The achievement levels in each MYP criterion are the eight numbered levels from 1 to 8. They are grouped into four bands: 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8. MYP criteria also include a level 0 descriptor, used when a student does not meet any standard described by the criterion.
For example, a student might receive 6/8 for Criterion A in science and 4/8 for Criterion B. The first indicates substantial achievement, while the second indicates adequate achievement in the skills assessed by that criterion.
How many achievement levels does each MYP criterion have?
Each MYP criterion has eight possible achievement levels, ranging from 1 to 8. They are organised into four achievement bands rather than treated as eight completely separate categories.
| Achievement band | Levels | General meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | 1–2 | Limited achievement |
| Band 2 | 3–4 | Adequate achievement |
| Band 3 | 5–6 | Substantial achievement |
| Band 4 | 7–8 | Excellent achievement |
The wording differs by subject and year level, but this structure is used across most MYP subject criteria. Teachers make a best-fit judgment, selecting the level that most accurately represents the overall quality of the work. A student does not need to demonstrate every phrase mechanically, but the work must provide convincing evidence for the chosen descriptor.
Is level 0 one of the MYP achievement levels?
Official MYP criteria describe level 0, but the eight positive achievement levels remain 1–8. Level 0 means that the work does not achieve a standard described by any available descriptor. It is not an additional achievement band alongside 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8.
A criterion may therefore be reported on a 0–8 scale, while containing eight achievement levels from 1 to 8 and a separate level 0 outcome. Level 0 is not simply a weaker level 1: level 1–2 work shows limited evidence of the relevant knowledge or skills, whereas level 0 work does not provide enough evidence to fit any descriptor.
How are MYP criteria organised?
Most MYP subject groups use four criteria, labelled A, B, C, and D. Since each criterion has a maximum of 8, four criteria produce a maximum total of:
The names depend on the subject. MYP sciences, for example, commonly assess:
- Criterion A: Knowing and understanding
- Criterion B: Inquiring and designing
- Criterion C: Processing and evaluating
- Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
Language and literature uses criteria that assess skills such as analysing, organising, producing text, and using language. The letters identify the criterion, but its descriptor and strands explain what evidence is required.
There are exceptions. The MYP personal project uses three criteria rather than four, while the community project uses four. A classroom task may also assess only one or two criteria, so check the current subject guide, project guide, or teacher-issued rubric.
What do the achievement bands mean?
The bands represent progression in qualities such as accuracy, independence, detail, reasoning, and sophistication. A response in the 1–2 band may show limited knowledge or inconsistent skill. A 5–6 response generally demonstrates secure, substantial performance, while a 7–8 response fulfils the descriptors consistently and may show depth or sophistication.
Length does not determine the level. A long response can remain in the 3–4 band if it lacks analysis or relevant evidence. A concise response can reach a higher band when it is accurate, well-supported, and directly addresses the criterion.
Pay attention to every strand within the criterion. Strands may require terminology, explanation, evidence interpretation, or evaluation. Strong performance in one sentence cannot compensate for missing evidence elsewhere.
How command terms affect your level
MYP command terms specify the kind of thinking or communication required:
- Identify means naming or selecting relevant information.
- Describe means giving an account of characteristics or features.
- Explain requires reasons, causes, or relationships.
- Analyse requires examining parts and connections.
- Evaluate requires a supported judgment based on evidence or criteria.
Knowing the content is not enough if your response does not perform the required action. If a task asks you to evaluate a design, listing its features is insufficient. You must judge its success, refer to evidence, and explain your reasoning.
Use the MYP assessment criteria guidance to identify evidence expected in the highest band. You can also practise with sample MYP assessment tasks and compare your response with the relevant strands.
How to use the levels effectively
Treat descriptors as improvement guidance, not a formula for collecting marks. Before submitting work, ask which criterion is assessed, which strands apply, what command term is used, and where the required evidence appears.
Teachers should explain why work fits a band and identify the next realistic improvement. “Add more detail” is less useful than “explain how your evidence supports the conclusion in Criterion C.” MYP rubrics aligned with IB criteria can support consistent feedback.
RevisionDojo’s MYP revision guide, Study Notes, Questionbank, Flashcards, and Jojo AI can help students practise criteria and command terms. A productive workflow is to review the criterion, practise the required skill, study feedback by strand, and rewrite the weakest section.
Key takeaway
Each MYP criterion has eight achievement levels, from 1 to 8, divided into four bands. Level 0 is also described for work that does not meet any criterion descriptor, so results may appear on a 0–8 scale. Because wording and strands vary by subject, always use the relevant rubric. Understanding the bands, command terms, and required evidence makes assessment feedback more actionable.
