Introduction
The introduction is the first impression examiners get of your Internal Assessment (IA). A weak introduction can make your IA feel unfocused, while a strong one sets the stage for clarity, depth, and direction. Too many students treat the introduction as an afterthought, but it’s one of the most important sections — it tells examiners exactly what your IA is about and why it matters.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a strong IA introduction, covering structure, content, and common mistakes to avoid. For real examples of polished introductions, review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: A Strong IA Introduction
- Presents the research question clearly
- Explains the significance or rationale of the topic
- Provides necessary background context
- Defines key terms where needed
- Outlines the scope and focus of the IA
Step 1: State the Research Question Clearly
Your research question is the backbone of your IA, and the introduction is where you should present it directly. Avoid vague statements like “This IA looks at World War II” or “This IA studies plants.” Instead, be precise.
Examples:
- Biology IA: “This IA investigates how different concentrations of caffeine affect the heart rate of Daphnia magna.”
- History IA: “This IA examines the question: To what extent did the Marshall Plan contribute to escalating Cold War tensions between 1947 and 1952?”
A clear question immediately signals focus.
Step 2: Provide Context and Background
Examiners want to know why your IA topic matters. Briefly provide context to frame your research.
Examples:
- Science IA: Explain the biological principle behind the experiment.
- History IA: Outline the historical context of the chosen period.
- Math IA: Introduce the mathematical concept being explored.
Context should be concise — avoid turning your introduction into a textbook summary.
Step 3: Explain the Significance of the Topic
Why did you choose this IA topic? Examiners appreciate when students show motivation and relevance.
Examples:
- A Chemistry IA might connect to environmental concerns like water purification.
- A History IA might explore family or local history, showing personal engagement.
- A Math IA might link to sports, music, or technology.
Significance makes your IA meaningful and memorable.
Step 4: Define Key Terms and Scope
If your IA uses technical terms, define them early so examiners understand your analysis. Also clarify the scope: what you will and will not cover.
Example:
“This IA will focus on German propaganda posters between 1939 and 1945, excluding film and radio broadcasts due to limited access to reliable sources.”
Scope prevents your IA from feeling too broad.
Step 5: Outline the Structure (Optional)
In some cases, a short roadmap of your IA helps examiners follow your argument. This is especially useful in humanities IAs.
Example:
“This IA will first provide background on the historical context, then analyze propaganda posters, and finally evaluate their effectiveness on morale.”
A roadmap signals organization and professionalism.
Common Mistakes in IA Introductions
- Being too vague or broad (“This IA is about war”).
- Writing too much background and losing focus.
- Forgetting to state the research question clearly.
- Failing to explain why the topic is significant.
- Starting with filler phrases like “Since the beginning of time…”
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re unsure how much detail to include in your introduction, reviewing models is the best guide. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase strong introductions across different subjects, giving you a template for success.
FAQs on IA Introductions
1. How long should an IA introduction be?
Usually 200–300 words. Long enough to state the question, context, and significance, but not so long that it feels like an essay itself.
2. Should I state my hypothesis in the introduction?
In science IAs, yes. In humanities IAs, a hypothesis isn’t required, but you should hint at your argument.
3. Do I need to include references in my introduction?
Only if you are directly citing a source. Otherwise, keep it focused on context.
4. Can I mention personal motivation in my introduction?
Yes — if it’s relevant. Examiners appreciate personal engagement, but keep it academic.
5. Where can I see examples of strong IA introductions?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature examiner-ready introductions.
Conclusion
A strong IA introduction sets the stage for a successful Internal Assessment. By stating your research question clearly, providing background context, explaining significance, defining scope, and optionally outlining structure, you’ll make a professional first impression. For inspiration, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which model polished introductions across subjects.
Call to Action
Want to start your IA strong? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn how top IB students structured their introductions for success.
