Personal Project · Year 5
Personal Project — Overview & Requirements
The Personal Project is the capstone of the MYP. Every Grade 10 student must complete an independent, self-directed project of approximately 50 hours. It is assessed externally by the IB against three criteria totalling 24 points, and contributes directly to the MYP Certificate.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- A product or outcome of your choosing — website, artwork, film, research paper, physical object, event, business plan, etc.
- A written report of 1,500–3,500 words demonstrating planning, skill application, and reflection
- An ongoing process journal documenting research, decisions, challenges, and growth
- One school supervisor who guides but does not direct
- Approximately 50 hours of independent work
- Submission of both the report and evidence of the product (photos, screenshots, video, etc.)
Criteria and Maximum Marks
Criterion A — Planning (8 marks): Define a clear goal and global context; identify prior knowledge; plan action steps; address ethical considerations.
Criterion B — Applying Skills (8 marks): Demonstrate and reflect on ATL skills (research, communication, self-management, social, thinking) throughout the process journal.
Criterion C — Reflecting (8 marks): Evaluate the quality of the product against success criteria; evaluate achievement of goal; discuss personal growth.
Total: 24 marks. Minimum grade 3 in each criterion for MYP Certificate.
Grade Conversion
| Score /24 | IB Grade |
|---|---|
| 21–24 | 7 (Excellent) |
| 17–20 | 6 (Very Good) |
| 13–16 | 5 (Good) |
| 9–12 | 4 (Satisfactory) |
| 6–8 | 3 (Adequate) |
| 0–5 | 1–2 (Below) |
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Global context | One of six IB lenses: Identities and Relationships; Orientation in Space and Time; Personal and Cultural Expression; Scientific and Technical Innovation; Globalization and Sustainability; Fairness and Development |
| Prior knowledge | What you already know and can do before starting the project — the foundation on which you will build |
| ATL skills | Approaches to Learning: Communication, Social, Self-management, Research, and Thinking skills |
| Process journal | Ongoing record of research, decisions, challenges, reflections, and evidence of ATL skills throughout the project |
| Success criteria | Specific, measurable indicators that define when your goal has been fully achieved |
| Goal | What you intend to achieve; must be specific, achievable, and linked to a global context |
Personal Project · Criterion A
Criterion A: Planning
Planning is the foundation. A clear, well-defined goal with measurable success criteria and a genuine global context is essential for top Criterion A marks. The IB examiner reads your report to assess the quality of your planning, not just whether you completed the project.
The Six Global Contexts
| Global Context | Key Questions | Example Project |
|---|---|---|
| Identities and Relationships | Who am I? How do others shape my identity? | Documentary on cultural identity of mixed-heritage youth |
| Orientation in Space and Time | How has history shaped the present? How do we connect to our heritage? | History podcast about local WWII stories |
| Personal and Cultural Expression | How do people express themselves creatively? | Original musical composition or collection of visual art |
| Scientific and Technical Innovation | How does science and technology transform our world? | App design for improving a community service |
| Globalization and Sustainability | How are we all connected? How do our choices affect the planet? | Campaign to reduce plastic use in the school community |
| Fairness and Development | What are our rights and responsibilities? How do we create a more just world? | Research report on access to education in developing countries |
Writing a Strong Goal
A strong goal is SMART:
- Specific: What exactly will you create or achieve?
- Measurable: What success criteria will tell you it is done?
- Achievable: Can you realistically complete this in ~50 hours?
- Relevant: Connected to a genuine global context?
- Time-bound: Can you complete it within the project timeline?
Weak goal: "I want to make a website about climate change."
Strong goal: "I will design and publish a website aimed at Year 7–8 students that explains five key actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint, within the global context of Globalization and Sustainability. The website will contain at least five interactive elements, be accessible on mobile devices, and be reviewed positively by at least 80% of 10 tested users."
Strong goal: "I will design and publish a website aimed at Year 7–8 students that explains five key actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint, within the global context of Globalization and Sustainability. The website will contain at least five interactive elements, be accessible on mobile devices, and be reviewed positively by at least 80% of 10 tested users."
