IB DP | English A: Language & Literature SL | Assessment Criteria
0 1
Criterion A: Understanding
and Interpretation
How well does the candidate
demonstrate an understanding
of the text and draw reasoned
conclusions from implications
in it?
How well are ideas supported
by references to the text?
Criterion B: Analysis and
Evaluation
To what extent does the
candidate analyze and
evaluate how textual features
and/or authorial choices shape
meaning?
Criterion C: Focus and
Organization
How well organized, coherent
and focused is the
presentation of ideas?
Criterion D: Language
How clear, varied and accurate following descriptors.
is the language?
How appropriate is the choice
of register and style?
(“Register” refers, in this
context, to the candidate’s use
of elements such as
vocabulary, tone, sentence
structure and terminology
appropriate to the analysis.)
2 3
The work does not reach a The response demonstrates
standard described by the little understanding of the literal some understanding of the
following descriptors. meaning of the text.
References to the text are
infrequent or are rarely
appropriate.
The work does not reach a The response is descriptive
standard described by the and/or demonstrates little
following descriptors. relevant analysis of textual
features and/or authorial
choices
The work does not reach a Little organization is apparent
standard described by the in the presentation of ideas. No
following descriptors. discernible focus is apparent in
the analysis.
The work does not reach a Language is rarely clear and
standard described by the appropriate; there are many
errors in grammar, vocabulary
and sentence construction and
little sense of register and
style.
The response demonstrates
literal meaning of the text.
References to the text are at
times appropriate.
The response demonstrates
some appropriate analysis of
textual features and/or
authorial choices, but is reliant
on description
Some organization is apparent
in the presentation of ideas.
There is little focus in the
analysis.
Language is sometimes clear
and carefully chosen;
grammar, vocabulary and
sentence construction are fairly
accurate, although errors and
inconsistencies are apparent;
the register and style are to
some extent appropriate to the
task.
4 5
The response demonstrates an The response demonstrates a The response demonstrates a
understanding of the literal thorough understanding of the thorough and perceptive
meaning of the text. There is literal meaning of the text. understanding of the literal
a satisfactory interpretation of There is a convincing meaning of the text. There is a
some implications of the text. interpretation of many convincing and insightful
implications of the text. interpretation of larger
References to the text are implications and subtleties of
generally relevant and mostly References to the text are the text.
support the candidate’s ideas. relevant and support the
candidate’s ideas. References to the text are well
chosen and effectively support
the candidate’s ideas.
The response demonstrates a The response demonstrates an The response demonstrates an
generally appropriate analysis appropriate and at times insightful and convincing
of textual features and/or insightful analysis of textual analysis of textual features
authorial choices. features and/or authorial and/or authorial choices. There
choices. There is a good is a very good evaluation of
evaluation of how such how such features and/or
features and/or choices shape choices shape meaning.
meaning.
The presentation of ideas is The presentation of ideas is The presentation of ideas is
adequately organized in a well organized and mostly effectively organized and
generally coherent manner. coherent. The analysis is coherent. The analysis is well
There is some focus in the adequately focused. focused.
analysis.
Language is clear and carefully Language is clear and carefully Language is very clear,
chosen, with an adequate chosen, with a good degree of effective, carefully chosen and
degree of accuracy in accuracy in grammar, precise, with a high degree of
grammar, vocabulary and vocabulary and sentence accuracy in grammar,
sentence construction despite construction; register and style vocabulary and sentence
some lapses; register and style are consistently appropriate to construction; register and style
are mostly appropriate to the the task. are effective and appropriate to
task. the task.