Computer Science EE Grader
This page is designed to help you understand the assessment criteria for the IB Computer Science Extended Essay (EE) and to interpret your grades effectively. An embedded grading tool is available to assist you in self-evaluating your essay, providing insights into areas of strength and those needing improvement.
Quick Start Checklist
Before using the grading tool, ensure you have the following ready:
- Final Draft of Your Essay: A complete version of your 4,000-word essay.
- Research Question: Clearly defined and focused.
- Methodology Details: Description of the methods used in your research.
- Data and Analysis: All relevant data, charts, and analysis included in your essay.
- Citations and Bibliography: Properly formatted references.
- Reflection Notes: Your reflections on the research process, as recorded in the Researcher's Planning and Progress Form (RPPF).
Rubric Breakdown (Paraphrased & Plain English)
The Computer Science EE is assessed using five criteria, totaling 34 marks.
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your ability to define a clear research question and apply appropriate methods to address it.
High Performance: A well-defined, focused research question with a clear explanation of the chosen methodology.
Common Mistakes: Vague research questions and unclear or inappropriate methodologies.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent | Clearly focused research question; appropriate and well-explained methodology. |
| 3-4 | Satisfactory | Some focus in research question; methodology is somewhat appropriate but lacks clarity. |
| 1-2 | Limited | Unclear research question; methodology is inappropriate or poorly explained. |
| 0 | Poor | No clear research question or methodology. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your grasp of the topic within the context of computer science and your use of subject-specific terminology.
High Performance: Demonstrates deep understanding with accurate use of technical terms.
Common Mistakes: Superficial understanding and misuse of terminology.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent | Comprehensive understanding; precise use of terminology. |
| 3-4 | Satisfactory | Basic understanding; some misuse of terminology. |
| 1-2 | Limited | Limited understanding; frequent misuse of terminology. |
| 0 | Poor | No understanding demonstrated. |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
What It Tests: Your ability to analyze, evaluate, and discuss your research findings critically.
High Performance: Logical argumentation with thorough analysis and evaluation.
Common Mistakes: Descriptive rather than analytical writing; lack of evaluation.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | Excellent | Insightful analysis; well-supported arguments; critical evaluation. |
| 7-9 | Good | Clear analysis; arguments mostly supported; some evaluation. |
| 4-6 | Satisfactory | Basic analysis; arguments lack support; minimal evaluation. |
| 1-3 | Limited | Descriptive with little analysis; unsupported arguments; no evaluation. |
| 0 | Poor | No critical thinking demonstrated. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
What It Tests: The structure, layout, and formatting of your essay.
High Performance: Well-organized essay with consistent formatting and clear presentation.
Common Mistakes: Disorganized structure and inconsistent formatting.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | Excellent | Logical structure; consistent formatting; clear presentation. |
| 2 | Satisfactory | Some organizational issues; minor formatting inconsistencies. |
| 1 | Limited | Poor organization; major formatting issues. |
| 0 | Poor | No attention to presentation. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
What It Tests: Your engagement with the research process, as reflected in the RPPF.
High Performance: Thoughtful reflections demonstrating personal engagement and critical thinking.
Common Mistakes: Superficial reflections lacking insight.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent | Deep reflections; clear evidence of personal engagement. |
| 3-4 | Satisfactory | Some reflections; moderate engagement. |
| 1-2 | Limited | Minimal reflections; limited engagement. |
| 0 | Poor | No reflections or engagement demonstrated. |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
The embedded grading tool provides a score out of 34, which corresponds to the following grade bands:
- A (Excellent): 27–34
- B (Good): 21–26
- C (Satisfactory): 14–20
- D (Mediocre): 7–13
- E (Elementary): 0–6
If your score falls between bands or you're uncertain, focus on the criteria where you scored lower and consider the following improvement actions:
- Focus and Method: Refine your research question and ensure your methodology is appropriate and well-explained.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Deepen your understanding of the topic and use technical terms accurately.
- Critical Thinking: Enhance your analysis and evaluation; support your arguments with evidence.
- Presentation: Organize your essay logically and adhere to formatting guidelines.
- Engagement: Reflect thoughtfully on your research process in the RPPF.
Annotated Examples
High-Band Excerpt:
"The implementation of the Dijkstra algorithm in this study resulted in a 15% improvement in pathfinding efficiency compared to the A algorithm under similar conditions. This suggests that, for scenarios with uniform cost, Dijkstra's algorithm may offer superior performance."*
Why It Scores High: This excerpt demonstrates clear analysis, comparison of algorithms, and a well-supported conclusion, reflecting strong critical thinking.
Mid/Low-Band Excerpt:
"I used Dijkstra's algorithm and found it to be better than A."*
What's Missing: Lacks detailed analysis, specific data, and a clear explanation of why Dijkstra's algorithm performed better.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
The Extended Essay is graded out of 34 marks, which correspond to the following grade boundaries:
| Grade | Mark Range |
|---|---|
| A | 27–34 |
| B | 21–26 |
| C | 14–20 |
| D | 7–13 |
| E | 0–6 |
These grades contribute to the overall IB Diploma score, with the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge components combined to award up to 3 additional points.
Common Mistakes & Fast Fixes
- Vague Research Question → Refine to a specific, focused question.
- Inappropriate Methodology → Choose methods suitable for your research question and justify them.
- Superficial Analysis → Provide in-depth analysis and support conclusions with evidence.
- Poor Organization → Structure your essay logically with clear headings.
- Inconsistent Formatting → Adhere to IB formatting guidelines throughout.
Subject-Specific Tips
- Algorithm Analysis: Include time and space complexity evaluations.
- Software Development: Document development processes and testing methodologies.
- Impact Studies: Use case studies and statistical data to support arguments.
FAQs
Q: How important is the Research Question in the EE?
A: It's crucial; a well-defined question guides your research and analysis.
Q: Can I include personal opinions in my EE?
A: Yes, but they must be supported by evidence and analysis.
Q: How should I format my citations?
A: Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) throughout your essay.
Q: What if my findings contradict my hypothesis?
A: Discuss the discrepancies and analyze possible reasons; this demonstrates critical thinking.
Q: How can I improve my engagement score?
A: Reflect