Ethical Considerations
For Criterion A level 7–8, you must identify and address ethical considerations relevant to your project. These might include:
Research ethics
If interviewing people, did you obtain informed consent? Did you protect participants' privacy? Are your sources cited correctly?
Environmental ethics
Does your project involve materials or processes with environmental impact? How did you minimise this?
Cultural sensitivity
If your project involves another culture's traditions or symbols, have you engaged respectfully and with permission?
Intellectual property
Have you appropriately credited all sources, images, and ideas you used? Did you create original work?
Personal Project · Criterion B
Criterion B: Applying Skills (ATL)
Criterion B assesses how you apply and develop Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills throughout the project. The evidence is primarily in your process journal. For 7–8 marks, you must demonstrate multiple skill categories and show growth and self-awareness.
The Five ATL Skill Categories
| Skill Category | What to Document | Example Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Research skills | Sources used; how you evaluated their reliability; how research changed your approach | "I initially planned to use X, but after reading [source] I discovered Y, which led me to revise my approach to..." |
| Communication skills | Feedback from supervisor; how you presented ideas; adaptations based on audience | "My supervisor suggested my introduction was unclear. I rewrote it and tested it with two peers who confirmed it was clearer." |
| Self-management skills | Your timeline; how you adjusted when things went wrong; time management decisions | "I fell two weeks behind due to [challenge]. I addressed this by [specific action] and adjusted my timeline as follows..." |
| Social skills | Collaboration, interviews, consultation; how you sought help and worked with others | "I interviewed three community members to gather authentic perspectives, which I then incorporated into..." |
| Thinking skills | Decisions made; alternatives considered; problems encountered and solutions developed | "I originally planned to use [method] but realised [limitation]. I considered three alternatives: A, B, C. I chose C because..." |
Process Journal Entry Formula
A strong process journal entry: Describes what happened → Reflects on what it meant → Shows what changed as a result.
Avoid: "Today I did research." Good: "I compared three sources on [topic]. Source A was more reliable than B because [specific reason]. This changed my approach from X to Y because Z."
Common Criterion B mistake: Describing activities without reflecting on skills. "I searched the internet" is description. "I evaluated three sources using reliability criteria and found that [specific insight], which led me to change my approach by [specific action]" is skill application.
Personal Project · Criterion C
Criterion C: Reflecting
Criterion C is the most challenging and most commonly under-achieved criterion. It requires genuine, specific, evidence-based evaluation — not a summary of what you did or a statement that you are proud of the result.
What Criterion C Evaluates
Product evaluation
How well does your product meet each of your stated success criteria? Use evidence (test results, feedback, data) to justify your evaluation.
Goal achievement
Did you achieve your goal? What evidence shows this? Where did you fall short and why?
Personal growth
How have you grown as a learner? What specific skills did you develop? What would you do differently?
Global context connection
How does your product/outcome contribute to or connect with your chosen global context?
Model Reflection Structure
"My goal was [restate goal specifically]. Based on my success criteria:
- [Criterion 1]: Met — Evidence: [specific test/feedback data]
- [Criterion 2]: Partially met — Evidence: [specific data]. Reason: [honest explanation]. Improvement: [what I would change]
- [Criterion 3]: Not met — Reason: [honest explanation with context]
This project significantly developed my [specific ATL skill]. The key moment was [specific event], which taught me [specific learning]. The most important change I would make if repeating this project is [specific, justified improvement]. My project connects to [global context] because [specific explanation]."
Critical Rule: Your Criterion C evaluation MUST evaluate your product against your OWN stated success criteria — not just describe it or say "I am proud of it." Saying "I think my website was good" is description. "My website met success criteria 1 and 2 (as evidenced by user feedback showing 85% comprehension) but only partially met criterion 3 because [specific limitation]" is evaluation.
