IA Playbook
Build a sharp written argument around methodical textual analysis.
Use this guide to map evidence, tighten interpretation, and keep your line of argument visible in every paragraph.
Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.
Examiner Focus
Knowledge and understanding of the work/text Use of knowledge to draw conclusions Support of ideas through references
Top-Band Move
Excellent knowledge shown; references are well-chosen and effective
Common Penalty
Little knowledge shown; references are infrequent or rarely appropriate
Examiner Focus
Analysis of language, technique, style and authorial choices Evaluation of how these shape meaning
Top-Band Move
Consistently insightful and convincing analysis
Common Penalty
Descriptive with little relevant analysis
Examiner Focus
Organization and focus of ideas Development of line of inquiry Integration of examples
Top-Band Move
Effectively organized; well-developed; well-integrated examples
Common Penalty
Little organization; no discernible line of inquiry; poor example integration
Examiner Focus
Clarity, variety and accuracy of language Appropriateness of register and style
Top-Band Move
Very clear and precise; high accuracy; effective and appropriate register/style
Common Penalty
Rarely clear; many errors; little sense of register/style
Criteria point markbands to benchmark where your current draft sits and what a stronger band demands.
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Little knowledge shown; references are infrequent or rarely appropriate
Points 2
Some knowledge shown; references are at times appropriate
Points 3
Satisfactory knowledge shown; references are generally relevant
Points 4
Good knowledge shown; references are relevant and supportive
Points 5
Excellent knowledge shown; references are well-chosen and effective
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Descriptive with little relevant analysis
Points 2
Some analysis but reliant on description
Points 3
Generally appropriate analysis and evaluation
Points 4
Appropriate and at times insightful analysis
Points 5
Consistently insightful and convincing analysis
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Little organization; no discernible line of inquiry; poor example integration
Points 2
Some organization; little development; rare example integration
Points 3
Adequate organization; some development; sometimes integrated examples
Points 4
Well organized; adequate development; mostly well-integrated examples
Points 5
Effectively organized; well-developed; well-integrated examples
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
Points 1
Rarely clear; many errors; little sense of register/style
Points 2
Sometimes clear; fairly accurate; somewhat appropriate register/style
Points 3
Clear and careful; adequate accuracy; mostly appropriate register/style
Points 4
Clear and careful; good accuracy; consistently appropriate register/style
Points 5
Very clear and precise; high accuracy; effective and appropriate register/style
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Draft a thesis that can be defended in 3-4 analytical paragraphs rather than a broad thematic survey.
Step 2
Select short, high-value textual moments and assign each to one analytical objective.
Step 3
Write each paragraph as claim -> evidence -> analysis -> mini-conclusion.
Step 4
Revise explicitly against A-D wording so your improvements match the rubric directly.
Did You Know?
Marksy grades your draft against IB criteria, gives you criterion-level feedback, and shows exactly what to improve before final submission. Marksy is built to grade faster with criterion-level precision, so you can improve before final submission.
Instant Grading Results
See where your score is now, not just where it could be.
Criterion-Level Feedback
Marksy explains feedback by rubric criterion, so revision is targeted.
Action List To Improve
Get concrete next edits instead of vague "improve analysis" advice.
Confidence And Integrity Signals
Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.