Introduction
Assessment in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed to measure more than memorization — it evaluates how students apply knowledge, think critically, and reflect on their learning. Each subject group uses a range of task types that connect classroom learning to real-world contexts.
Understanding these assessment tasks helps both students and teachers plan effectively for success. This article outlines sample MYP assessment tasks for each subject group, explaining what they look like, what they measure, and how they promote inquiry-based learning.
How MYP Assessments Work
Every MYP subject group uses criteria-based assessment, where tasks are scored using four equally weighted criteria (A–D).
- Criterion A: Knowledge and Understanding
- Criterion B: Application or Skills
- Criterion C: Communication or Creation
- Criterion D: Reflection or Evaluation
Teachers design tasks that allow students to demonstrate these skills authentically — through essays, experiments, performances, or digital creations.
The following examples illustrate how this works in practice across all eight subject groups.
1. Language and Literature
Example Task: Literary Analysis Essay
Students write an analytical essay exploring themes of identity and belonging in a chosen novel.
Skills Assessed:
- Understanding literary techniques and author intent (Criterion A)
- Structuring arguments and using evidence (Criterion B)
- Expressing ideas coherently (Criterion C)
- Reflecting on meaning and reader interpretation (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
This task builds critical reading and analytical writing skills essential for the IB Diploma Programme.
2. Language Acquisition
Example Task: Cultural Blog Post in the Target Language
Students write a blog entry about a traditional festival from a country where the language is spoken.
Skills Assessed:
- Vocabulary and grammar accuracy (Criterion A)
- Application of new language in context (Criterion B)
- Organization and tone appropriate for an online audience (Criterion C)
- Self-evaluation of language progress (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
This task emphasizes communication and cultural appreciation while developing fluency and confidence.
3. Individuals and Societies
Example Task: Historical Investigation
Students research the causes and impacts of a major social movement (e.g., Civil Rights or Suffragette Movement).
Skills Assessed:
- Understanding historical context (Criterion A)
- Research and data analysis (Criterion B)
- Argument development and presentation (Criterion C)
- Reflection on perspectives and sources (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
Students learn to interpret evidence and form arguments — key skills in critical thinking and global citizenship.
4. Sciences
Example Task: Experimental Lab Report
Students design and conduct an experiment on how light intensity affects plant growth.
Skills Assessed:
- Scientific knowledge and hypotheses (Criterion A)
- Experiment design and data collection (Criterion B)
- Data interpretation and graphing (Criterion C)
- Evaluation and ethical reflection (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
It teaches inquiry, observation, and evaluation — mirroring how real scientists work.
5. Mathematics
Example Task: Real-Life Data Investigation
Students use mathematical models to analyze the relationship between population growth and resource use.
Skills Assessed:
- Understanding mathematical concepts (Criterion A)
- Applying formulas and reasoning (Criterion B)
- Communication of solutions (Criterion C)
- Reflection on validity and limitations (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
This assessment connects mathematics to sustainability and problem-solving in real contexts.
6. Arts
Example Task: Visual Art Portfolio
Students create a series of three artworks exploring environmental change, accompanied by written reflections.
Skills Assessed:
- Understanding of artistic concepts (Criterion A)
- Experimentation with techniques and media (Criterion B)
- Originality and presentation (Criterion C)
- Reflection on meaning and process (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
It fosters creativity, cultural awareness, and critical interpretation of visual communication.
7. Physical and Health Education
Example Task: Fitness and Lifestyle Plan
Students design a personal fitness program and track progress over eight weeks.
Skills Assessed:
- Knowledge of health principles (Criterion A)
- Goal-setting and implementation (Criterion B)
- Physical performance and documentation (Criterion C)
- Reflection on well-being and balance (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
This task connects physical activity with personal responsibility and self-management.
8. Design
Example Task: Sustainable Product Prototype
Students design and prototype an eco-friendly solution for reducing school waste, documenting their process through the design cycle.
Skills Assessed:
- Research and problem identification (Criterion A)
- Idea generation and design planning (Criterion B)
- Prototype creation (Criterion C)
- Evaluation and improvement (Criterion D)
Why It Matters:
Design tasks encourage creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving — central goals of IB learning.
Benefits of MYP Assessment Tasks
These task types are designed to:
- Encourage independent inquiry and creativity.
- Develop research and reflection skills.
- Support interdisciplinary thinking.
- Prepare students for IB Diploma Programme assessments and beyond.
Each task links knowledge to practical application — making learning meaningful, personal, and globally relevant.
Conclusion
MYP assessments are not about rote memorization; they’re about demonstrating understanding in authentic, engaging ways. From scientific experiments to artistic portfolios, each subject challenges students to think, create, and reflect deeply.
By practicing diverse assessment tasks, students gain confidence, academic versatility, and the mindset of lifelong learners — perfectly aligned with the IB’s mission to educate inquisitive, reflective, and compassionate thinkers.
