EE Playbook
Show a focused mathematical investigation with accurate reasoning and a convincing line of argument.
This guide keeps the extended essay tied to a focused mathematical question, a defensible method, and a conclusion that follows from the mathematics rather than from intuition alone.
Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.
Examiner Focus
Topic, research question, and methodology
Top-Band Move
- Topic communicated accurately and effectively - Research question clearly stated and focused - Methodology complete with effective source selection
Common Penalty
- Topic communicated unclearly and incompletely - Research question stated but not clearly expressed or too broad - Methodology of the research is limited
Examiner Focus
Subject-specific knowledge and use of terminology/concepts
Top-Band Move
- Knowledge and understanding excellent - Use of terminology and concepts good
Common Penalty
- Knowledge and understanding limited - Use of terminology and concepts unclear and limited
Examiner Focus
Analysis, evaluation, and discussion of research
Top-Band Move
- Research excellent - Analysis excellent - Discussion/evaluation excellent
Common Penalty
- Research limited - Analysis limited - Discussion/evaluation limited
Examiner Focus
Structure and layout
Top-Band Move
- Structure and layout good
Common Penalty
- Structure and layout limited
Examiner Focus
Process and research focus
Top-Band Move
- Engagement good
Common Penalty
- Engagement limited
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 outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Topic communicated unclearly and incompletely - Research question stated but not clearly expressed or too broad - Methodology of the research is limited
Points 3-4
- Topic is communicated - Research question clearly stated but only partially focused - Methodology mostly complete
Points 5-6
- Topic communicated accurately and effectively - Research question clearly stated and focused - Methodology complete with effective source selection
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Knowledge and understanding limited - Use of terminology and concepts unclear and limited
Points 3-4
- Knowledge and understanding good - Use of terminology and concepts adequate
Points 5-6
- Knowledge and understanding excellent - Use of terminology and concepts good
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-3
- Research limited - Analysis limited - Discussion/evaluation limited
Points 4-6
- Research adequate - Analysis adequate - Discussion/evaluation adequate
Points 7-9
- Research good - Analysis good - Discussion/evaluation good
Points 10-12
- Research excellent - Analysis excellent - Discussion/evaluation excellent
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Structure and layout limited
Points 3-4
- Structure and layout adequate
Points 5-6
- Structure and layout good
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Engagement limited
Points 3-4
- Engagement adequate
Points 5-6
- Engagement good
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Make sure the topic can be answered through mathematical reasoning that is deep enough for 4,000 words.
Step 2
Clarify assumptions, symbols, and methods so the argument does not become ambiguous later.
Step 3
Verify intermediate steps and explain why each result is relevant to the research question.
Step 4
State what the evidence proves, what it suggests, and what the investigation cannot legitimately claim.
Did You Know?
Upload your Math EE draft to Marksy and get targeted feedback on focus, mathematical depth, and overall coherence. 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
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Confidence And Integrity Signals
Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.