As IA deadlines approach, many IB students shift into survival mode. The goal becomes finishing as quickly as possible rather than finishing well. While this reaction is understandable, rushing the final stages of an IA is one of the easiest ways to lose marks that were otherwise within reach.
Finishing strong starts with understanding what actually affects marks at the end. Examiners do not reward speed or word count. They reward clarity, focus, and visible analysis. The final stages of an IA are where these elements either become clear—or fall apart.
One common mistake is spending the last few days making cosmetic changes instead of structural ones. Fixing grammar and formatting feels productive, but it rarely raises markbands on its own. A far more effective use of time is strengthening links between evidence and the research question. Even small additions that clarify why something matters can significantly improve examiner perception.
Another issue is neglecting evaluation and conclusion. These sections are often written quickly and left untouched. However, they strongly influence how examiners judge the entire investigation. A weak conclusion can make strong analysis feel unfocused, while vague evaluation can cap the overall score. Revisiting these sections with specificity often delivers the biggest late-stage gains.
Students also rush by trying to add more content at the end. Adding new data, arguments, or examples late in the process usually creates imbalance and confusion. Strong IAs are controlled, not expanded. Refining what is already there is almost always more effective than adding more.
Finishing strong also means checking consistency. Examiners notice when terminology, variables, or arguments shift across sections. Inconsistency undermines confidence in the work, even when understanding is present. Ensuring that key ideas are expressed consistently throughout the IA improves coherence and credibility.
Another overlooked step is reading the IA as an examiner would. Read quickly, without stopping to “fill in” gaps in your own thinking. If connections are not explicit, examiners will not infer them. Making thinking visible is one of the most important final-stage improvements.
Finally, finishing strong requires resisting panic-driven decisions. Stress often leads students to over-edit, remove useful material, or rewrite sections unnecessarily. Calm, targeted refinement produces far better results than frantic changes.
The RevisionDojo Coursework Guide shows students exactly how to approach the final stages of an IA to maximise marks rather than just meet the deadline. When students focus on strategic improvements instead of speed, they finish with confidence—and stronger results.
👉 https://www.revisiondojo.com/coursework-guide
