IB English EE Grader

Many students find it challenging to understand their English Extended Essay grade and assessment feedback.
This is a comprehensive grading tool that translates the IB English EE rubric into clear, actionable language, so you understand exactly where your literary investigation stands across all five assessment criteria.
The embedded grader makes self-evaluation more precise and efficient than manual rubric checking, eliminating guesswork about your performance.

Quick Start Checklist

Before using the grader, ensure you understand these essential elements:

Research Question - Sharply focused, analytically rich question that invites literary investigation and argumentation
Literary Focus - Clear engagement with literary texts, techniques, and concepts appropriate to English studies
Methodology - Systematic approach using literary analysis methods (close reading, comparative analysis, theoretical frameworks)
Source Integration - Balanced use of primary texts and relevant secondary sources with proper academic citation
Critical Analysis - Evidence of independent thinking, evaluation of different perspectives, and synthesis of ideas
Academic Voice - Sophisticated writing demonstrating subject-specific terminology and analytical depth
Word Count Verification - Between 3,500-4,000 words (excluding bibliography and appendices)
Research Process Reflection - Documented insights showing intellectual development throughout the investigation

The IB English EE is assessed using five criteria totaling 34 marks.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each criterion, what it assesses, and how to excel in each area.

This criterion evaluates how effectively you formulate and address your research question using appropriate literary analysis methods.
It tests your ability to maintain focus and apply systematic approaches to literary investigation.

Mark Band	Grade	Description	Evidence You Must Show
5 - 6	Excellent	Research question is sharply focused and knowledge/understanding of the topic and chosen method is excellent	• Precisely worded research question<br>• Clear justification for chosen approach<br>• Consistent methodological application<br>• Sophisticated understanding of literary analysis
3 - 4	Good	Research question is clear and knowledge/understanding of the topic and chosen method is good	• Well-defined research question<br>• Adequate methodological awareness<br>• Generally consistent approach<br>• Good grasp of analytical methods
1 - 2	Satisfactory	Research question is acceptable and knowledge/understanding of the topic and chosen method is satisfactory	• Acceptable but potentially broad question<br>• Basic methodological understanding<br>• Some inconsistencies in approach<br>• Limited analytical sophistication
0	Poor	Research question is unclear and knowledge/understanding of the topic and chosen method is poor	• Vague or unfocused question<br>• Poor methodological awareness<br>• Inconsistent or inappropriate approach<br>• Minimal understanding of literary analysis