Assessment
Assessment in the Diploma Programme
General
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. The most important aims of assessment in the Diploma
Programme (DP) are that it should support curricular goals and encourage appropriate student learning. Both
external and internal assessments are used in the DP. IB examiners mark work produced for external assessment,
while work produced for internal assessment is marked by teachers and externally moderated by the IB.
There are two types of assessment identified by the IB.
•
Formative assessment informs both teaching and learning. It is concerned with providing accurate
and helpful feedback to students and teachers on the kind of learning taking place, and the
nature of students’ strengths and weaknesses, in order to help develop students’ understanding
and capabilities. Formative assessment can also help to improve teaching quality, as it can provide
information to monitor progress towards meeting the course aims and objectives.
•
Summative assessment gives an overview of previous learning and is concerned with measuring
student achievement.
The DP primarily focuses on summative assessment designed to record student achievement at, or towards
the end of, the course of study. However, many of the assessment instruments can also be used formatively
during the course of teaching and learning, and teachers are encouraged to do this. A comprehensive
assessment plan is viewed as being integral with teaching, learning and course organization. For further
information, see the IB Programme standards and practices document.
The approach to assessment used by the IB is criterion-related, not norm-referenced. This approach to
assessment judges students’ work by their performance in relation to identified levels of attainment, and
not in relation to the work of other students. For further information on assessment within the DP, please
refer to the publication Diploma Programme assessment: Principles and practice.
To support teachers in the planning, delivery and assessment of the DP courses, a variety of resources can
be found on the programme resource centre or purchased from the IB store (store.ibo.org). Additional
publications such as specimen papers and markschemes, teacher support materials, subject reports and
grade descriptors can also be found on the programme resource centre. Past examination papers as well as
markschemes can be purchased from the IB store.
Methods of assessment
The IB uses several methods to assess work produced by students.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria are used when the assessment task is open-ended. Each criterion concentrates on
a particular skill that students are expected to demonstrate. An assessment objective describes what
students should be able to do, and assessment criteria describe how well they should be able to do it. Using
assessment criteria allows discrimination between different answers and encourages a variety of responses.
Each criterion comprises a set of hierarchically ordered level descriptors. Each level descriptor is worth one
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or more marks. Each criterion is applied independently using a best-fit model. The maximum marks for each
criterion may differ according to the criterion’s importance. The marks awarded for each criterion are added
together to give the total mark for the piece of work.
Markbands
Markbands are a comprehensive statement of expected performance against which responses are judged.
They represent a single holistic criterion divided into level descriptors. Each level descriptor corresponds
to a range of marks to differentiate student performance. A best-fit approach is used to ascertain which
particular mark to use from the possible range for each level descriptor.
Markschemes
Markschemes are prepared for those examination questions that expect a particular kind of response and/
or a given final answer from students. They give detailed instructions to examiners on how to break down
the total mark for each question for different parts of the response.
Marking notes
Marking notes are provided for some assessment components marked using assessment criteria. Marking
notes give guidance on how to apply assessment criteria to the particular requirements of a question.
Inclusive assessment arrangements
Inclusive assessment arrangements are available for candidates with assessment access requirements.
These arrangements enable candidates with diverse needs to access the examinations and demonstrate
their knowledge and understanding of the constructs being assessed.
The IB document Candidates with assessment access requirements provides details on all the inclusive
assessment arrangements available to candidates with learning support requirements. The IB document
Learning diversity in the International Baccalaureate programmes: Special educational needs within the
International Baccalaureate programmes outlines the position of the IB with regard to candidates with diverse
learning needs in the IB programmes. For candidates affected by adverse circumstances, the IB documents
General regulations: Diploma Programme and the Diploma Programme Assessment procedures provide details
on access consideration.
The school is required to ensure that equal access arrangements and reasonable adjustments are provided
to candidates with learning support requirements that are in line with the IB documents Candidates with
assessment access requirements and Learning diversity in the International Baccalaureate programmes: Special
educational needs within the International Baccalaureate programmes.
