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:
