🎯 Why Understanding IB Grading Criteria Is Essential
The International Baccalaureate (IB) doesn’t just test content—it tests skills. Every assessment is graded using specific criteria designed to measure understanding, analysis, organization, and communication across subjects.
Knowing what each criterion demands helps you:
- Plan better answers
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Understand where you lost marks
- Prepare smarter for both internal and external assessments
🧩 How IB Assessment Criteria Are Structured
Each subject has its own set of assessment strands (criteria), but most follow a banded descriptor model—typically ranging from Band 1 (low) to Band 5 or 8 (high).
These bands are qualitative, meaning:
- You don’t earn points for ticking boxes
- You’re judged on the quality and depth of your work
IB uses analytic rubrics rather than total points. That means each strand is graded separately, then totaled.
📚 Language A Example: Individual Oral (IO) Criteria Breakdown
Criterion Focus Max Marks A: Understanding & Interpretation How well you link texts to a global issue 10 B: Analysis & Evaluation Quality of literary techniques and comparative analysis 10 C: Organization Clear structure, progression of ideas, transitions 5 D: Language Fluency, tone, vocabulary, grammar 5
🔗 Full guide: Understanding the Assessment of Your IB Individual Oral (IO)
🧪 Sciences Example: IA Lab Report (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)
Criterion What It Measures Max Marks A: Research Question Focus, clarity, testability 6 B: Planning Experimental design, controls, methodology 6 C: Data Collection Accuracy, sufficiency, appropriate format 6 D: Data Processing Correct use of statistics, trends, graphs 6 E: Conclusion & Evaluation Interpretation of results, limitations, improvements 6 F: Communication Structure, labeling, citations 4
Each level within a criterion has descriptors. For example, “5–6 marks” might describe thorough, accurate, and consistent performance.
📈 Group 5 Example: Mathematics IA (Exploration)
Criterion Description Max Marks A: Presentation Clarity, logical flow, use of diagrams 4 B: Mathematical Communication Definitions, notation, symbolic work 4 C: Personal Engagement Originality, reflection, curiosity 3 D: Reflection Critical evaluation, limitations, future exploration 3 E: Use of Mathematics Complexity, correctness, justification 6
🔗 Related: How to Structure an Excellent IB Math IA
🧠 TOK Essay & Exhibition: Criteria Breakdown
Criterion Essay Focus Max Marks A: Scope & Purpose Clarity of knowledge question and relevance 10 B: Argument Development Claims, counterclaims, perspectives 10 C: Engagement with TOK Use of real-life examples, concepts, links 10 D: Organization Logical structure, language, transitions 5
🔗 Explore more: Ultimate Guide to TOK Areas of Knowledge
✍️ Extended Essay (EE): Scoring Criteria
Criterion What’s Evaluated Max Marks A: Focus and Method Topic relevance, research question, methodology 6 B: Knowledge and Understanding Subject depth, terminology, context 6 C: Critical Thinking Argumentation, analysis, evidence 12 D: Presentation Layout, citations, coherence 4 E: Engagement Reflections on process and challenges 6
Each section is scored separately by examiners and moderated for accuracy.
📝 How to Use This Breakdown Effectively
✅ During Planning:
- Use the criteria as a checklist for what your assignment must include.
✅ During Writing:
- Match your work to highest band descriptors (i.e. Band 5 or 8).
- Avoid vague language—be precise and analytical.
✅ During Feedback:
- Ask teachers to refer to specific criterion scores so you can focus your improvements.
🔁 Aligning With AI Tools
You can also use AI Graders like RevisionDojo’s IO Beta Grader to get rubric-aligned feedback for:
- Language A IOs
- Essay structure
- Fluency and organization
- Suggested band estimation
🔗 Try it here: RevisionDojo IO Grader (Beta)
❓ FAQ: IB Grading Criteria
Q1: Are rubrics the same across subjects?
No—each subject has unique criteria, but many share similar strands like organization, analysis, and communication.
Q2: How are band descriptors decided?
IB examiners define each band level (e.g., Band 5 = excellent; Band 1 = basic), based on quality, not quantity.
Q3: What’s the difference between internal and external grading?
Internal assessments (IA) are marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB; external exams are marked directly by IB examiners.
Q4: Can I see exact mark schemes?
You can view public rubrics. Examiner mark schemes are protected, but platforms like RevisionDojo provide modeled answers and feedback tips.
Q5: What’s a good IB score per criterion?
Aim for the top 1–2 bands in every criterion. That usually means thorough understanding, analysis, structure, and clarity.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Decode the Rubrics, Unlock Higher Grades
Once you truly understand the IB grading criteria, you stop guessing and start writing or speaking with intent. Use this breakdown as your roadmap for every assignment and assessment. Whether it’s your Extended Essay, TOK presentation, or Language A IO, mastering the rubric is your first step to mastering the exam.
🔗 Bookmark this guide and explore subject-specific rubrics at RevisionDojo.com