Acknowledging the ideas or work of another person
Coordinators and teachers are reminded that candidates must acknowledge all sources used in work
submitted for assessment. The following is intended as a clarification of this requirement.
DP candidates submit work for assessment in a variety of media that may include audio-visual material, text,
graphs, images and/or data published in print or electronic sources. If a candidate uses the work or ideas
of another person, the candidate must acknowledge the source using a standard style of referencing in a
consistent manner. A candidate’s failure to acknowledge a source will be investigated by the IB as a potential
breach of regulations that may result in a penalty imposed by the IB final award committee.
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The IB does not prescribe which style(s) of referencing or in-text citation should be used by candidates; this
is left to the discretion of appropriate faculty/staff in the candidate’s school. The wide range of subjects,
three response languages and the diversity of referencing styles make it impractical and restrictive to insist
on particular styles. In practice, certain styles may prove most commonly used, but schools are free to
choose a style that is appropriate for the subject concerned and the language in which candidates’ work is
written. Regardless of the reference style adopted by the school for a given subject, it is expected that the
minimum information given includes: name of author, date of publication, title of source and page numbers,
as applicable.
Candidates are expected to use a standard style and use it consistently so that credit is given to all sources
used, including sources that have been paraphrased or summarized. When writing text, a candidate must
clearly distinguish between their words and those of others by the use of quotation marks (or other method,
such as indentation) followed by an appropriate citation that denotes an entry in the bibliography. If an
electronic source is cited, the date of access must be indicated. Candidates are not expected to show faultless
expertise in referencing, but are expected to demonstrate that all sources have been acknowledged.
Candidates must be advised that for audio-visual material, text, graphs, images and/or data published in
print or in electronic sources that is not their own, they must also attribute the source. Again, an appropriate
style of referencing/citation must be used.
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Assessment
Assessment outline—SL
First assessment 2020
Assessment component
Weighting
External assessment (2 hours 30 minutes)
75%
Paper 1 (1 hour)
Source-based paper based on the five prescribed subjects. Choose one prescribed
subject from a choice of five. Answer four structured questions. (24 marks)
30%
Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes)
Essay paper based on the 12 world history topics. Answer two essay questions on two
different topics. (30 marks)
45%
Internal assessment (20 hours)
25%
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB
at the end of the course.
Historical investigation
Students are required to complete a historical investigation into a topic of their choice.
(25 marks)
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Assessment
Assessment outline—HL
First assessment 2020
Assessment component
Weighting
External assessment (5 hours)
80%
Paper 1 (1 hour)
Source-based paper based on the five prescribed subjects. Choose one prescribed
subject from a choice of five. Answer four structured questions. (24 marks)
20%
Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes)
Essay paper based on the 12 world history topics. Answer two essay questions on two
different topics. (30 marks)
25%
Paper 3 (2 hours 30 minutes)
Separate papers for each of the four regional options. For the selected region, answer
three essay questions. (45 marks)
35%
Internal assessment (20 hours)
20%
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB
at the end of the course.
Historical investigation
Students are required to complete a historical investigation into a topic of their choice.
(25 marks)
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External assessment
Two different methods are used to assess work produced by students.
•
Markbands
•
Detailed markschemes specific to each examination paper
The markbands for each component are published in this guide. The markbands are related to the assessment
objectives established for the history course and the group 3 grade descriptors. The markschemes are
specific to each examination.
External assessment details
Paper 1 (SL and HL)
Duration: 1 hour
Weighting: 30% SL, 20% HL
Paper 1 is a source-based examination paper based on the prescribed subjects. Each prescribed subject
consists of two specified case studies, and in each examination session the paper will focus on one of the
two case studies specified for each prescribed subject.
