Other

The IB programme consists of numerous components, one of which is the Internal Assessment (IA). In this post, we will demystify the IA and provide you with all the essential information you need to understand it fully.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">What are IB Internal Assessments (IA)?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Internal Assessment is an investigation into a topic chosen by the student that contributes to their final subject grade and is evaluated internally by the school. IAs are a mandatory component of every IB subject, though they may vary in shape and form across different subjects - ranging from oral work in the languages, fieldwork in geography to laboratory work in the sciences. For detailed information on the form and requirements of IAs in specific subjects, explore our <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">extensive array of IA exemplars</a> as well as check out our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>IA Writing Process&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>The IA writing process typically begins towards the end of DP 1 (though the specific timing may vary across individual schools), when students are required to come up with appropriate research questions that they wish to investigate in their Internal Assessments&nbsp;</li><li>The students then research their topics, look for sources and often refine their research questions to more suitable ones</li><li>Typically, the students are required to work on their IAs during the summer holidays and submit their first full drafts upon return to school&nbsp;</li><li>The students then receive feedback on their full IA drafts from their subject teachers, which they then use to complete their final IA versions</li></ul><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Is there a deadline for the IA?</h3>&nbsp;While the IBO does not specify an official deadline, the final IA versions must typically be submitted not later than around 2 months before the exam session, with specific dates varying between schools, each setting their own internal deadlines.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How long does it take to write an IA?</h3>&nbsp;On average, it takes about 40 hours to complete a full IA, including time spent conducting research, developing and refining a research question, or performing laboratory work. However, it is important to note that the time required can vary across subjects. Some IAs may take significantly longer, with the Computer Science IA, for example, known to require up to 70 hours of work.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How is the IA assessed?</h3>&nbsp;As previously noted, IAs are assessed by the student's school. Naturally, some teachers may be more lenient while others may be much stricter in their grading. You may be wondering then, how is consistent and fair marking ensured? To guarantee equitable marking, a sample of IAs is sent to the IB which verifies whether the scores have been assigned fairly. If external moderators find that the Internal Assessments have been graded too leniently or strictly, they will adjust the grades accordingly for all students.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>IA weighting</h3>&nbsp;The weight of the Internal Assessment on the student's final grade varies between subjects and subject levels. The weightings are as follows:&nbsp;<h4>Studies in Language and Literature</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Language A: Language and Literature</td><td>30%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Language A: Literature</td><td>30%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Literature and Performance&nbsp;</td><td>40%</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Language Acquisition&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Language B</td><td>25%</td><td>25%</td></tr><tr><td>Language ab initio</td><td>25%</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Classical Languages</td><td>25%</td><td>25%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Individuals and Societies&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Business Management</td><td>30%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Economics</td><td>30%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Geography</td><td>25%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>History&nbsp;</td><td>25%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Psychology</td><td>25%</td><td>20%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Sciences</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Biology</td><td>20%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Chemistry</td><td>20%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Science</td><td>30%</td><td>25%</td></tr><tr><td>ESS</td><td>25%</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Physics</td><td>20%</td><td>20%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h4>&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre><h4>&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;<h4>Mathematics</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mathematics AI</td><td>20%</td><td>20%</td></tr><tr><td>Mathematics AA</td><td>20%</td><td>20%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Arts</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>Subject</th><th>SL</th><th>HL</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Visual Arts</td><td>40%</td><td>40%</td></tr><tr><td>Music</td><td>30%</td><td>30%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h4>&nbsp;</h4>We hope this post has helped in clarifying what the Internal Assessment is. Make sure to check out our<a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> IA exemplars </a>to gain a deeper understanding of the requirements and structure specific to each subject. Good luck!

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A comprehensive guide to IB Internal Assessment (IA). Learn more about what the IA is, who marks it, the IA deadline, writing process and weighting. 

What are IB Internal Assessments (IA)?

