IB Maths – Internal Assessment help
What the IA Is
Every IB Maths student completes an Internal Assessment (IA), officially called the Mathematical Exploration. This is a written project where you investigate a mathematical idea of your choice, usually in 12–20 pages.
Unlike the timed exams, the IA gives you space to be creative: you can explore anything from the maths behind music patterns to modeling sports statistics or analyzing financial trends. It counts for 20% of your final grade, so it’s a significant piece of work, but it’s also a chance to show off your curiosity and connect maths to something that genuinely interests you.
Choosing a Topic
Before starting your Internal Assessment, you’ll need to choose a topic. The best ideas usually come from your own hobbies, passions, or curiosities. Most students lean toward AA or AI maths depending on their choice, though you can cross over if you wish.
Your teacher can guide you, but a few simple questions can help you decide. Remember: the difference between a strong and weak topic choice can make all the difference.
Does my topic have a mathematical aim?
This is the difference between picking a topic that is too descriptive and a topic that will allow you to do maths. For instance, “Maths in football” is very broad, but something like “Does xG data provide a useful insight into Premier League teams performances” gives a clear objective on what you want to achieve with your topic
Is my topic sufficiently challenging?
Picking a topic that’s too basic limits what you can show. Examiners assess the level of mathematics, so “Squares in architecture” may not offer much depth, while “How is symmetry constructed in architecture” opens the door to concepts like the golden ratio, matrices, and tessellations. At the same time, balance ambition. Don’t choose something far beyond your capabilities!
Is my topic something I am interested in?
Examiners can really tell when somebody takes an interest in the topic they’ve written about, and your enthusiasm will naturally lead you to higher marks. Think about your hobbies and interests: video games, sports, architecture, music, finance. There’s a good topic for everything!
Writing your Internal Assessment
Once you’ve chosen your topic and explored the maths, the next challenge is writing it up clearly. The IA examiners will be assessing your ability to communicate your ideas in a logical, well‑structured way.
Start with an introduction that explains why you chose the topic. Next, move into mathematical development. Here you should present your methods step by step, explain why you chose these methods, and demonstrate the actual mathematics, whether that’s algebra, calculus, probability, or statistical modeling. When using formulas, show how they connect to your problem as you go, to show the examiner you really understand what’s being written. Finish with a reflection on what you discovered.
Remember to keep your language precise but accessible, and make sure every section connects back to the maths.
If you’re struggling to understand some of the mathematics behind your project, Aegis Advisors are here to help. Our tutors can help you gain a better understanding of mathematics for your Internal Assessment and help you achieve your best in your IB maths course.
Common Mistakes
Here are some of the most common mistakes students make when writing their IA
Too descriptive: Students have a topic that involves a lot of talking but not much investigating or mathematics. This limits what examiners can award them, as they don’t have a lot of mathematical investigation
Poor referencing: Students who don’t correctly reference ideas they have found elsewhere will lose marks, and in more serious cases, risk breaching academic integrity.
Unfeasable: A topic that requires data which is inaccessible, like modern submarine data, will stop you in your tracks midway. Likewise, a topic that requires a PhD understanding of astrophysics will limit you
Time management: Students often try to cram all their work on the IA during assessment season, when you will also be prepping for your IB exams. Make sure to set deadlines as you go to complete your IA to a high standard
Poor structure: Jumping between ideas without a clear, logical flow will limit your award from examiners.
Over-reliance on technology: Using software to generate results and not explaining the maths behind them will make your IA look weak, as it shows lack of understanding.
Conclusion:
In writing your Internal Assessment, the choices you make will shape the whole project. Be thoughtful when selecting a topic, take care to structure your work clearly, and keep an eye out for the common mistakes that often cost students marks. With careful planning and clear mathematical communication, your IA can be a success. Remember, if you’re struggling with your IB maths and need extra support, Aegis Advisors are here to help you.