Visual Arts EE Grader
This page is designed to help you understand the assessment criteria for the IB Visual Arts Extended Essay (EE) and guide you in self-evaluating your work. By breaking down the rubric and providing clear explanations, you'll be better equipped to assess your essay's strengths and areas for improvement.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you begin self-assessment, ensure you have the following:
- Final Draft of Your Essay: Complete and formatted according to IB guidelines.
- Research Question: Clearly stated and focused.
- Annotated Bibliography: Comprehensive list of sources with proper citations.
- Visual Materials: Relevant images, diagrams, or artworks referenced in your essay.
- Reflection on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF): Completed with thoughtful reflections.
Rubric Breakdown (Paraphrased & Plain English)
The IB Visual Arts EE is assessed using five criteria, totaling 34 marks. Below is a breakdown of each criterion, what it evaluates, and how to excel.
Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
What It Tests: Clarity and focus of your research question and the appropriateness of your research methods.
High Performance: A well-defined, specific research question directly related to visual arts, supported by a coherent and appropriate research methodology.
Common Mistakes: Broad or vague research questions; methods that don't align with the question.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Unclear research question; inappropriate or absent methodology. | Vague topic; lack of clear research methods. |
| 3-4 | Somewhat clear research question; partially appropriate methodology. | Moderately focused topic; some alignment between question and methods. |
| 5-6 | Clear, focused research question; appropriate and effective methodology. | Well-defined topic; strong alignment between question and methods. |
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
What It Tests: Depth of knowledge and understanding of the topic and context.
High Performance: Demonstrates in-depth understanding with accurate use of visual arts terminology and context.
Common Mistakes: Superficial understanding; incorrect or inconsistent use of terminology.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Limited understanding; minimal use of appropriate terminology. | Basic descriptions; lack of contextual analysis. |
| 3-4 | Adequate understanding; some use of appropriate terminology. | General analysis; occasional contextual references. |
| 5-6 | Excellent understanding; consistent and accurate use of terminology. | In-depth analysis; thorough contextual understanding. |
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
What It Tests: Analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of research.
High Performance: Presents a well-reasoned argument with critical evaluation of sources and evidence.
Common Mistakes: Descriptive rather than analytical; lack of critical evaluation.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Limited analysis; unsupported conclusions. | Descriptive content; lack of argument development. |
| 4-6 | Some analysis; conclusions partially supported by evidence. | Basic argument; some evaluation of sources. |
| 7-9 | Good analysis; conclusions well supported by evidence. | Clear argument; consistent evaluation of sources. |
| 10-12 | Excellent analysis; insightful conclusions fully supported by evidence. | Sophisticated argument; thorough evaluation of sources. |
Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)
What It Tests: Structure, layout, and adherence to academic standards.
High Performance: Logically structured essay with clear headings, appropriate formatting, and consistent citation style.
Common Mistakes: Disorganized structure; inconsistent formatting; improper citations.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Poor structure; multiple formatting errors. | Lack of headings; inconsistent citations. |
| 2-3 | Adequate structure; some formatting errors. | Some headings; mostly consistent citations. |
| 4 | Excellent structure; minimal to no formatting errors. | Clear headings; consistent and correct citations. |
Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)
What It Tests: Reflection on the research process and personal engagement.
High Performance: Thoughtful reflections demonstrating insight into the research process and personal learning.
Common Mistakes: Superficial reflections; lack of insight into personal learning.
Mark Band Descriptors:
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 | Limited reflection; minimal personal insight. | Basic descriptions of the process; little self-awareness. |
| 3-4 | Adequate reflection; some personal insight. | General reflections; some self-awareness. |
| 5-6 | Excellent reflection; deep personal insight. | In-depth reflections; clear evidence of personal growth. |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
After using the embedded grader, you'll receive a score out of 34. Here's how to interpret it:
- 30-34: Excellent
- 25-29: Good
- 20-24: Satisfactory
- 15-19: Mediocre
- 10-14: Poor
- 0-9: Very Poor
If You're Between Bands or Uncertain:
- Review Specific Criteria: Identify which areas need improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Consult with your supervisor or peers for additional insights.
- Revise Accordingly: Focus on enhancing weaker sections based on feedback.
Improvement Actions Tied to Each Criterion:
- Focus and Method: Refine your research question; ensure your methodology aligns with your question.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Deepen your research; use appropriate visual arts terminology.
- Critical Thinking: Develop a clear argument; critically evaluate your sources.
- Presentation: Organize your essay logically; adhere to formatting guidelines.
- Engagement: Reflect deeply on your research process; demonstrate personal growth.
Annotated Examples
High-Band Excerpt:
"The juxtaposition of organic forms in Georgia O'Keeffe's 'Jimson Weed' with the stark background emphasizes the artist's exploration of abstraction in nature. This is evident in the fluidity of the petals, which contrasts with the rigid composition, suggesting a deliberate tension."
Why It Scores High:
- Demonstrates deep analysis of visual elements.
- Uses appropriate terminology.
- Connects visual analysis to broader artistic themes.
Mid/Low-Band Excerpt:
"Georgia O'Keeffe's 'Jimson Weed' is a painting of a flower. The petals are white, and the background is dark."
What's Missing:
- Lacks analysis and interpretation.
- Does not use visual arts terminology.
- Fails to connect visual elements to artistic themes.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
The IB uses the following grade boundaries for the Extended Essay:
| Total Marks | Grade |
|---|---|
| 30-34 | A |
| 25-29 | B |
| 17-24 | C |
| 9-16 | D |
| 0-8 | E |
*Note: Grade boundaries may vary by session; verify with the latest IB documentation
