IB Physics EE Grader
- Lots of students struggle to unpack their Physics Extended Essay grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB Biology 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 understand these key elements:
- Research Question - Clear, focused physics question that can be answered through secondary research and analysis
- Physics Focus - Must be firmly based on established physics theory from classical to modern physics
- Academic Sources - Minimum 15-20 credible sources including physics journals, research papers, and scientific publications
- Physics Analysis - Critical evaluation of physics evidence with mathematical analysis 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
- Mathematical Content - Appropriate use of physics mathematics and quantitative analysis where relevant
Rubric Breakdown
The IB Physics EE is assessed based on five criteria, totaling 34 marks. Here's a breakdown:
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
- This criterion tests how clear and focused your physics research question is.
- It evaluates whether your methodology is appropriate for physics investigation.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent focus and method. | Clear, focused research question; well-designed methodology directly addressing the question. |
| 3-4 | Good focus and method. | Research question and methodology are clear but may have minor flaws. |
| 1-2 | Basic focus and method. | Research question and methodology are present but lack clarity or appropriateness. |
| 0 | Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors. | Research question and methodology are unclear or absent. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- This evaluates your grasp of physics concepts and scientific knowledge.
- It tests how well you apply physics theory and demonstrate subject expertise.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | Excellent knowledge and understanding. | Accurate application of physics concepts; clear connection to the research question. |
| 3-4 | Good knowledge and understanding. | Generally accurate application of physics concepts; some connection to the research question. |
| 1-2 | Basic knowledge and understanding. | Limited application of physics concepts; weak connection to the research question. |
| 0 | Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors. | Misapplication or absence of relevant physics 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 physics data, evaluate scientific evidence, and synthesize findings.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 | Excellent critical thinking. | Thorough analysis; well-supported arguments; insightful conclusions. |
| 7-9 | Good critical thinking. | Adequate analysis; arguments supported with some evidence; reasonable conclusions. |
| 4-6 | Basic critical thinking. | Limited analysis; weak arguments; conclusions lack support. |
| 1-3 | Poor critical thinking. | Minimal analysis; arguments and conclusions are unsupported. |
| 0 | Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors. | Lack of analysis; absence of arguments and conclusions. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
- This assesses professional presentation and academic formatting.
- It includes structure, physics communication, and adherence to academic conventions.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | Excellent presentation. | Clear structure; concise language; correct formatting. |
| 2 | Good presentation. | Generally clear structure; some language or formatting issues. |
| 1 | Basic presentation. | Disorganized structure; unclear language; significant formatting errors. |
| 0 | Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors. | Lack of structure; poor language; incorrect formatting. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
- This tests your personal engagement with the physics 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. | Deep reflection; clear evidence of personal engagement and growth. |
| 3-4 | Good engagement. | Some reflection; limited evidence of personal engagement. |
| 1-2 | Basic engagement. | Minimal reflection; little evidence of personal engagement. |
| 0 | Work does not meet the standard described by the descriptors. | No reflection or evidence of personal engagement. |
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 physics research. Minor refinements needed.
- 19-23 marks (Grade B range): Strong project with good physical analysis. Focus on critical evaluation and chemical theory synthesis.
- 14-18 marks (Grade C level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen physical analysis and evidence evaluation.
- 9-13 marks (Grade D range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review research focus and physical understanding.
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
- Classical Mechanics Focus:
- Investigate advanced dynamics, celestial mechanics, fluid dynamics, or oscillation systems.
- Include mathematical derivations and theoretical predictions with experimental verification.
- Electromagnetism Focus:
- Examine electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, antenna design, or plasma physics.
- Use Maxwell's equations and field theory to support quantitative analysis.
- Quantum Physics Focus:
- Focus on quantum mechanics applications, atomic physics, solid-state theory, or quantum technologies.
- Include Schrödinger equation solutions and quantum mechanical calculations where relevant.
- Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics:
- Analyze heat engines, phase transitions, statistical distributions, or entropy applications.
- Use thermodynamic laws and statistical mechanics principles in analysis.
- Modern Physics Focus:
- Investigate relativity applications, particle physics, cosmology, or nuclear physics.
- Include relativistic calculations and modern physics concepts with current research.
Common Mistake
And quick fixes:
- Too broad research question → Focus on specific physics phenomena or theoretical applications with clear scope
- Insufficient physics sources → Use minimum 15-20 peer-reviewed papers from physics journals and recent research
- Purely descriptive content → Include critical analysis, mathematical derivations, and theoretical comparisons
- Weak physics theory application → Connect findings to fundamental principles, mathematical laws, and physical models
- Poor methodology explanation → Clearly explain your research approach and source evaluation criteria
- Missing mathematical content → Include relevant equations, derivations, and quantitative analysis where appropriate
- Inadequate physics communication → Use proper physics notation, clear diagrams, and precise scientific language
- Word count violations → Stay within 4,000 words; only first 4,000 words are marked
- Generic conclusions → Base conclusions on specific physics evidence and quantitative analysis
- Poor academic referencing → Use consistent citation style and credible physics sources
FAQs
- Can I conduct original experiments for my Physics EE?
- Not recommended - focus on theoretical analysis and literature review rather than primary experimentation.
- How mathematical should my Physics EE be?
- Include appropriate mathematics for your topic - derivations and calculations enhance analysis but shouldn't dominate.
- Should my EE connect to my IA topic?
- No, avoid overlap - choose a different physics focus or theoretical approach for your EE.
- What level of physics is expected?
- Beyond IB syllabus is acceptable and encouraged - explain advanced concepts clearly for educated readers.
- How important are physics diagrams?
- Very important - include theoretical diagrams, field visualizations, circuit schematics, and conceptual illustrations.
- Can I focus on engineering applications?
- Yes, but maintain physics focus on underlying principles rather than purely engineering aspects.
- Should I include computational physics?
- Where relevant - numerical simulations and computational models can support theoretical analysis.
- How detailed should mathematical derivations be?
- Include key derivations that support your analysis - full mathematical detail where it enhances understanding.
- Can I use physics simulation software?
- Yes, physics simulations can provide data for analysis but shouldn't replace theoretical investigation.
- What makes a Physics EE stand out?
- Theoretical depth, mathematical rigor, current physics relevance, and original synthesis of physics knowledge.
Use the Free Physics 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.
- Physics-specific analysis helps you master the theoretical research and critical evaluation that separate excellent from average Physics Extended Essays.
