Why Your Introduction Sets the Tone for Success
The introduction is the first section examiners read — and it often determines their initial impression of your mathematical clarity, organization, and purpose.
A strong IB Math IA introduction does three things:
- Captures interest through a clear real-world or conceptual hook.
- States your aim precisely and mathematically.
- Explains the rationale behind your exploration and its significance.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Intro Builder, and Exemplars, you’ll learn how to craft introductions that establish focus, motivation, and professionalism right from the start.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing your introduction:
- Start with a meaningful hook or context.
- Define your mathematical aim clearly.
- Include a brief rationale for your topic choice.
- Outline the methods or tools you’ll use.
- Use RevisionDojo’s Intro Builder for clear structure and tone.
Step 1: Begin With a Real-World Hook or Observation
Start by explaining why you chose your topic.
A short, relatable context helps examiners understand the inspiration behind your IA.
Example:
“I’ve always been fascinated by how athletes adjust their shooting angles in basketball. This led me to explore how projectile motion can be modeled mathematically.”
RevisionDojo’s Hook Generator helps create engaging openings that link your interests with mathematics.
Step 2: Present a Clear Mathematical Aim
Your aim defines your IA’s direction and must be precise and measurable.
Example:
“This exploration aims to determine the relationship between launch angle and projectile range using quadratic and trigonometric modeling.”
RevisionDojo’s Aim Builder helps craft concise aims aligned with IB expectations.
Step 3: Explain the Rationale Behind Your Topic
Demonstrate why your topic is meaningful, either personally or academically.
Example:
“By combining mathematical modeling with real-world data, I aim to understand how theory predicts motion in practical settings.”
RevisionDojo’s Rationale Framework helps you express genuine motivation clearly.
Step 4: Identify the Mathematical Concepts You’ll Use
Give a brief preview of the mathematics involved — not in detail, but enough to show planning and depth.
Example:
“This IA applies quadratic equations, trigonometric identities, and regression analysis to model and verify results.”
RevisionDojo’s Concept Overview Template ensures you summarize topics accurately and coherently.
Step 5: Define Variables and Units Early
Clarify the meaning of key symbols, parameters, and variables that will appear throughout your IA.
Example:
“Let θ represent the launch angle (degrees), v the initial velocity (m/s), and R the horizontal range (m).”
RevisionDojo’s Variable Definition Tool helps maintain consistency and precision.
Step 6: Outline Your Investigation Structure
Provide a short roadmap for what’s coming — it helps examiners follow your logical flow.
Example:
“The IA begins by establishing a theoretical model, followed by experimental testing, data comparison, and final reflection.”
RevisionDojo’s Structure Planner helps you design logical progressions and clear transitions.
Step 7: State Any Assumptions or Simplifications
If your exploration involves idealized conditions, mention them briefly.
Example:
“This model assumes negligible air resistance and constant gravitational acceleration.”
RevisionDojo’s Assumption List Template helps you summarize such simplifications neatly.
Step 8: Keep It Focused and Concise
Your introduction should be around 250–350 words — long enough to establish clarity, but short enough to stay focused.
RevisionDojo’s Word Balance Tool ensures your introduction hits the right depth without losing brevity.
Step 9: End With a Statement of Purpose
Conclude your introduction by linking your aim to your intended method.
Example:
“Through this investigation, I aim to use mathematical modeling and regression analysis to determine how angle influences projectile distance.”
RevisionDojo’s Purpose Statement Builder helps you write clear, examiner-friendly closing sentences.
Step 10: Set the Tone With Academic Language
Avoid casual or narrative tone; use precise, formal mathematical phrasing.
Instead of:
- “I wanted to see how this works.”
Use: - “This exploration investigates how this relationship can be modeled mathematically.”
RevisionDojo’s Academic Tone Polisher helps you refine diction and phrasing to meet IB writing standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How detailed should the introduction be?
Include just enough to define your aim, context, and mathematical direction — save technical detail for later sections.
2. Can I include personal motivation?
Yes — one or two sentences about personal relevance adds authenticity and engagement.
3. Should I cite sources in the introduction?
Only if you reference a specific formula, study, or dataset. Otherwise, citations can appear later in the IA.
Final Thoughts
Your introduction is your IA’s handshake — it introduces your thinking, your curiosity, and your mathematical intent.
A well-written introduction immediately signals to examiners that your exploration is organized, purposeful, and reflective.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Intro Builder, and Exemplars, you’ll write an introduction that hooks interest, defines focus, and sets the perfect tone for a high-scoring IA.
Call to Action
Start strong, finish stronger.
Use RevisionDojo’s Intro Builder and IA/EE Guide to craft an introduction that impresses examiners from the very first line.
