Introduction
The conclusion of your Internal Assessment (IA) is more than just a summary. It’s the final impression you leave with examiners, and it’s your last chance to showcase critical thinking. A weak conclusion can make an otherwise strong IA feel unfinished, while a strong one ties everything together and elevates your work.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to write an IA conclusion that stands out. We’ll cover what examiners expect, common mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies to make your conclusion memorable. For models of strong conclusions in real IAs, check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: A Strong IA Conclusion
- Directly answers the IA research question
- Summarizes key findings without repetition
- Explains the significance of results
- Acknowledges limitations honestly
- Suggests areas for future investigation
Why the IA Conclusion Matters
Examiners don’t just want a recap — they want insight. A strong IA conclusion shows:
- Clarity: Your research question has been answered directly.
- Understanding: You can interpret results and their implications.
- Reflection: You recognize limitations and possible improvements.
- Maturity: You see how your IA connects to broader ideas.
This is why examiners often look closely at the conclusion when awarding top marks.
Step 1: Restate Your Research Question Clearly
Start your conclusion by revisiting your IA research question. This ensures examiners see that you’ve stayed focused.
Example:
“This IA investigated how caffeine concentration affects the reaction time of students aged 16–18.”
Step 2: Answer the Research Question Directly
Next, summarize your findings in a way that directly answers the question.
Example:
“The results showed that higher caffeine concentrations significantly decreased reaction times, supporting the hypothesis.”
This avoids vague statements like “The experiment was successful” and instead provides a clear, evidence-based conclusion.
Step 3: Explain the Significance of Your Findings
Go beyond stating results — explain why they matter.
- Science IA: Link results to scientific theory (e.g., photosynthesis, enzyme activity).
- History IA: Show how findings contribute to historical understanding.
- Math IA: Connect results to mathematical applications or real-world problems.
This demonstrates higher-level thinking.
Step 4: Acknowledge Limitations Honestly
Examiners don’t expect perfection. They expect honesty. Mention the key limitations of your IA and how they affect results.
Example:
“One limitation was the small sample size, which may reduce reliability. Increasing the number of trials would strengthen future investigations.”
Acknowledging limitations adds credibility to your IA.
Step 5: Suggest Future Directions
Strong conclusions often suggest areas for future research. This shows examiners that you understand the bigger picture.
Examples:
- “Future research could test whether these results hold across different age groups.”
- “A broader set of primary sources could provide a more balanced historical perspective.”
This forward-looking approach gives your IA depth.
Common Mistakes in IA Conclusions
- Repeating the introduction instead of synthesizing results
- Avoiding a direct answer to the research question
- Ignoring limitations or weaknesses
- Adding new data or arguments that don’t belong
- Ending abruptly without significance or reflection
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re unsure how to balance summary, analysis, and reflection, reviewing models is invaluable. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase IAs with polished conclusions that examiners rewarded, making them the perfect reference point.
FAQs on IA Conclusions
1. How long should my IA conclusion be?
Usually 200–300 words. Long enough to cover findings, significance, and limitations, but not so long that it repeats the whole IA.
2. Should I introduce new evidence in my conclusion?
No — only interpret and synthesize existing results. New evidence belongs in the analysis.
3. Do I have to mention limitations in the conclusion?
Yes, examiners expect it. Avoiding limitations makes your IA seem incomplete.
4. Can I suggest future research even if my IA wasn’t perfect?
Absolutely. Future directions show reflection and maturity, which examiners value.
5. Where can I see examples of strong IA conclusions?
You can review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature complete IAs with polished conclusions.
Conclusion
The IA conclusion is your final opportunity to impress examiners. By restating your research question, directly answering it, explaining significance, acknowledging limitations, and suggesting future directions, you can make your IA conclusion stand out. To see how top-scoring students write their conclusions, explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars and model your work on proven success.
Call to Action
Ready to finish your IA with confidence? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn how top IB students write impactful IA conclusions.