Personal Project · Process
Process Journal
The process journal is the evidence base for the entire project. It is not assessed separately — instead, it provides the evidence you use in your report to demonstrate Criterion B skills. It must be ongoing throughout the project, not written retrospectively.
What to Include
Research notes
Annotated sources with reliability evaluation. Notes on key findings. Evidence of how research influenced decisions.
Decision log
Key decisions made, alternatives considered, reasons for choices. Shows thinking skills in action.
Supervisor meeting notes
Date, what was discussed, feedback received, actions planned. Shows communication and self-management.
Challenges and solutions
Problems encountered and specific steps taken to address them. Shows resilience and self-management.
Reflections
What did you learn? What changed? What would you do differently? Genuine, specific reflection on growth.
Evidence of product
Photos, screenshots, drafts showing the development of your product at different stages. Demonstrates progress.
Timeline Guidance
| Phase | Activities | Criterion focus |
|---|---|---|
| Planning (first 2–3 months) | Define goal, choose global context, identify prior knowledge, create success criteria, research plan | A |
| Development (middle 3–4 months) | Research, create product, seek feedback, revise, document in process journal | B |
| Completion (final 1–2 months) | Finalise product, write report, evaluate against criteria, reflect on growth | C |
Never write the process journal retrospectively. IB moderators can tell when a journal was written after the fact rather than during. Entries should reflect the uncertainty, decisions, and challenges of the moment — not a polished retrospective narrative.
Personal Project · Worked Examples
Worked Examples
These examples demonstrate the quality of writing required in each section of the Personal Project report.
CRITERION AHow do you write a strong goal for your Personal Project?
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Full Solution
A strong goal must be specific, achievable, linked to a global context, and measurable through success criteria.
Example: "I will design and produce a 15-minute documentary film exploring how first-generation immigrant students in our city experience cultural identity, within the global context of Identities and Relationships. The film will feature at least 5 personal interviews, be edited to professional standard, and be screened at a school event where at least 80% of audience respondents report that it changed or deepened their understanding of the immigrant experience."
Why this is strong:
• Specific product (documentary film)
• Specific audience and content (first-gen immigrants, cultural identity)
• Named global context (Identities and Relationships)
• Measurable success criteria (5 interviews; 80% positive audience response)
Example: "I will design and produce a 15-minute documentary film exploring how first-generation immigrant students in our city experience cultural identity, within the global context of Identities and Relationships. The film will feature at least 5 personal interviews, be edited to professional standard, and be screened at a school event where at least 80% of audience respondents report that it changed or deepened their understanding of the immigrant experience."
Why this is strong:
• Specific product (documentary film)
• Specific audience and content (first-gen immigrants, cultural identity)
• Named global context (Identities and Relationships)
• Measurable success criteria (5 interviews; 80% positive audience response)
CRITERION BHow should you document ATL skills in the process journal?
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Full Solution
For each ATL category, document specific moments of application and reflection:
Research: "I identified three sources on [topic]. After evaluating their reliability using [criteria], I found source A more credible because [reason]. This changed my approach from X to Y."
Self-management: "My initial timeline planned 2 weeks for filming, but equipment issues and scheduling delays meant I only completed 3 interviews. I revised my plan by [specific adjustment] and prioritised [specific task] to compensate."
Thinking: "When editing, I had to decide between [approach A] and [approach B]. A would have been faster but less impactful; B required more time but better served my target audience. I chose B because [reason], accepting the time cost."
The journal should show growth over time — early uncertainty developing into skill and confidence. This is what distinguishes a 7–8 from a 4–5.
Research: "I identified three sources on [topic]. After evaluating their reliability using [criteria], I found source A more credible because [reason]. This changed my approach from X to Y."
Self-management: "My initial timeline planned 2 weeks for filming, but equipment issues and scheduling delays meant I only completed 3 interviews. I revised my plan by [specific adjustment] and prioritised [specific task] to compensate."
Thinking: "When editing, I had to decide between [approach A] and [approach B]. A would have been faster but less impactful; B required more time but better served my target audience. I chose B because [reason], accepting the time cost."
