Introduction
The IA (Internal Assessment) is a cornerstone of IB coursework, and your introduction sets the tone for the entire project. A weak IA introduction can leave examiners unimpressed, while a strong one grabs attention and makes your analysis easier to follow. Yet, many students struggle with how to begin. Should you dive straight into the research question? Add background information? Outline your methodology?
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to structure your IA introduction step by step. We’ll also highlight what examiners expect and show you how to model your work after RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which include high-scoring introductions across subjects.
Quick Start Checklist: What Every IA Introduction Needs
- A clear statement of the IA research question
- Relevant background or context
- A rationale for why the topic matters
- Scope and limitations of the IA
- A brief outline of the methodology
Why Your IA Introduction Matters
The introduction is not just a formality. It sets expectations for the examiner and gives you a roadmap for the rest of your IA. A strong introduction demonstrates:
- Focus: that your IA research question is clear and specific.
- Purpose: why your IA is worth investigating.
- Direction: how you’ll approach the IA with methods and evidence.
Without this foundation, the rest of your IA can feel scattered or incomplete.
Step 1: Start With Your IA Research Question
The research question is the heart of the IA. Place it prominently in your introduction so examiners see it right away.
- Strong example: “To what extent did the rationing of food in Britain during World War II impact civilian morale?”
- Weak example: “This IA will look at World War II.”
The first example is specific, answerable, and analytical. The second is vague and too broad.
Step 2: Provide Context or Background
After stating your research question, give just enough background to set the stage. This shows examiners you understand the broader context without wasting words.
For example:
- In a History IA, explain the historical period briefly.
- In a Science IA, introduce the key concept behind your experiment.
- In a Math IA, define the mathematical concept you’re exploring.
Keep it concise — the IA introduction should not turn into a history lesson or a full theory explanation.
Step 3: Explain the Rationale
Why does your IA matter? Examiners want to see that you’ve chosen a meaningful and original angle. A good rationale shows curiosity and purpose.
Example in a History IA:
“This IA is significant because while World War II has been studied extensively, fewer studies have focused on how rationing policies affected the daily lives of civilians, making this a relevant and unique area for exploration.”
This positions your IA as original without being overly ambitious.
Step 4: Define Scope and Limitations
One of the best ways to avoid a scattered IA is to define scope early. Clarify what your IA will and will not cover.
Example:
“This IA will focus only on British civilian morale between 1940 and 1942, using newspapers and diaries as primary sources. It will not cover military strategies or international diplomacy.”
By setting these boundaries, you keep your IA manageable and aligned with the word count.
Step 5: Preview the Methodology
You don’t need to write the full methods in your introduction, but a short preview helps examiners understand your approach.
- Science IA: “This IA will test how varying light exposure affects basil plant growth by measuring height over a two-week period.”
- Math IA: “This IA will explore the application of calculus to model population growth using logistic equations.”
This shows that your IA is grounded in evidence and practical analysis.
Mistakes to Avoid in an IA Introduction
- Being too vague: Don’t hide your research question until later.
- Overloading with detail: Save in-depth explanations for later sections.
- Skipping rationale: Examiners want to know why your IA matters.
- Forgetting scope: Without limitations, your IA risks being too broad.
What a Strong IA Introduction Looks Like
If you’re unsure whether your IA introduction is strong enough, compare it with successful models. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase complete IAs with polished introductions that tick all the boxes — clear research questions, context, rationale, scope, and methodology.
FAQs on IA Introductions
1. How long should my IA introduction be?
Your IA introduction should usually be 200–300 words. Long enough to cover the essentials, but not so long that it eats into your word count for analysis.
2. Should I include my research question in the first sentence?
Yes — state your IA research question early so examiners immediately understand your focus.
3. How do I show originality in my IA introduction?
Originality comes from your angle, scope, or application. You don’t need a “brand-new” idea — just a fresh perspective.
4. Do I need to cite sources in the IA introduction?
Yes, if you use background information from secondary sources, you should cite them. However, keep citations minimal at this stage.
5. Where can I see examples of strong IA introductions?
You can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature introductions from high-scoring IAs in multiple subjects.
Conclusion
The IA introduction sets the stage for your entire Internal Assessment. By clearly stating your research question, providing context, explaining your rationale, defining scope, and previewing your methodology, you’ll build a strong foundation that examiners appreciate. Avoid vague or overly descriptive starts, and always keep the IA rubric in mind. For concrete examples of successful introductions, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars and model your work after proven top scorers.
Call to Action
Want to see how top IB students craft powerful IA introductions? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and start your IA with confidence.
