Read the TOK and EE core-points matrix correctly

Understand what the matrix combines

TOK and the extended essay receive letter grades, and their combination contributes between zero and three points to the diploma total. CAS does not receive a letter grade or contribute points; the school assesses its completion. Use the official IB passing-criteria page when checking the matrix, because an old screenshot or informal explanation can contain errors. The matrix is a lookup tool, not a way to estimate your coursework grade from effort, word count or a particular writing formula.

Read one row and one column

Locate the EE grade in the row and the TOK grade in the column, then read their intersection. The current combinations for grades A through D are shown below. The E row or column is a failing condition rather than a zero-point combination. Keep the two components clearly labelled when discussing a result. Although this part of the matrix is symmetrical, learning to read the labels prevents confusion when checking other assessment tables that are not.

• EE A: TOK A or B gives 3; TOK C or D gives 2.
• EE B: TOK A gives 3; TOK B or C gives 2; TOK D gives 1.
• EE C: TOK A or B gives 2; TOK C gives 1; TOK D gives 0.
• EE D: TOK A gives 2; TOK B gives 1; TOK C or D gives 0.

Work through a grade-pair example

Consider an illustrative student with an EE grade C and a TOK grade B. The C row and B column intersect at two points. If the TOK grade instead became C, the same EE row would yield one point. This calculation illustrates the table only; it does not predict whether a student's draft will receive either grade. A teacher's feedback should guide improvements in the actual work, while the matrix explains the contribution once the grades are awarded.

Keep diploma conditions in view

A total of at least 24 points is one requirement for the diploma, alongside the other passing conditions. Reaching that total does not by itself establish eligibility. CAS completion, awarded grades and subject performance conditions also matter, and the matrix marks an E in TOK or EE as a failing condition. Check the complete official rules with the DP coordinator if you need to assess an actual result. Do not infer a diploma outcome solely from a core-points calculation or an informal predicted score.

Plan improvements in work rather than letters

If you want to strengthen TOK or the EE, identify the most consequential unresolved issue in each task: unclear focus, weak evidence, unsupported reasoning, missing required documentation or incomplete revision. Use permitted teacher or supervisor support to understand it. A matrix may show where grade combinations differ, but it does not tell you which task can improve most readily or how much work that will require. Make planning decisions using actual feedback, deadlines and the current state of the work.

Use the table responsibly in conversations

When discussing a target or result, state the assumed TOK and EE grades explicitly and distinguish predictions from awarded grades. Link the official table so others can check the calculation. If a component is incomplete or its grade is unknown, do not silently substitute a convenient letter. Confirm school requirements and submission status independently. A clear conversation might say, 'This assumed pair would yield two core points; both grades and all diploma conditions still need confirmation.' Precision helps the matrix inform planning without creating false certainty.