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Are you currently writing your Physics 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!
Physics EE Criteria and Checklist
Extended essays are marked for 30 points based on the following aspects:
Criterion A: Framework for the essay - 6 points
This criterion evaluates whether your research question, chosen methods, and structural conventions provide an effective foundation for your investigation. In Physics, your framework must be rooted in scientific methodology. You must clearly explain the suitability of your specific tools and procedures, ensuring they allow for a controlled investigation with defined variables. Your essay must follow standard academic structures, including appropriately labelled tables and figures that aid the clear communication of your findings.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Phrase your research question as a specific, focused question (not a statement) that includes the exact physical parameters you are investigating.
Clearly define and justify all variables - independent, dependent, and controlled - and specify how they will be measured or maintained.
Write your methodology with enough technical detail regarding apparatus and steps so that another researcher could exactly replicate your experiment.
Include a comprehensive table of contents and use informative subheadings to organize your work into logical sections like Methodology, Results, and Analysis.
Ensure every diagram and graph is numbered, captioned, and explicitly referenced within your text to guide the reader.
A good example can be found here.
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding - 6 points
You must demonstrate a deep grasp of the physics subject matter and the wider academic context of your research. This involves the accurate and consistent application of subject-specific terminology and concepts to show you understand the underlying physical laws. You are expected to use relevant research materials, including peer-reviewed scientific publications or reliable databases.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Integrate and explain relevant physics terminology naturally within your paragraphs rather than just listing definitions.
Explicitly discuss the underlying physical theories and laws that govern your topic to prove you understand the "why" behind your data.
Reference current, peer-reviewed scientific literature or textbooks to establish the theoretical background and context of your research question.
Use International System of Units (SI) consistently for all measurements, ensuring all data points in tables and graphs have the correct units.
Synthesize information from your sources into your own academic voice, avoiding over-extensive quoting, which can hide your own understanding.
A good example is seen in this EE.
Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument - 6 points
This criterion focuses on your ability to break down physical data to establish relevant findings that address your research question. Analysis must follow standard scientific processes, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, and statistical methods where appropriate. You must maintain a clear, reasoned thread throughout the essay, ensuring that every point of analysis is backed by evidence and logically leads the reader from your research question to your final conclusions.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Maintain a clear logical thread by explicitly explaining how each data point or calculation helps answer your original research question.
Perform all data processing yourself, including mathematical transformations or statistical analysis, even if you are using secondary data.
Include sample calculations for every type of mathematical calculation you perform to show the examiner exactly how you reached your results.
Use error bars on graphs and include mathematical uncertainties in your calculations to demonstrate a high level of scientific rigour.
Establish mini-conclusions at the end of each analysis section to summarize findings before moving on to the next part of your argument.
A good example can be read here.
Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation - 8 points
This criterion requires a balanced review of your findings in a scientific context. You must discuss the significance of your results, weighing them against established theories or published literature values. Evaluation is critical; you must analyze your methodology by identifying specific strengths and limitations, such as systemic or random errors. Your conclusion should be a supported synthesis of your findings that directly answers the research question and considers any broader implications or unresolved issues.
For a maximum of 8 points:
Compare your experimental results with values found in recognized scientific literature to discuss the significance and accuracy of your findings.
Critically evaluate your experimental setup by identifying specific sources of error and explaining exactly how they impacted your data's reliability.
Suggest specific, realistic improvements or extensions for future research based on the limitations you encountered during your investigation.
Ensure your final conclusion is a synthesis of all your results that answers the research question rather than just a summary of what you did.
Explicitly discuss the reliability and validity of any secondary sources or data sets you used to support your line of argument.
A strong example is seen here.
Criterion E: Reflection - 4 points
This criterion assesses your personal growth and engagement through a 500-word reflective statement on the Reflection and Progress Form (RPF). You should evaluate the impact of the extended essay experience on you as a learner, providing specific examples of growth and learning. This includes reflecting on how you overcame challenges, how your perspective on the topic changed, and how the skills you acquired can be used in future contexts.
For a maximum of 4 points:
Use your Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) to record specific moments or setbacks throughout the year to use as evidence in your final statement.
Reflect on how your understanding of a specific physics concept deepened or shifted as you moved from initial research to data analysis.
Provide concrete examples of how you responded to challenges, such as unexpected data results or equipment limitations, and the decisions you made as a result.
Detail exactly how the research skills mastered, such as using data-logging software, will be applied to your future university studies or career.
Discuss how the three mandatory sessions with your supervisor helped you set objectives and refine the direction of your physics investigation.
A meaningful reflection can be found here.
We hope you found this post helpful in learning more about the IB Physics 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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