If you're preparing your IA for submission, you might be wondering what to include on the cover page. You've come to the right place. In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create a clean and IA cover page.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IA Cover Page</h2>&nbsp;<h3>What is an IA cover page?</h3>&nbsp;The IA cover page is the first page of your Internal Assessment. It typically includes key information about your subject as well as the topic you chose to investigate. It introduces your work and gives examiners the details they need at a glance.&nbsp;<h3>Do I need a cover page?</h3>&nbsp;To answer in short – no, you do not need a cover page for your Internal Assessment. Nevertheless, we still strongly advise students to include one for their IA. A well-crafted cover page may make the entire investigation seem more academic and thorough, making a stronger impression on the marker, and hence potentially boosting your grade. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>What do I include in my cover page?</h3>&nbsp;We advise students to structure their IA cover page in the following way:<ol><li>Subject name</li><li>Research question&nbsp;</li><li>Word count</li><li>You may also include the exam session if you wish</li></ol>&nbsp;Note that there is no need to include your candidate number.&nbsp;&nbsp;As mentioned, the cover page is all about making a strong first impression on the marker and introducing them to the topic of the investigation. As such, it is crucial that you create an appealing cover page. Use different font sizes, italics, and thickened text to create an aesthetic cover page.&nbsp;&nbsp;Below, we provide you with a strong IA cover page example for each subject.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Cover page examples&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;Note that subjects from Group 1, Group 2, and Group 6 do not have an Internal Assessment that is completed in an academic written form.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>Group 3: Individuals and societies&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="/ia/business-and-management/647f3663c713060013a31fc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Business Management</a></li><li><a href="/ia/geography/6506e89b9c99ab39667abfd0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Geography</a></li><li><a href="/ia/history/64a7033c701b5600139b432b" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">History</a></li><li><a href="/ia/psychology/5fea16ff9a039f727a1d1d0a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Psychology</a></li><li><a href="/ia/economics/66aa0d5b3a505e140eb08d38" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Economics</a></li><li><a href="/ia/philosophy/6694f5774bc4f0a19a79b608" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Philosophy</a></li><li><a href="/ia/social-and-cultural-anthropology/6767fb822f2f175a00b4a4a6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Social and Cultural Anthropology</a></li><li><a href="/ia/global-politics-engagement-activity/668c3ad2ddce28a198d2b64a" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global Politics</a></li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Group 4: Sciences</h4>&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="/ia/biology/65e9e2de4212df8643acb398" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Biology&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="/ia/chemistry/62c982e446d23c0013b67340" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chemistry&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="/ia/physics/661bfb6b99d0863e557c3c49" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Physics</a></li><li><a href="/ia/computer-science/64d6546e6444cd0013a7b7d8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Computer Science</a></li><li><a href="/ia/ess/67cb1b0c9b4ff5f547133715" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ESS</a></li></ul>&nbsp;<h4>Group 5: Mathematics</h4>&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="/ia/math-aa/62cc7e0b9636f50014730ade" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Math AA</a></li><li><a href="/ia/math-ai/62f0c83e2a89a40013e709b2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Math AI</a></li></ul>&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. Be sure to explore our extensive <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">collection of examiner-reviewed IAs</a> to help you craft your best possible submission. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars as well as other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

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A comprehensive guide to the IA Cover Page. Learn about the cover page, whether you need one, and how to create a cover page that will make a strong impression on the examiner. 

