Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important parts of IB Computer Science. It counts for 30% of your final grade at SL and 20% at HL, making it a major factor in whether you achieve a 7. One of the biggest challenges students face is choosing the right IA topic. Pick something too simple, and you won’t meet the criteria. Pick something too ambitious, and you’ll run out of time.
This guide will show you what makes a strong IA topic, give you practical examples, and explain how RevisionDojo can help you turn your idea into a top-scoring project.
Quick Start Checklist
When choosing your IA topic, ask yourself:
- Does it solve a real problem for a real client?
- Can I design, develop, and test it within the IB timeframe?
- Does it allow me to demonstrate algorithmic thinking and coding skills?
- Can I meet all rubric requirements (design, development, testing, evaluation)?
- Will I be able to document my process clearly?
What Makes a Great IA Topic
- Solves a Real Problem
The IB emphasizes building a solution for a specific client. Your project should address a real need — whether in school, a community group, or a business. - Manageable Scope
A common mistake is choosing a project that’s too ambitious, like a full-scale social media app. Instead, choose a focused project you can complete thoroughly. - Demonstrates Key Skills
Strong IA topics let you showcase data structures, algorithms, and good coding practices, not just simple input-output.
Examples of Strong IA Topics
Here are some tried-and-tested ideas that often score highly:
- School Resource Management System – An app to manage lab equipment, track lending, or handle scheduling.
- Quiz or Learning Platform – A tool that generates randomized quizzes and tracks student performance.
- Inventory Management System – For a local business to track stock levels and generate reports.
- Fitness or Nutrition Tracker – A simple app to log workouts or track calories with data visualization.
- Library Management Tool – A search-and-lend system for books or digital resources.
- Sports Team Manager – Tracks players, statistics, and match results.
- Volunteer Scheduling App – Manages shifts for a charity or event.
Each of these topics is practical, has a clear client, and provides room for algorithmic problem-solving.
IA Topics to Avoid
- Games (unless very focused) – While fun, games often lack a real client problem and don’t score well unless tied to a meaningful need.
- Overly ambitious apps – Like building the next “Uber” or “Facebook.” Scope is critical.
- Pure calculators or converters – Too simple; they don’t show enough advanced coding or design.
How RevisionDojo Helps You Pick the Right Topic
RevisionDojo provides IA guidance checklists that map your idea against the rubric, so you can see if your topic is strong before you commit. Our IA guides also include sample project breakdowns that show how to document every stage — from client consultation to evaluation.
This ensures you don’t just pick a “cool” project — you pick one that actually earns marks.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a real client for my IA?
Yes. The IB requires a real client, even if it’s a teacher, student, or small business owner. RevisionDojo’s IA guidance helps you structure your client interview and documentation.
Q: How complex should my IA topic be?
Aim for moderate complexity. Too simple, and you won’t hit the rubric’s “sophistication” points. Too complex, and you may not finish. Balance is key.
Q: Can I use Python for my IA project?
Absolutely. Python is fully accepted by the IB. What matters most is how well you design, test, and evaluate your solution, not which language you use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IA topic is the first step to scoring highly in IB Computer Science. The best projects solve real problems, are manageable in scope, and allow you to showcase your coding and problem-solving skills. Avoid overly simple or over-ambitious projects, and focus on something practical for a real client.
With RevisionDojo’s IA guides and rubric-based checklists, you can confidently choose a topic that not only interests you but also sets you up for a 7.
