Assessment Terms
Reference
Assessment
IB Music assessment vocabulary organized by achievement level, with definitions from the DP Music Subject Guide.
These terms appear in IB Music rubric criteria. Each belongs to one of four achievement levels, and is used in either research/written work, practical work, or both. Understanding them helps you target specific performance bands.
Abbreviations: EMC = Exploring Music in Context · EWM = Experimenting with Music · PM = Presenting Music · CMM = The Contemporary Music Maker
Level 1: Uninformed Imitation
Description
The student replicates existing material without direction or sense of purpose; musical material is taken out of context or misrepresented.
Possible characteristics: Ineffective · Inaccurate · Rudimentary · Limited · Superficial
| Term | Type | Used in | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| List | Research/Written | EMC B1 | Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation. |
| Outline | Research/Written | EMC B2, EWM A, EWM C, PM A, CMM B | Give a brief account or summary. |
| Identify | Research/Written | CMM B | Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. |
| Assemble | Practical | — | Combine or gather pre-existing material without change. |
| Approximate | Practical | EMC C1, PM B, PM C, CMM C | Imitate with lack of detail. |
| Reiterate | Practical | EWM B, EWM D | Repeat or restate, largely without change. |
Level 2: Precise Imitation
Description
The work constructs a recognizable original or rearranges existing material. The work is technically accurate but lacks evidence of personal musical choices.
Possible characteristics: Inconsistent · Formulaic · Sufficient · Suitable · Reasonable
| Term | Type | Used in | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Describe | Research/Written | EMC B1, EMC B2, EWM A, EWM C, PM A, CMM B | Give a detailed account. |
| Demonstrate | Research/Written | CMM B | Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application. |
| Distinguish | Research/Written | CMM B | Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items. |
| Exhibit | Practical | EMC C1, PM B | Demonstrate a characteristic in the appropriate context. |
| Transmit | Practical | EMC C2, PM C, CMM C | Give a formulaic rendition of an existing work or style. |
| Recreate | Practical | EWM B, EWM D | Produce a representation of an original. |
Level 3: Informed Proficiency
Description
The student's work is technically proficient and realizes musical conventions and practices. The student adapts material and makes informed technical choices.
Possible characteristics: Accurate · Proficient · Purposeful · Relevant · Competent
| Term | Type | Used in | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explain | Research/Written | EMC B1, EMC B2, EWM A, EWM C, PM A, CMM B | Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes. |
| Investigate | Research/Written | CMM B | Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. |
| Justify | Research/Written | CMM B | Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion. |
| Realize | Practical | EMC C1, PM B, CMM C | Plan and create a work according to convention or practice. |
| Shape | Practical | EMC C2, PM C | Modify and develop existing material. |
| Adapt | Practical | EWM B, EWM D | Adjust existing material to suit a new context or style. |
Level 4: Mastery and Resourcefulness
Description
The student's musical work expresses a distinctive, personal voice manifested through technical and musical accomplishment.
Possible characteristics: Imaginative · Resourceful · Compelling · Accomplished · Excellent
| Term | Type | Used in | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss | Research/Written | CMM B | Offer a considered and balanced review supported by appropriate evidence. |
| Examine | Research/Written | CMM B | Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue. |
| Evaluate | Research/Written | EWM A, EWM C, CMM B | Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations. |
| Personalize | Practical | PM C, CMM C | Bring personal ideas and interpretations to a work or practice. |
| Synthesize | Practical | PM B | Combine and blend existing elements, styles, or techniques to create new work. |
| Transform | Practical | EWM B, EWM D | Change and develop existing work to create new work. |