IA Cover Page

Developing a strong research question is one of the most important steps in producing a high-quality Internal Assessment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a focused and effective IA research question, with clear examples to help illustrate what a strong question looks like.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IA Research Question Guide + Examples</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Identify your interests</h3>&nbsp;Before you begin crafting your Internal Assessment (IA) research question, it’s crucial to reflect on what genuinely interests you within the subject you're focusing on. The IA is a significant piece of coursework that requires time, effort, and in-depth understanding – so choosing a topic that excites you will make the entire process much more manageable and engaging. &nbsp;&nbsp;Start by thinking about which units, concepts, or themes you’ve enjoyed most in class. What intrigued you? What made you curious? Your enthusiasm for the topic will naturally translate into better motivation and, often, better results. &nbsp;&nbsp;For example, if you’re writing a Geography IA and you're interested in urban settlements, you may decide to investigate how the city varies in different areas.&nbsp;If you're doing your IA in physics, you might be drawn to mechanics and become curious about how the angle of projection, air resistance, and initial velocity influences the range of a projectile.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Preliminary research&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="1634" data-end="1880">Once you've identified a general area of interest, conduct some background research. This step is essential to see what information is already out there, identify variables or patterns, whether reliable data can be collected, and whether your topic is feasible for investigation.<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="1634" data-end="1880">&nbsp;<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="1882" data-end="2273">In geography, if your initial idea revolves around the change in urban areas, after conducting preliminary research and thinking about the type of data you would be able to reliably obtain, you could decide that measuring urban stress (air pollution, noise pollution, crime, green spaces) could be a feasible and interesting topic to delve into.&nbsp;<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="1882" data-end="2273">&nbsp;<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="2275" data-end="2654">In physics, your general interest in projectile motion might guide you toward exploring factors that affect range, such as air resistance, initial velocity, or launch angle. Preliminary reading or classroom experiments might suggest narrowing your focus to a single variable – like launch angle – while keeping others constant, allowing for a controlled and measurable investigation.<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="2656" data-end="2808">&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Formulate a specific research question</h3>&nbsp;Now that you’ve refined your topic through research, it’s time to develop a clear and focused research question. Your question should guide your investigation and define the scope of your IA.&nbsp;&nbsp;A good IA research question should be: &nbsp;<ul><li>Focused: Narrow enough to be explored within the given constraints.&nbsp;</li><li>Specific: Clearly defines what you’re investigating.&nbsp;</li><li>Researchable: Can be answered through data collection, analysis, or critical evaluation.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;If your refined geography topic is urban stress, a focused research question might be: “How does urban stress, as measured through noise and air pollution, crime, and amount of green spaces, vary with distance from the CBD in London, along the District Line?” This research question focuses on a specific issue (urban stress – assessed through air and noise pollution, access to green spaces, and crime) in a specific area (along the length of the Disitrict Line in London, United Kingdom). This allows for a manageable fieldwork-based investigation using primary data, and connects your IA to a real-world issue affecting urban residents.&nbsp;&nbsp;In physics, after narrowing your topic to projectile motion and refining your understanding of influencing factors, your question could become: “How does the angle of projection affect the horizontal range of a projectile launched from a fixed height?” This question enables you to design a clear, measurable experiment where you isolate one variable (angle) and explore its impact on range, aligning well with the scientific method and IA expectations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember, selecting an Internal Assessment topic can be a challenging and sometimes uncertain process, and it’s completely normal to revise your research question – or even change your topic altogether – as you progress. This can understandably feel stressful at times, but it’s a natural part of the IA journey. If you discover that you can’t collect enough data or that your original idea isn’t feasible, don’t be discouraged. Stay flexible, keep an open mind, and continue exploring alternatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>IA research question examples</h3>&nbsp;To give you a better idea of what a strong IA research question looks like, we've provided a few examples of well-crafted research questions along with explanations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/biology/6506e77d9c99ab39667a5ffa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''What is the effect of different KCl percentage concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) on the germination rate of Triticum Aestivum.''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's good: This is a strong IA research question because it's clear, focused, and easy to test through a straightforward experiment. It identifies exactly what’s being changed (the KCl concentration) and what’s being measured (the germination rate), which helps keep the investigation controlled and manageable. It also connects well to real-life applications in agriculture, making the topic relevant and interesting. The question allows for meaningful data collection and analysis, all within the scope of what’s realistic for an IA.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/history/64aa72ddf66fe20013841d6e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''To what extent can patriarchal factors be considered to be the most significant cause for the marginalisation of the South Korean comfort women during and after the Pacific War?''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's good: This question is well-structured and invites deep historical analysis. It focuses on a specific group, time period, and issue, while also encouraging the exploration of multiple causes behind the marginalisation of South Korean comfort women. The phrase “to what extent” pushes for a balanced evaluation of different perspectives and factors, rather than a one-sided argument.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/geography/61743627610b200013237d0d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''How does water quality in the Silver Mine River change with distance downstream?''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>&nbsp;Why it's good: This is a clear and focused Geography IA question that lends itself well to fieldwork and data collection. It identifies a specific location and variable (water quality) and tracks how it changes over space, which is a key geographic concept. The question is investigative in nature and allows for the use of both primary data (like sampling and testing water at different points) and secondary sources for background context.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/psychology/5f96f0f3c4a457699b146245" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''Investigating the Halo effect and what impact does the attitude and behaviour of an individual have on the perception of his physical appearance by adolescent high school students.''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's good: This is a solid Psychology IA question because it explores a well-established psychological phenomenon – the Halo Effect – within a specific and relatable context. The question is relevant to real-life social interactions, especially among adolescents, which makes it engaging and meaningful. It also encourages critical thinking about how cognitive biases influence perception, fitting well within the scope of the IA.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/business-and-management/647f35fec713060013a31fc2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''To what extent will the change of Microsoft’s Bing into an AI-powered search engine be profitable?''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's good: This is a strong Business Management IA question because it looks at a real, current business strategy with clear financial and strategic implications. The question invites analysis of profitability – not just in terms of revenue, but also costs, market competition, and long-term sustainability. The phrase “to what extent” encourages balanced evaluation and allows for the use of both qualitative and quantitative data, such as financial reports, market trends, and expert opinions. It’s specific, timely, and gives room for a well-structured business analysis within the scope of the IA.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/ia/math-aa/62cc7e0b9636f50014730ade" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">''Exploring the method of calculating the surface area of solid of revolution and estimating the lateral surface area of the vase.''</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it’s good: This question is focused and well-suited for a Mathematics IA because it involves applying calculus concepts to a practical problem. It combines theoretical understanding with real-world application, allowing for both mathematical exploration and estimation. The investigation can include deriving formulas, working through calculations, and using modeling techniques, which offers plenty of scope for critical thinking and detailed analysis.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;

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A comprehensive guide to choosing an Internal Assessment (IA) research question. Learn how to create a strong research question and explore our subject-specific research questions. 

IA Research Question Guide + Examples

Curious about how Internal Assessments are marked? You’re in the right place! In this post, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you’ll know exactly what happens with your work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">How does IA grading work in IB?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;After you submit your final version of your IA, it goes through two stages of marking:&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Stage 1: Internal marking</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Your subject teacher marks the IA using the official IB rubric for that subject.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The rubric is divided into specific criteria (e.g., personal engagement, analysis, evaluation, communication).&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Each criterion has descriptors for different mark bands. Teachers must award marks based strictly on these descriptors.&nbsp;</li><li>This ensures that the marking is done in a fair, equal, and unbiased manner.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Stage 2: Moderation</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>A sample of IAs from your class is then sent to the IB. The sample will include low-, medium-, and high-scoring IAs to illustrate how the teacher has assessed work across different performance levels.&nbsp;</li><li>A highly-qualified IB moderator will re-mark those samples.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>If your teacher’s marks match the moderator’s, all marks will stay the same. If your teacher’s marks are too high or low, all student marks in that subject at your school will be adjusted accordingly.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>What to do if my IA grade is lower than expected?</h3>&nbsp;If there is a large discrepancy between the grades awarded by your teacher and the scores you received after moderation, or if you feel that your work has been marked unfairly, you may submit an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) through the school’s IB Coordinator. In the EUR, you may request a re-moderation of the IAs (Category 3 EUR).&nbsp;&nbsp;For this to be approved, the average of the candidates’ moderated IA marks must differ significantly from the teacher-awarded marks, with a difference of at least 15% of the total marks for the subject’s IA component. Since a Category 3 EUR requires all works to be sent for re-marking, consent from other students is required. All students involved will also have to pay a fee. &nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike other EUR remark procedures, a Category 3 remark cannot result in a lowering of grades – grades may only stay the same or improve. However, students should note that the remark process may take up to 40 days, before the results will be communicated to the school’s IB Coordinator.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

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A comprehensive guide to IA grading in the IB. Learn about the exact process used in grading the Internal Assessment and what to do if your IA grade isn't what you expected. 

