Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) is a chance to show your independent research and critical thinking. But even the best IA can lose marks if sources are cited incorrectly. Citation errors are one of the most common reasons students lose credibility in their work, and in serious cases, they can lead to plagiarism concerns.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to cite sources correctly in your IA, review the best practices for different citation styles, and share common mistakes to avoid. To see how polished IAs handle citations, you can explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, where proper referencing is modeled throughout.
Quick Start Checklist: Citing Sources in an IA
- Use a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, or Chicago, depending on subject)
- Include both in-text citations and a bibliography
- Cite all direct quotes, paraphrases, and data
- Double-check formatting for accuracy
- Avoid relying on automatic citation generators without editing
Why Citation Matters in the IA
Examiners look for academic honesty. Proper citation in your IA:
- Prevents plagiarism by giving credit to original authors.
- Shows professionalism and attention to detail.
- Strengthens credibility by grounding your IA in reliable sources.
- Meets IB requirements for academic integrity.
Failing to cite properly doesn’t just lower marks — it can put your IB diploma at risk.
Step 1: Choose a Citation Style
The IB does not mandate one specific style, but consistency is crucial.
- History IA: Chicago or MLA is common.
- Science IA: APA is most often used.
- Math IA: Any consistent style is acceptable, though APA is often chosen.
Once you pick a style, use it throughout your IA.
Step 2: Use In-Text Citations Correctly
Every time you use someone else’s work — whether it’s a direct quote, paraphrase, or data — you must include an in-text citation.
- APA example: (Smith, 2022, p. 45)
- MLA example: (Smith 45)
- Chicago example: Footnote with full reference
Even if you paraphrase in your own words, you still need to cite.
Step 3: Create a Proper Bibliography
Your IA must include a complete bibliography at the end. This should list every source you used, even if you didn’t quote it directly.
Examples:
- APA: Smith, J. (2022). History of Modern Europe. Oxford University Press.
- MLA: Smith, John. History of Modern Europe. Oxford University Press, 2022.
- Chicago: John Smith, History of Modern Europe (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022).
Examiners often check that every in-text citation matches an entry in the bibliography.
Step 4: Cite Data and Visuals
Students often forget to cite charts, graphs, or datasets. Any image, table, or dataset not created by you must be cited.
Example:
“Figure 2: Global CO2 Levels, adapted from NASA Climate Data (2023).”
This shows transparency and avoids plagiarism.
Step 5: Use Tools, but Check Accuracy
Citation generators like EasyBib or Zotero can help, but they often produce errors in formatting. Always cross-check citations with the official style guide. Examiners can tell when formatting is sloppy, and it reflects poorly on your IA.
Common Mistakes in IA Citations
- Forgetting to cite paraphrased material
- Mixing citation styles in the same IA
- Missing page numbers for direct quotes
- Leaving sources out of the bibliography
- Over-relying on unreliable sources like Wikipedia
Why Exemplars Help With Citation
If you’re unsure how detailed your IA bibliography should be or what in-text citations look like in practice, the best approach is to study real examples. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase full IAs with correct citations, giving you a reliable model to follow.
FAQs on IA Citations
1. What happens if I forget to cite a source in my IA?
Even unintentional, this counts as plagiarism and can lead to penalties. Always double-check your references before submission.
2. Do I need to cite common knowledge in my IA?
No, widely known facts (e.g., “World War II ended in 1945”) don’t need citations. But interpretations, data, and statistics do.
3. Can I use footnotes instead of in-text citations in my IA?
Yes, if you are using Chicago style. Just be consistent and include a full bibliography.
4. How many sources should my IA have?
There’s no fixed number, but examiners expect a balance of primary and secondary sources in History IAs, reliable data in Science IAs, and relevant academic references in Math IAs.
5. Where can I see examples of correctly cited IAs?
The best place is RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which model correct citation across subjects.
Conclusion
Citing sources correctly in your IA is essential for credibility, academic honesty, and exam success. By choosing a consistent citation style, using in-text citations, building a complete bibliography, and citing visuals and data, you’ll meet IB requirements and strengthen your IA overall. For reliable models, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which demonstrate exactly how to integrate citations into a high-scoring Internal Assessment.
Call to Action
Don’t risk losing marks over citation errors. Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn how top IB students structure their sources correctly.
