IB Chemistry Extended Essay Grader
- Lots of students struggle to unpack their Chemistry Extended Essay grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB Chemistry EE rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your 4,000-word research project stands across all five assessment criteria.
- The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.
Note
The grader works in two modes:
- Draft Mode: Quick assessment of your work-in-progress. Input your current sections and get instant feedback on which criteria need more work before you finish writing.
- Full Mode: Complete evaluation of your finished EE. Input your final project details across all criteria and get a comprehensive grade breakdown with specific improvement suggestions for each section.
Quick Start Checklist
- Before using the grader, ensure you have these key elements ready:
- Research Question - Clear, focused chemical question that can be answered through secondary research and analysis
- Chemical Focus - Must be firmly based on established chemical theory from molecular to industrial level
- Academic Sources - Minimum 15-20 credible sources including peer-reviewed journals, research papers, and scientific publications
- Chemical Analysis - Critical evaluation of chemical evidence with data interpretation and theory application
- Word Count Verification - Maximum 4,000 words (excluding bibliography, footnotes, and appendices)
- Complete Structure - Introduction, Investigation, Analysis, Conclusion, Bibliography, and Reflections
- Supervisor Meetings - Evidence of 3 mandatory reflection sessions with your EE supervisor
- Safety & Ethics - Discussion of chemical safety and environmental implications where relevant
Rubric Breakdown
The Chemistry EE is assessed using five criteria, totalling 34 marks:
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
- This criterion tests how clear and focused your chemical research question is.
- It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for chemical investigation.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Research question is absent or inappropriate; method is unsuitable. | No clear research question; method lacks relevance. |
| 1–2 | Research question is present but lacks clarity; method is partially appropriate. | Research question stated; method somewhat aligns with the question. |
| 3–4 | Clear research question; method is appropriate but lacks full justification. | Well-defined question; method aligns but lacks detailed explanation. |
| 5–6 | Sharply focused research question; well-justified and effective method. | Clearly stated question; method is thoroughly explained and justified. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- This evaluates your grasp of chemical concepts and scientific knowledge.
- It tests how well you apply chemical theory and demonstrate subject expertise.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Minimal understanding; significant inaccuracies. | Misinterpretation of basic concepts; errors in chemical principles. |
| 1–2 | Some understanding; several inaccuracies. | Basic concepts understood; multiple errors present. |
| 3–4 | Good understanding; minor inaccuracies. | Most concepts correctly applied; few errors. |
| 5–6 | Excellent understanding; concepts applied accurately. | All relevant concepts correctly applied; no significant errors. |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
- This is the most important criterion - worth 35% of your total grade.
- It assesses your ability to analyze chemical data, evaluate scientific evidence, and synthesize findings.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | Limited analysis; arguments are unsupported. | Descriptive content; lacks critical evaluation. |
| 4–6 | Some analysis; arguments are partially supported. | Attempts at evaluation; some arguments lack depth. |
| 7–9 | Good analysis; arguments are well-supported. | Clear evaluation; most arguments are insightful. |
| 10–12 | Excellent analysis; arguments are insightful and fully supported. | Thorough evaluation; all arguments are critically examined. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
- This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
- It includes structure, chemical communication, and adherence to academic conventions.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Disorganized; numerous formatting errors. | Lack of structure; inconsistent formatting throughout. |
| 1–2 | Some organization; several formatting inconsistencies. | Basic structure present; noticeable formatting issues. |
| 3–4 | Well-organized; consistent formatting. | Clear structure; minimal formatting errors. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
- This tests your personal engagement with the chemical research process.
- It's based on your reflection sessions and demonstrates your intellectual development.
| Mark Band | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Limited reflection; minimal personal engagement. | Basic descriptions; lacks insight into the research process. |
| 3–4 | Some reflection; personal engagement is evident. | Discusses challenges and learning experiences; some insight. |
| 5–6 | In-depth reflection; strong personal engagement. | Critically evaluates the research process; demonstrates significant personal growth. |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
- The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 28 marks across all criteria except E, your reflections.
- Here's how to interpret your results:
- 24-28 marks (Grade A territory): Excellent work with sophisticated chemical research. Minor refinements needed.
- 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good chemical analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and chemical theory synthesis.
- 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen chemical analysis and evidence evaluation.
