Note: This article references IB DP exam-style questions (ESQs). For IGCSE, these are called test practice questions.
Marking exam-style questions takes time, especially when you set them regularly. AI suggested scoring gives each student answer a suggested score and an explanation of why that score was given, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Think of it as an experienced teaching assistant who prepares a first draft of the marking. You stay in control and decide whether to accept each suggestion.
This feature is currently in beta, and we’re continuously improving it.
How does it work?
Send an ESQ assignment as usual. How do I create an Exam-Style Question assignment?
Students submit their answers in Kognity. They type their answers or, where a question asks for a drawing or diagram, upload an image.
A suggested score is generated automatically. As soon as a student submits, Kognity works out a suggested score in the background. This can take a short moment.
Review it in the Student Submissions tab. Open the student’s submission to see the suggested score and the reasoning behind it. The reasoning explains how the answer was scored against the mark scheme, and what the student included or missed.
Accept or change the score. If you agree, accept the suggestion. If not, decline it and give the score you think is right.
Add your feedback for the student if you wish.
How does the AI decide on a score?
AI suggested scoring looks at:
the question,
the student’s answer,
the related textbook content, and
the scoring guidance for that question, such as the mark scheme or markbands.
It then suggests a score and explains its reasoning.
To keep suggestions accurate and consistent, a second layer of AI checks (sometimes called “AI judges”) reviews each suggestion before you see it. These checks make sure the suggestion is based on the course content, meets Kognity’s quality standards, and uses an appropriate tone. Less certain suggestions are flagged.
This approach was developed with our Learning Experience Designers, who are experienced teachers and pedagogical experts.
Which questions does it work for?
AI suggested scoring works on Kognity exam-style questions sent in an assignment, including:
written answers, including longer responses marked with markbands, and
drawings, diagrams and annotated images, for questions that ask students to upload an image.
Self-study submissions. AI scoring only runs on assignments
When AI suggested scoring is available for a subject, you’ll see a label in the assignment explaining that it’s turned on.
Can I turn it off?
Yes. If you’d prefer to mark everything yourself, untick the AI scoring box to turn off AI suggested scoring. Students will still submit their answers in Kognity, and you can score them manually.
Frequently asked questions
How should I use the suggested score?
Treat it as a strong first draft and an extra perspective on the student’s work, then apply your own professional judgement. Reading the reasoning is the quickest way to check whether you agree.
How accurate is it?
Like all AI tools, it can occasionally produce a score or explanation that isn’t right. We reduce this risk by basing every suggestion on the question’s course content and scoring guidance, and by running additional quality checks. Because the risk can never be fully removed, we always recommend reviewing a suggestion before accepting it.
Will checking the suggestions take more time?
No. The feature is designed to save you time. Instead of marking from scratch, you review a suggested score with the reasoning already written out. Your decisions to accept or decline also help us improve the suggestions over time.
Do students see the suggested score?
You review each score before it’s finalised, so students see the score you confirm.
My students prefer working on paper. Can I still use AI suggested scoring?
AI suggested scoring works best when students type their answers in Kognity. Photos of handwritten written answers can’t be scored reliably yet, so if your students work on paper, you’ll need to mark those answers yourself.
Need Further Assistance?
If you have any questions or need additional help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us by sending an email to support@kognity.com, and our team will be happy to assist you!