The journal should show growth over time — early uncertainty developing into skill and confidence. This is what distinguishes a 7–8 from a 4–5.
CRITERION CWrite a model reflection paragraph evaluating a Personal Project product.
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Full Solution
"My primary success criterion was that 80% of screened audience respondents would report a changed or deepened understanding of the immigrant experience. Post-screening surveys returned 23 responses: 19 (83%) reported changed or deepened understanding, exceeding my criterion. This criterion was successfully met.
My second criterion — that the film would feature at least 5 personal interviews — was only partially met. I completed 4 interviews. One scheduled participant withdrew two days before filming due to illness, and time constraints prevented rescheduling. While 4 interviews still provided rich material, I recognise this limitation may have affected the breadth of perspectives represented.
The most significant personal growth during this project was in my research skills. I had not previously evaluated sources systematically — my process journal shows that early entries accepted sources uncritically. By week 8, I was applying reliability criteria consistently, which improved the quality of my background research substantially. If I repeated this project, I would begin source evaluation training earlier and build in additional time for contingencies."
My second criterion — that the film would feature at least 5 personal interviews — was only partially met. I completed 4 interviews. One scheduled participant withdrew two days before filming due to illness, and time constraints prevented rescheduling. While 4 interviews still provided rich material, I recognise this limitation may have affected the breadth of perspectives represented.
The most significant personal growth during this project was in my research skills. I had not previously evaluated sources systematically — my process journal shows that early entries accepted sources uncritically. By week 8, I was applying reliability criteria consistently, which improved the quality of my background research substantially. If I repeated this project, I would begin source evaluation training earlier and build in additional time for contingencies."
GLOBAL CONTEXTHow do you connect your project to a global context meaningfully?
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Full Solution
A genuine global context connection goes beyond naming the context — you must explain how your project relates to the key ideas of that context.
Weak: "My project is connected to Globalization and Sustainability."
Strong: "My project connects to the global context of Globalization and Sustainability because plastic pollution is a globally produced problem requiring globally coordinated responses. My campaign investigates local individual action as one component of a systemic challenge, recognising that personal behaviour change must be accompanied by policy and corporate change at a larger scale. The global context lens pushes me to consider the full supply chain — from production to disposal — and to situate my local school campaign within the broader movement."
Weak: "My project is connected to Globalization and Sustainability."
Strong: "My project connects to the global context of Globalization and Sustainability because plastic pollution is a globally produced problem requiring globally coordinated responses. My campaign investigates local individual action as one component of a systemic challenge, recognising that personal behaviour change must be accompanied by policy and corporate change at a larger scale. The global context lens pushes me to consider the full supply chain — from production to disposal — and to situate my local school campaign within the broader movement."
CHALLENGEA student's process journal only records activities without reflection. What is missing and how should it be improved?
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Full Solution
What is missing: The journal describes what happened but not what it meant or what changed as a result. This means it cannot provide evidence of ATL skill development — only a record of activities. The IB examiner is looking for evidence that the student is actively learning and growing, not just completing tasks.
How to improve each entry:
Current: "13 Oct — Did research on climate change."
Improved: "13 Oct — Compared three sources on climate change impacts. Source 1 (IPCC report) was the most reliable because it is peer-reviewed and consensus-based. Source 3 (newspaper opinion piece) was useful for understanding public perception but less reliable for scientific claims. This distinction led me to restructure my website's section on 'facts vs opinion' — I realised my audience needed to understand this difference explicitly."
How to improve each entry:
Current: "13 Oct — Did research on climate change."
Improved: "13 Oct — Compared three sources on climate change impacts. Source 1 (IPCC report) was the most reliable because it is peer-reviewed and consensus-based. Source 3 (newspaper opinion piece) was useful for understanding public perception but less reliable for scientific claims. This distinction led me to restructure my website's section on 'facts vs opinion' — I realised my audience needed to understand this difference explicitly."
ETHICALWrite an ethical consideration paragraph for a project involving interviewing students about their mental health experiences.
