Is the EE Marked Externally?
Yes, Extended Essays are graded entirely by IB examiners, not your supervisor or school staff. The IB uses trained assessors to evaluate essays consistently using a standardized rubric across all submissions (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com).
Five Assessment Criteria (A–E)
Criterion A: Focus & Method
Awareness of a focused and manageable research question and deciding on an appropriate methodology that aligns with your subject area and approach.
Criterion B: Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates meaningful subject knowledge, use of relevant terminology, and integration of selected sources that contribute to your argument.
Criterion C: Critical Thinking
The heaviest weighted criterion (out of 34 total EE marks) focuses on analytical depth, argument structure, evidence evaluation, and clear links to the research question (revisiondojo.com).
Criterion D: Presentation
Assessed on essay structure, formatting, consistent styling, adherence to citation rules, and overall readability.
Criterion E: Engagement
Judged through your Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) and viva voce, assessing how well you reflect on planning, decisions, challenges, and personal development throughout the EE process (revisiondojo.com).
How Grade Boundaries & Diploma Requirements Work
While RevisionDojo does not list exact mark-to-letter thresholds, IB typically assigns total EE marks (0–34) into grades A–E. These combine with your TOK grade to determine up to 3 bonus points toward your diploma score (revisiondojo.com).
To earn the IB Diploma, you must:
- Achieve at least a D grade in both EE and TOK,
- Reach the minimum total of 24 points, including bonus points (revisiondojo.com).
Why Understanding the Criteria Is Vital
- It helps you strategically allocate effort, for example, focusing on Criterion C (analysis) and E (personal engagement).
- Understanding the rubric ensures clarity in structure, reflection, and argument approach—making your work examiner‑focused and goal‑driven (revisiondojo.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who marks my EE?
IB examiners mark extended essays externally—your supervisor provides guidance only (revisiondojo.com).
Q2. How many criteria are assessed?
Five: Focus & Method; Knowledge & Understanding; Critical Thinking; Presentation; Engagement.
Q3. Which criterion is most important?
Criterion C (Critical Thinking) has the highest point allocation and generally requires strong analytical depth.
Q4. What is Criterion E based on?
Your reflections in the RRS and performance in the viva voce interview—showing insight, growth, and planning awareness (revisiondojo.com).
Q5. Does presentation matter much?
Yes—Criterion D rewards structure, consistent formatting, and proper citations.
Q6. How do EE and TOK grades affect my diploma?
Combined EE and TOK grades determine up to 3 bonus points. To qualify for the diploma, you cannot earn an E in either component (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com).
📣 Call to Action
Want structured templates or tools to tackle each EE criterion effectively? Explore RevisionDojo’s Extended Essay resources, including:
- EE rubric explanations with scoring guidance
- Reflection templates and viva practice frameworks
- Research question workshops, outline planners, and sample essays tailored to examiner standards
Take your EE preparation further with practical checklists and expert breakdowns—visit RevisionDojo's IB Extended Essay blog tag today.
