What Are Internal Assessments (IAs) in the IB Programme?
Internal Assessments (IAs) are a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Unlike final exams, which are externally assessed, IAs are internally graded by teachers and externally moderated by the IB to ensure consistency across schools.
IAs serve a few key purposes:
- They test your ability to apply subject knowledge to real-world situations
- They provide a chance to explore topics in depth
- They encourage independent thinking, research, and analysis
Most IAs are written reports, investigations, or presentations and are submitted in the final year of IB.
Total Number of Internal Assessments by Subject Group
Each IB subject includes at least one IA. The exact format and length vary depending on the subject and whether it’s taken at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- English A Language and Literature / Literature
- IA: Individual Oral (10-minute presentation + written script)
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Language B (e.g., Spanish, French, Mandarin)
- IA: Individual Oral (conversation and analysis of visuals or themes)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Subjects like History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Global Politics
- IA: Written investigation or research project (~1,500–2,200 words)
Group 4: Sciences
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies
- IA: Scientific investigation or experiment report (up to 12 pages)
Group 5: Mathematics
- Math: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Math: Applications and Interpretation (AI)
- IA: Mathematical exploration (~6–12 pages of analysis and reflection)
Group 6: The Arts
- Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Dance
- IA: Varies by subject (e.g., portfolio, performance commentary, composition)
Every subject has 1 IA, regardless of SL or HL. However, HL students usually have additional depth or complexity in their assessment tasks.
Summary: How Many IAs Does One IB Student Submit?
Assuming you’re a full IB Diploma student:
- You take 6 subjects (3 HL and 3 SL)
- Each subject has 1 IA
- Therefore, you’ll submit 6 Internal Assessments in total
This is in addition to your Extended Essay (EE) and TOK Essay & Exhibition, which are separate core components.
In total, expect to complete 9 major submissions across your IB Diploma journey.
How Internal Assessments Are Graded and Their Weight
Internal Assessments count for 20–30% of your final grade in most subjects.
Here’s how they’re assessed:
- Teachers mark your IA using IB-assigned rubrics
- A sample of these is moderated by external examiners
- If discrepancies are found, all grades may be adjusted
This makes it essential to follow rubrics closely, stay within word/page limits, and meet deadlines.
Managing Multiple IAs Without Burnout
Multiple IAs can feel overwhelming—especially when deadlines bunch together. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Start early: Many IAs begin in Year 1 or early Year 2
- Use a calendar: Plot deadlines and progress check-ins across months
- Break IAs into stages: Topic selection, research, drafts, feedback, final edits
- Rotate focus: Don’t try to finish all IAs at once—work on 1–2 each month
- Communicate with teachers: Ask for interim feedback to avoid last-minute issues
Good IA management often determines how smoothly your final IB year goes.
Common IA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoid these traps:
- Procrastinating: Waiting until the last minute kills quality
- Choosing vague topics: Be specific and focused to stay on track
- Ignoring rubrics: These determine your score—use them like a checklist
- Skipping feedback: Feedback can raise your mark by a full grade
- Not citing sources: Plagiarism can result in automatic disqualification
Stay organized, seek clarity early, and treat each IA as a long-term project.
FAQs on IB Internal Assessments
Q1: Are IAs easier than final exams?
They’re more flexible and less pressured, but require more independent effort and attention to detail.
Q2: Can I redo an IA if I’m not happy with my grade?
No—once submitted to the IB, it’s final. However, drafts can be improved before the official deadline.
Q3: Do SL and HL IAs differ in difficulty?
Not always, but HL students may have to demonstrate deeper analysis or broader knowledge.
Q4: What happens if I miss an IA deadline?
You risk failing that subject or the full diploma. Always inform your coordinator and plan ahead.
Q5: Are group IAs allowed?
No—IB IAs are individual assessments. Group work can happen in labs or prep, but submissions are solo.
Q6: Which IA is the most time-consuming?
It varies, but many students find Sciences and Maths IAs take the longest due to data analysis and precise formatting.