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Full Solution
"My project involves interviewing fellow students about their personal mental health experiences. Several ethical considerations required careful attention:
First, informed consent: all participants received a written explanation of the project's purpose, how their responses would be used, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequence. Written consent was obtained from participants and, for under-18s, from their parents.
Second, confidentiality and anonymity: all names and identifying information were changed in the final report. Audio recordings were stored securely and deleted after transcription.
Third, participant welfare: mental health conversations can be distressing. I prepared a resource list of support services to share with participants and committed to ending any conversation that became distressing for the participant, prioritising their wellbeing over my data needs.
These considerations shaped the project throughout and are a fundamental aspect of responsible research practice."
First, informed consent: all participants received a written explanation of the project's purpose, how their responses would be used, and their right to withdraw at any time without consequence. Written consent was obtained from participants and, for under-18s, from their parents.
Second, confidentiality and anonymity: all names and identifying information were changed in the final report. Audio recordings were stored securely and deleted after transcription.
Third, participant welfare: mental health conversations can be distressing. I prepared a resource list of support services to share with participants and committed to ending any conversation that became distressing for the participant, prioritising their wellbeing over my data needs.
These considerations shaped the project throughout and are a fundamental aspect of responsible research practice."
SELF-MANAGEMENTHow do you demonstrate self-management skills in the process journal when facing setbacks?
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Full Solution
Self-management at the highest level involves not just describing setbacks but showing how you analysed them, made decisions, and adapted your approach:
"Week 12: The printing company I had booked for my physical product declined the order due to copyright concerns about one of my design elements. I needed to resolve this within 3 days to maintain my timeline.
I considered three options: (1) use a different printer, (2) redesign the element, (3) extend my deadline. Option 3 would compromise my school exhibition date, so I ruled it out. Option 1 would take 5–7 days for delivery. I chose option 2 because I could complete the redesign in 6 hours, use an online print-on-demand service for 2-day delivery, and maintain my original timeline.
This setback, while stressful, taught me to build contingency time into future projects and to check intellectual property restrictions before booking production services."
"Week 12: The printing company I had booked for my physical product declined the order due to copyright concerns about one of my design elements. I needed to resolve this within 3 days to maintain my timeline.
I considered three options: (1) use a different printer, (2) redesign the element, (3) extend my deadline. Option 3 would compromise my school exhibition date, so I ruled it out. Option 1 would take 5–7 days for delivery. I chose option 2 because I could complete the redesign in 6 hours, use an online print-on-demand service for 2-day delivery, and maintain my original timeline.
This setback, while stressful, taught me to build contingency time into future projects and to check intellectual property restrictions before booking production services."
Personal Project · Practice Q&A
Practice Q&A
These questions help you prepare both your project and your ability to articulate what you have done and why.
CRITERION AName the six global contexts and give one example of a project for each.
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Model Answer
1. Identities and Relationships — Documentary on cultural identity
2. Orientation in Space and Time — Local oral history archive
3. Personal and Cultural Expression — Original musical composition
4. Scientific and Technical Innovation — App development for community use
5. Globalization and Sustainability — Waste reduction campaign
6. Fairness and Development — Research report on access to clean water
2. Orientation in Space and Time — Local oral history archive
3. Personal and Cultural Expression — Original musical composition
4. Scientific and Technical Innovation — App development for community use
5. Globalization and Sustainability — Waste reduction campaign
6. Fairness and Development — Research report on access to clean water
CRITERION BWhat does it mean to "apply" an ATL skill vs merely "use" it?
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Model Answer
"Using" a skill means doing an activity (e.g., searching the internet). "Applying" a skill at a higher level means: being deliberate about which skill you are using; demonstrating strategic, conscious use of the skill; and reflecting on what the use of that skill produced or changed.
For Criterion B 7–8, you must show the skill being used thoughtfully AND reflect on the outcome of using it. The reflection must show growth or insight — not just what you did.
For Criterion B 7–8, you must show the skill being used thoughtfully AND reflect on the outcome of using it. The reflection must show growth or insight — not just what you did.
