🧠 Why Understanding Rubrics Makes a Big Difference
IB coursework like IAs and EEs is assessed via markbands—clear, criterion‑based performance tiers from A (excellent) to E (elementary). Knowing what each band expects helps you target improvements and avoid common pitfalls like descriptive writing or poor structure. Online tools simplify this process, but explaining what examiners actually look for makes your revisions strategic and precise. (revisiondojo.com)
🔎 What Are IB Markbands & How They Work
The IB evaluates coursework against specific criteria (e.g. Research Question, Analysis, Engagement):
- Each criterion has tiered descriptors, from elementary to excellent (Band A).
- Marks per criterion typically total 24‑36 for IA, or up to 34 for EE depending on syllabus.
- High-performance descriptors include “critical,” “well‑developed,” and “sustained evaluation.” (revisiondojo.com)
These markbands ensure consistency across markers and schools, while giving you a roadmap for what to include. (revisiondojo.com)
🎯 Subject-Specific Rubric Tips
Internal Assessments (IA)
- Often count for 20–30% of your final grade per subject. Strong IA work can significantly boost your overall score. (revisiondojo.com)
- Example: In Sciences and Maths, IA is based on 24 mark scale; a 7 often requires 20+. In History, a 7 typically requires 20–25/25. (revisiondojo.com)
Extended Essay (EE)
- Scored across five criteria: Focus & Method, Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Thinking, Presentation, and Engagement. Marks range up to 34. (revisiondojo.com)
Language A Internal Oral (IO)
- Evaluated for Knowledge, Analysis, Organization, and Language efficiency (up to 10 marks per criterion). Insightful interpretation and polished delivery matter most. (revisiondojo.com)
📘 Example: Physics IA Rubric (2025 Update)
The 2025 IB Physics IA rubric has four equally weighted criteria (each worth 6 marks, totaling 24):
- Research Design – Clarity of question, variable control, reproducibility
- Data Analysis – Units, graphs, uncertainty, trend interpretation
- Conclusion – Directly supported by data and theory
- Evaluation – Depth of reflection and realistic improvements suggested (revisiondojo.com)
High-scoring IAs include advanced error analysis, logical structure, and thoughtful evaluation. (revisiondojo.com)
🧩 How RevisionDojo Helps Decode Rubrics
- Complete Markband Guides: Explore detailed breakdowns for EE, IO, and IA criteria with example descriptors and scoring logic. (revisiondojo.com)
- Grade Boundary Insights: Understand how marks convert into final grade bands (e.g., what % equates to a 7 across subjects). (revisiondojo.com)
- Subject-Specific Examples: Especially helpful for Physics, Business, History, and other IAs, with case studies that illustrate top‑band work. (revisiondojo.com)
RevisionDojo provides downloadable checklists and peer-review templates that let you self-assess drafts against IB criteria systematically. (revisiondojo.com)
🚀 How to Use This Analysis Effectively
- Identify your assessment components: Know which criteria apply to your IA, EE, or IO.
- Use the markband descriptors to self-score drafts and pinpoint weaknesses.
- Track grade boundaries relevant to your subject to set achievable targets. (revisiondojo.com)
- Iterate drafts using peer templates and clear guidance via RevisionDojo. (revisiondojo.com)
❌ Common Rubric Pitfalls to Avoid
Mistake Impact How to Fix Descriptive rather than analytical Drops marks in Critical Thinking and IA criteria Add structured argument and reflection Weak or unfocused research question Limits depth and clarity of focus for both IA and EE Refine RQ using proven frameworks Missing evaluation or reflection Fails Engagement or Evaluation criteria Add structured reflections or limitations Poor presentation or referencing Affects Presentation markbands Use consistent style, citations, tables
🧠 FAQs: IB Coursework Rubric Analysis
1. How much does an IA or EE influence my final IB score?
Internal Assessments often contribute 20–30% of your subject grade. A strong EE plus TOK can add up to 3 bonus points. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
2. Can I predict my grade using rubrics?
Yes—mapping your draft against markband descriptors while comparing against known grading boundaries helps predict your likely score. (revisiondojo.com)
3. Are rubric expectations similar across all subjects?
Structure is similar (tiered criteria), but specifics vary—EEs focus on research and reflection, IAs often stress analysis and methodology, while IOs emphasize engagement and coherence. (revisiondojo.com)
4. How can I ensure I’m targeting the highest band?
Focus on command terms like "evaluate" or "analyze", offer critical evidence, hone focus/RQ alignment, and include reflective statements. (revisiondojo.com)
5. Where can I get downloadable rubric tools?
RevisionDojo offers checklist trackers and peer-review templates aligned with official IB markbands. (revisiondojo.com)
6. Is peer-review useful for rubrics?
Yes—peer reviews help uncover blind spots and reinforce clarity in criteria alignment. Use managed templates that mirror IB descriptors.
🎯 Call to Action: Master IB Rubrics with RevisionDojo
Rubric mastery turns writing into strategy:
✅ Align each draft with official IB criteria
✅ Track where you score highest—and where you fall short
✅ Use guided templates, peer feedback grids, and markband checklists
Unlock all these tools now at RevisionDojo.com and structure your IA, EE, or IO to hit IB targets precisely.
