiled by Philpot Education and its level descriptors are their copyright, so we summarise the structure here rather than reprinting it. The criteria and their weightings are above; the full wording is in the official document linked below.
- Criterion A: Focus and Method is worth 6 of the 34 points, scored across 3 levels.
- Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding is worth 6 of the 34 points, scored across 3 levels.
- Criterion C: Critical Thinking is worth 12 of the 34 points, scored across 4 levels.
- Criterion D: Presentation is worth 4 of the 34 points, scored across 2 levels.
- Criterion E: Engagement is worth 6 of the 34 points, scored across 3 levels.
Source
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); paraphrase compiled by Philpot Education. Official document. Rubrics are revised periodically, so check the source before using this for a graded assessment.
Score an essay against this rubric
This rubric is built into the essay grader. Upload an essay, typed or handwritten, and get a score on every criterion with the reasoning written out. You can change any score before it goes back to the student.
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