If you’re reading this, you’re probably gearing up to tackle the Extended Essay in the IB program. When I first heard about the IB EE – it seemed like such a colossal task. But, with some guidance and understanding of the grading system, it became much more approachable.
Today, I will explain how the IB extended essay grading process works. So, let’s break it down together.
IB EE grading system
The International Baccalaureate Organization has a specific rubric for the Extended Essay.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the grading scheme:
| Marks | Grade | Assessment |
| 27-34 | A | Excellent 😃 |
| 21-26 | B | Good 🙂 |
| 14-20 | C | Satisfactory 🤨 |
| 7-13 | D | Mediocre 😒 |
| 0-6 | E | Elementary 🥺 |
Now let me explain what are the main points IBO focuses on when grading your IB extended essays.
How many assessment criteria are there in the EE?
According to the IB criteria, IBO looks for five main assessment points in your IB EE. They focus on focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and, finally, engagement.
I will break each point in detail for you.
1. Focus and method
The foundation of a strong Extended essay begins with a straightforward research question. It’s like choosing the destination for a road trip.
As an example, instead of a broad topic like “Climate Change,” a more focused question could be, “How have human activities in the last decade accelerated climate change in coastal cities?”
Alongside this, the context of your research and the methods you employ are equally vital. If you’re investigating the effects of a specific policy on local businesses, for instance, a mixed-method approach using both qualitative interviews and quantitative data might be apt.
2. Knowledge and understanding
This isn’t about merely stating facts or rehashing what’s already known. Examiners are keen on seeing depth.
For example, if you’re writing about the French Revolution, it’s not enough to list events. Examine the socio-political climate, the influence of literature, or the economic pressures of the time.
It’s akin to not just knowing how to bake a cake but understanding why eggs give it structure or why we use baking powder.
3. Critical thinking
Your ability to dissect, analyze, and connect dots is crucial. If you’re discussing a novel, don’t just summarize the plot. Explore character motivations, author intentions, or societal reflections within the narrative.
For instance, if discussing “1984” by George Orwell, explore the parallels between the fictional world and actual historical events. It’s about moving beyond the surface and critically evaluating the layers beneath.
4. Presentation
The way you package your essay speaks volumes. Imagine preparing a gourmet meal but serving it on a cracked plate; it diminishes the experience.
Similarly, an essay with groundbreaking insights but poor structure or missing citations loses its impact. Ensure your layout is clean, your citations are accurate, and your bibliography is comprehensive.
If discussing the impacts of deforestation, for example, visuals like graphs showing rates of forest loss can enhance your presentation.
5. Engagement
This is your personal touch. Remember the good, the bad and the ugly movie? With IB EE it’s about reflecting on the entire process, the highs, the lows, and the learnings. Did a particular interview or piece of research change your perspective? Were there moments of doubt or eureka moments?
For instance, if you initially believed that renewable energy was easily implementable globally but, through research, realized the complexities involved for certain regions, that’s a valuable reflection.
In essence, the Extended Essay is a blend of rigorous research, personal insights, and a structured presentation. Each criterion plays a pivotal role in crafting an essay that informs, engages, and impresses.
Meanwhile, you might be also interested in other IB assignment marking schemes:
Now let’s come back to the article; I tried to collect the most common questions connected to IB extended essay grading boundaries and share them with you (NOT FORGETTING THE ANSWERS)
Answers to your burning questions
Now, let me give you a list of these FAQs and my short answers.
How do you evaluate an extended essay?
The EE is evaluated based on specific criteria set by the IBO. It’s not just about the content but also the structure, research question, analysis, and how you’ve reflected on your research process.
For instance, my team once wrote an essay on the impact of social media on mental health. Our client selected this topic. While the content was solid, we had to revise the paper because the research question was too broad. Lesson learned!
How is the extended essay graded?
The IB EE is graded based on the marks you receive across the five criteria. Your total score is then matched to a grade ranging from A to E. I have shared a grading table above.
How many marks is an A for EE?
To achieve an ‘A’ grade for your EE, you need to score between 27 and 34 marks.
What is a good IB score out of 42?
A score of 30 or above out of 42 is generally considered good in the IB program. However, aiming for 35 or higher can place you in a more competitive bracket.
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Personal insights and suggestions
Writing Metier has assisted countless IB students, I’ve gleaned some invaluable insights into the Extended essay process. Over the years, our writers have shared numerous tales of students’ writings, and there are some common threads of advice that emerge.
One of the most resonant stories comes from a student we assisted who chose a topic because it seemed “academically impressive.” However, the lack of genuine interest became a stumbling block as the research progressed. The student found it hard to stay motivated, and the essay began to feel like a chore. That’s why we had to assist him to finish the paper.
In contrast, another student we worked with selected a topic deeply rooted in personal interest, exploring the mathematical patterns in classical music. The passion was evident, and even when challenges arose, the student’s enthusiasm propelled the research forward.
The lesson? Choose a topic that sparks genuine curiosity and interest.
Feedback is another crucial element. One of our top writers, Maria, often recounts how a student’s essay transformed from a good draft to an excellent one simply by seeking diverse feedback. The student shared the essay with teachers, classmates, and even a professional in the field. Each perspective enriched the essay, offering new angles and refining existing arguments.
Verdict? Gathering diverse opinions can provide a holistic view and enhance the depth and breadth of your essay.
Lastly, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Crafting an Extended Essay is a significant undertaking. One memorable instance was when a student felt swamped and considered giving up.
Our writer, working closely with the student, advised breaking the process into smaller tasks, focusing on one step at a time. This approach, coupled with regular breaks, made the task more manageable and less daunting.
Remember, every big task becomes achievable when broken down into smaller, focused steps.
Wrapping up
The Extended Essay is undeniably a rigorous challenge, but it’s also a unique opportunity to explore a subject you’re passionate about.
With the right guidance, genuine interest, and a methodical approach, it’s not just about getting it done, but about creating a piece of work that you’re genuinely proud of. And, you can always order an essay online in case you are in need.
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