This document outlines the four criteria for assessing students in the Individuals and Societies subject group in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme: Criterion A is knowing and understanding subject content, Criterion B is investigating research questions, Criterion C is communicating information appropriately, and Criterion D is thinking critically about concepts and sources. Each criterion lists what students should be able to do to demonstrate their achievement.

1. MYP
INDIVIDUALS
and SOCIETIES
Criteria of Assessment

2. Criteria of Assessment
Criterion A: Knowing and understanding
Criterion B: Investigating
Criterion C: Communicating
Criterion D: Thinking Critically

3. Criterion A:
Knowing and Understanding
Students should be able to:
use a range of terminology in context
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
subject-specific content and concepts, through
descriptions, explanations and examples.

4. Criterion B: Investigating
Students should be able to:
formulate/choose a clear and focused research
question, explaining its relevance
formulate and follow an action plan to investigate a
research question
use methods to collect and record relevant information
evaluate the process and results of the investigation, with
guidance.

5. Criterion C: Communicating
Students should be able to:
communicate information and ideas in a way that is
appropriate for the audience and purpose
structure information and ideas according to the task
instructions
create a reference list and cite sources of information.

6. Criterion D: Thinking Critically
Students should be able to:
analyse concepts, issues, models, visual representation
and/or theories
summarize information to make valid, well-supported
arguments
analyse a range of sources/data in terms of origin and
purpose, recognizing value and limitations
recognize different perspectives and explain their
implications.

7. Source:
- Middle Years Programme (2014) Individuals and Societies Guide.
Retrived in March 2016 from
https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/server2/rest/app/tsm.xql?doc=m_3_human_guu_1409_2_e&