TOK essay and exhibition
Theory of Knowledge uses two criteria: the essay (knowledge questions, arguments, perspectives) and the exhibition (objects, links to prompts, justification).
IB assessment is criterion-referenced: examiners judge work against published descriptors, not against other students. This page breaks down how criteria, markbands, command terms and grade boundaries work across DP, CP and MYP subjects and core components so you can align revision and coursework with what examiners actually assess.
Command terms tell you the depth and type of response expected. They are grouped by cognitive demand: from recall (state, list) through understanding (describe, explain) to analysis and evaluation (analyse, evaluate, discuss, to what extent). Using the wrong depth for a term is a common reason marks are lost even when content knowledge is solid.
Internal Assessments are marked by teachers using subject-specific criteria, then moderated by the IB to align standards across schools.
Criteria often mirror exam objectives but add dimensions such as personal engagement, exploration design or mathematical communication.
Common pitfalls include treating criteria as a checklist, insufficient reflection, and not addressing the highest markband descriptors.
Many IA criteria include personal engagement or exploration design as explicit descriptors.
IB moderation ensures teacher marks align with a global standard across all schools.
Theory of Knowledge uses two criteria: the essay (knowledge questions, arguments, perspectives) and the exhibition (objects, links to prompts, justification).
The Extended Essay is assessed on five criteria: focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and engagement.
CAS is not graded 1–7; it requires evidence of seven learning outcomes across creativity, activity and service, plus a portfolio and reflections.
Core points are awarded via the TOK/EE matrix, combining performance in both components.
Core component criteria assess distinct skills — argumentation, research, reflection — separate from subject-specific assessment objectives.
After all papers and IAs are marked, the IB sets grade boundaries for each subject in that session.
Boundaries convert the summed criterion marks into the 1–7 scale.
They shift slightly each session to maintain comparable standards.
Knowing typical boundary ranges helps you set realistic target marks for each criterion during revision.
Set specific mark targets for each criterion rather than only aiming for a final grade.
MYP subjects use four criteria (A–D) per subject group, each with eight achievement levels. The Personal Project is assessed on three criteria: planning, applying skills, and reflecting. eAssessment includes on-screen examinations and ePortfolios; both use the same subject criteria but add requirements for digital submission and time-limited tasks. In November, MYP5 students often begin cumulative revision while advancing the Personal Project report and, where applicable, preparing for ePortfolio and on-screen components.
Map each past-paper question to its command term and the criterion it targets.
After marking, note which markband your response reached and which descriptor was missing.
Build revision sessions around the weakest criteria first.
Focus study time on criteria where descriptors are consistently not met.
Use examiner reports to see how markbands were applied in recent sessions.
The structure of four criteria (A–D) is common, but the focus of each criterion changes by subject group to match the discipline's skills.
Each command term signals the depth of response required. Answering an 'evaluate' question with only description will not reach the higher markbands.
Yes, boundaries are set per subject per session to maintain comparable standards, so they shift slightly each time.
It uses three criteria: planning, applying skills, and reflecting, each with eight achievement levels.
No. CAS requires evidence of seven learning outcomes across creativity, activity and service, plus a portfolio and reflections.
Our tutors work with the published markbands and command terms to target the criteria where you can gain the most marks. Submit the consultation form to get started.