Introduction
Every IB student must complete Internal Assessments (IAs), but each subject has unique expectations. A science IA looks very different from a history IA, and a math IA requires skills that don’t apply in literature. Many students mistakenly assume the IA format is the same across all subjects, but examiners grade them using different rubrics and priorities.
In this guide, we’ll compare IA expectations across sciences, humanities, and mathematics, highlight key differences, and share strategies to adapt your approach. To see how top students succeed in different IA subjects, you can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: IA Expectations by Subject
- Science IAs: Experiment design, data collection, statistical analysis, evaluation of errors
- Humanities IAs: Source evaluation, argument development, interpretation, context
- Math IAs: Exploration of concepts, depth of analysis, real-world application
Science IA Expectations
In subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, examiners expect:
- A clear, testable research question
- Detailed methodology with controlled variables
- Sufficient data collected through multiple trials
- Graphs, tables, and statistical analysis
- Evaluation of errors and limitations
- A conclusion linked directly to theory
Science IAs are judged on how well you design and analyze an experiment.
Humanities IA Expectations
In subjects like History, Geography, and Psychology, examiners expect:
- A focused research question or case study
- Background context and rationale
- Use of both primary and secondary sources
- Source evaluation (bias, reliability, perspective)
- Critical interpretation of evidence
- A conclusion supported by argument
Humanities IAs are judged on how well you interpret and evaluate sources.
Math IA Expectations
In Mathematics, the IA (also called the Exploration) is unique. Examiners expect:
- A clear research question exploring a math concept
- Use of advanced mathematics beyond basic syllabus work
- Logical reasoning and step-by-step calculations
- Connections to real-world applications or abstract theory
- Reflection on findings and limitations
Math IAs are judged on creativity, depth, and clarity of explanation.
Key Differences Between Subjects
Evidence
- Science IAs: Quantitative data
- Humanities IAs: Qualitative sources
- Math IAs: Equations and models
Methodology
- Science IAs: Step-by-step experiments
- Humanities IAs: Source selection and evaluation
- Math IAs: Mathematical approach and problem-solving
Analysis
- Science IAs: Statistical trends and reliability
- Humanities IAs: Interpretation of meaning and perspectives
- Math IAs: Logical consistency and originality
Evaluation
- Science IAs: Error analysis and improvements
- Humanities IAs: Source bias and reliability
- Math IAs: Limitations of models or assumptions
Common Mistakes When Comparing IA Subjects
- Applying a science-style IA approach to a humanities IA (too descriptive, not interpretive)
- Treating a math IA like a science IA (focusing only on data instead of mathematical exploration)
- Writing too much background in a science IA or too little context in a humanities IA
- Ignoring subject-specific rubrics and assuming one-size-fits-all formatting
How to Adapt Your Strategy
- Science IAs: Focus on precision, reliability, and quantitative analysis.
- Humanities IAs: Prioritize critical evaluation of sources and balanced argumentation.
- Math IAs: Aim for originality, creativity, and depth of mathematical thought.
By tailoring your IA approach, you’ll align with examiner expectations for your subject.
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
The best way to understand these differences is to see them in practice. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase top-scoring IAs across all major subjects, giving you a clear model for what examiners reward in each category.
FAQs on Comparing IA Expectations
1. Are all IAs marked with the same rubric?
No — each subject has a subject-specific rubric. Examiners grade differently depending on whether the IA is in science, humanities, or math.
2. Can I use the same IA style for multiple subjects?
No — each subject requires a tailored approach. Copying a science IA style into a history IA will cost you marks.
3. Which type of IA is easiest to score well in?
None is “easier” — success depends on understanding the rubric and meeting expectations for your subject.
4. Do all IAs need evaluation?
Yes, but evaluation looks different across subjects (errors in science, bias in humanities, assumptions in math).
5. Where can I see examples of IAs across subjects?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature science, humanities, and math IAs that scored highly.
Conclusion
IA expectations vary widely across IB subjects. Science IAs prioritize experiment design and data, humanities IAs focus on source evaluation and argument, and math IAs reward originality and depth of exploration. By tailoring your approach to your subject and studying RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, you’ll maximize your IA score and impress examiners.
Call to Action
Want to see how IAs differ across subjects? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn from top-scoring examples in science, humanities, and math.
