The IB World Religions SL internal assessment is marked using five criteria, A-E, worth a total of 30 marks. Critical reflection and evaluation is the largest criterion, worth 10 marks.
| Criterion | Focus | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | Rationale and preliminary research | 8 |
| B | Plan for study | 3 |
| C | Summary of significant findings | 6 |
| D | Critical reflection and evaluation | 10 |
| E | References and compliance with format | 3 |
| Total | Investigative study | 30 |
What Each Criterion Assesses
Criterion A: Rationale and preliminary research rewards a clear reason for the investigation, a question-formulated focus, and evidence of wide, relevant preliminary research. Sources should be justified and analysed rather than merely listed.
Criterion B: Plan for study assesses whether the research question is narrow and clearly stated. The scope and research method, such as interviews, observations or visits, must be appropriate to that question.
Criterion C: Summary of significant findings rewards clear presentation and explanation of findings from the investigation. Students must connect these findings to the research question, rationale and original plan.
Criterion D: Critical reflection and evaluation carries the most marks. It assesses how well students evaluate their findings and methods, identify misconceptions or bias, explain how their understanding developed, judge the investigation's success and propose useful further research.
Criterion E: References and compliance with format covers formal requirements. To access all 3 marks, the report must remain within the 1,500-1,800 word requirement, use consistent referencing and follow the five compulsory heading structure.
Exam Technique
Allocate writing space according to the mark weighting. A common mistake is spending too many words describing findings while giving only a brief reflection. Since Criteria A and D together are worth 18 of 30 marks, strong preliminary research and detailed critical evaluation should be central to the investigation.