What Are IB Internal Assessments (IA)?

Starting your IB journey and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the looming spectre of Internal Assessments (IAs)? You're definitely not alone. 

Thankfully, IAs are one of those things that sound scarier than they actually are.

Think of Internal Assessments as your chance to show what you're really capable of. Unlike the nerve-wracking final exams, IAs let you explore topics you genuinely care about, work at your own pace, and demonstrate your skills in a more relaxed setting.

Whether you're just starting Year 1 or already deep into your studies, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about IAs. We'll cover what they are, how they work, and – most importantly – how to ace them.

Key Takeaways

• Internal Assessments (IAs) are coursework projects that count towards your final IB grade. They make up 20-30% of your total marks in each subject.

• Unlike external exams, your teachers first assess your IAs; they are then moderated by IB examiners to ensure fairness across schools worldwide.

• Each subject has its own IA format. They range from scientific investigations to oral presentations in English and source-based research in History.

• Success in IAs relies on choosing the right topic, following assessment criteria, and managing your time throughout the process.

What Are IB Internal Assessments?

Internal Assessments are coursework projects you complete during your IB Diploma Programme studies. Think of them as extended assignments that let you dive deep into topics you're genuinely interested in.

Unlike your final exams in May, IAs happen throughout your two years of study. You'll work on them in class time and independently, with guidance from your teachers.

The key difference between IAs and external exams is who marks them initially. 

• Your teacher assesses your IA first

• The International Baccalaureate Organisation (opens in a new tab) then moderates a sample. They make sure marking is consistent across all schools globally

This moderation process means your IA grade is reliable and fair, whether you're studying in London, Tokyo, or New York.

How Are IAs Assessed?

Your teacher marks your IA using specific criteria set by the IB. These criteria vary by subject but typically include:

• Personal engagement - showing genuine interest and initiative in your chosen topic

• Analysis and evaluation - demonstrating critical thinking and drawing meaningful conclusions

• Communication - presenting your work clearly and following academic conventions

• Knowledge and understanding - showing you grasp the subject content and can apply it effectively

The exact weightings differ between subjects, but most IAs contribute 20-30% (opens in a new tab) to your final grade. For example, in Sciences, Geography and Maths they are 20%, in History 25% and in SL Languages 30%. This makes them crucial for your overall IB performance.

Subject-by-Subject Overview of Internal Assessments

IB Biology, Chemistry, and Physics IA

Science IAs are individual investigations based on experiments you design and carry out yourself, then write up in a report.

You'll need to create a focused research question that you can actually test in your school lab. The best investigations start with something you've noticed in everyday life or a topic that fascinates you.

Common mistakes include choosing overly-broad questions and not controlling variables. Failing to show personal engagement with the topic is another one. 

Make sure your investigation is original - avoid copying experiments from textbooks or online sources.

Your write-up should follow scientific conventions. Include a clear methodology, accurate data collection, and thorough analysis of your results.

IB Maths IA (Exploration)

The Maths IA is called an "exploration" because you're investigating a mathematical topic that interests you.

This isn't about solving textbook problems. It's about applying mathematical concepts to real-world situations, exploring mathematical relationships in depth.

Strong explorations often connect maths to other subjects you're studying, your hobbies, or current events. The key is showing genuine curiosity and using appropriate mathematical techniques to investigate your chosen area.

You'll need to show personal engagement, mathematical reasoning, and clear communication throughout your exploration.

IB History IA

History IAs are source-based investigations where you act like a professional historian. You analyse primary and secondary sources to answer a focused research question.

Your IA has three main sections: identification and evaluation of sources, investigation, and reflection on your methods and conclusions.

Choose a topic with enough primary sources available but isn't too well-documented. You want room for original analysis. Local history topics often work well because you can access unique sources in your area.

Remember to evaluate your sources critically. Consider their origin, purpose, value, and limitations for your investigation.

IB English IA (Individual Oral)

English IAs take the form of Individual Orals: 10 minute presentations where you analyse how authors use language and literary techniques. This is followed by 5 minutes of questions.

You'll compare a literary work you've studied in class with a text of your choice, focusing on a global issue that connects both works.

The key to success is thorough preparation. Plan your oral carefully, practice speaking clearly, and prepare for potential examiner questions.

