Introduction
Finishing the first draft of your Internal Assessment (IA) feels like a huge achievement, but the work isn’t over yet. Many students lose marks because they rush submission without proofreading and polishing their work. Examiners expect a professional, well-structured IA — not just strong ideas but clear, error-free presentation.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to proofread and polish your IA before submission. From checking grammar and formatting to refining analysis and evaluation, these steps will help you turn a solid draft into an examiner-ready final version. To see examples of polished IAs, check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Proofreading Your IA
- Review grammar, spelling, and sentence clarity
- Ensure structure flows logically
- Check graphs, tables, and figures for accuracy
- Verify citations and bibliography formatting
- Read against the rubric to confirm requirements are met
Step 1: Take a Break Before Editing
After finishing your draft, step away for at least a day. This distance allows you to spot mistakes more easily when you return. Fresh eyes make proofreading far more effective.
Step 2: Review for Clarity and Flow
Examiners appreciate IAs that are easy to follow. Ask yourself:
- Does each paragraph link back to the research question?
- Do transitions between sections make sense?
- Is my analysis clear and concise, or wordy and repetitive?
Clarity in writing often separates top-level IAs from average ones.
Step 3: Polish Language and Grammar
Read your IA carefully for:
- Spelling errors that spellcheck may miss (e.g., “their” vs “there”).
- Grammar mistakes like subject-verb agreement.
- Wordiness that can be cut for conciseness.
Example:
- Wordy: “It is important to note that the data collected demonstrates…”
- Polished: “The data shows…”
Concise writing saves word count and looks more professional.
Step 4: Double-Check Graphs and Tables
Graphs and tables must be:
- Clearly labeled with titles and units
- Easy to read without clutter
- Referenced properly in the text
- Accurate with consistent formatting
Polished visuals strengthen your IA’s credibility.
Step 5: Verify Citations and Bibliography
Examiners check for academic honesty. Make sure:
- You use one citation style consistently (APA, MLA, or Chicago).
- Every in-text citation matches the bibliography.
- Data, quotes, and images are properly credited.
Poor citation formatting can lower your IA grade unnecessarily.
Step 6: Read Against the Rubric
The most important proofreading step is comparing your IA to the IB rubric. Ask:
- Did I fully answer the research question?
- Is my analysis deeper than just description?
- Did I evaluate limitations honestly?
- Am I within the word count?
Polishing your IA with the rubric ensures alignment with examiner expectations.
Step 7: Get a Second Opinion
Ask a teacher, peer, or family member to read your IA for clarity. They may catch confusing sections or small errors you overlooked. Remember, they can’t rewrite it for you — but feedback helps you polish effectively.
Common Mistakes in Final IA Submissions
- Submitting without proofreading at all
- Ignoring formatting (inconsistent headings, missing page numbers)
- Forgetting to check graphs, tables, and appendices
- Exceeding the word count and assuming examiners won’t notice
- Over-editing until analysis becomes unclear
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re unsure how polished your IA should look, models are the best guide. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars show IAs that are not only strong in content but also professionally proofread and formatted.
FAQs on Proofreading and Polishing an IA
1. How many times should I proofread my IA?
At least two to three times — once for content, once for grammar/clarity, and once for formatting.
2. Should I use editing software like Grammarly?
Yes, but don’t rely on it completely. Automated tools miss context and can suggest incorrect changes.
3. How do I know when to stop editing my IA?
When your IA meets rubric expectations, reads clearly, and is error-free, stop. Over-editing can weaken analysis.
4. Do appendices need proofreading too?
Yes, but focus on clarity and accuracy rather than style. Ensure tables and data are correct.
5. Where can I see polished IA examples?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which include examiner-ready IAs across subjects.
Conclusion
Proofreading and polishing your IA before submission is just as important as writing the first draft. By stepping away, reviewing for clarity, checking grammar, refining visuals, verifying citations, and aligning with the rubric, you can submit a professional IA that impresses examiners. For real models of polished IAs, review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Call to Action
Ready to polish your IA to perfection? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and see how top students refined their IAs before submission.
