Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most critical components of the IB Diploma Programme. A well-written IA can push your final grade up, while a poorly executed one can bring it down. Unfortunately, many students lose marks not because their ideas are weak, but because they fall into avoidable traps. In this article, we’ll explore the most common IA mistakes, explain why they lower grades, and show you how to avoid them. To see what a successful IA looks like in practice, you can explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars for real high-scoring models.
Quick Start Checklist: IA Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a vague or overly broad topic
- Ignoring the subject-specific rubric
- Forgetting to analyze and only describing
- Mismanaging the IA word count
- Using poor or unreliable sources
- Submitting without proper proofreading
Mistake 1: Picking an Overly Broad IA Topic
One of the most frequent errors students make is starting with a topic that’s too wide. For example:
- Bad IA question (too broad): “How did World War II affect Europe?”
- Better IA question (focused): “How did food rationing policies affect civilian morale in Britain during World War II?”
A broad topic makes it impossible to show depth, and examiners prefer quality over quantity. Always narrow your IA focus to something manageable.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Rubric
Each IA subject has its own rubric, and examiners are trained to grade against those criteria. A beautifully written IA that ignores the rubric will still score poorly. For example, in a History IA, evaluation of sources is essential. In a Science IA, showing clear methodology and data analysis is crucial. Before drafting, compare your IA plan directly against the rubric.
Mistake 3: Being Descriptive Instead of Analytical
Another major IA pitfall is describing facts instead of analyzing them.
- Descriptive IA writing: “The experiment showed an increase in plant growth with more sunlight.”
- Analytical IA writing: “The increase in plant growth can be explained by higher photosynthesis rates under longer light exposure, which supports the hypothesis and aligns with prior studies.”
Analysis demonstrates critical thinking, which examiners reward heavily.
Mistake 4: Mismanaging the IA Word Count
The IA word count limit is strict. Many students exceed it or cut essential sections to stay within it. The key is balance:
- Avoid wasting words on unnecessary background.
- Prioritize analysis and evaluation.
- Use concise academic writing.
If you’re unsure how a polished IA looks within the word count, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars — they provide real examples of how top students manage their space effectively.
Mistake 5: Using Weak Sources or Data
Examiners penalize IAs that rely on unreliable sources or incomplete data. Wikipedia, for instance, is not acceptable. Instead, use academic journals, reliable primary sources, or replicable experiments. Strong sources not only boost credibility but also make your analysis more convincing.
Mistake 6: Neglecting Proofreading and Formatting
Even if your IA has strong content, small errors in grammar, citations, or formatting can cost you marks. Common issues include:
- Incorrect or missing citations
- Inconsistent formatting of graphs and tables
- Spelling and grammar mistakes
Set aside time to proofread and double-check formatting before submission.
How to Avoid These IA Mistakes
- Plan early. Give yourself time to refine your research question.
- Check the rubric often. Make sure every section of your IA matches grading criteria.
- Focus on analysis. Always ask, “So what?” after presenting evidence.
- Be strategic with words. Cut filler and prioritize content that meets rubric requirements.
- Use strong models. Refer to RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars to see how top students avoid these errors.
FAQs on IA Mistakes
1. What is the most common mistake in an IA?
The most common mistake is being too descriptive instead of analytical. Many students simply present information but don’t explain its significance. Analysis and evaluation are what set high-scoring IAs apart.
2. How can I tell if my IA topic is too broad?
If your IA research question can be answered in multiple books or if you find it impossible to go into detail in under 2,000 words, it’s too broad. Narrow it until you can analyze it deeply.
3. What happens if my IA goes over the word count?
Examiners will stop reading once the word limit is reached. This means key parts of your IA (often the conclusion or evaluation) may not even be considered, costing you valuable marks.
4. How do I know if my sources are reliable for an IA?
Reliable sources include academic books, peer-reviewed articles, or primary sources like government reports. Avoid general websites or unsourced blogs.
5. Where can I find examples of IAs without mistakes?
The best way to learn is by reviewing RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, where you’ll see polished, high-scoring IAs in full.
Conclusion
Most IA mistakes are completely avoidable if you know what examiners are looking for. By choosing a focused topic, aligning with the rubric, emphasizing analysis over description, managing word count, using credible sources, and proofreading carefully, you’ll avoid the pitfalls that drag down many IB students. To see these strategies in action, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars — they’ll give you a clear roadmap for success.
Call to Action
Don’t let small mistakes cost you big marks. Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn from real high-scoring IAs to perfect your own.
