P1 SL/HL assessment criteria

Note that the following descriptors have been modified from the official IB descriptors to avoid copyright issues.
Paper 1 SL/HL assessment criteria
Paper 1 SL/HL assessment criteria: Key terms
Criterion A: Understanding and interpretation
  • To what extent does the analysis show an understanding of the text and make inferences from it?
  • To what extent are interpretations supported by relevant references to the text?
Marks Descriptor
1 The analysis shows little knowledge and understanding of the text. Interpretations are rarely supported by references to the text.
2 The analysis shows some knowledge and understanding of the text. Interpretations are sometimes supported by references to the text.
3 The analysis shows adequate knowledge and understanding of the text. Interpretations are generally supported by references to the text.
4 The analysis shows a good knowledge and understanding of the text. Interpretations are frequently supported by appropriate references to the text.
5 The analysis shows a perceptive knowledge and understanding of the text. Interpretations are effectively supported by convincing references to the text.

Criterion B: Analysis and evaluation
  • To what extent does the analysis show textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning?
Marks Descriptor
1 The analysis shows little textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning.
2 The analysis shows some textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning.
3 The analysis shows adequate textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning.
4 The analysis shows good textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning.
5 The analysis shows insightful textual analysis and evaluation of how the author uses stylistic and structural features to shape meaning.

Criterion C: Coherence, focus and organisation
  • To what extent does the analysis show coherence, focus and organisation?
Marks Descriptor
1 The analysis shows little coherence, focus and organisation.
2 The analysis shows some coherence, focus and organisation.
3 The analysis shows adequate coherence, focus and organisation.
4 The analysis shows good coherence, focus and organisation.
5 The analysis shows effective coherence, focus and organisation.

Criterion D: Language
  • To what extent is the student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology accurate, varied and effective?
Marks Descriptor
1 The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is rarely accurate, varied and effective.
2 The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is sometimes accurate, varied and effective.
3 The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is generally accurate, varied and effective.
4 The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is frequently accurate, varied and effective.
5 The student’s use of vocabulary, tone, syntax, style and terminology is convincingly accurate, varied and effective.

Last modified: Monday, 30 May 2022, 2:00 PM