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Are you currently writing your Maths EE? Don't worry, we are here to help you write an Extended Essay that will meet the new IB assessment criteria for first assessment in 2027. Keep reading for our suggestions based on the official IB EE rubric!
Maths EE Criteria and Checklist
You can receive a total of 30 points for your extended essay based on the following criteria:
Criterion A: Framework for the essay - 6 points
This criterion focuses on whether your research question, chosen mathematical methods, and structural conventions provide an effective foundation for your essay. In Mathematics, your framework must be clear and focused, ensuring the topic is manageable within the 4,000-word limit. You need to explain and justify your chosen methods, whether you are exploring a theoretical problem or applying math to a practical issue. A well-structured math essay uses informative headings and correct mathematical notation to ensure your research is communicated effectively to the reader.
For a maximum of 6 points:
State your research question as a focused question that clearly identifies the specific mathematical topic you are exploring.
Use a professional equation editor for all algebra and formulas to ensure standard mathematical presentation and readability.
Include an introduction that clearly explains what you plan to achieve and why the topic is mathematically significant.
Ensure every step in a proof or derivation is shown on a new line with clear logical connectors so the reader can follow your reasoning.
Label all diagrams, graphs, and tables with unique figure numbers and descriptive titles, and refer to them explicitly in your text.
A good example can be seen here.
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding - 6 points
To score well here, you must demonstrate a deep grasp of the mathematical concepts and terminology relevant to your topic. You should show how your research connects to the wider context of mathematics by referencing appropriate sources, such as textbooks or academic journals. Accuracy is key; your use of notation and definitions must be consistent and reflect the academic standards of the discipline.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Start your investigation from a point that is familiar in your DP syllabus before progressing into more advanced or specialized mathematics.
Define any mathematical terms or variables the first time they appear to show you understand their specific application in your research.
Incorporate at least a few high-quality sources, such as mathematical journals or advanced texts, to provide theoretical background.
Provide an illustrative example for any complex theorems you use but do not prove, showing you understand how the theorem functions.
Maintain a formal, academic tone, avoiding overly casual language when describing mathematical relationships or properties.
A good example can be read here.
Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument - 6 points
This criterion looks for a reasoned thread that runs through your essay, linking your research question to your findings and final conclusions. In Maths, this means your calculations and logical steps must be relevant and move the argument forward. You must break down complex ideas into essential elements to establish clear findings. If you are using data, your analysis must be your own work and should be used to directly address the research question rather than just presenting raw numbers.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Check that every paragraph or section has a clear purpose that explicitly helps answer your main research question.
Always use raw data for practical investigations, as processing data that has already been manipulated limits your ability to show original analysis.
Include mini-conclusions after major proofs or data sets to summarize what has been proven so far in the context of your argument.
Explicitly show all intermediate steps in your calculations so the reader can verify the logical flow and accuracy of your work.
A good example can be seen here.
Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation - 8 points
This criterion requires you to review the significance of your findings and evaluate the effectiveness of your research. You should discuss what your mathematical results actually mean and consider any limitations in your approach, such as assumptions made in a model. Evaluation goes hand-in-hand with discussion; you need to weigh the strengths of your findings against any constraints. A strong essay ends with a summative conclusion that reflects on the research and identifies any unresolved questions.
For a maximum of 8 points:
Compare your results with known theoretical values or other mathematical models to discuss the accuracy and significance of your work.
Identify and explain the impact of any simplifying assumptions you made when setting up a mathematical model for a real-world problem.
Address any negative results or data that didn't fit your expectations, as evaluating why a model failed is very valuable.
Propose specific ways the investigation could be extended or how the methodology could be improved to achieve more precise results.
Ensure your final conclusion is a synthesis of your findings that directly addresses the research question posed in the introduction.
A thoughtful discussion is present in this EE.
Criterion E: Reflection - 4 points
Reflection is about looking back at your extended essay journey and thinking about how it has impacted you as a learner. You are assessed on your 500-word reflective statement, which is written after your three mandatory sessions with your supervisor. You should provide specific examples of how you responded to challenges, how your perspective changed, and how you might transfer the skills you've learned to other areas of your life.
For a maximum of 4 points:
Use a Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) to record your thoughts and setbacks throughout the process so you have specific evidence for your final statement.
Reflect on how your understanding of a particular mathematical concept deepened or shifted as you moved from initial reading to independent work.
Describe a specific mathematical hurdle you faced and explain the logic you used to overcome it.
Discuss how the feedback from your supervisor during the EE journey helped you refine your research direction.
Explain how the analytical skills you developed during the EE will be useful in your future university studies or career path.
A strong reflection can be seen here.
We hope you found this post helpful in learning more about the IB Maths criteria. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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