Analysis of evidence, not just summary
You must interpret evidence, compare perspectives, and draw justified conclusions rather than simply summarising sources.
The IB Extended Essay rubric uses five criteria (A–E) to assess your research, analysis, and presentation. This guide breaks down each criterion, the mark bands, and how to align your draft with examiner expectations so you can write with confidence.
The Extended Essay is marked across five criteria: Focus and Method (A), Knowledge and Understanding (B), Critical Thinking (C), Presentation (D), and Engagement (E). Criteria A–D assess the essay itself; Criterion E evaluates your reflection process through the RPPF and supervisor meetings. Raw scores are converted to an A–E grade that contributes to your diploma points.
Examiners check that the research question is clear, focused, and feasible within the word limit.
The scope must be appropriate for the subject and allow depth without exceeding the limit.
Your methodology should match the question and be appropriate for the subject's expectations.
A well-defined question guides every subsequent section, keeping the argument on track.
You must interpret evidence, compare perspectives, and draw justified conclusions rather than simply summarising sources.
Assess the reliability, relevance, and limitations of your sources to strengthen your argument.
Develop a logical, coherent argument that progresses toward a well-supported conclusion.
Ensure each section connects to the next, maintaining a clear line of reasoning throughout.
This criterion has the highest weighting, making analysis and evaluation the biggest drivers of your overall score.
You must record reflections after each of the three required supervisor meetings.
Demonstrate how your thinking evolved, challenges were addressed, and decisions were made.
Authentic, specific reflections score higher than generic statements about the process.
The Reflections on Planning and Progress Form must stay within the IB word limit to be fully assessed.
Raw criterion scores are totalled and converted to the A–E grade scale used for diploma points. Grade boundaries can shift slightly each session, but the band descriptors remain consistent. Aim for the top of each criterion band to maximise your overall grade.
A question that lacks focus makes it difficult to maintain depth and coherence across criteria.
Summarising sources without interpretation limits marks in Criterion C, the highest-weighted criterion.
Inconsistent citations cost easy marks in Criterion D and undermine academic integrity.
Last-minute reflections lack the specificity and growth that Criterion E rewards.
Missing structural elements like contents page or page numbers are avoidable deductions.
Failing to explain why your method fits the subject and question weakens Criterion A.
Criterion A and B are worth equal marks, Criterion C carries the highest weighting, Criterion D has the lowest weighting, and Criterion E matches A and B, totalling the maximum raw score.
The Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) records your reflections after three formal supervisor meetings. It is submitted with the final essay and assessed under Criterion E.
Grade boundaries can shift slightly each examination session, but the criterion band descriptors remain consistent. Check the latest IB subject report for current boundaries.
You can refine your research question early in the process with supervisor approval. Significant changes later risk losing focus and coherence across criteria.
Use a consistent, recognised citation style appropriate to your subject (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). The IB does not mandate one style but requires consistency throughout.
The upper limit is set by the IB. Examiners do not read beyond this limit, so content after the limit is not assessed. Stay within the limit to ensure all work is evaluated.
Our tutors help you align each draft section with the rubric criteria, refine your research question, and prepare meaningful RPPF reflections. Start with a consultation to map your next steps.