EE Playbook
Build a focused physics question, use subject knowledge accurately, and develop a clear chain of reasoning from evidence to conclusion.
Use this guide to keep the Physics Extended Essay disciplined around a specific physical phenomenon, accurate terminology, analytical depth, and a presentation that supports the argument rather than distracting from it.
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/effectively - Research question clear and focused - Methodology complete with evidence of informed selection
Common Penalty
- Topic communicated unclearly/incompletely - Research question stated but unclear/too broad - Methodology limited
Examiner Focus
Subject relevance and use of terminology/concepts
Top-Band Move
- Excellent knowledge/understanding - Good use of accurate terminology/concepts
Common Penalty
- Limited knowledge/understanding - Terminology/concepts unclear/limited
Examiner Focus
Analysis and evaluation of research
Top-Band Move
- Excellent research/analysis - Critical evaluation with well-supported conclusions
Common Penalty
- Limited research/analysis - Superficial evaluation *(Max 3 if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
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/incompletely - Research question stated but unclear/too broad - Methodology limited
Points 3-4
- Topic communicated adequately - Research question clear but partially focused - Methodology mostly complete *(Max 4 if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 5-6
- Topic communicated accurately/effectively - Research question clear and focused - Methodology complete with evidence of informed selection
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-2
- Limited knowledge/understanding - Terminology/concepts unclear/limited
Points 3-4
- Good knowledge/understanding - Adequate use of terminology/concepts *(Max 4 if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 5-6
- Excellent knowledge/understanding - Good use of accurate terminology/concepts
Points 0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.
Points 1-3
- Limited research/analysis - Superficial evaluation *(Max 3 if topic/RQ inappropriate for subject)*
Points 4-6
- Adequate research/analysis - Non-critical evaluation
Points 7-9
- Good research/analysis - Partially critical evaluation
Points 10-12
- Excellent research/analysis - Critical evaluation with well-supported conclusions
Did You Know? Most weak drafts fail from sequence chaos, not lack of ideas.
Step 1
Focus on one relationship, model, or effect that you can investigate with enough depth to sustain an essay.
Step 2
Use correct terminology, definitions, and theory so the essay reads like serious physics writing.
Step 3
Connect evidence, calculations, and interpretation into a coherent answer instead of a sequence of isolated facts.
Step 4
Make the structure, citations, and overall layout clear enough that the examiner can focus on the physics itself.
Did You Know?
Upload your Physics Extended Essay draft to Marksy and get criterion-level feedback on focus, knowledge, critical thinking, and presentation. 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.