IB ESS IA Criteria (2025): How to Meet the Requirements and Maximize Your Score
Expert strategies from tutors who’ve helped students score 7s in ESS
What Are the IB ESS IA Criteria?
The IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Internal Assessment is marked out of 24 points using five official assessment criteria:
Criterion A: Research question and context
Criterion B: Planning
Criterion C: Data collection and processing
Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation
Criterion E: Applications
Each ESS IA criterion focuses on a different skill - from framing a clear research question to showing environmental awareness and application.
This guide breaks down each ESS IA criterion in simple terms, explains what examiners are really looking for, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid - so you can maximize your ESS IA score with clarity and confidence.
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IB ESS IA Criteria Breakdown (A–E)
Below is a quick overview of what each ESS IA criterion assesses — followed by a breakdown of what examiners reward most, subtle details that boost your score, and common mistakes to avoid when writing your IB ESS IA
| Criterion | Marks | What it rewards |
|---|---|---|
| A | /4 | Clear research question, local relevance, environmental issue |
| B | /6 | Scientific design, variables, methodology, ethical considerations |
| C | /4 | Accurate data collection, tables, graphing, basic processing |
| D | /6 | Interpretation, evaluation, uncertainties, improvements |
| E | /4 | Personal engagement, environmental significance |
ESS IA Criterion A: Research Question and Context (out of 4)
What it rewards:
A well-defined research question that’s focused, feasible, and clearly rooted in an ESS topic. You also need to explain the environmental significance and local context.
In a strong ESS IA:
A clear, focused question like:
“What is the effect of nitrate levels in irrigation water on the biomass of spinach grown in urban allotments in Valencia?”
— plus a short paragraph explaining why this matters environmentally and locally.
Common mistake:
Questions that are too broad (e.g. “How does pollution affect plants?”) or disconnected from the environment (e.g. pure chemistry experiments). Lack of context is another red flag.
ESS IA Criterion B: Planning (out of 6)
What it rewards:
Clear planning of variables, controls, methodology, and safety/ethical/environmental considerations.
In a strong ESS IA:
You clearly identify your independent, dependent, and controlled variables, describe a repeatable method, and explain how your design minimizes errors and follows environmental ethics.
Common mistake:
Ignoring environmental or ethical considerations, or writing methods that are too vague for someone else to replicate.
ESS IA Criterion C: Data Collection and Processing (out of 4)
What it rewards:
Accurate, relevant, and well-processed data — including clear presentation in tables/graphs and appropriate statistical analysis.
In a strong ESS IA:
Raw data is organized clearly, and you use statistical tools (like standard deviation or trend lines) to process it. Graphs are labeled, units are clear, and you comment on anomalies.
Common mistake:
No processing beyond a table, unclear units or headings, or graphs that don’t match the research question.
ESS IA Criterion D: Discussion and Evaluation (out of 6)
What it rewards:
Depth of analysis. This means linking results back to your research question, discussing patterns and limitations, and evaluating both method and results critically.
In a strong ESS IA:
You interpret your results with reference to environmental concepts, acknowledge uncertainty, and propose specific improvements and extensions.
Common mistake:
Just summarizing data or stating the obvious (“the nitrate helped the plants grow”) without connecting to theory, method quality, or real-world implications.
ESS IA Criterion E: Applications (out of 4)
What it rewards:
You briefly but clearly explain the environmental significance of your findings — locally and globally.
In a strong IA:
You show how your results could inform local farming practices or how they connect to global sustainability goals (e.g. SDGs).
Common mistake:
Forgetting this section entirely, or being too vague (“This matters because pollution is bad”).
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ESS IA vs Biology, Chemistry, and Physics IAs: What’s Different?
The ESS IA is graded out of 24, like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics - but the focus shifts slightly.
In ESS, Criterion E includes personal engagement and real-world environmental application. That means you’re not just expected to analyze results - you’re expected to reflect on why your research matters, and how it connects to environmental issues around you.
This makes ESS feel more interdisciplinary and applied, compared to the lab-based focus of the experimental sciences.
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FAQs About IB ESS IA Marking
Do examiners want citations in the ESS IA?
Yes — your ESS IA should include proper citations and a final bibliography. Examiners expect you to back up background context, methodology, and environmental relevance with credible sources. Use in-text citations (e.g., APA or MLA) and make sure they’re consistent throughout.
Can I use a case study or existing data in the ESS IA?
Yes, but be careful. While you’re allowed to use secondary data, especially in situations where primary data is hard to collect, the IB still expects personal engagement and critical analysis. Make sure you clearly explain the source, reliability, and relevance of the data — and show your own thinking throughout.
Do I need to explain uncertainty in detail in the ESS IA?
Yes — especially in Criterion D (Discussion and Evaluation). Address uncertainties in your method, data collection, and interpretation. This shows scientific awareness and boosts your credibility. Discuss both systematic and random errors, and suggest improvements for future investigations.
How many graphs is enough in the ESS IA?
There’s no set number, but your graphs should clearly support your research question and analysis. Every graph should be:
Labeled properly
Include units
Easy to interpret
Avoid filler visuals. One excellent, well-explained graph beats five weak or repetitive ones.
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Is Your ESS IA Ready for Submission?
You’ve got a clear understanding of what each section is meant to show - and how to avoid common mistakes. Now it’s just about execution.
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