How does IA grading work in IB?

Are you wondering about when you must submit your Internal Assessments? Are you unsure about the deadlines for your IAs? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this post we will explain the IA deadlines and provide you with all necessary information.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB IA Deadlines</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;All Internal Assessments (IAs), as the name suggests, are internally assessed, meaning that it is your school teachers that will me be marking your IAs. While all IAs are internally assessed, nevertheless, a sample is always sent to the IB for moderation to ensure that your teachers marked your IAs appropriately. The IB however does not provide students with a specific deadline for the Internal Assessments. Instead, it sets a final submission deadline for schools by which samples for each subject must be sent, which is communicated only to the school's teachers. As such, teachers will set their own internal deadlines, keeping the IB's deadline in mind. To find out your specific IA deadlines, speak directly with your subject teachers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>The internal deadlines</h3>&nbsp;As mentioned, it is your subject teachers that set the specific deadline for submitting your Internal Assessments. These may vary across schools and teachers. Some schools may set up an internal deadline that falls close to the IB's sample deadline (around February of DP2 for the May session and August of DP2 for the November session) while other schools may require students to complete their IAs earlier (however, here, schools will typically still permit students to refine their IAs until the deadline set by the IB approaches). At the end of the day, it all depends on the approach that your teachers choose so make sure to speak to your subject teachers.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>What to do if I miss my IA deadlines?</h3>&nbsp;First of all, don’t panic. As mentioned earlier, deadlines are set internally, and even teachers that opt for a late deadline still schedule them a few weeks ahead of the official IB submission date to allow for unexpected situations like this. If you miss your IA deadline, contact your school’s IB Coordinator immediately, explain the circumstances, and they will guide you on the next steps. That said, we can’t stress enough how important it is to meet your deadlines – doing so will save you a lot of stress and uncertainty.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How to meet the deadline</h3>&nbsp;The best way to meet the Internal Assessments deadlines is to start early. The best way to meet Internal Assessment deadlines is to start early. Working consistently allows you to choose a strong research question or topic, gather and analyze data effectively, and develop a clear, well-structured argument. Rushing through the process can lead to weak analysis and missed opportunities for depth. Break the IA into manageable stages: plan your research, collect data or sources, draft your report, and revise. There's also a wide array of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">exemplars available at Clastify </a>for each subject so make sure to have a look as they can be incredibly helpful for generating ideas and understanding how to structure your IAs effectively. You can also use <a href="/review" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify’s Review Service</a> for extra support and personalised suggestions to improve your IAs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

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A comprehensive guide to the Internal Assessment (IA) deadline. Learn by when you must submit your IAs, what happens if you don't, and explore our tips on submitting a strong IA on time. 

IB IA Deadlines

Are you a student looking for information on the Internal Assessment (IA)? You've come to the right place! In this post we will provide you with all the necessary guidelines for the IA so that you ca approach your's with confidence.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="text-align:center;">IB IA Guidelines for Students</h2><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Independent work</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Your IA is your own work – it should reflect your independent research, thinking, and analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Teachers can guide you in understanding the requirements and give general advice, but they cannot tell you exactly what to write or make detailed corrections.&nbsp;</li><li>Collaboration is not allowed unless the subject guidelines specify shared data collection (e.g., group work in sciences), and even then, the analysis and writing must be entirely your own.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Teacher feedback rules</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>You are allowed to submit only one complete draft to your teacher for formal feedback before the final version.&nbsp;</li><li>After this draft, you may still ask small, specific questions (e.g., “Is this graph formatted correctly?”), but teachers cannot give detailed feedback on sections or suggest improvements.&nbsp;</li><li>Any additional feedback must be verbal and brief – no line-by-line edits.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Subject-Specific requirements&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>No two IAs are the same – every IB subject has its own criteria, structure, and conventions.&nbsp;</li><li>For example:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sciences require a clear research question, method, data collection, and evaluation.&nbsp;</li><li>Humanities emphasize source analysis and argument development.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>To best understand the subject-specific requirements make sure to check out our wide array of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">exemplars </a>with all subject-specific requirements broken down</li><li>You may also check out our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a> for subject-specific IA requirements.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Word count/page limit</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Each subject specifies its own maximum word count or page limit (e.g., ~2,500 words for most essays, different for math explorations).&nbsp;</li><li>Exceeding the limit may result in parts of your work not being read or assessed.&nbsp;</li><li>Make sure to check out our <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">exemplars</a> and <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a> for details for all subjects.</li></ul><h3>&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<h3>Referencing and Citations&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>You must follow a consistent academic referencing style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) throughout.&nbsp;</li><li>All sources – text, images, data, graphs – must be cited both in-text and in a bibliography.&nbsp;</li><li>Plagiarism, even unintentional, can result in zero marks for the IA and possibly loss of the entire IB Diploma.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Plagiarism and Academic Integrity&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Copying or closely paraphrasing work from books, the internet, or other students is strictly prohibited.&nbsp;</li><li>The IB uses plagiarism detection software – you will be caught if you attempt to copy work.&nbsp;</li><li>Always write in your own words and give credit where credit is due.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Deadlines&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>IA deadlines are set by your school, usually well before the official IB submission deadline. However, missing an internal deadline may mean losing your chance for teacher feedback. Hence, it's best to stick to these deadlines to avoid stress and maximise your time for refining your work. For more details on the IA Deadline, check out <a href="/blog/ib-ia-deadlines" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>IA Timeline (Typical IB Schedule)&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>The IA writing process begins with the selection of a topic in which a student wishes to pursue their IA. This should be a topic that genuinely interests you as you'll be spending a considerable amount of time on this project. Students then formulate a research question. This usually takes place in the second half of DP1.&nbsp;</li><li>Students then begin researching their topic, reviewing sources, and creating outlines. It is at this stage, that students often refine their research question to a more suitable one.</li><li>After gathering a sufficient amount of information, knowledge and source materials, students begin writing their first full IA draft. Students usually work on this draft during the summer holidays between DP1 and DP2.&nbsp;</li><li>After coming back to school, students submit their first full draft and receive feedback from their teacher based on which they complete their final IA version. For an added layer of support, you can also <a href="/review" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">upload your IA to receive personalised feedback and guidance</a> from official IB examiners.</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope that you now have thorough understanding of the IB Extended Essay. Be sure to check out our <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IB EE exemplars</a> for valuable EE resources. Good luck!