CRITERION CWhy is saying "I'm proud of my project" insufficient for Criterion C?
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Model Answer
Criterion C requires evaluation, not description or emotional response. "I am proud" tells the examiner nothing about whether the project actually met its stated success criteria. It is a subjective emotional statement with no evidential basis.
Criterion C 7–8 requires: evaluating the product against each specific success criterion using evidence (test data, user feedback, observations); acknowledging where criteria were not fully met and explaining why; and reflecting on specific, demonstrable personal growth as a learner — all with intellectual honesty.
Criterion C 7–8 requires: evaluating the product against each specific success criterion using evidence (test data, user feedback, observations); acknowledging where criteria were not fully met and explaining why; and reflecting on specific, demonstrable personal growth as a learner — all with intellectual honesty.
PROCESS JOURNALWhat is the difference between a process journal and a project diary?
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Model Answer
A project diary records what you did and when (activities, timelines). A process journal does this but adds: evidence of thinking (decisions and their rationale), evidence of ATL skill development, reflections on challenges and learning, and documentation of how research and feedback changed your approach.
The process journal is the evidence base for Criterion B. Without it, you cannot substantiate claims about ATL skill development in your report. It should show an evolving, learning mind — not just a record of completed tasks.
The process journal is the evidence base for Criterion B. Without it, you cannot substantiate claims about ATL skill development in your report. It should show an evolving, learning mind — not just a record of completed tasks.
PLANNINGWhy is prior knowledge identification important for Criterion A?
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Model Answer
Identifying prior knowledge is important because: it establishes the baseline from which your learning journey begins, making personal growth (Criterion C) measurable; it helps you identify gaps that need to be filled through research; and it prevents you from wasting time re-learning what you already know.
For the IB examiner, prior knowledge identification shows that you understand what you know and don't know — a metacognitive skill. It also helps contextualise the ambition and scope of your project relative to your starting point.
For the IB examiner, prior knowledge identification shows that you understand what you know and don't know — a metacognitive skill. It also helps contextualise the ambition and scope of your project relative to your starting point.
SUCCESS CRITERIAWrite three strong success criteria for a project creating a cookbook featuring traditional family recipes.
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Model Answer
1. The cookbook will contain at least 20 complete recipes, each tested successfully at least once, with clear instructions that a novice cook could follow without additional guidance.
2. At least 10 recipes will be accompanied by original photography, and all photos will be rated "clear and appealing" by at least 80% of 10 test readers.
3. The introduction will successfully convey the cultural and personal significance of the recipes, as evidenced by at least 80% of 10 test readers reporting that they felt they learned something about the family or culture represented.
2. At least 10 recipes will be accompanied by original photography, and all photos will be rated "clear and appealing" by at least 80% of 10 test readers.
3. The introduction will successfully convey the cultural and personal significance of the recipes, as evidenced by at least 80% of 10 test readers reporting that they felt they learned something about the family or culture represented.
GLOBAL CONTEXTHow does choosing a genuine global context improve a Personal Project?
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Model Answer
A genuine global context does more than label the project — it provides a conceptual lens that deepens your inquiry. When you actively use the global context, it:
• Raises the intellectual level of your goal and research questions
• Connects your personal project to bigger ideas in the world
• Guides what kinds of prior knowledge and research are relevant
• Provides a richer basis for Criterion C reflection (how does your product contribute to the global context?)
Projects that merely tag a global context without using it to shape inquiry will score lower on Criterion A than those where the context genuinely informs the project at every stage.
• Raises the intellectual level of your goal and research questions
• Connects your personal project to bigger ideas in the world
• Guides what kinds of prior knowledge and research are relevant
• Provides a richer basis for Criterion C reflection (how does your product contribute to the global context?)
Projects that merely tag a global context without using it to shape inquiry will score lower on Criterion A than those where the context genuinely informs the project at every stage.
SCOPEA student wants to "solve world hunger" as their Personal Project goal. What advice would you give?
