IB Personal Project (MYP) External Assessment Exemplar

Detailed handwritten research notes illustrating effective use of research ATL skills to inform macaron techniques

Concrete to-do list mapping tasks to specific ATL skills (thinking, research, communication, self-management)

Excellent explanation of self-management strategies (screen-time limits, alarms) showing organizational skills in action

Clear articulation of how research ATL skills (video analysis, tip extraction, error avoidance) informed trial improvements

Self-management insights would be stronger if linked to product milestones (e.g., ‘Completed Trial 1 by Date X thanks to…’)

Communication section lacks specific examples or quotes from peer feedback to illustrate its impact on recipe refinement

Reliance on a single bakery owner for external feedback limits communication evidence; exploring forums or peer review could diversify input

Comprehensive success criteria table covering visual appeal, audience feedback, cost, taste, and information quality with clear performance descriptors

Precise ‘Specific’ planning narrative including timelines, accountability measures, self-monitoring checklists, and alarms

Highly detailed learning goal that identifies exact technical challenges (meringue consistency, batter texture, ganache support, rise control)

Thoughtful brainstorming evident in the mind map, showing diverse ideas and reflective narrowing to the macaron project

SMART goals remain somewhat generic and could be directly linked to measurable macaron outcomes (e.g., target shell diameter, trial counts)

Action plan contains empty cells in several rows, leaving tasks, dates, and ATL skill links ambiguous

Insightful reflection on personal attributes (determination, perseverance, learning style) showing genuine self-awareness

Rigorous self-evaluation of Batch 1 aligned to each success criterion with specific evidence

Explicit structural cues (Criterion C heading) aid readability and organization

Well-justified assessment of recipe quality, combining trial outcomes, research insights, and cost considerations

Effective use of family feedback to inform iterative improvements

Comparative evaluation of Batch 2 highlights clear progress against criteria

Mature concluding appraisal that honestly acknowledges strengths and remaining areas for growth

Cost reflection lacks quantification (e.g., cost per macaron, brand comparisons) to fully assess budget and ethical considerations