The IA can make or break your final IB grade. Learn a universal formula for writing a strong, examiner-ready IA with focused research questions, syllabus connections, analysis over description, and reflective conclusions.
🧩 1. Start with a Focused Research Question
Avoid broad or vague phrasing. ✅ Example: "How does caffeine affect plant growth?" → too vague ✅ Better: "To what extent does caffeine concentration affect root length inPhaseolus vulgaris?"
📊 2. Link Back to the Syllabus
Examiners love clear connections to the subject's key concepts. Drop one or two specific syllabus terms naturally in your introduction and analysis.
🧠 3. Explain, Don't Describe
IB rewardsanalysis. Instead of saying*"the trend increases,"say"the rate of increase suggests a proportional relationship between variables."*
💬 4. Reflect in Your Conclusion
Include evaluation: What worked, what didn't, and how you'd improve the method. This shows maturity of thought — a core IB criterion.
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IB Internal Assessment FAQs
What is an IB Internal Assessment?
Internal assessment is subject-specific work completed during the course. Depending on the subject, an in-school task may be externally assessed or marked by the teacher and externally moderated. Its format, criteria and contribution to the subject grade come from the applicable course guide.
Does every IB IA use the same structure and criteria?
No. IB internal assessment can include oral work, fieldwork, laboratory investigations, mathematical investigations and artistic performance. Use the current guide for the exact subject, level and assessment session instead of applying a universal IA template.
How much is an IB IA worth?
There is no universal weighting across all IB subjects. Check the current assessment outline for the exact course and level. A percentage quoted for one subject, such as the current Chemistry scientific investigation, should not be transferred to another subject.
What is the word limit for an IB IA?
There is no single IA word limit because the assessed task varies by subject and may not even be a written investigation. Confirm the current task requirements and what is included in any limit with the subject guide and teacher.
Can IB students use AI for an IA?
Only within the task, school and teacher rules. AI must not replace the student's research decisions, evidence, analysis or authorship. Any permitted AI-generated material used in assessed work must be acknowledged in the required way, and students should ask before using it.
Can the same work be used for an IA and Extended Essay?
No. The IB academic integrity policy treats duplication of work as misconduct. A related subject area does not authorize reusing the same research, data, argument or writing across assessed components; discuss possible overlap with both supervisors before proceeding.
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