Introduction
Choosing a topic for your Internal Assessment (IA) can feel overwhelming. With so many possibilities — and the pressure of knowing your IA impacts your final IB grade — it’s normal to feel stuck. Many students waste valuable time waiting for the “perfect idea,” but the truth is, strong IAs come from refining simple ideas, not chasing something completely original.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical strategies to brainstorm IA ideas when you’re stuck, show you how to evaluate potential topics, and give subject-specific examples. To see how students turned ordinary ideas into high-scoring IAs, review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Brainstorming IA Ideas
- Start with your interests and passions
- Narrow down to specific, testable questions
- Look at real-world connections
- Avoid overly broad or overly complex ideas
- Refine with feasibility in mind
Step 1: Start With Your Interests
The easiest way to get unstuck is to ask: What do I already care about?
- Science IA: If you like cooking, test the effect of temperature on starch breakdown.
- History IA: If you love politics, explore speeches from a major leader.
- Math IA: If you’re into sports, analyze player statistics mathematically.
Interest-driven topics keep you motivated throughout the IA process.
Step 2: Narrow Your Focus
A broad topic will quickly feel unmanageable. Refine it into a narrow, focused question.
- Too broad: “How does pollution affect the environment?”
- Focused: “How does pH level affect the rate of seed germination in beans?”
- Too broad: “How did World War II affect Europe?”
- Focused: “To what extent did rationing affect British civilian morale during World War II?”
Focused questions save you time and help you stay within the IA word count.
Step 3: Look at Real-World Connections
Sometimes the best IA ideas come from everyday experiences:
- A Biology IA from gardening or cooking experiments
- A History IA from a family story or local archive
- A Math IA from analyzing patterns in music or games
Real-world connections make your IA unique while keeping it manageable.
Step 4: Use the Rubric as a Guide
If you’re stuck, go back to the rubric. Ask:
- Does this idea allow for analysis, not just description?
- Will it give me enough data or evidence to evaluate?
- Can I realistically complete this within school resources?
If your idea can tick these boxes, it’s IA-worthy.
Step 5: Explore Subject-Specific Approaches
Science IA
- Test simple variables with measurable outcomes (e.g., temperature, concentration, light).
- Think of experiments you can replicate with available lab equipment.
Humanities IA
- Focus on a narrow event, person, or document.
- Look for contrasting perspectives you can evaluate.
Math IA
- Explore a mathematical concept in a real-world context.
- Show depth with calculations and reflection, not just simple formulas.
Step 6: Refine Through Feasibility
Ask yourself:
- Do I have enough resources to do this?
- Can I finish it within the timeframe?
- Will I have enough material to analyze?
Sometimes, a good idea needs adjusting to become feasible.
Common Mistakes When Brainstorming IA Ideas
- Waiting for the “perfect” idea instead of refining a simple one
- Choosing a topic that’s too broad or complex
- Ignoring personal interests, which makes the IA harder to sustain
- Forgetting to check feasibility (time, resources, scope)
- Copying ideas without making them personal or unique
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re stuck, the fastest way to brainstorm ideas is to see how others did it. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase IAs across subjects, giving you real examples of how students developed focused, high-scoring research questions.
FAQs on Brainstorming IA Ideas
1. What if I can’t think of anything original?
Original doesn’t mean brand-new — it means personal. A common topic with your own twist can still score highly.
2. Can I change my IA topic later?
Yes, but it’s best to finalize early. Changing late in the process often leads to stress and weaker results.
3. How do I know if my IA idea is too broad?
If it could fill a whole book instead of a 2,000-word IA, it’s too broad. Narrow it down until it feels manageable.
4. Should I brainstorm with my teacher?
Yes, teachers can help refine your ideas to make them exam-appropriate.
5. Where can I find examples of good IA topics?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which provide strong, focused IA ideas across different subjects.
Conclusion
Getting stuck while brainstorming IA ideas is normal, but the solution is simple: start with your interests, narrow your focus, look at real-world connections, and refine ideas with feasibility in mind. The best IAs often come from ordinary questions explored in depth. For inspiration, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, where top students turned simple ideas into exceptional Internal Assessments.
Call to Action
Struggling to choose your IA topic? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and get inspired by high-scoring IA ideas across all subjects.
