IB MYP Math Criterion A — Knowing and Understanding (8 Marks)
Criterion A assesses your ability to select and apply mathematical knowledge, concepts, and techniques to solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. It is worth 8 marks and appears in virtually every summative task in MYP Math.
What Does Criterion A Assess?
The IB defines Criterion A as the ability to:
- Select appropriate mathematics to solve problems
- Apply mathematics correctly in familiar situations (problems similar to those seen in class)
- Apply mathematics correctly in unfamiliar situations (novel problems requiring transfer of knowledge)
- Solve problems correctly in a variety of contexts
Note the distinction between familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Many students score well on familiar problems but struggle when the same concepts appear in a new setting. Criterion A specifically rewards the ability to make that transfer.
MYP Criterion A Mark Descriptors
| Marks | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 0 | The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below. |
| 1–2 | The student is able to select and apply mathematical knowledge to solve simple problems in familiar situations with limited success. |
| 3–4 | The student is able to select and apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems in familiar situations and, with guidance, in unfamiliar situations. |
| 5–6 | The student is able to select and apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems correctly in both familiar and unfamiliar situations. |
| 7–8 | The student is able to select and apply mathematical knowledge to solve problems correctly in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar situations, and justify or verify the reasonableness of solutions. |
How to Score 7–8 on Criterion A
- Show your method clearly: Examiners cannot award marks for correct answers without working. Show every step, even when it seems obvious.
- Verify your answers: Students who score 7–8 check their solutions — substituting back, using an alternative method, or considering whether the answer makes sense in context.
- Tackle unfamiliar problems systematically: When a problem looks new, break it down into parts you recognise. Identify what you know, what you need, and which mathematical tool connects them.
- Avoid careless errors: A single arithmetic error in a multi-step problem can cost 2–3 marks. Review your calculations before submitting.
Common Weaknesses
- Skipping steps in algebra, causing errors that are hard to trace
- Not reading the problem carefully enough to identify what is being asked
- Applying a familiar technique to a problem that requires a modified approach
- Not checking units or reasonableness of final answers
Get MYP Math Support in Dubai
Mr. Ahmad works with MYP Math students in Dubai to build the problem-solving fluency Criterion A demands — not just through practice, but through developing the mathematical thinking that transfers across contexts. Contact us to discuss your child’s MYP Math needs.
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