What to Look for in a Sample EE
Look for
Research Question Quality
How precise and arguable is the RQ? Is it clearly stated in the introduction? Does the entire essay work toward answering it?
Look for
Argument Structure
How is the body organised? Does each section build logically toward the conclusion? Is there a clear line of reasoning?
Look for
Source Use & Citation
How does the author integrate sources — as direct quotes, paraphrases, or data? Is every claim cited? Is the bibliography properly formatted?
Look for
Analysis Depth
When the author uses evidence, do they analyse it deeply or just describe it? What analytical language do they use?
Look for
Conclusion Quality
Does the conclusion directly answer the RQ? Does it synthesise or just summarise? Does it acknowledge limitations?
Look for
RPPF Reflections
What do the RPPF entries reveal about the student’s intellectual journey? Are they specific and self-aware or generic?
Understanding IB Examiner Reports
1
What are Examiner Reports?
The IB publishes annual examiner reports for the EE that summarise what students did well, common mistakes, and specific subject-area guidance. They are the closest thing to a marking guide you will find.
2
Where to access them
Official examiner reports are published on the IB’s My IB portal (requires school login). Unofficial summaries are available on IB subject communities and Reddit r/IBO.
3
How to use them
Read the report for YOUR subject before writing. Note the specific mistakes examiners flag. These are the exact errors you need to avoid in your own essay.
4
Most common examiner complaints
“Descriptive rather than analytical” · “RQ too broad” · “Sources not evaluated critically” · “Conclusion does not answer the RQ” · “RPPF entries too generic”
Common Patterns in Band A Essays
Pattern 1
Precise, Focused RQ
Every top essay has a Research Question so specific that 4,000 words is just enough to answer it — not too broad, not too narrow.
Pattern 2
Argument-Led Structure
Top essays are organised around arguments, not topics. Each section advances the overall thesis, not just describes a new aspect of the subject.
Pattern 3
Critical Source Engagement
Top essays use sources as evidence for arguments — they quote, paraphrase, and then interrogate the source’s limitations and reliability.
Pattern 4
Subject-Specific Vocabulary
Top essays use the precise vocabulary of their discipline (historiographical debate, marginal analysis, null hypothesis, motif) accurately and purposefully.
💡 Expert Tip
The best way to improve your own EE is to annotate a Band A sample essay in your subject — not just read it, but actively note every technique the author uses.
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