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A comprehensive guide to the IB IA guidelines for students. 

IB IA Guidelines for Students

If you're an IB teacher looking for clear guidance on IA marking, you're in the right place. In this post, we'll walk you through the IA marking process and your responsibilities within it.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="text-align:center;">IB IA Guidelines for Teachers</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;As an IB teacher, your role in the Internal Assessment (IA) process is significant. You will introduce your students to the IA for your subject, explain its requirements, provide support with selecting a research question, and guide them through the process by offering tips and feedback.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your role is that of a guide and supporter. You are not to write the IA for them or help structure any of its arguments or sections. You should clearly explain the requirements, offer general guidance, answer student questions, and ensure they are heading in the right direction. You should also educate your students about plagiarism and proper citation practices to help them avoid academic misconduct. &nbsp;&nbsp;You may give comprehensive feedback and suggestions on the entire IA only once, without providing direct answers or telling students exactly what to do. Your job is to offer guidance that enables students to reflect and improve their work independently.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>IA Marking&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;As the name suggests, the IA is internally assessed – that is, assessed by you. You are responsible for marking your students' work. To ensure that the work has been accurately and fairly marked, a sample of IAs from your class will be sent to the IB for moderation. The sample must reflect a range of marks but avoid top-scoring candidates to allow for potential upward moderation. The moderator applies the same assessment criteria and compares their marks with yours. A moderation factor is then calculated and applied to all candidates in your school. This may result in marks being adjusted upward, downward, or remaining unchanged. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also, make sure you keep all IA work accessible until the session officially ends, as additional samples may be requested if the initial selection is deemed inconclusive.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Applying the assessment criteria&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;As a teacher, you will be provided with comprehensive assessment criteria. Marking IAs is not about personal judgment; it is about applying the IB’s published criteria precisely and consistently. These criteria are set by the Principal Examiner (PE), who establishes a benchmark for each subject to ensure that every student is assessed to the same standard worldwide. Your responsibility is to become thoroughly familiar with the subject-specific criteria and to mark student work accordingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;You will receive training to mark work accurately. Exemplars marked by the PE will be provided, allowing you to analyse them to understand how marks have been awarded. You will then be tested on your ability to apply the mark scheme effectively. &nbsp;&nbsp;Once you are qualified to mark, your marking will be monitored through the use of “seeds” – responses that have already been definitively marked by the Principal Examiner. These seeds will be randomly included in your marking allocation. You will not be aware that you are marking a seed, which ensures that it is assessed in the same way as all other responses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Enquiry upon results</h3>&nbsp;If there is a large discrepancy between the grades you awarded your students for their IAs and the scores they received after moderation, or if you and your students feel that the work has been marked unfairly, you may, with the consent of the students, submit an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) through the school’s IB Coordinator. In the EUR, you may request a re-moderation of the IAs. Students will be required to pay a fee for this process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

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A comprehensive guide to the IB IA Guidelines for teachers.

IB IA Guidelines for Teachers

Curious about the font size requirement for the Internal Assessment (IA)? You've come to the right place!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB IA Font Size</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;The IB does not specify a required font size for the Internal Assessment, so you won’t lose marks based on your choice of font size. However, readability remains important. While selecting a particular font size won’t earn you extra points, using a clear and comfortable size can make it easier for the examiner to read your essay, which can positively influence their overall impression. For this reason, we recommend using a 12-point font with double or 1.5 spacing (although for the Sciences, single spacing is also good). Generally, we do not recommend going with anything below a font size of 11 as it may make the investigation hard to read.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. Be sure to explore the <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA exemplars available at Clastify</a> to better understand the expectations for each subject. Additionally, <a href="/review" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify’s Review Service </a>can be especially helpful in refining your work and helping you maximise your score.

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A comprehensive guide to the Internal Assessment (IA) font size. Learn about the font size required for the IA. 

