Introduction
One of the unique challenges of the IB program is that every subject requires its own Internal Assessment (IA). While the core skills of research, analysis, and communication stay the same, each subject has different expectations. What works for a History IA may not work for a Physics IA — and applying the wrong strategy can cost you marks.
The key to success is knowing how to adapt IA strategies by subject. This article will break down how IAs differ across sciences, humanities, and mathematics, and provide tailored approaches so you can meet examiner expectations in every subject.
Quick Start Checklist
To adapt your IA strategies across subjects:
- Identify whether the IA is data-driven, source-driven, or concept-driven.
- Tailor your research question to the subject’s unique criteria.
- Adjust the balance of background, methodology, and analysis accordingly.
- Focus on subject-specific evaluation techniques.
- Always cross-check your draft with the rubric for that subject.
Science IAs (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Science IAs are experimental and data-heavy. Examiners expect:
- Focused research questions: Variables must be clear and measurable.
- Concise background: Just enough theory to explain the experiment.
- Strong methodology: Emphasis on validity, reliability, and control of variables.
- Quantitative analysis: Graphs, statistical tests, and evaluation of errors.
- Reflection on limitations: Showing how design flaws affect conclusions.
Strategy Tip: Don’t waste words describing every step. Instead, explain why your design choices matter for accuracy.
Humanities IAs (History, Geography, Psychology)
Humanities IAs are source-driven and emphasize interpretation. Examiners expect:
- Sharp research questions: Focused on causes, effects, or significance.
- Contextual background: Enough history or theory to frame your analysis.
- Source analysis: Evaluating origin, purpose, value, and limitations of sources.
- Balanced arguments: Considering multiple perspectives or interpretations.
- Clear structure: Chronological or thematic organization for clarity.
Strategy Tip: Avoid descriptive storytelling. Examiners reward analysis of evidence, not lengthy retellings of events.
Mathematics IAs (Exploration)
Math IAs are concept-driven and focus on originality and reasoning. Examiners expect:
- Engagement with mathematics: A topic that goes beyond classwork but is still accessible.
- Clear rationale: Why you chose the problem or concept.
- Mathematical depth: Step-by-step exploration, proofs, or applications.
- Communication: Explaining concepts clearly so examiners can follow.
- Reflection: Linking back to real-world applications or personal interest.
Strategy Tip: Balance technical detail with readability. Don’t just present equations — explain what they mean and why they matter.
Adapting Across Subjects
- In sciences, depth comes from data. Focus on numbers, patterns, and errors.
- In humanities, depth comes from interpretation. Focus on evaluating perspectives.
- In math, depth comes from process. Focus on reasoning, proofs, and applications.
By tailoring your IA approach to the subject, you maximize your chances of scoring well.
FAQs
1. Can I reuse the same strategy across different IAs?
Not entirely. While general skills like clarity and structure apply everywhere, each subject has unique rubric demands. For example, heavy statistical analysis is essential in sciences but unnecessary in History. Always adapt to the subject.
2. Which subjects are hardest for the IA?
This depends on the student. Sciences require careful data collection, while humanities demand strong writing and source evaluation. Math requires creativity and persistence. Difficulty usually reflects personal strengths rather than the subject itself.
3. How do I know if my IA is subject-appropriate?
Check it against the rubric. If your IA emphasizes the skills examiners value in that subject (data analysis in sciences, source evaluation in history, reasoning in math), you’re on the right track. If not, adjust focus before finalizing.
Conclusion
Success in the IA comes from aligning with subject expectations. The same strategy won’t work everywhere — what shines in History may flop in Chemistry, and what’s excellent in Math may feel incomplete in Psychology. By adapting your approach, you show examiners not only subject knowledge but also versatility as a learner.
At RevisionDojo, we guide students in tailoring IA strategies for every subject, ensuring their work is rubric-aligned and examiner-ready. With the right approach, you can perform strongly across all your IAs, no matter the subject.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Want to master IA strategies across all your IB subjects? RevisionDojo offers targeted resources, examples, and coaching to help you adapt effectively. Whether it’s science, humanities, or math, we’ll show you how to write examiner-ready IAs every time.
