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IA Playbook

Philosophy IA Criteria Guide

Identify the philosophical issue quickly, then build a clear and evaluated response from start to finish.

Use this guide to keep the stimulus connection explicit, the structure easy to follow, and the argument focused on justified philosophical analysis.

Criteria Breakdown

Did You Know? The easiest score jumps usually come from explicitly naming what the criterion rewards and supporting it with direct evidence.

Criterion A: Identification of issue and justification (3 marks)

Examiner Focus

Identifying the philosophical issue raised by the stimulus and justifying the connection

Top-Band Move

The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus is clearly and explicitly identified. There is a clear justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue identified.

Common Penalty

The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus is implied but not explicitly identified. There is no justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue identified.

Criterion B: Clarity (4 marks)

Examiner Focus

Structure, organization, and clarity of the response

Top-Band Move

The response is well structured, focused and effectively organized. The response is clear and coherent.

Common Penalty

The response is poorly structured, or where there is a recognizable structure there is minimal focus on the task.

Criterion C: Knowledge and understanding (4 marks)

Examiner Focus

Relevant knowledge, explanation of the philosophical issue, and use of philosophical vocabulary

Top-Band Move

The response contains relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge. There is a well-developed explanation of the philosophical issue. There is appropriate use of philosophical vocabulary throughout the response.

Common Penalty

There is little relevant knowledge. The explanation of the philosophical issue is minimal. Philosophical vocabulary is not used, or is consistently used inappropriately.

Criterion D: Analysis (8 marks)

Examiner Focus

Depth and development of analysis, use of examples, and identification of counter-arguments

Top-Band Move

The response contains well-developed critical analysis. The examples used are well chosen and lend support to the argument. Counter-arguments are identified and analysed in a convincing way.

Common Penalty

The response is mostly descriptive. There is little analysis, and few or no examples are given.

Criterion E: Evaluation (6 marks)

Examiner Focus

Evaluation of alternative interpretations, justification of main points, and consistency of conclusion

Top-Band Move

There is clear evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view. All, or nearly all, of the main points are justified. The response argues from a consistently held position. The conclusion is clearly stated and consistent with the argument.

Common Penalty

There is little evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view. Some of the main points are justified. There is no conclusion, or the conclusion is not relevant.

Markbands

Criteria point markbands to benchmark where your current draft sits and what a stronger band demands.

Criterion A: Identification of issue and justification (3 marks)

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

Points 1

The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus is implied but not explicitly identified. There is no justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue identified.

Points 2

The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus is clearly identified. There is some justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue identified.

Points 3

The philosophical issue raised by the stimulus is clearly and explicitly identified. There is a clear justification of the connection between the stimulus and the philosophical issue identified.

Criterion B: Clarity (4 marks)

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

Points 1

The response is poorly structured, or where there is a recognizable structure there is minimal focus on the task.

Points 2

There is some attempt to follow a structured approach, although it is not always clear what the answer is trying to convey.

Points 3

The response is structured and generally organized, and can be easily followed.

Points 4

The response is well structured, focused and effectively organized. The response is clear and coherent.

Criterion C: Knowledge and understanding (4 marks)

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

Points 1

There is little relevant knowledge. The explanation of the philosophical issue is minimal. Philosophical vocabulary is not used, or is consistently used inappropriately.

Points 2

Some knowledge is demonstrated but this lacks accuracy and relevance. There is a basic explanation of the philosophical issue. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.

Points 3

Knowledge is mostly accurate and relevant. There is a satisfactory explanation of the philosophical issue. Philosophical vocabulary is used, sometimes appropriately.

Points 4

The response contains relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge. There is a well-developed explanation of the philosophical issue. There is appropriate use of philosophical vocabulary throughout the response.

Criterion D: Analysis (8 marks)

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

The response is mostly descriptive. There is little analysis, and few or no examples are given.

Points 3-4

There is limited analysis, but the response is more descriptive than analytical. Some appropriate examples are used.

Points 5-6

The response contains analysis, but this analysis lacks development. Appropriate examples are used in support of the argument. Counter-arguments are identified.

Points 7-8

The response contains well-developed critical analysis. The examples used are well chosen and lend support to the argument. Counter-arguments are identified and analysed in a convincing way.

Criterion E: Evaluation (6 marks)

Points 0

The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

Points 1-2

There is little evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view. Some of the main points are justified. There is no conclusion, or the conclusion is not relevant.

Points 3-4

There is some evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view. Many of the main points are justified. The conclusion is stated but may not be entirely consistent with the argument.

Points 5-6

There is clear evaluation of alternative interpretations or points of view. All, or nearly all, of the main points are justified. The response argues from a consistently held position. The conclusion is clearly stated and consistent with the argument.

Build Sequence

Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.

Step 1

Name the issue early

Translate the stimulus into one precise philosophical issue and justify why that issue is the right focus.

Step 2

Build a clean structure

Organize the response so the claim, reasoning, and transitions are easy to follow at every step.

Step 3

Use philosophical vocabulary accurately

Define the key terms you rely on and keep the language precise rather than decorative.

Step 4

Balance analysis and evaluation

Develop counter-arguments and alternative views instead of stopping at description.

Submission Checklist

  • The philosophical issue is explicitly identified and justified.
  • The response is structured and easy to follow.
  • Philosophical terms are accurate and relevant throughout.
  • Evaluation is clearly tied to the argument, not added at the end as an afterthought.

Quick Wins

  • Write the issue statement before drafting the body so the response stays focused.
  • Turn one descriptive paragraph into a claim-plus-counterclaim structure.
  • Use one sentence at the end of each paragraph to signal why it matters philosophically.

Did You Know?

Check Your Philosophy Draft Against The Rubric

Marksy grades your Philosophy work against IB criteria, gives criterion-level feedback, and shows where your analysis and evaluation can become more precise. Marksy is built to grade faster with criterion-level precision, so you can improve before final submission.

1. Upload your IA draft PDF to Marksy.
2. Get criterion-by-criterion feedback fast.
3. Revise and resubmit with focused improvements.
Marksy grading results view

Instant Grading Results

See where your score is now, not just where it could be.

Marksy criteria-wise feedback highlights

Criterion-Level Feedback

Marksy explains feedback by rubric criterion, so revision is targeted.

Marksy actionable todo feedback list

Action List To Improve

Get concrete next edits instead of vague "improve analysis" advice.

Marksy AI detection and highlight review

Confidence And Integrity Signals

Review flagged sections and strengthen authenticity before submission.