IB IA Font Size

Formatting your Internal Assessment and unsure about the correct spacing? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll break down exactly what spacing you should use for your IA to keep it clean, professional, and ready for submission.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">Internal Assessment Spacing&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The IB does not mandate a specific spacing for Internal Assessments. However, it is generally recommended to use 1.5 or double spacing. While using single or 1.15 spacing isn’t prohibited, it can make your IA harder to read and less visually appealing for the examiner. Although spacing alone won’t directly affect your marks, presentation matters – well-formatted work leaves a stronger impression and can give you that extra edge when aiming for top marks. We therefore recommend using a spacing of 1.5 or 2.0 and a font size of 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IB no longer sets strict page limits for Internal Assessments. These limits were mostly used in the Sciences, where students had to keep their reports under 12 pages, often squeezing in text with smaller spacing. But with the 2025 syllabus update, that’s no longer the case. Now, students are encouraged to use wider spacing to make their IA easier to read.&nbsp;&nbsp;The IB does however enforce word limits so make sure to keep an eye on that! You can find word count information for each subject on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>. &nbsp;

A comprehensive guide to IB Internal Assessment (IA) spacing. Learn about the required spacing for IAs.

Internal Assessment Spacing

The IB places a strong emphasis on academic honesty, and it's crucial that your Internal Assessment is free from any form of plagiarism. In this post, we'll guide you through how to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity in your work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">IB IA Plagiarism</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Plagiarism is when you present someone else's work, ideas, or words as your own without proper acknowledgment. This could be copying text from a book, website, or another student’s work without citing it. Even rephrasing someone’s ideas without crediting them still counts as plagiarism. Whether it's a direct quote or a paraphrased idea, if it didn’t come from you, it needs to be cited.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>How to avoid plagiarism in your IA</h3>&nbsp;The best way to avoid plagiarism is by citing your sources properly. Citing means giving credit to the original source of an idea, fact, data, or phrase that you used in your writing. The IB doesn’t mandate a specific citation style, but commonly used ones include Harvard, APA, and Chicago. Whichever one you use – be consistent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>When Quoting&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;Quoting is when you use the exact words from a source. You need to put the words in quotation marks and include an in-text citation.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example (Harvard referencing style)&nbsp;<p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="318" data-end="471">''Maya Angelou uses powerful imagery to convey resilience, stating, “But still, like dust, I'll rise” (Angelou, 1978).''<p class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;" data-start="473" data-end="591">&nbsp;<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>When Paraphrasing&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;Paraphrasing is when you put someone else's ideas into your own words. Even though you're not using their exact wording, you still need to cite the source. &nbsp;&nbsp;For example (Harvard referencing style):&nbsp;&nbsp;''According to literary critic Jane Smith, Angelou’s use of symbolism and rhythmic repetition in Still I Rise enhances the emotional impact of her message of empowerment and resistance (Smith, 2015).''&nbsp;In this case, you’re not quoting Smith directly, but you’re rephrasing her analysis in your own words – so a citation is still required.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>AI and plagiarism</h3>&nbsp;With tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms becoming more common, it’s important to understand their place in academic work. Copying and pasting content generated by AI and passing it off as your own is still plagiarism. Even though the words weren’t written by a human, they weren’t written by you either. &nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h4>Can You Use AI in Your IA?&nbsp;</h4>&nbsp;Yes – but only responsibly and transparently. If AI tools helped you brainstorm ideas, clarify concepts, or suggest structure, that’s okay. But if you’re using any content generated by AI – whether it’s a sentence, paragraph, or a full explanation – you must cite it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>How to cite AI</h4>&nbsp;When citing AI, follow the same process as you would for any other source. Include an in-text citation or footnote where you reference AI-generated content and provide a full citation in your bibliography. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Below is an example of a ChatGPT citation using Harvard referencing style:&nbsp;(Describe the use of symbolism in ''Still I Rise'' by Maya Angelou, 2025)&nbsp;For a more in-depth guide on how to cite AI tools, make sure to check out <a href="/blog/ib-citing-chat-gpt-and-ai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this post</a>.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>The bibliography</h3>&nbsp;Your IA must end with a bibliography – a full list of all the sources you consulted during your research, whether or not you directly quoted them. It should be on a new page at the end of your work and titled clearly as “Bibliography” or “References”. &nbsp;&nbsp;Organise your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name. Use a consistent citation style throughout (e.g. Harvard) and make sure all entries are properly formatted. Do not use bullet points or numbering.&nbsp;&nbsp;Example (Harvard style):&nbsp;&nbsp;Angelou, M. (1978) And Still I Rise. New York: Random House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Describe the use of symbolism in ''Still I Rise'' by Maya Angelou (2025). ChatGPT (GPT-4). [Accessed 11 April 2025)&nbsp;Smith, J. (2015) ‘Symbolism and Rhythm in the Poetry of Maya Angelou’, Journal of Contemporary Literature, 12(3), pp. 72–85.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Checking against plagiarism</h3>&nbsp;Before you submit your IA, it’s a good idea to double-check that your work is free of plagiarism. One effective way to do this is by using an online plagiarism checker, like Turnitin or other similar tools. These tools compare your work to a large database of sources, including academic journals, websites, and other students' papers, to detect any matches. &nbsp;&nbsp;If the tool flags any content, take the time to review it. Ensure that all quoted or paraphrased material is properly cited and that any potential unintentional plagiarism is corrected.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

A comprehensive guide to plagiarism in Internal Assessments. 

