Your Extended Essay is marked across five criteria totalling 34 marks. Understanding exactly what each criterion rewards — and how to target it — is the difference between hoping for an A and engineering one.
The Five Criteria at a Glance
- Criterion A — Knowledge & Understanding (6 marks). Demonstrate genuine depth of understanding of your topic, RQ, terminology, and research methods.
- Criterion B — Application & Analysis (6 marks). Apply research methods and present findings. Show tools working on your specific topic.
- Criterion C — Synthesis & Evaluation (6 marks). Synthesise findings, maintain a clear argument, evaluate significance and limitations.
- Criterion D — Communication (4 marks). Structure, formatting, citations, academic tone. The easiest marks — entirely within your control.
- Criterion E — Engagement (RPPF) (6 marks). Show genuine engagement through your three RPPF reflections.
Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Mark Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A | 27–34 | 79–100% |
| B | 22–26 | 65–76% |
| C | 14–21 | 41–62% |
| D | 7–13 | 21–38% |
| E | 0–6 | 0–18% |
27/34You need 79% for an A — very achievable
How to Target Each Criterion
- Criterion A: Introduction + Lit Review. Show deep understanding of your topic, not surface-level knowledge. Use specific terminology correctly.
- Criterion B: Methodology + Analysis. Explain WHY you chose each tool, then APPLY it with real data and evidence.
- Criterion C: Discussion + Conclusion. Evaluate findings honestly. Acknowledge limitations. Connect back to your literature review.
- Criterion D: Throughout. Academic tone, proper formatting, consistent citations, logical structure. Run the 15-minute checklist.
- Criterion E: RPPF. Three reflections showing challenge → attempt → learning → growth.
After writing each section, ask: "Which criterion am I targeting, and would an examiner see it clearly?" If the answer isn't obvious, rewrite until it is.
Key takeaways
- Total: 34 marks across 5 criteria (27+ for an A)
- Criterion D (4 marks) is the easiest — pure formatting and structure
- Criterion E (6 marks) is the easiest high-value criterion — RPPF reflections
- Map every section to criteria before you write