Why Presentation Impacts Your IB Math IA Score
Even the most brilliant mathematics can lose its impact if your IA looks messy or inconsistent.
Examiners form impressions in seconds — and professional formatting instantly signals clarity, care, and credibility.
The IB doesn’t grade design directly, but strong presentation improves marks in Mathematical Communication and Organization — two crucial scoring criteria.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Formatting Tools, and Templates, you can make your IA look as sharp as your reasoning.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before finalizing your IA presentation:
- Follow RevisionDojo’s IA Formatting Template for structure and layout.
- Use consistent fonts, spacing, and labeling.
- Insert all graphs and tables in logical order.
- Double-check that equations are readable and aligned.
- Include captions, titles, and references throughout.
Step 1: Choose a Clean, Consistent Font
Keep your typography simple — examiners should focus on your ideas, not your style choices.
Recommended:
- Font: Arial or Calibri
- Size: 11 or 12 pt for text, 10 pt for labels
- Spacing: 1.15 or 1.5 lines
RevisionDojo’s Auto-Formatter applies these standards automatically throughout your document.
Step 2: Use Clear, Hierarchical Headings
Headings act as signposts for your examiner.
They should make it easy to navigate from one section to another.
Example structure:
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Data and Model Selection
- 3. Analysis and Discussion
- 4. Evaluation and Reflection
- 5. Conclusion
RevisionDojo’s IA Template includes preformatted heading levels that automatically number and align sections.
Step 3: Align Equations Properly
Equations should be centered, numbered (if referenced later), and clearly integrated with explanations.
Example:
The area under the curve is given by:
A = ∫ₐᵇ f(x) dx
RevisionDojo’s Equation Styler ensures all mathematical expressions are formatted clearly and consistently — both inline and in block form.
Step 4: Keep Graphs Embedded and Labeled
Graphs should appear immediately after they’re mentioned in the text, not several pages later.
Each graph must include:
- A descriptive title
- Labeled axes with units
- A figure number (e.g., Figure 2: Linear Regression of Distance vs. Time)
RevisionDojo’s Graphing Tools automatically generate high-resolution, IB-compliant visuals with proper labeling.
Step 5: Present Tables Neatly
Tables make your data accessible — but only when formatted properly.
Every table should have:
- A clear title and number (e.g., Table 1: Recorded Values of Velocity)
- Aligned columns and consistent decimal places
- Source citation if applicable
RevisionDojo’s Table Formatter converts raw data into clean, professional tables ready for submission.
Step 6: Use Page Numbers and Headers
Add page numbers and a simple header (e.g., “Math IA – [Your Name]”) to maintain structure.
This small touch adds polish and helps if pages get separated when printed.
RevisionDojo’s Header & Footer Assistant handles pagination and layout automatically.
Step 7: Be Consistent With Notation and Symbols
Inconsistency can confuse examiners.
Choose one notation style (e.g., degrees vs. radians, lowercase vs. uppercase variables) and use it throughout.
RevisionDojo’s Symbol Consistency Checker flags mismatched symbols or units across your IA.
Step 8: Integrate Images and Diagrams Thoughtfully
Images or diagrams should support your analysis — not distract from it.
Use only visuals that directly explain a mathematical process or result.
Example:
“Figure 3 illustrates the geometric relationship between radius and arc length in circular motion.”
RevisionDojo’s Visual Integration Tool helps align diagrams with text and captions seamlessly.
Step 9: Maintain Professional Formatting in Citations
Every data source, image, or theoretical reference should be properly cited.
Use a consistent citation style (APA or MLA preferred).
Example:
“Data adapted from NASA’s 2024 Earth Climate Database (accessed March 2025).”
RevisionDojo’s Citation Generator formats your sources automatically and compiles them into a neat reference list.
Step 10: Run a Final Presentation Review
Before submitting, perform one last quality check:
- Are fonts, headings, and spacing consistent?
- Are figures and tables labeled and numbered correctly?
- Do all visuals appear where they’re referenced?
- Is the layout clean and uncluttered?
RevisionDojo’s IA Presentation Review Tool performs a full formatting scan to ensure your submission meets professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does IB have strict formatting requirements?
No fixed style, but clarity, organization, and readability are essential. RevisionDojo ensures full alignment with examiner expectations.
2. Should I include a cover page?
Yes — a simple cover page with your name, candidate number, IA title, and word count looks professional.
3. Can I use colors in my graphs or text?
Yes, but use them sparingly for emphasis only — avoid bright or inconsistent color schemes.
Final Thoughts
Your IA’s formatting is the frame that showcases your mathematical work.
A polished, consistent presentation shows examiners that you’re detail-oriented and academically disciplined.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Templates, and Formatting Tools, you can present your exploration with professional clarity — making every page look as strong as the math itself.
Call to Action
Finish your IA with professional polish.
Use RevisionDojo’s Formatting Tools and IA/EE Guide to create a clean, examiner-ready document that showcases your math at its best.