IB IA Plagiarism

Are you currently an IB student who needs to get started on writing their IAs? You may be wondering if it is possible to write an IA in one day, as IB is a rigorous program and the work can pile up fast if you are not organized. But is it possible to write an IA in one day? This post is here to provide some clarity regarding this!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">Is it Possible to Write an IA in One Day?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Writing an IA in one day is a challenging task and can often lead to the work being rushed and containing errors that could otherwise have been prevented. Hence, it is not advisable to write an IA in one day. That being said, to answer the above question, yes it is possible to write an IA in one day but it is unlikely to be of as high a quality compared to if you start earlier and write the IA over several days. This is because it takes a significant amount of time to conduct background research to find sources, conduct experiments, do any calculations or mathematical transformations, etc. Writing an IA last minute also does not give you enough time to proofread and edit your work, which could be detrimental.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before you begin writing your IA, make sure you have all the information needed to answer all parts of the IA effectively. For example, for science IAs make sure you have conducted all your experiments and have obtained sufficient data. Ensure you have done a bit of background research and compiled all your references before you officially begin writing. This is because it is easier to have all your references in a list so you can quickly refer to them when writing the introduction/background of your IA rather than wasting time searching for reliable sources. If you have done the above steps and are still pressed for time, see the tips below:&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;<ul><li>Create a schedule: When you have limited time, it is important to use each minute effectively. Create a schedule that has a detailed outline of the time you will allocate to each section of the IA (eg: 1 hour for the background, 3 hours for the data analysis and discussion, etc). Make sure you budget time for breaks and meals as overworking yourself can result in errors being made.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Follow IB guides: Make sure you follow all the requirements for your IA as outlined in the IB guides for the respective subject that you are writing the IA for. Many times schools or teachers will also provide students with a checklist or information on what should be included in an IA so make sure you follow these instructions if your teacher has given them to you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Focus on the main parts: Focus on the time-consuming parts first (eg: data analysis, discussion, evaluation) rather than the easier parts (eg: introduction, variables, hypothesis, proofreading, etc). You can do these easier aspects once the more difficult ones are out of the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Use a spellchecker: If you don't have time to manually proofread, use a spellchecker to help you edit your work as you write it as this can help save you time.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this guide has given you some useful tips on how to write an IA quickly if you are pressed for time. However, make sure you start early to avoid any issues in the IA-writing process. For more help with IB content, you can browse through our library of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE</a> and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK</a> exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a>, as well as other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

A comprehensive guide outlining whether it is possible to write an IA in one day. Use this as a guide during the IBDP. 

Is it Possible to Write an IA in One Day?

