Editing is where a good IB Math IA becomes a great one. Many students finish their analysis and submit immediately, missing the chance to refine their clarity, structure, and presentation. Examiners read hundreds of IAs each year, and they quickly notice the difference between a first draft and a polished investigation.
By learning to edit your IA like an examiner, you’ll view your work from a more objective perspective—focusing on clarity, logic, and accuracy. This guide walks you through the editing process using RevisionDojo’s IA Polisher, helping you make every section examiner-ready.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you begin editing, make sure you have:
- Completed your full IA draft (including all sections and calculations).
- Time set aside to review each section independently.
- Access to the IA Polisher for guided editing prompts.
- The latest version of the IB Math IA rubric.
- A plan for proofreading and final formatting.
Editing isn’t just fixing typos—it’s about refining communication and demonstrating mastery of mathematical reasoning.
Why Editing Like an Examiner Matters
Examiners don’t just look at what you wrote—they look at how you present it. They assess:
- Logical structure and flow.
- Clarity of mathematical explanation.
- Accuracy of notation and symbols.
- Effectiveness of visuals and graphs.
- Depth of reflection and reasoning.
When you edit with an examiner’s mindset, you anticipate how your IA will be read and ensure every page communicates purpose and professionalism.
Step 1: Read Through Like You’re Seeing It for the First Time
Examiners approach your IA without prior context. When you reread your work, pretend you’ve never seen it before. Ask yourself:
- Does the introduction clearly explain the aim?
- Can I follow each step of reasoning without prior knowledge?
- Are transitions between sections smooth and logical?
This first pass helps you identify gaps in flow or explanation—issues you can fix early.
Step 2: Check Alignment With the IB Criteria
Use the rubric as your editing compass. For each criterion, ask:
- Criterion A (Presentation): Is the IA well-organized with clear headings, labels, and numbering?
- Criterion B (Mathematical Communication): Are symbols, notation, and definitions consistent?
- Criterion C (Personal Engagement): Does my personality and reasoning come through naturally?
- Criterion D (Reflection): Have I evaluated my results and methods thoughtfully?
- Criterion E (Use of Mathematics): Is the math appropriate, correct, and clearly applied?
Strong editing ensures your IA ticks all five boxes confidently.
Step 3: Focus on Mathematical Clarity
The IA Polisher helps identify where your explanations might confuse a reader. Pay attention to:
- Notation: Avoid switching between symbols (e.g., x vs. t for time).
- Definitions: Define every term when first introduced.
- Formula flow: Keep one equation per line and align steps vertically.
- Transitions: Use phrases like “Therefore,” “This implies,” or “To verify this…” to connect ideas.
Editing for clarity ensures examiners never wonder what you mean—they immediately see your reasoning.
Step 4: Simplify Without Losing Depth
Many students mistake “depth” for “complexity.” Examiners actually prefer concise, elegant explanations over unnecessarily long derivations.
When editing, ask:
- Can this section be explained in fewer words?
- Have I repeated any points unnecessarily?
- Does every equation or sentence contribute to my argument?
The IA Polisher highlights redundancy and helps condense dense mathematical paragraphs while keeping insight intact.
Step 5: Verify Every Calculation and Graph
Mathematical accuracy is the foundation of a strong IA. Double-check:
- Are all values recalculated correctly?
- Do my graphs match the equations described?
- Are scales, units, and labels consistent?
- Did I accidentally round too early in calculations?
Re-run key equations in your calculator or software and re-plot essential graphs. A single corrected error can prevent unnecessary mark deductions.
Step 6: Strengthen Reflection and Commentary
Examiners love IAs where reflection feels natural. During editing, add short reflective comments after major results:
- “This result supports the expected pattern…”
- “However, this assumption may not hold under different conditions…”
- “An alternative approach could involve…”
Adding a few reflective sentences demonstrates engagement and helps you stand out in Criterion D.
Step 7: Polish Presentation and Formatting
Presentation affects readability and professionalism. Ensure that:
- Headings and subheadings follow a consistent style.
- Equations are centered and numbered where appropriate.
- Graphs are aligned, captioned, and readable in grayscale.
- Fonts, spacing, and alignment are uniform across the document.
- The final PDF export preserves layout and resolution.
A polished layout shows care and attention—qualities examiners associate with top-band IAs.
Step 8: Proofread for Language and Flow
Clear language reflects clear thinking. Use the IA Polisher’s language review prompts to check for:
- Passive voice (replace with active where possible).
- Ambiguous phrases (“somewhat,” “roughly,” “it seems”)—replace with precise terms.
- Sentence variety—alternate between explanation and analysis.
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling consistency.
Even small linguistic refinements make your IA feel more confident and authoritative.
Step 9: Conduct a Peer or Teacher Review
Before submitting, have someone unfamiliar with your IA read it. Ask them:
- “Did you understand my aim from the first page?”
- “Was any math unclear or unexplained?”
- “Did the sections feel connected and logical?”
Fresh eyes reveal gaps that you might miss after spending weeks on the same document.
How the IA Polisher Helps
RevisionDojo’s IA Polisher functions as a complete editing assistant. It provides:
- Criterion-based checklists to review each section.
- Clarity prompts that ask the same questions examiners use.
- Equation format verification to ensure alignment and readability.
- Reflection enhancers to add insight without adding fluff.
- Final readiness report summarizing where improvements remain.
Using it before submission ensures your IA not only meets but exceeds examiner expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should I start editing my IA?
After completing a full draft. Editing too early can disrupt your writing flow. Schedule at least two rounds—one for structure and one for fine-tuning.
2. How long should editing take?
Usually 2–4 focused sessions. Treat it like an investigation in itself—analyzing, refining, and testing until your IA feels seamless.
3. Should I change my math during editing?
Only if you find errors or inconsistencies. Editing is about improving presentation, not rewriting your entire analysis.
4. How can I make my IA sound more professional?
Use clear, active language, consistent notation, and precise phrasing. Replace “I think” with “The results indicate…” to sound confident and analytical.
5. Can editing really raise my grade?
Absolutely. A clear, polished IA can move you up a full mark band—especially in Communication and Reflection.
Conclusion
Editing your IA like an examiner helps you think critically about clarity, accuracy, and coherence. It transforms your work from a student report into a professional mathematical investigation.
Using RevisionDojo’s IA Polisher, you can review your IA systematically, eliminate errors, and refine your explanation until it meets the same standards examiners apply—ensuring your final submission represents your very best work.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Refine your IB Math IA like a pro. Use RevisionDojo’s IA Polisher to edit your structure, explanations, and formatting until your analysis reads as clearly and confidently as an examiner’s model answer.
