Criterion C of the IB MYP Individuals and Societies Rubric

The IB MYP places a strong emphasis on communication skills, particularly in the Individuals and Societies subject group. Criterion C: Communicating is designed to evaluate how effectively students can present their ideas and findings.

In this post I provide an explanation of Criterion C, breaking it down into its components and achievement levels.

Taken from the IB MYP Individuals and societies guide

What is Criterion C: Communicating?

Criterion C assesses a student’s ability to communicate information and ideas effectively by focusing on three key strands:

1. Communicating information and ideas effectively using an appropriate style for the audience and purpose.

2. Structuring information and ideas in a way that is appropriate to the specified format.

3. Documenting sources of information using a recognized convention.

Students are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 8, with descriptors outlining the level of proficiency in each strand. Let’s take a closer look at what each strand involves and how students can meet the expectations at different achievement levels.

1. Communicating Information and Ideas Effectively

What it means: Students must ensure their communication style matches the audience (e.g., formal or informal) and the purpose (e.g., informative, persuasive). The language, tone, and style used should align with the task requirements.

• Achievement descriptors:

  • At lower levels (1–2), communication is limited, and the style is not fully appropriate for the audience or purpose.

  • At mid-levels (3–4), communication is satisfactory, with a style that is somewhat appropriate.

  • At higher levels (5–6), students communicate accurately with a mostly appropriate style.

  • At the top levels (7–8), communication is effective and accurate, with a style that is completely appropriate.

Example: A student presenting on climate change to peers might use a formal tone, avoid overly technical jargon, and include visuals to enhance understanding. High-level performance would also ensure clarity and engagement.

2. Structuring Information and Ideas

What it means: This strand evaluates how well students organize their work to fit the required format (e.g., essay, presentation, report). A clear and logical structure enhances comprehension and demonstrates thoughtfulness.

• Achievement descriptors:

  • At lower levels (1–2), information and ideas are structured in a limited way, leading to confusion.

  • At mid-levels (3–4), the structure is somewhat appropriate but may lack coherence.

  • At higher levels (5–6), the structure is mostly appropriate and logical.

  • At the top levels (7–8), information and ideas are structured completely appropriately for the format.

Example: For a research report on economic inequality, a high-achieving student might include a clear introduction, organized sections with headings, and a logical conclusion, ensuring the content flows seamlessly.

3. Documenting Sources of Information

What it means: Properly citing sources is critical to ensure academic honesty and reliability. Students should use a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) consistently throughout their work.

• Achievement descriptors:

  • At lower levels (1–2), sources are documented in a limited way, often inconsistently or incorrectly.

  • At mid-levels (3–4), documentation is sometimes accurate but may lack consistency.

  • At higher levels (5–6), sources are documented accurately using a recognized convention.

  • At the top levels (7–8), documentation is consistent, accurate, and thorough.

Example: For a project on historical revolutions, a student achieving a high level would properly cite all books, websites, and primary sources in a consistent format, including a bibliography or works cited page.

Why is Criterion C Important?

Communication is a fundamental skill in both academic and real-world settings. Criterion C helps students learn how to:

• Tailor their communication to specific audiences and purposes.

• Organize their ideas clearly to convey information effectively.

• Respect intellectual property and maintain academic integrity through proper citation.

These skills are essential for success in higher education and professional environments.

Tips for Success in Criterion C

1. Know your audience and purpose: Adjust your tone, style, and content based on who you’re communicating with and why.

2. Follow the required format: Before starting, review the format guidelines for your task and stick to them.

3. Use citations correctly: Learn and consistently apply a recognized citation style to document your sources.

4. Practice clarity: Make your points concise and easy to understand. Avoid unnecessary complexity.

Through Criterion C, students become effective communicators who can express their ideas clearly, organize their work logically, and respect the intellectual contributions of others. For teachers, guiding students by giving them ample opportunities to share and present their ideas can help them build such skills.