IB Extended Essay (EE) Rubric in seconds

The five IB EE criteria and their point values

The IB EE rubric is weighted heavily toward analysis — Criterion C (Critical Thinking) alone is worth 12 of the 34 points, more than any other single criterion. Focus and Method and Knowledge and Understanding are each worth 6, Engagement is 6, and Presentation is the smallest at 4. Total: 34. The IB converts the 34 raw points into a letter grade from A to E, with A requiring approximately 27+ points, B roughly 21-26, C 14-20, D 7-13, and E 0-6. Students who earn an E on the EE or on TOK receive no diploma — the E is the one cliff in the system.

• Criterion A — Focus and Method (6 pts): clear research question, sound topic, appropriate methodology

• Criterion B — Knowledge and Understanding (6 pts): subject-appropriate sources, correct and nuanced understanding of concepts and terminology

• Criterion C — Critical Thinking (12 pts): research, analysis, discussion and evaluation — the heart of the essay

• Criterion D — Presentation (4 pts): structure, layout, formatting, citation consistency, adherence to IB formal requirements

• Criterion E — Engagement (6 pts): assessed through the student's RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form), showing intellectual and personal engagement with the process

Where IB EE students most often lose points

Criterion C (Critical Thinking) is where the top scores separate from the middle scores. It has four strands — research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation — each worth up to 3 points. Most students earn solid points on research (they found sources) and analysis (they discussed sources) but lose points on discussion and evaluation because they don't engage critically with the limitations of their own argument or sources. Second common failure: Criterion A, where students write a research question that's too broad ('What causes climate change?') instead of narrow enough to answer in 4,000 words. Third: Criterion E, where students treat the RPPF as a summary of what they did instead of genuine reflection on intellectual challenges and changes in thinking. Empty or formulaic RPPFs cap the Engagement score.

What the IB EE rubric generator produces

The generator outputs the full 5-criterion, 34-point rubric with IB's current descriptor language, including the sub-strands of Criterion C (research, analysis, discussion, evaluation). You can select the subject area (Biology, History, English A, Mathematics, Visual Arts, etc.) so the subject-specific guidance for Criterion B and methodology notes for Criterion A are appropriate. Common customizations IB supervisors request: a separate RPPF-only rubric for the three required reflection sessions, a progress-check rubric for the midway supervision meeting, a subject-specific methodology checklist (especially for science and math EEs), and a student-facing self-assessment aligned to all five criteria.