Learn the Extended Essay Grading Criteria. The Extended Essay is externally graded by IB examiners on a scale from A (highest) to E (failing) based on five assessment criteria with a total of 34 possible marks.
The Five Grading Criteria:
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Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks) – Clarity of topic, research question, and methodology.
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Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks) – Contextual knowledge and subject-specific terminology.
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Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks) – Analysis, evaluation, and discussion of evidence (most weighted).
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Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks) – Structure, layout, and formal elements.
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Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks) – Reflections on planning and research process (via RPPF form).
The total mark is converted to a letter grade (A-E), which is combined with the TOK grade for bonus diploma points.
Want to understand the Extended Essay grading criteria inside-out? We provide criterion-by-criterion feedback on drafts to systematically boost your predicted mark.
