What Are Markbands in the IB?
IB markbands break down the criteria into clear performance levels—from top (A) to lowest (E). They help examiners consistently assess work and help you understand exactly what’s required to score high.
RevisionDojo explains markband terminology and how each band maps to student performance expectations. (revisiondojo.com)
Markbands for Extended Essays (EE)
- The EE is judged across five criteria (Focus & Method, Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Thinking, Presentation, Engagement), each graded using a markband scale.
- Grade levels range from A (excellent) to E (elementary or poor).
- Points are allocated individually per criterion to reach a total out of 34 (or 36, depending on updates).
RevisionDojo offers detailed breakdowns on how high-tier EEs meet each criterion and top‑band descriptors. (revisiondojo.com)
Markbands for Internal Assessments (IA)
- Each subject has its own IA criteria, but structure is similar: rubric-based, tiered markbands with A as the top descriptor.
- Sciences, Humanities, and Languages vary in weighting and emphasis on analysis, personal engagement, or originality.
- Top-band IAs demonstrate clear focus, evaluative thinking, and strong interpretation of data or text.
RevisionDojo’s subject-specific IA guidance includes sample top-mark examples and markband explanations. (revisiondojo.com)
How to Interpret a Markband Rubric
- Read each criterion descriptor carefully—notice keywords like “well‑developed,” “critical,” or “consistent”.
- Identify what separates Band A from Band B (e.g. deeper evaluation, explicit reflection).
- Highlight where your draft aligns or falls short to target improvements.
RevisionDojo provides a downloadable markband tracker with explanatory notes to help you interpret and apply rubric criteria precisely. (revisiondojo.com)
Strategies to Target Higher Markbands
- Use IB command terms like evaluate, analyze, discuss, as expected in higher bands.
- Plan in reflection and evaluation stages—for EE include reflection in the RRS; for IAs, reflect on methods and limitations.
- Align your writing to the top descriptors in the rubric (e.g. coherent research design, comprehensive analysis, awareness of context).
RevisionDojo offers templates and scoring guides aligned with top-band indicators to help you plan content that hits the highest level. (revisiondojo.com)
Common Pitfalls That Drop You to Lower Bands
- Lack of analytical structure or overly descriptive content
- Weak focus or misaligned Research Question
- Absence of engagement or reflection in methodology or conclusions
- Inconsistent referencing or poor presentation standards
RevisionDojo shares examples showing how such pitfalls affect band placement—and how to correct them strategically. (revisiondojo.com)
Using RevisionDojo’s Markband Breakdown Tools
- EE and IA Rubric Explainers simplify what examiners expect at each band.
- Peer Review Checklists let you assess drafts against markband descriptors.
- Printable Band Trackers help you monitor which criterion you've satisfied and where to improve next.
These tools transform rubrics from vague gradebooks into actionable feedback systems. (revisiondojo.com)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are EE and IA markbands different?
Yes—they operate on the same principles but are customized to the subject and nature of each task (e.g. scientific method vs literary analysis).
Q2: How do final bands translate to IB points?
Top bands combined across components result in higher overall points—as shown in RevisionDojo’s IB score breakdown charts. (revisiondojo.com)
Q3: Can I self-assess using markbands?
Yes—RevisionDojo’s band trackers and peer review templates let you rate your draft against descriptors before submission.
Q4: Do supervisors refer to markbands during feedback?
They should—using band language helps clarify exactly where improvements are needed.
Conclusion: Clarity = Confidence
Understanding markbands empowers you to write with focus, analysis, and clarity. When you know what examiners are looking for at each level, you can tailor your essay and IA to meet—then exceed—those expectations.
Call to Action
✅ Ready to master the markbands?
- ✅ Download RevisionDojo’s EE & IA Markband Checklists and Trackers
- ✅ Use peer-review templates linked to rubric descriptors
- ✅ Subscribe for guided walkthroughs that translate markband language into graded impact
👉 Visit RevisionDojo now to access tools designed to help you hit top markbands in both your EE and IA.
