Breakdown of IB Grading Criteria: Insight into Each Evaluation Dimension
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, each subject is assessed based on specific criteria that evaluate various skill areas. These criteria are structured as distinct strands or bands, focusing on qualitative assessment rather than just accumulating points.
Each subject falls under one of six groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts or an additional subject from groups 1–4. Each subject is assessed both internally and externally, ensuring uniform standards internationally.
For instance, in Language A (Studies in Language & Literature), assessment strands include Understanding & Interpretation, Analysis & Evaluation, Organization, and Language (fluency, grammar, vocabulary). Each of these criteria has a maximum mark, contributing to the total in assessments like the Individual Oral.
The grading scale for each subject ranges from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest achievement level. To be eligible for the diploma, students must earn at least 24 points across all six subjects and the core components, which include the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
In the Mathematics IA (Group 5), criteria include Presentation (4 marks), Mathematical Communication (4 marks), Personal Engagement (3 marks), Reflection (3 marks), and Use of Mathematics (6 marks).
In the Sciences IA Lab Report (Biology/Chemistry/Physics), criteria include Research Question (6 marks), Planning (6 marks), Data Collection (6 marks), Data Processing (6 marks), Conclusion & Evaluation (6 marks), and Communication (4 marks).
In the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay & Exhibition, criteria include Scope & Purpose (10 marks), Argument Development (10 marks), Engagement with TOK (10 marks), and Organization (5 marks).
Each section of the IB assessment is scored separately by examiners and moderated for accuracy. Examiner mark schemes are protected, but platforms like RevisionDojo provide modeled answers and feedback tips. AI Graders like RevisionDojo's IO Beta Grader can offer rubric-aligned feedback for Language A IOs, focusing on essay structure, fluency, organization, and suggested band estimation.
To achieve a good IB score, aim for the top 1-2 bands in every criterion. Remember, the IB examiners define each band level based on quality, not quantity. Each subject has its own set of assessment strands, but most follow a banded descriptor model, typically ranging from Band 1 (low) to Band 5 or 8 (high).
The Extended Essay (EE) scoring criteria are not specified in this article, but examiners evaluate the essay based on its structure, argument development, engagement, and organization.
In conclusion, the IB's subject-specific criteria are carefully designed analytic rubrics focusing on qualitative assessment across multiple skill areas. These are structured per subject and per assessment task to rigorously measure depth of understanding and skill mastery rather than rote knowledge.
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