Introduction
First impressions matter. While the content of your Internal Assessment (IA) carries the most weight, presentation plays a powerful supporting role. A clear, professional title page and a well-organized presentation format signal to examiners that you take the assessment seriously. They set the tone for everything that follows.
The IB does not award marks for formatting, but presentation affects readability and professionalism. A polished IA is easier for examiners to navigate, helping them focus on your analysis rather than being distracted by poor organization. This article will show you how to design a strong IA title page and present your IA in a way that maximizes examiner-friendliness.
Quick Start Checklist
Before finalizing your IA submission:
- Include required details on the title page (title, subject, candidate number, session).
- Keep formatting simple and professional.
- Use consistent fonts and spacing throughout.
- Ensure tables, graphs, and figures are labeled correctly.
- Use clear section headings for easy navigation.
- Review formatting guidelines from your school/IB subject.
Elements of a Strong IA Title Page
A good title page is clean, simple, and includes all necessary details. Typically, it should have:
- Title of IA – concise but specific.
- Subject – e.g., IB Biology HL IA.
- Research Question – stated clearly.
- Candidate Number – as required by IB.
- Session/Year – exam session you’re registered for.
- Word Count – if required by your subject.
Example (Biology IA):
- Title: The Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity in Yeast
- Subject: IB Biology HL
- Candidate Number: ####-###
- Session: May 2025
- Word Count: 2,195
Design Tips
- Use a professional font (Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri).
- Font size: 12, with the title slightly larger if desired.
- No images or decorative borders — keep it clean.
- Centered alignment works well for readability.
Presenting Your IA Clearly
Presentation doesn’t end at the title page. The overall layout affects how examiners engage with your work.
1. Consistent Formatting
Maintain the same font, spacing, and margins throughout. Inconsistencies distract examiners and reduce professionalism.
2. Use Headings and Subheadings
Break up your IA into clear sections: Introduction, Methodology, Analysis, Evaluation, Conclusion, Reflection. Headings help examiners follow your logic quickly.
3. Label Tables and Figures
Every table, graph, and chart should have:
- A number (e.g., Table 1, Figure 2).
- A descriptive title.
- Units clearly labeled.
- A short caption explaining what it shows.
4. Check Citations and References
Use a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, or Chicago, as approved by your school). A sloppy reference list undermines credibility.
5. Keep It Examiner-Friendly
Avoid clutter. Use bullet points sparingly, keep paragraphs concise, and ensure page numbers are included.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdesigned title pages: Graphics or bold colors may look informal.
- Missing details: Forgetting candidate number or word count can cause issues.
- Unlabeled visuals: Examiners shouldn’t guess what a chart represents.
- Inconsistent style: Switching fonts or sizes mid-IA looks unpolished.
- Ignoring school requirements: Always check if your school has specific formatting rules.
FAQs
1. Does the title page affect my IA grade?
Not directly. The IB does not award marks for formatting. However, presentation affects readability, which can influence how examiners perceive your clarity and organization.
2. Should I include images or logos on the title page?
No. Keep it simple and professional. Images, school logos, or borders distract from the essential information and are unnecessary.
3. What if my subject doesn’t require a title page?
Follow your teacher’s instructions. Even if not required, a clean title page makes your IA look polished and examiner-ready.
Conclusion
While your IA is graded primarily on analysis and evaluation, presentation sets the tone. A professional title page and clear formatting make your IA examiner-friendly, ensuring nothing distracts from your ideas. By keeping your title page simple, your sections organized, and your data clearly labeled, you present your work at the highest standard.
At RevisionDojo, we remind students that excellence isn’t just in ideas — it’s in how you communicate them. A polished IA presentation reflects professionalism and makes a lasting impression.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Need help polishing your IA presentation? RevisionDojo provides formatting guidance, sample layouts, and support to help IB students present their work clearly and professionally. Get examiner-ready today with RevisionDojo.