The paper will contain four sources for each prescribed subject. Sources will be primary or a mixture of
primary and secondary, and may be written, pictorial or diagrammatic. The paper will consist of four
questions for each prescribed subject, and students must answer all four questions from their chosen
prescribed subject. Some questions will be answered using only evidence from one or more of the sources,
as indicated. In other questions students will be asked to use their own knowledge of the prescribed subject
as well as evidence contained in the sources.
First question, part A
This question will test understanding of one of the sources.
3 marks
First question, part B
This question will test understanding of one of the sources.
2 marks
Second question
This question will ask students to analyse the value and
limitations of one of the sources. In their analysis of
value and limitations, students should refer to the origin,
purpose and content of the specified source.
4 marks
Third question
This question will ask students to compare and contrast
what two of the sources reveal to a historian studying the
particular aspect of the prescribed subject.
6 marks
Fourth question
This will be an evaluative question that asks students to
draw on both the sources and their own knowledge in
their evaluation.
9 marks
The maximum mark for this paper is 24. The paper is marked using a paper-specific markscheme, except for
the final question for each prescribed subject, which is marked using the generic markbands that follow, in
addition to a paper-specific markscheme.
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External assessment
External markbands—paper 1 (fourth question) (SL and HL)
Marks
0
1–3
Level descriptor
The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
The response lacks focus on the question.
References to the sources are made, but at this level these references are
likely to consist of descriptions of the content of the sources rather than the
sources being used as evidence to support the analysis.
No own knowledge is demonstrated or, where it is demonstrated, it is
inaccurate or irrelevant.
4–6
The response is generally focused on the question.
References are made to the sources, and these references are used as
evidence to support the analysis.
Where own knowledge is demonstrated, this lacks relevance or accuracy.
There is little or no attempt to synthesize own knowledge and source
material.
7–9
The response is focused on the question.
Clear references are made to the sources, and these references are used
effectively as evidence to support the analysis.
Accurate and relevant own knowledge is demonstrated. There is effective
synthesis of own knowledge and source material.
Paper 2 (SL and HL)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting: 45% SL, 25% HL
Paper 2 is an essay paper based on the 12 world history topics.
The paper consists of two questions for each of the 12 topics. Students must answer two questions, each
selected from a different topic. Some comparative questions on this paper require that examples be drawn
from more than one region. When the word “region” is used in a paper 2 question, it refers to one of the
four regional options defined by the world map in the introduction to the world history topics in the “World
history topics” section.
The maximum mark for this paper is 30. The paper is marked using generic markbands and a paper-specific
markscheme.
Paper 3 (HL only)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Weighting: 35%
Each of the four HL regional options has a separate examination paper. Students are registered for one of
these papers.
The paper 3 examination paper for each regional option will consist of 36 questions, consisting of two essay
questions on each of the 18 sections specified for the regional option. Students must answer any three
questions. Questions that refer to specific countries, events or people are restricted to those listed in the
syllabus descriptions. The maximum mark for this paper is 45. The paper is marked using generic markbands
and a paper-specific markscheme.
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External assessment
External markbands—paper 2 (SL and HL)
Marks
0
1–3
Level descriptor
Answers do not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
There is little understanding of the demands of the question. The response
is poorly structured or, where there is a recognizable essay structure, there
is minimal focus on the task.
Little knowledge of the world history topic is present.
The student identifies examples to discuss, but these examples are factually
incorrect, irrelevant or vague.
The response contains little or no critical analysis. The response may consist
mostly of generalizations and poorly substantiated assertions.
4–6
The response indicates some understanding of the demands of the
question. While there may be an attempt to follow a structured approach,
the response lacks clarity and coherence.
Knowledge of the world history topic is demonstrated, but lacks accuracy
and relevance. There is a superficial understanding of historical context.
The student identifies specific examples to discuss, but these examples are
vague or lack relevance.
There is some limited analysis, but the response is primarily narrative/
descriptive in nature rather than analytical.
7–9
The response indicates an understanding of the demands of the question,
but these demands are only partially addressed. There is an attempt to
follow a structured approach.
