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Computer Science EE Criteria Guide

Use a focused research question and clear methodology so the essay stays technical and evidence-led.

For assessment in 2027. Submit a single RPF reflective statement of up to 500 words. This guide follows the EE criteria for computer science: framework for the essay, knowledge and understanding, analysis and line of argument, discussion and evaluation, and reflection. It keeps the essay technical by tying every section back to the research question.

Assessment criteria

What each criterion measures, how many marks it carries, and what stronger evidence usually looks like.

Criterion names, marks and mark bands follow the IB subject guide. The band descriptions are our own summaries, so check your subject guide for the exact wording.

Criterion A: Framework for the essay (6 marks)

Use a clear question, suitable research methods and an effective essay structure.

Stronger evidence
A precise, relevant question is supported by well-chosen methods and a structure that makes the research easy to follow.
Early-stage evidence
The question lacks focus or relevance, the methods fit poorly, and the structure does little to help the reader.

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding (6 marks)

Show subject knowledge through relevant sources, concepts and accurate terminology.

Stronger evidence
A well-chosen body of sources supports strong knowledge, with accurate terminology and effective use of relevant concepts.
Early-stage evidence
The chosen material is weakly relevant, concepts receive shallow treatment, and terminology is sparse or inaccurate.

Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument (6 marks)

Analyse the research and connect the question, findings and conclusions.

Stronger evidence
Effective analysis produces relevant findings, and a sustained argument connects these findings to the question and conclusions.
Early-stage evidence
The essay mainly describes its material and the argument is incomplete.

Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation (8 marks)

Weigh the findings and assess the strengths and limits of the research.

Stronger evidence
A balanced discussion is supported throughout. Relevant strengths and limits are explained when judging the research.
Early-stage evidence
The importance of the findings is described without supporting evidence. Evaluation is incomplete and does not identify strengths or limits.

Criterion E: Reflection (4 marks)

Evaluate what the essay taught you and how that learning transfers to other situations.

Stronger evidence
The reflection evaluates the experience throughout, using examples that consistently show growth and transfer.
Early-stage evidence
The reflection recounts the process without showing how learning could transfer.

Mark bands

Want to know where your EE sits in these bands? Upload your draft and get a mark for each criterion.

Grade my EE

How to build it

Most weak drafts fail on order, not on ideas.

  1. 1

    Scope the research question

    Pick a question that is narrow enough to support depth, but technical enough to reward computer science analysis.

  2. 2

    Use accurate terminology

    Show subject knowledge by using concepts, methods, and vocabulary precisely and consistently.

  3. 3

    Build a real argument

    Move beyond description by comparing approaches, weighing evidence, and explaining the reasoning behind your conclusion.

  4. 4

    Keep the structure clear

    Make the essay easy to follow so the research question, findings and conclusion form a clear argument. Use the RPF statement to evaluate your learning and how it transfers.

Before you submit

  • The question is focused and computer-science specific.
  • Technical terminology is accurate and purposeful.
  • Evidence and analysis support the conclusion.
  • The essay stays coherent from introduction to ending.

Quick wins

  • Define scope early so the project stays technical.
  • Explain algorithms or tools in terms of why they matter to the question.
  • Tie every conclusion sentence back to the research question.

Use Rubric Feedback Before You Submit Your EE

Upload your computer science EE draft to Marksy and get targeted feedback on scope, terminology, reasoning, and the strength of your technical argument. The result includes a mark for every criterion, evidence from your draft, and the changes to make first.

Grade My EE DraftSee Pricing
  1. 1

    Upload your EE draft as a PDF

  2. 2

    Get a mark and feedback for every EE criterion

  3. 3

    Revise and grade the new version

A mark for every criterion
A mark for every criterionSee where the draft is now, criterion by criterion.
Comments on your sentences
Comments on your sentencesEach comment points at the passage it is about.
What to fix first
What to fix firstConcrete next edits instead of "improve your analysis".