IB Maths IA Guide

Overview

This lecture provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to achieving a top score ("7") on the IB Maths Internal Assessment (IA), including an explanation of key differences from exams, marking criteria breakdown, topic selection strategies, and practical writing advice.

The Maths IA: What & Why

• The Maths IA (Internal Assessment) is a teacher-marked, IB-moderated project worth 20% of the final grade.
• Unlike exams, students select their own real-world topic, formulate a unique question, and apply mathematics to answer it.
• The emphasis is on process, reflection, explanation, and justification—not just the final answer.
• The IA should show creativity, personal engagement, and deep exploration of a mathematical idea.

Key Differences: IA vs. Exams

• Exams have fixed questions and one correct answer; the IA allows freedom to choose any topic and approach.
• Justifying methods and explaining reasoning is essential in the IA.
• Extended time (recommended 30 hours) enables greater depth, use of research, and variety of tools (e.g., Excel, data collection).
• Multiple methods and approaches are valid, so clear communication and contextualization are critical.

Marking Criteria Breakdown

Criterion A: Communication (4 marks)

• Logical and coherent structure from question to conclusion.
• Clear transitions and referencing of tables, graphs, and appendices.
• Concise presentation; critical material must be in the main body, extra details in appendices.
• Introduction must state rationale (personal connection) and aim (central question).

Criterion B: Mathematical Presentation (3 marks)

• Correct use of mathematical language, notation, and terminology.
• All variables and key terms must be defined and contextualized.
• Use appropriate forms of expression (tables, graphs, equations), properly labeled and referenced.

Criterion C: Personal Engagement (3 marks)

• Show personal interest and independent, creative thinking in aim, topic, or methods.
• Your approach and explanations must clearly be your own (not just teacher or template-driven).
• Personal engagement must be evident within the written IA itself.

Criterion D: Reflection (3 marks)

• Regularly justify choices made ("why am I doing this?").
• Reflect on methods, strengths/limitations, and learning from results at each stage.
• Discuss how findings impact understanding of topic/context.
• Integrate reflection throughout, not just in conclusion.

Criterion E: Use of Mathematics (6 marks)

• Substantial, relevant, and correct mathematics appropriate to the course level.
• All workings, steps, and justifications must be shown—even if errors occur.
• The mathematical complexity should be guided by your question, not forced.

Topic Selection & Planning Process

• Generate ideas by searching "maths in [your interest]" or "[core topic] real-life applications."
• Avoid relying on finding past IAs—focus on originality and personal connection.
• Formulate an overarching question, then outline the smaller steps/questions needed to answer it.
• Prepare a proposal with rationale, aim, sub-questions, and planned methods; seek teacher feedback.
• Be prepared to revise or reject topics—lack of depth or unclear aim means reconsider.

IA Writing Strategy

• Separate writing into sections for each step/sub-question to keep organized.
• Use comments/notes to record reasoning and challenges for later reflection.
• Regularly update and annotate drafts with feedback; only submit your best draft for teacher review.
• Use tables, labeled figures, and appendices appropriately for clarity and conciseness.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Internal Assessment (IA) — an in-depth project marked by teachers and moderated by the IB.
• Rationale — explanation for topic choice, showing personal interest.
• Aim — central question the IA seeks to answer.
• Reflection — critical analysis of choices, limitations, and lessons learned.
• Mathematical Presentation — the clarity, accuracy, and variety in presenting mathematical work.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Draft a proposal with rationale, aim, steps, and methods for your chosen IA topic.
• Annotate all work with explanations for choices and reflections at each stage.
• Gather feedback from your teacher on your proposal and drafts before compiling your final IA.
• Use provided annotated IA examples and the marking criteria checklist to guide your writing.