All Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation guides

Math EE Criteria Guide

Show a focused mathematical investigation with accurate reasoning and a convincing line of argument.

For assessment in 2027. Submit a single RPF reflective statement of up to 500 words. 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.

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.

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How to build it

Most weak drafts fail on order, not on ideas.

  1. 1

    Test the question early

    Make sure the topic can be answered through mathematical reasoning that is deep enough for 4,000 words.

  2. 2

    Build the argument around definitions

    Clarify assumptions, symbols, and methods so the argument does not become ambiguous later.

  3. 3

    Check every derivation

    Verify intermediate steps and explain why each result is relevant to the research question.

  4. 4

    Conclude with mathematical judgement

    State what the evidence proves, what it suggests, and what the investigation cannot legitimately claim.

Before you submit

  • The research question is mathematical and focused enough for an essay.
  • The argument stays coherent from introduction to conclusion.
  • Notation is precise and consistent throughout.
  • The conclusion is supported by the mathematics in the essay body.

Quick wins

  • Replace one broad descriptive paragraph with a proof, derivation, or calculation that actually advances the argument.
  • Check whether every section answers part of the research question explicitly.
  • Remove any result that is mathematically interesting but irrelevant to the thesis.

Pressure-Test Your Math EE Before Submission

Upload your Math EE draft to Marksy and get targeted feedback on focus, mathematical depth, and overall coherence. 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".