Introduction
Testing and evaluation are two of the most overlooked sections of the IB Computer Science IA. Many students focus heavily on coding and only spend a little time on testing or reflection, which leads to lost marks. The IB rubric rewards students who prove their solution works and reflect critically on its effectiveness.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to properly test your IA solution, how to involve your client in the process, and how to write a strong evaluation that maximizes your grade.
Quick Start Checklist
When testing and evaluating your IA solution, make sure to:
- ✅ Create a test plan before coding is complete.
- ✅ Include normal, boundary, and abnormal cases.
- ✅ Collect evidence with screenshots and tables.
- ✅ Involve your client in testing and feedback.
- ✅ Write an evaluation that connects back to success criteria.
Testing Your IA Solution
Testing is not just running your code once and saying “it works.” The IB expects thorough, structured evidence.
What to Include in Testing
- Test Plan
- Create a table listing test cases, expected results, and actual results.
- Cover normal inputs, boundary cases (edge conditions), and abnormal cases (invalid data).
- Evidence
- Include screenshots of tests being run.
- Highlight outputs that confirm correctness.
- Client Testing
- Let your client use the solution.
- Document their responses and feedback with screenshots or meeting notes.
Evaluating Your IA Solution
The evaluation section is not a repeat of your testing. It’s about reflecting on how well your solution met its goals.
What to Include in Evaluation
- Strengths – What worked well and solved the client’s problem effectively.
- Weaknesses – Honest limitations of your solution.
- Client Feedback – What the client thought about usability and functionality.
- Success Criteria – Address whether each criterion was achieved.
- Improvements – Suggest realistic upgrades (not over-ambitious features you can’t deliver).
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Writing one paragraph for testing with no evidence.
- Skipping boundary and abnormal cases.
- Ignoring the client in the testing process.
- Treating the evaluation as a “summary” instead of an honest reflection.
How RevisionDojo Helps
RevisionDojo provides test plan templates and evaluation frameworks aligned with the IB rubric. Our guides show you how to structure tables, annotate screenshots, and incorporate client feedback effectively. With these tools, your testing and evaluation will look professional, thorough, and examiner-ready.
FAQs
Q: How many test cases do I need?
There’s no fixed number, but a good rule is to test every key function at least three ways (normal, boundary, abnormal).
Q: Should I include failed tests?
Yes — as long as you explain how you fixed the issue or acknowledge it in your evaluation. This shows honesty and problem-solving.
Q: Do I need to record my client testing the program?
No, but you should include evidence (screenshots, notes, or written feedback). Examiners want proof that your client was involved.
Conclusion
Testing and evaluation are critical for scoring highly in the IB Computer Science IA. By planning test cases, documenting evidence, and reflecting honestly on your solution’s performance, you’ll demonstrate the problem-solving and critical thinking skills the IB values.
With RevisionDojo’s test plan templates and evaluation guides, you can ensure your IA not only works but is presented in a way that earns top marks.
