IB Math Extended Essay Grader
- Lots of students struggle to decode their Mathematics Extended Essay grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB Math EE rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your 4,000-word mathematical 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 understand these key elements:
- Research Question - Clear, focused mathematical question that allows for extended investigation and rigorous analysis
- Mathematical Focus - Must be firmly based on mathematical theory covering pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or mathematical modeling
- Academic Sources - Minimum 15-20 credible sources including mathematical journals, research papers, and mathematical literature
- Mathematical Analysis - Extended critical evaluation of mathematical concepts with proof development and theoretical exploration
- 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
- Mathematical Rigor - Demonstration of mathematical proof, logical reasoning, and theoretical understanding
Rubric Breakdown
The Mathematics EE is assessed based on five criteria, totaling 34 marks.
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
- This criterion tests how clear and focused your mathematical research question is.
- It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for mathematical investigation.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent focus and method | Sharply focused mathematical question with sophisticated research approach maintained throughout |
| 3-4 | Satisfactory focus and method | Clear mathematics-related question with appropriate research methodology |
| 1-2 | Poor focus and method | Basic research question with minimal methodology explanation |
| 0 | No evidence of focus and method | Research question unclear or not mathematics-related |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- This evaluates your grasp of mathematical concepts and theoretical knowledge.
- It tests how well you apply mathematical theory and demonstrate subject expertise.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent knowledge | Sophisticated understanding with expert use of mathematical concepts and theoretical frameworks |
| 3-4 | Good knowledge | Clear understanding with appropriate mathematical terminology and concepts |
| 1-2 | Limited knowledge | Basic understanding with minimal mathematical application |
| 0 | No relevant knowledge | No connection to mathematical theory or concepts |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
- This is the most important criterion - worth 35% of your total grade.
- It assesses your ability to analyze mathematical concepts, develop proofs, and synthesize mathematical findings.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | Excellent critical thinking | Sophisticated analysis with original mathematical insights and rigorous reasoning |
| 7-9 | Good critical thinking | Strong analysis and evaluation of mathematical concepts |
| 4-6 | Satisfactory critical thinking | Clear analysis with some mathematical evaluation |
| 1-3 | Poor critical thinking | Some analysis but mainly descriptive |
| 0 | No evidence of critical thinking | Purely descriptive, no mathematical analysis |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
- This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
- It includes structure, mathematical communication, and adherence to academic conventions.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | Excellent presentation | Professional structure, clear mathematical communication, proper citations |
| 1-2 | Adequate presentation | Generally clear with some formatting issues |
| 0 | Poor presentation | Unclear structure, poor formatting, missing citations |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
- This tests your personal engagement with the mathematical research process.
- It's based on your reflection sessions and demonstrates your intellectual development.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent engagement | Sophisticated reflection demonstrating deep mathematical research engagement |
| 3-4 | Good engagement | Clear reflection showing mathematical thinking development |
| 1-2 | Poor engagement | Minimal reflection; little to no insight |
| 0 | No evidence of engagement | No reflection present |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
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 mathematical research. Minor refinements needed.
- 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good mathematical analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and theoretical synthesis.
- 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen mathematical analysis and proof development.
- 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and mathematical understanding.
- Below 9 marks (Grade E): Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen mathematical 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
Pure Mathematics Focus:
- Investigate number theory, abstract algebra, real analysis, or topology.
- Include rigorous proofs, theoretical development, mathematical structures, and formal definitions.
Applied Mathematics Focus:
- Examine differential equations, optimization theory, mathematical physics, or numerical analysis.
- Use mathematical modeling, computational methods, real-world applications, and theoretical foundations.
Discrete Mathematics Focus:
- Study graph theory, combinatorics, cryptography, or computer science mathematics.
- Include algorithmic thinking, discrete structures, complexity analysis, and theoretical computer science.
Mathematical Analysis Focus:
- Investigate calculus extensions, infinite series, complex analysis, or functional analysis.
- Use limit theory, convergence proofs, analytical techniques, and theoretical foundations.
Geometry Focus:
- Analyze non-Euclidean geometry, differential geometry, projective geometry, or geometric topology.
- Include geometric proofs, coordinate systems, transformation geometry, and spatial analysis.
Probability and Statistics Focus:
- Study probability theory, statistical inference, stochastic processes, or mathematical statistics.
- Use measure theory, distribution theory, hypothesis testing, and theoretical statistics.
Common Mistake
And quick fixes:
- Insufficient mathematical rigor → Include formal definitions, theorems, proofs, and rigorous mathematical reasoning
- Limited theoretical depth → Go beyond basic concepts to advanced mathematical theory and original insights
- Poor proof development → Include complete proofs, logical reasoning, and mathematical justification
- Weak mathematical communication → Use precise notation, clear explanations, and proper mathematical language
- Inadequate source integration → Synthesize multiple mathematical sources and build upon existing theory
- Missing computational verification → Include calculations, numerical examples, and verification of theoretical results
- Limited scope → Extend investigation to multiple related concepts and theoretical connections
- Word count violations → Stay within 4,000 words; only first 4,000 words are marked
- Generic conclusions → Base conclusions on rigorous mathematical analysis and theoretical insights
- Poor academic referencing → Use consistent citation style and credible mathematical sources
Research Process Guide
- Planning Phase: Research question development → Literature review → Theoretical framework → Proof strategy planning
- Investigation Phase: Theoretical foundation → Proof development → Mathematical exploration → Computational verification
- Analysis Phase: Critical evaluation → Theoretical connections → Advanced applications → Original insights
- Synthesis Phase: Conclusion development → Reflection → Further research → Mathematical significance
FAQs
- What mathematical level is expected?
- University-level mathematics with rigorous proofs and advanced theoretical content.
- How much original research is needed?
- Original insights and synthesis rather than completely new discoveries - extend existing theory.
- Should I include computational work?
- Where appropriate - computational verification and numerical examples support theoretical work.
- What makes proofs rigorous?
- Formal logic, complete justification, clear assumptions, and logical progression of reasoning.
- How advanced should the mathematics be?
- Beyond IB syllabus with university-level concepts and sophisticated mathematical techniques.
- Can I extend IB topics?
- Yes - take familiar concepts to advanced levels with theoretical development.
- What reflection is expected?
- Deep mathematical reflection on proof techniques, theoretical connections, and research process.
- How much background theory?
- Substantial theoretical foundation with multiple mathematical sources and literature synthesis.
- Should I include historical context?
- Where relevant - mathematical history and development of concepts enhance understanding.
- What makes a Math EE exceptional?
- Rigorous mathematical content, original insights, theoretical depth, proof development, and sophisticated analysis.
Use the Free Math 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.
- Mathematics-specific analysis helps you master the theoretical rigor and proof development that separate excellent from average Mathematics Extended Essays.
