If you’re feeling overwhelmed because you’ve fallen behind on your IB Internal Assessments (IAs), you’re not alone. Many students face this challenge at some point during the IB Diploma Programme. The good news is that with a clear, structured plan, you can regain control and successfully complete your IAs. This guide outlines practical steps to help you catch up and submit high-quality work.
Assess and Prioritize Your Tasks
Start by writing down all pending IA tasks, including upcoming deadlines.
Use a tool like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on assignments that are both urgent and important first. For example, if a Biology IA draft is due next week, prioritize it over tasks with later deadlines.
Create a Detailed, Realistic Schedule
Break each IA into smaller tasks. For example, divide your workload into stages like research, data collection, analysis, and writing.
Set up a schedule using time blocking or the Pomodoro Technique. Aim for 25-minute focused work sessions followed by short breaks.
Use digital calendars or planners (such as Google Calendar) to map out deadlines, daily goals, and time blocks. Color-code tasks to make your plan easy to follow and adjust.
Set Specific Daily Goals
Rather than trying to do everything at once, set small, achievable targets for each day. For example:
- Finish drafting the introduction for your ESS IA
- Complete the analysis section of your Math IA
- Collect data for your Geography IA
Consistency is key. Even 30 to 60 minutes of focused work daily will help you make steady progress.
Eliminate Distractions and Optimize Focus
Work in a quiet space dedicated to study.
Put your phone on silent or use apps that block distractions (such as Forest or Focus Keeper).
Stay disciplined during your focused work sessions to maximize productivity.
Seek Support and Feedback Early
Let your teachers or supervisors know you’re working hard to catch up.
Request feedback on your progress to ensure you’re on the right track and to avoid major revisions later. Early feedback can save you time and stress.
Adjust and Reflect Regularly
Review your schedule daily or at least once a week.
Ask yourself: Are you meeting your targets? Do you need to adjust time blocks or priorities?
Stay flexible and realistic as you refine your plan.
Take Care of Your Well-being
It’s tempting to cut back on sleep or skip breaks to catch up—but this will hurt your productivity in the long run. Prioritize good sleep, healthy meals, and short breaks to stay focused and energized.
Summary of Key Actions
- List your IA tasks and prioritize them using urgency and importance.
- Break IAs into small steps and time block your schedule.
- Set daily, specific goals to build momentum.
- Minimize distractions and maintain focus during study sessions.
- Get support from teachers and adjust your plan as needed.
- Look after your health to avoid burnout.
By following these steps, you can catch up on your IAs efficiently while maintaining the quality of your work.
For additional guidance, templates, and exemplar IAs to help you plan and write effectively, visit RevisionDojo, where IB specialists provide tools designed to help you stay on track and succeed.
