Three criteria, out of 30: Paper 1 (HL) is marked out of 30 on three criteria — here's what each one rewards:
How your 30 marks split
A — Language
the range and accuracy of your vocabulary and grammar
the language itself
B — Message
how relevant, developed and organised your ideas are
your ideas
C — Conceptual
text-type conventions and tone matched to your reader
the right form & tone
Write for the marker, not just the page: Every feature you add can be tied to a criterion: a varied verb (A), a developed reason (B), a proper sign-off (C). If you can name which criterion a sentence is winning, you're writing like a candidate who scores.
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One move per criterion: You don't earn the criteria by luck — each rewards a specific habit you can build in. Show a range of language (A), develop every idea (B), organise clearly (B), use the conventions (C) and match the tone (C). Do all five and you've touched all three criteria.
Earn marks on every criterion
Show a range of language (A)
Reach for varied vocabulary, a mix of basic and more complex grammar, and the odd idiom instead of repeating the same easy words — range and accuracy are what Criterion A rewards.
Develop each idea fully (B)
Don't just list points — back each one with a reason or example. Developed, relevant ideas are what Criterion B rewards.
Organise with paragraphs & connectors (B)
Group ideas into clear paragraphs and link them with connectors so the message flows — organisation also counts towards Criterion B.
Use the text-type conventions (C)
Give the text the features its form needs — a blog title, an email greeting and sign-off, an article's headline and conclusion — to bank Criterion C.
Match the tone to the reader (C)
Choose a formal or friendly tone to fit your reader and keep it consistent throughout — tone is the rest of Criterion C.
Range → Develop → Organise → Conventions → Tone
C is the easiest to lose and to win: Language (A) and ideas (B) take years to build, but Criterion C is fast: the right greeting, sign-off and tone cost you nothing and bank up to 6 marks. Never write a strong answer in the wrong form — that throws C away.
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One paragraph, three criteria: Here's a short slice of a blog post with the marker's eyes on it — each line is doing a job for a different criterion. Watch how a greeting, a varied sentence, a developed idea and a sign-off each bank marks.
One paragraph, three criteria
What earns each mark
- “Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!” — A friendly greeting that opens a blog and speaks straight to the reader. This is a text-type convention in the right tone, so it earns Criterion C (conceptual understanding).
- “Reading at night not only widens your vocabulary but also helps you unwind after a long day.” — Varied vocabulary and a “not only… but also” structure show range and control of language — that earns Criterion A (language).
- “For example, ever since I started reading for half an hour before bed, I fall asleep faster and feel calmer.” — The idea is developed with a personal reason and a concrete example, not just stated. A relevant, developed message earns Criterion B (message).
- “So why not give it a try? Your mind — and your sleep — will thank you for it.” — A clear call to action that fits a blog and keeps the friendly tone for fellow students — that earns Criterion B and Criterion C.
- “Take care, and I'll see you in the next post!” — A sign-off in the right tone closes the blog properly — another text-type convention, earning Criterion C.
Make every sentence earn something: Notice that no sentence is wasted: the greeting and sign-off win C, the varied structure wins A, and the reason-plus-example wins B. Aim to write so that, line by line, you could point at the criterion each sentence is earning.
What lifts vs sinks each criterion: Most lost marks come from predictable habits, criterion by criterion. Here's the contrast: the left column banks marks on A, B and C; the right column throws the same marks away. Fix these and your grade climbs without learning a single new word.
Lifts your mark
- Varied vocabulary and a mix of grammar → lifts A.
- Develop each idea with an example → lifts B.
- Use the text-type conventions → lifts C.
- Keep the right tone for the reader → lifts C.
Lowers your mark
- Repeat the same easy words again and again → loses A.
- List points with no reasons or examples → loses B.
- Write a generic essay that ignores the text type → loses C.
- Use the wrong tone (slang for a formal task) → loses C.
Protect C — it's the cheapest 6 marks: The most common avoidable loss is Criterion C: a strong, accurate answer written in the wrong form or tone. Before you write, name the text type and tone in your head and give the text its features — that protects up to 6 marks for free.