Make sure you balance discussion of both texts equally and connect your analysis to broader themes and contexts.

Other Subjects (Geography, Psychology, Economics, etc.)

Geography IAs involve fieldwork investigations. You collect and analyse primary data to answer geographical questions.

Psychology IAs are experimental studies. You design and carry out psychological research, following ethical guidelines carefully.

Economics IAs require you to analyse real-world economic issues using economic theory and relevant data sources.

For more detailed guidance on the IAs, check the official IB subject guides available on the IB Organisation website (opens in a new tab). Save My Exams also has IB Subject Guides for more general information.

How to Choose a Strong IA Topic

The best IA topics combine three elements: 

• personal interest

• academic rigour

• practical feasibility

Start by thinking about what genuinely fascinates you within your subject. Your enthusiasm will show through in your work, making the research process much more enjoyable.

Make sure your topic is specific enough to investigate thoroughly within the word limit. But not so narrow that you can't find sufficient material to analyse.

Consider what resources and equipment you'll have access to. There's no point choosing a topic that requires expensive equipment or sources you can't obtain.

Test your topic by trying to write a clear, focused research question. If you struggle to articulate what you're investigating, your topic might need refining.

Common IA Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Choosing topics that are too broad. Narrow your focus to something you can explore in depth within the word limit.

• Ignoring assessment criteria. Check your work against the specific criteria for your subject.

• Poor time management. Start early and work consistently rather than leaving everything until the last minute. 

• Lack of personal engagement. Choose topics you're genuinely interested in, and show your enthusiasm in your writing.

• Inadequate referencing. Follow academic conventions and cite all your sources to avoid accusations of plagiarism.

Always remember: check your final work against the mark scheme before submission. This simple step can help you spot missing elements and improve your grade significantly.

Resources to Help with Your IA

Start with the official IB subject guides containing detailed criteria and exemplar materials. These are available through your school or the IB Organisation website (opens in a new tab).

Your teachers are your most valuable resource. Use their expertise and ask for regular feedback throughout the process.

Many schools provide past IA exemplars that achieved different grade boundaries. Studying these can help you understand what examiners are looking for.

For citations and referencing, tools like Mendeley (opens in a new tab) or Zotero. (opens in a new tab) They can help you keep track of sources and format references.

Planning tools like Gantt charts (opens in a new tab) or simple calendars can help you manage your time across your IA deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are IAs worth in the final IB grade?

IAs typically contribute 20-30% of your final grade in each subject, though this varies slightly between subjects. This makes them a significant component of your overall IB performance - definitely worth taking seriously.

Can I do the same IA topic as someone else in my class?

While you might choose similar broad topics, your specific research question and approach must be your own original work. Collaboration during the research phase is usually allowed, but your final submission must be entirely your own work.

How long should my IA be?

Word limits for written reports vary by subject but are typically between 1,500-3000 words. Check your subject guide for the exact requirement. Going significantly over the word limit will result in penalties, so edit carefully.

What happens if my IA is over the word count?

Examiners will only read up to the word limit, meaning any content beyond that point won't be assessed. This could seriously impact your grade, so always check your word count before submission and edit ruthlessly if needed.

Do universities look at IA grades?

Universities receive:

• Your predicted IB grades (including IA components) 

• Your final transcript shows individual subject grades (incorporating IA marks). 

While they don't see separate IA scores, a strong performance contributes to the grades universities use for admissions decisions.

Ready to Get Started?

Internal Assessments might seem daunting at first, but they're actually one of the best parts of the IB experience. You get to dive deep into topics you love, show off your research skills, and make a real impact on your final grades.

As a biology tutor over many years, I’ve worked with plenty of IB students who dreaded their IA. They felt like it was going to be an impossible mountain of a task. I helped them to break everything down into smaller tasks. They focused on an area that they were interested in. By the end, most really enjoyed the process! 

Remember, the key to IA success isn't perfection. It's picking something you're excited about and approaching it with curiosity and determination.

Your teachers are there to support you at every step. With the right planning and effort, your IAs can become real academic achievements. 

Good luck with your Internal Assessments - you've got this!

References 

• IB Assessment Principles and Practices (2017) (opens in a new tab)

• Assessment Principles and Practices: A guide for teachers and coordinators (opens in a new tab)

• IB Organisation website (opens in a new tab)