- 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and chemical understanding.
- Below 9 marks (Grade E): Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen chemical fundamentals.
Tip
If you're between bands, focus on Criterion C (Critical Thinking) - it offers the biggest impact for improvement.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
IB Extended Essay grade boundaries are consistent across subjects but can vary slightly by session:
| IB Grade | Mark Range (out of 34) | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 27-34 | 79-100% | Excellent |
| B | 21-26 | 62-76% | Good |
| C | 14-20 | 41-59% | Satisfactory |
| D | 7-13 | 21-38% | Mediocre |
| E | 0-6 | 0-18% | Elementary |
Tip
- Grades D or E in your EE mean you cannot receive the IB Diploma, regardless of other grades.
- Your EE grade combines with TOK to contribute up to 3 bonus points to your total IB score.
Subject-Specific Tips
- Organic Chemistry Focus:
- Investigate reaction mechanisms, synthesis pathways, structure-activity relationships, or stereochemistry effects.
- Include detailed reaction schemes and mechanistic explanations with electron movement.
- Physical Chemistry Focus:
- Examine thermodynamics, kinetics, spectroscopy applications, or computational chemistry studies.
- Use quantitative data analysis and mathematical relationships from published research.
- Analytical Chemistry Focus:
- Focus on analytical methods, instrumentation comparisons, method validation, or trace analysis techniques.
- Include precision/accuracy data and method performance comparisons.
- Inorganic Chemistry Focus:
- Analyze coordination compounds, solid-state chemistry, materials science, or catalysis mechanisms.
- Use structural data and electronic properties to support arguments.
- Environmental Chemistry Focus:
- Investigate pollution remediation, green chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, or water treatment processes.
- Include environmental impact assessment and sustainability considerations.
Common Mistake
And quick fixes:
- Too broad research question → Focus on specific chemical processes or molecular mechanisms with clear scope
- Insufficient chemical sources → Use minimum 15-20 peer-reviewed papers from chemical journals and recent research
- Purely descriptive content → Include critical analysis, data evaluation, and chemical mechanism discussion
- Weak chemical theory application → Connect findings to molecular structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, or reaction mechanisms
- Poor methodology explanation → Clearly explain your research approach and source evaluation criteria
- Missing chemical safety → Address safety implications and environmental impact where relevant
- Inadequate chemical communication → Use proper chemical notation, structural formulas, and clear scientific language
- Word count violations → Stay within 4,000 words; only first 4,000 words are marked
- Generic conclusions → Base conclusions on specific chemical evidence and quantitative analysis
- Poor academic referencing → Use consistent citation style and credible chemical sources
FAQs
- Can I conduct original experiments for my Chemistry EE?
- Not recommended - focus on literature review and secondary data analysis rather than primary experimentation.
- How current should my chemical sources be?
- Prioritize recent research (within 3-5 years) especially for rapidly evolving fields like materials chemistry and drug development.
- Should my EE connect to my IA topic?
- No, avoid overlap - choose a different chemical focus or research approach for your EE.
- What level of chemical mathematics is expected?
- Include relevant calculations and quantitative analysis but focus on chemical understanding rather than complex mathematics.
- How important are chemical diagrams and structures?
- Very important - include molecular structures, reaction schemes, phase diagrams, and spectroscopic data where relevant.
- Can I focus on biochemistry topics?
- Yes, but ensure chemical focus on molecular mechanisms, enzyme chemistry, or metabolic pathways rather than purely biological aspects.
- Should I include computational chemistry?
- Where relevant - molecular modeling and theoretical calculations can enhance analysis but shouldn't dominate.
- How detailed should my chemical mechanisms be?
- Include detailed mechanisms with electron movement, intermediates, and transition states where they support your analysis.
- Can I use chemical databases as sources?
- Yes, chemical databases (SciFinder, Reaxys) are excellent for property data and reaction information.
- What makes a Chemistry EE stand out?
- Current chemical relevance, sophisticated molecular understanding, quantitative analysis, and original synthesis of chemical knowledge.
Use the Free Chemistry Extended Essay Grader Now
- Stop guessing about your grade.
- The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your EE against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
- Input your project details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
- Chemistry-specific analysis helps you master the chemical research and critical evaluation that separate excellent from average Chemistry Extended Essays.