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Model Answer
The goal is far too broad and not achievable within 50 hours or by a single student. For Criterion A 7–8, a goal must be achievable and measurable within realistic constraints.
Better approach: focus on one specific, achievable contribution. For example:
• "I will research and write a 3,000-word report on the effectiveness of vertical farming as a food security solution in urban areas, evaluating evidence from at least five peer-reviewed studies."
• "I will design and run a 4-week community garden project at school, measuring participation and yield."
The goal should be ambitious but realistic — something one person can genuinely achieve in 50 hours that also connects meaningfully to Fairness and Development (or another global context).
Better approach: focus on one specific, achievable contribution. For example:
• "I will research and write a 3,000-word report on the effectiveness of vertical farming as a food security solution in urban areas, evaluating evidence from at least five peer-reviewed studies."
• "I will design and run a 4-week community garden project at school, measuring participation and yield."
The goal should be ambitious but realistic — something one person can genuinely achieve in 50 hours that also connects meaningfully to Fairness and Development (or another global context).
Personal Project · Review
Flashcard Review
Tap each card to reveal the answer. Try to answer from memory first.
What are the three criteria and their maximum marks?
Criterion A: Planning (8 marks). Criterion B: Applying Skills (8 marks). Criterion C: Reflecting (8 marks). Total: 24 marks.
Tap to reveal
Name the six global contexts.
1. Identities and Relationships 2. Orientation in Space and Time 3. Personal and Cultural Expression 4. Scientific and Technical Innovation 5. Globalization and Sustainability 6. Fairness and Development
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What does SMART stand for in goal-setting?
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant (linked to global context), Time-bound.
Tap to reveal
What are the five ATL skill categories?
Research, Communication, Self-management, Social, and Thinking skills.
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What does Criterion C require that Criterion B does not?
Criterion C requires evaluating the PRODUCT against success criteria (with evidence); evaluating goal achievement; and reflecting on personal growth as a learner. Criterion B focuses on ATL skill development throughout the process.
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What is a success criterion?
A specific, measurable indicator that defines when the goal has been achieved. Must be concrete and testable, not vague (e.g., "well-received" is not a criterion; "rated positively by 80% of 10 test users" is).
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What is the process journal and when must it be written?
An ongoing record of research, decisions, challenges, ATL skill use, and reflections. Must be written DURING the project, not retrospectively. It provides evidence for Criterion B.
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What is the word count range for the Personal Project report?
1,500 to 3,500 words (or equivalent). The supervisor and IB recommend staying within this range — too short may miss key requirements; too long is penalised.
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What is prior knowledge and why does it matter for Criterion A?
What you already know before starting the project. Identifying it shows metacognitive awareness, establishes the learning baseline, and helps contextualise the project's ambition. Required for Criterion A 7-8.
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What score converts to a Grade 7 in the Personal Project?
21-24 out of 24 marks = Grade 7 (Excellent).
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What is the critical difference between describing and evaluating in Criterion C?
Description = "My website had 5 pages and featured videos." Evaluation = "Success criterion 1 (5 interactive elements) was met, as evidenced by user testing showing 100% engagement. Criterion 2 (mobile-responsive) was partially met — 3/5 testers reported layout issues on smaller screens."
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How much time should the Personal Project take?
Approximately 50 hours of independent work, typically spread over 6-9 months of Year 5 (Grade 10).
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What must Criterion A address beyond the goal?
Prior knowledge, chosen global context (with explanation of connection), action plan/timeline, and ethical considerations relevant to the project.
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What is the minimum score per criterion for the MYP Certificate?
Grade 3 in each criterion (A, B, and C). Failing a single criterion means the certificate requirement is not met, even if total score is high.
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How does a strong process journal entry differ from a weak one?
Weak: "Today I did research." Strong: "I compared three sources, evaluated their reliability using [criteria], found [specific insight] that led me to change my approach from X to Y because Z."
Tap to reveal
Personal Project · Practice Test
Practice Test — 20 Questions
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