Choosing a good topic for your Internal Assessment (IA) is important for creating a strong investigation. A good topic will allow you to meet the subject requirements and keep you interested as you work on it. In this post, we’ll provide you with guidance regarding choosing a topic that sets you up for success.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">How to choose an IA topic</h2>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Identify your interests&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;Begin by exploring topics which you enjoy. Select an area that genuinely resonates with you, as the IA requires significant research, investigation, and analysis. Choosing a topic you're passionate about not only makes the process more enjoyable but also makes it easier for you to demonstrate genuine engagement, which is a requirement your the IA.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, for Biology, if you're interested in food security, you may want to conduct an investigation on the effect of a chemical on the growth of a particular crop.&nbsp;&nbsp;For History, choosing a topic of personal significance can be particularly engaging. You might consider exploring an area tied to your family’s history. For instance, if your grandparents lived during communist Yugoslavia and shared their experiences with you, it could be fascinating to pursue a related topic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Conduct preliminary research</h3>&nbsp;Once you've identified a broad topic for your IA, the next step is to conduct preliminary research to assess the available resources. Begin by exploring credible sources such as academic articles, books, and reputable databases to get an understanding of the existing research in your chosen area. This initial research will help you identify what information is readily available, what specific aspects you could focus your investigation on, and whether there is enough material to support a thorough analysis. As you explore, you'll also want to evaluate if the topic is feasible – ensuring it's neither too simplistic nor too complex for a well-developed investigation. Based on your findings, you can begin narrowing down your topic to ensure it's manageable, focused, and allows for a detailed, comprehensive exploration.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Biology, if you start with a broad topic like the effect of chemicals on crop growth, your preliminary research might reveal that a practical way to assess plant growth is by measuring germination rates. Based on the available resources, you could narrow your focus to studying the impact of fertilizers on germination, as fertilizers are commonly used in food production. This focus would allow you to explore the potential implications of both proper and improper fertilizer usage.&nbsp;&nbsp;For History, your initial research might lead you to explore the question of how the political party managed to maintain unity in the country despite the deep ethnic conflicts that have historically plagued the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre><h3>&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;<h3>Formulate a research question&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;After narrowing down your topic for the IA, the next step is to formulate a specific research question. This question should be clear, focused, and allow for in-depth analysis. When developing your question, ensure it’s neither too broad, which could lead to an overwhelming amount of information, nor too narrow, which might limit the depth of your investigation. As you refine your question, keep in mind how you will approach the research, as this will shape the way you investigate the topic. Aim for a question that is manageable within the word limit, while still allowing for a comprehensive and focused investigation. If you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our wide array of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA exemplars</a>.&nbsp;For Biology, if you narrowed your topic to the effect of fertilizers on the germination rate of crops, you might choose to focus on potassium chloride (KCl), a commonly used fertiliser, and its impact on wheat germination – one of the world's most essential crops. To refine your research further, you may decide to test specific concentrations of KCl to ensure a well-balanced analysis. Your research question might then become: ''What is the effect of different concentrations of KCl (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) on the germination rate of Triticum aestivum?''.&nbsp;For History, if you narrowed down your topic to the party's ability to maintain unity, in order to ensure a more focused approach that allows you for a in-depth critical analysis, you may decide to focus on factors which contributed to this. You may choose to focus on the following research question ''To what extent was propaganda responsible for the maintenance of unity in Yugoslavia in the years 1945-1990''.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Good and bad examples of IA research questions</h3>&nbsp;''What is the effect of the temperature (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 °C) on the buffering capacity (mol/dm3) of phosphate buffer, as measured using titration with 0.1 mol/dm3 HCl?''&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's good: <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">This research question is effective because it is clear and specific, with well-defined variables: temperature as the independent variable and buffering capacity as the dependent variable, measured through a precise method (titration with 0.1 mol/dm³ HCl). It is therefore well-focused focused and manageable, ensuring the investigation remains feasible within the IA’s constraints while allowing for in-depth analysis.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;''An investigation into the effect of the font on the number of correct responses in a multiple-choice quiz. (Dual-Processing Model theory)''&nbsp;<ul><li><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);display:inline !important;float:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">Why it's good: This IB Psychology IA topic is strong because it is well-focused and provides opportunities for in-depth analysis.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Does Warsaw have urban stress?''&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's bad: This research question is overly broad and lacks a clear focus for analysis. Additionally, it limits the answer to a simple "yes" or "no," which does not encourage in-depth exploration. A more effective research question would be: "To what extent does urban stress decrease with distance from the CBD along the M1 transect in Warsaw?" This revised question is more specific, promotes critical analysis by assessing the degree of change, and provides a clear framework for investigation.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;''Does power-to-weight ratio affect sprint performance?" &nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Why it's bad: This research question is overly broad and lacks a clear focus for analysis. It does not specify which aspects of sprint performance are being investigated and can lead to a vague, yes/no answer. The lack of focus on specific phases of the sprint or measurable outcomes limits the depth of analysis. A more effective research question would be: "Does an adolescent male’s power-to-weight ratio more closely correlate with maximum velocity in the acceleration phase or constant speed phase during a 100m sprint?" This revised question is more specific, encourages detailed analysis of different sprint phases, and provides a clear direction for the investigation.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify </a>and other guides available on our <a href="/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blog</a>.

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A comprehensive guide to choosing an Internal Assessment topic. Learn how to choose an IA topic and a well-crafted research question.

How to choose an IA topic

Starting your Internal Assessment (IA) can feel daunting, and many students often find themselves unsure of how to begin the process. In this post, however, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to get started, so you can approach your IA with confidence and a clear plan in mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">How to start writing your IA?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>1) Choose your topic &nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;The first and most crucial step in writing your IA is choosing a topic that not only interests you but also aligns with the IB requirements. While it's helpful to explore areas of the syllabus you're passionate about, don't be afraid to look beyond the syllabus for inspiration. Investigating topics outside of what's covered in class can make your IA more unique and engaging.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>2) Formulate your Research Question</h3>&nbsp;Once you’ve chosen your topic, the next step is to formulate a clear and focused research question. It is essential to create a research question that isn't too broad or too narrow. This is important because your investigation needs to be thorough, addressing your research question in depth while staying within the word count. A topic that is too broad will make it difficult to provide an exhaustive discussion, while one that is too narrow may not give you enough material for a meaningful analysis. Additionally, finding a sufficient amount of relevant sources to support your investigation is imperative.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep in mind that crafting a research question that isn't too vague or too narrow but also has ample supporting sources can be a time consuming process. You might need to refine and adjust your question several times to get it just right. Patience is key in this process, as a well-formulated research question is crucial to your success. It lays the foundation for a focused and thorough investigation, making it one of the most important aspects of the entire IA process. To help yourself with this process, make sure to check out our wide array of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA samples</a>, available for all subjects. These can serve as a great source of inspiration for formulating your research question.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>3) Collect data</h3>&nbsp;After choosing your topic and formulating a research question, it is time to collect data and source material for your Internal Assessement. Make sure to gather a wide variety of sources to ensure a nuanced investigation. If you are working on an Internal Assessment within the Sciences group, this is the stage where you'll plan and carry out your experiment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>4) Create a draft</h3>&nbsp;Once you’ve gathered your research and data, the next step is to create a rough draft that includes all sections of your essay. This draft will serve as a foundation, allowing you to organize your ideas and structure your investigation effectively. As you work through this draft, you will gradually expand on each section, adding more detail and refining your content. The process of drafting also gives you the opportunity to continuously improve your analysis, making adjustments as needed to enhance clarity and coherence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of <a href="/ia" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">IA</a>, <a href="/ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EE </a>and <a href="/tok" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TOK </a>exemplars available at <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a>.&nbsp;

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A comprehensive guide to starting your Internal Assessement (IA). Learn how to begin the IA writing process.

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