Knowledge of the world history topic is partly accurate and relevant. Events
are generally placed in their historical context.
The examples that the student chooses to discuss are appropriate and
relevant. The response makes links and/or comparisons (as appropriate to
the question).
The response moves beyond description to include some analysis or critical
commentary, but this is not sustained.
10–12
The demands of the question are understood and addressed. Responses
are generally well structured and organized, although there is some
repetition or lack of clarity in places.
Knowledge of the world history topic is mostly accurate and relevant.
Events are placed in their historical context, and there is some
understanding of historical concepts.
The examples that the student chooses to discuss are appropriate and
relevant, and are used to support the analysis/evaluation. The response
makes effective links and/or comparisons (as appropriate to the question).
The response contains critical analysis, which is mainly clear and coherent.
There is some awareness and evaluation of different perspectives. Most of
the main points are substantiated and the response argues to a consistent
conclusion.
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External assessment
Marks
Level descriptor
13–15
Responses are clearly focused, showing a high degree of awareness of the
demands and implications of the question. Responses are well structured
and effectively organized.
Knowledge of the world history topic is accurate and relevant. Events are
placed in their historical context, and there is a clear understanding of
historical concepts.
The examples that the student chooses to discuss are appropriate and
relevant, and are used effectively to support the analysis/evaluation. The
response makes effective links and/or comparisons (as appropriate to the
question).
The response contains clear and coherent critical analysis. There is
evaluation of different perspectives, and this evaluation is integrated
effectively into the answer. All, or nearly all, of the main points are
substantiated, and the response argues to a consistent conclusion.
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External assessment
External markbands—paper 3 (HL)
Marks
0
1–3
Level descriptor
Response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
There is little understanding of the demands of the question. The response
is poorly structured or, where there is a recognizable essay structure, there
is minimal focus on the task.
Little knowledge is present. Where specific examples are referred to, they
are factually incorrect, irrelevant or vague.
The response contains little or no critical analysis. It may consist mostly of
generalizations and poorly substantiated assertions.
4–6
The response indicates some understanding of the demands of the
question. While there may be an attempt to follow a structured approach,
the response lacks clarity and coherence.
Knowledge is demonstrated but lacks accuracy and relevance. There is a
superficial understanding of historical context. The answer makes use of
specific examples, although these may be vague or lack relevance.
There is some limited analysis, but the response is primarily narrative/
descriptive in nature, rather than analytical.
7–9
10–12
The response indicates an understanding of the demands of the question,
but these demands are only partially addressed. There is an attempt to
follow a structured approach.
Knowledge is partly accurate and relevant. Events are generally placed in
their historical context. Examples used are appropriate and relevant.
The response moves beyond description to include some analysis or critical
commentary, but this is not sustained.
The demands of the question are understood and addressed. Answers
are generally well structured and organized, although there may be some
repetition or lack of clarity in places.
Knowledge is mostly accurate and relevant. Events are placed in their
historical context, and there is a clear understanding of historical concepts.
Examples used are appropriate and relevant, and are used to support the
analysis/evaluation.
Arguments are mainly clear and coherent. There is some awareness and
evaluation of different perspectives.
The response contains critical analysis. Most of the main points are
substantiated, and the response argues to a consistent conclusion.
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External assessment
Marks
Level descriptor
13–15
Responses are clearly focused, showing a high degree of awareness of the
demands and implications of the question. Answers are well structured,
balanced and effectively organized.
Knowledge is detailed, accurate and relevant. Events are placed in their
historical context, and there is a clear understanding of historical concepts.
Examples used are appropriate and relevant, and are used effectively to
support the analysis/evaluation.
Arguments are clear and coherent. There is evaluation of different
perspectives, and this evaluation is integrated effectively into the answer.
The answer contains well-developed critical analysis. All, or nearly all, of
the main points are substantiated, and the response argues to a reasoned
conclusion.
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