Breakdown of IB Grading Categories: Grasping Every Assessment Aspect
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging and rigorous educational programme that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. In this article, we will explore the grading criteria for each subject and the core components of the IB Diploma.
Grading Criteria for Subjects
Each of the six subjects taken by students is graded on a 7-point scale, with 7 being the highest score indicating excellent performance and 1 being the lowest score indicating poor performance. The subjects cover groups such as Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Scores reflect mastery of syllabus content assessed through internal and external assessments.
Internal assessments have specific markbands or rubrics that break down criteria (e.g., knowledge, critical thinking, presentation) to guide consistent grading. In Sciences, for example, the IA Lab Report (Biology/Chemistry/Physics) has criteria such as Research Question, Planning, Data Collection, Data Processing, Conclusion & Evaluation, and Communication. Meanwhile, in Group 5, Mathematics IA (Exploration) has criteria such as Presentation, Mathematical Communication, Personal Engagement, Reflection, and Use of Mathematics.
Core Components
In addition to the subjects, the IB Diploma includes three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK is assessed through presentations and essays graded A-E. The criteria for TOK include Scope & Purpose, Argument Development, Engagement with TOK, Organization, and Language.
Extended Essay (EE)
The EE is a 4,000-word research paper graded across five criteria (Focus & Method, Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Thinking, Presentation, Engagement) using a markband system from A (excellent) to E (elementary).
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS is a pass/fail requirement; no numeric grade is given, but students must complete CAS to earn the diploma.
Diploma Requirements Involving Grades
To earn the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum total of 24 points out of 45 overall. At least 12 points must come from Higher Level (HL) subjects, with no HL score below 3. At least 9 points must come from Standard Level (SL) subjects. No score of 1 can be achieved in any subject, and limits are placed on the number of low scores allowed (e.g., no more than two 2s or three 3s or below).
Summary Table of IB Grading Components
| Component | Grade Scale | Maximum Points | Description | |----------------------|---------------------|----------------|------------------------------------------------| | Subjects (6 total) | 1 to 7 | 42 | Assessed by exams and internal assessments | | Theory of Knowledge | A to E | Contributes to up to 3 additional points | Presentation and essay graded via rubric | | Extended Essay | A to E | Included in core points towards max 3 | Research paper graded on 5 criteria | | Creativity, Activity, Service | Pass/Fail | Requirement to pass for diploma | No points contributed |
In summary, each subject is graded from 1 to 7, and combined with core component points (0-3), this forms the IB Diploma score. Internal assessments and markbands ensure transparent criteria for grading within each subject and essay. Diploma eligibility hinges on minimum thresholds in both HL and SL subjects and satisfactory core completion.
It is essential to aim for the top 1-2 bands in every criterion for a good IB score per criterion. Tools like AI Graders like RevisionDojo's IO Beta Grader can provide rubric-aligned feedback for Language A IOs, essay structure, fluency, organization, and suggested band estimation. Each assessment in the IB is graded using specific criteria designed to measure understanding, analysis, organization, and communication across subjects.
[1] International Baccalaureate. (2021). IB Diploma Programme: Guidelines for grading. Retrieved from https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment/grading-and-results/
[2] International Baccalaureate. (2021). IB Diploma Programme: Course and exam information. Retrieved from https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/subjects/
[3] International Baccalaureate. (2021). IB Diploma Programme: CAS. Retrieved from https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/creativity-activity-service/
[4] International Baccalaureate. (2021). IB Diploma Programme: Theory of Knowledge. Retrieved from https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/theory-of-knowledge/
[5] International Baccalaureate. (2021). IB Diploma Programme: Extended Essay. Retrieved from https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/theory-of-knowledge/
Engaging in education-and-self-development through the IB Diploma Programme's subjects like Language and Literature, Sciences, and Mathematics requires understanding and mastery of syllabus content, as demonstrated through internal and external assessments. The Learning process is further enhanced through core components such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, each consisting of specific criteria for grading.
