Why the Conclusion Is More Than Just a Summary
Many students see the IA conclusion as a quick recap — but examiners see it as the final test of your understanding.
It’s your chance to demonstrate that you’ve thought critically about your results, the meaning of your mathematics, and how your exploration could go further.
A well-written conclusion doesn’t just restate your findings — it shows insight, reflection, and personal growth.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Exemplars, and Reflection Tools, you’ll learn exactly how to finish your IA with confidence and clarity.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing your conclusion:
- Review your aim and check that you’ve fully addressed it.
- Summarize your main findings clearly and concisely.
- Discuss what your results mean in context.
- Reflect on limitations and possible improvements.
- Mention what you learned about math through the process.
Step 1: Revisit Your Aim
Your conclusion begins by reconnecting with your introduction.
Restate your aim or research question and confirm whether you achieved it.
Example:
“The aim of this investigation was to determine the relationship between the angle of projection and the horizontal distance of a projectile. The results confirm that the distance is maximized at approximately 45°, consistent with theoretical predictions.”
RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide provides aim-matching templates to help you phrase this naturally.
Step 2: Summarize Key Results Succinctly
Summaries should be clear and focused — not a list of calculations.
Highlight only the main findings that directly support your aim.
Example:
“The regression analysis produced an R² value of 0.97, indicating a strong exponential relationship between the data variables.”
RevisionDojo’s Data Summary Tool helps you extract core insights automatically from your tables and graphs.
Step 3: Interpret What the Results Mean
Don’t just describe what you found — explain why it matters.
Discuss how your results relate to theory, real-world context, or your expectations.
Example:
“The observed linear trend aligns with theoretical models of constant acceleration, reinforcing the practical relevance of kinematic equations.”
This interpretation demonstrates both mathematical and contextual understanding — exactly what examiners want.
Step 4: Reflect on Model Effectiveness
Evaluate how well your model or method worked.
Ask yourself:
- Did the model fit the data accurately?
- Where did it fall short?
- What might improve it?
Example:
“Although the model captured the initial trend effectively, it underestimated later values, suggesting that a piecewise or logistic model may yield higher accuracy.”
RevisionDojo’s Model Evaluation Templates help structure this paragraph around IB Criterion E (Reflection).
Step 5: Acknowledge Limitations Honestly
No investigation is perfect — and that’s okay.
Examiners appreciate students who acknowledge limitations and think about their impact.
Example:
“The dataset was limited to ten trials, which may have introduced random variation. Future studies could incorporate larger sample sizes for stronger conclusions.”
RevisionDojo’s Reflection Prompts make it easy to phrase limitations in a professional, non-apologetic tone.
Step 6: Suggest Possible Extensions
Show intellectual curiosity by mentioning how your exploration could evolve.
Examples:
- “Applying this model to three-dimensional motion could improve accuracy.”
- “Exploring non-linear drag factors could refine real-world predictions.”
RevisionDojo’s Future Exploration Builder provides starter ideas tailored to your math topic.
Step 7: Reflect on Mathematical Learning
Discuss what the exploration taught you about mathematics itself.
This section often contributes directly to the Personal Engagement criterion.
Example:
“This project deepened my understanding of how mathematical modeling simplifies complex physical systems while still providing accurate predictions.”
RevisionDojo’s Learning Reflection Prompts help you express these insights authentically.
Step 8: End With a Strong Final Sentence
Your conclusion’s final line should leave a lasting impression — confident, reflective, and concise.
Example:
“Ultimately, this investigation showed that mathematics is not just a tool for calculation, but a language for describing the world with precision and beauty.”
RevisionDojo’s Closing Line Generator offers sample phrasing that strikes the perfect balance of professionalism and passion.
Step 9: Keep It Concise and Focused
Your conclusion should typically be 200–300 words — enough for clarity and depth without repetition.
If it feels long, cut redundant explanations and focus on meaning, not method.
RevisionDojo’s Word Optimizer Tool ensures every line adds value without exceeding IB’s limits.
Step 10: Proofread for Tone and Flow
Your tone should sound confident and thoughtful — not uncertain or overly technical.
Avoid phrases like “I think” or “maybe,” and use precise language instead.
RevisionDojo’s IA Polisher Tool reviews tone and clarity to make sure your conclusion sounds academic yet personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much detail should go into my IA conclusion?
Focus on key findings, evaluation, and reflection — not step-by-step math.
2. Do I need to include formulas in the conclusion?
No. Conclusions should summarize understanding, not calculations.
3. Can I mention personal insights?
Yes — as long as they relate to mathematical growth or discovery.
Final Thoughts
Your IA conclusion is your final opportunity to demonstrate understanding, insight, and engagement.
It ties everything together — from your aim to your analysis — and shows examiners that you’ve thought deeply about your mathematics.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Reflection Tools, and Exemplars, you’ll write a conclusion that’s elegant, reflective, and perfectly aligned with IB expectations.
Call to Action
End your IA with confidence.
Use RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide and Reflection Tools to craft a clear, thoughtful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on examiners.
