Feedback on your IB Internal Assessment (IA) or Extended Essay (EE) is a powerful tool for improving your work—if you use it effectively. The IB encourages students to demonstrate intellectual initiative, critical reflection, and continuous improvement. Here’s how to turn supervisor feedback into a polished, high-scoring final submission.
1. Submit a Complete Draft
- Provide a full, polished draft so your supervisor can focus on deeper issues like argument clarity, research question focus, or methodological soundness.
- A well-developed draft helps ensure feedback is meaningful and constructive.
👉 Tip: The better your draft, the more valuable the feedback you’ll receive.
2. Understand the Type of Feedback Given
IB supervisors are permitted to provide open-ended, non-editing guidance, such as:
- Comments on whether your argument is clear and coherent
- Questions prompting you to reflect on the strength of your research question
- Suggestions on improving structure, analysis, or evaluation
⚠️ Supervisors cannot directly edit your writing, correct grammar, or write new sections for you.
3. Engage Actively with Feedback
- Don’t just read your supervisor’s comments—discuss them in person or via email to clarify their meaning.
- Ask questions like:
- What did you think of my main argument?
- How could I strengthen this section?
- Are my citations consistent?
4. Prioritize and Organize Feedback
Break down feedback into:
- Major changes — e.g., refining research question, restructuring sections, improving analysis
- Medium-level edits — e.g., linking evidence more clearly, clarifying key points
- Minor improvements — e.g., citation formatting, figure labeling
👉 Start with the major changes before tackling smaller issues.
5. Revise Thoughtfully
- Reflect critically: How does each suggested change improve your essay or report?
- Make revisions in your own words to preserve academic honesty and demonstrate independent thinking.
- Keep track of revisions for your reflection (especially for the EE RPPF).
6. Self-Review After Revisions
- Re-read your work out loud to catch awkward phrasing or unclear logic.
- Check your work against the IB rubric for your subject.
- Verify your citations and bibliography are complete and consistent.
7. Document the Process
- For the EE, use your Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) to explain how you used feedback to improve your work.
- For IAs, show evidence of critical evaluation and responsiveness in your report or during discussions with your teacher.
Example: Using Feedback Effectively
"My supervisor noted that my original research question for the EE was too broad and my argument lacked focus. After discussing alternatives, I refined the question to target a specific time period and region, which helped narrow my analysis and improve coherence. This change strengthened my overall argument and made my conclusion more convincing."
Summary: Smart Strategies for Using Feedback
✅ Submit a polished draft for review
✅ Clarify supervisor comments through discussion
✅ Prioritize major revisions first
✅ Revise thoughtfully and independently
✅ Check your work against IB criteria
✅ Document how feedback shaped your improvements
FAQ
Can my supervisor correct grammar or citations?
No. IB supervisors can highlight general issues but cannot edit your work directly or correct technical errors.
What kind of feedback is allowed?
Supervisors can offer open-ended comments, ask guiding questions, and suggest general improvements to structure and clarity.
How many drafts can I submit?
For the EE: One full draft for feedback. For IAs: Policies vary, but typically one draft is reviewed.
Do I have to follow all feedback?
No, but you should consider it carefully. If you choose not to implement certain suggestions, be prepared to justify your decision.
Want expert exemplars, revision checklists, and feedback response templates? Access the RevisionDojo IA & EE Improvement Library today and take your work to the next level!
