Why Your Evaluation Is the Final Proof of Understanding
Your IB Math IA evaluation is where you prove to the examiner that you understand your mathematics — and its limits.
It’s your opportunity to reflect, assess, and refine your entire investigation in one cohesive, insightful section.
A well-written evaluation can elevate your grade in Criterion E (Reflection) and even improve how examiners perceive your overall structure and clarity.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Evaluation Templates, and Exemplars, you’ll learn how to write evaluations that demonstrate maturity, insight, and critical thinking.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before writing your evaluation:
- Review your aim and whether you achieved it.
- Identify limitations in your methods, data, or model.
- Suggest realistic improvements.
- Reflect on what the math revealed — and where it could go next.
- Use RevisionDojo’s Evaluation Templates for structure and tone.
Step 1: Restate Your Aim Clearly
Start your evaluation by revisiting your investigation’s purpose.
This reminds the reader what your IA set out to achieve.
Example:
“The aim of this exploration was to determine how the launch angle affects the horizontal range of a projectile using quadratic and trigonometric modeling.”
RevisionDojo’s Evaluation Builder helps you summarize your aim succinctly and professionally.
Step 2: Assess Whether You Achieved Your Aim
Discuss how successfully your math addressed your research question.
Example:
“The model accurately predicted projectile range across multiple angles, achieving the aim within a 5% margin of experimental values.”
RevisionDojo’s Result Assessment Tool helps you phrase success evaluations quantitatively and confidently.
Step 3: Identify Strengths of Your Approach
Highlight what worked well in your analysis or modeling.
Show that you can recognize the strengths in your mathematical reasoning.
Example:
“The use of regression analysis provided a strong mathematical foundation and allowed for precise curve fitting of the observed data.”
RevisionDojo’s Strengths Prompt Library provides examples for discussing robustness and precision professionally.
Step 4: Discuss Limitations Honestly
Examiners appreciate honesty and awareness.
Identify what might have restricted accuracy or generalizability.
Example:
“The assumption of ideal conditions excluded external factors like air resistance, slightly reducing the model’s real-world reliability.”
RevisionDojo’s Limitations Analyzer helps you categorize and phrase mathematical and contextual limitations effectively.
Step 5: Reflect on Assumptions and Their Impact
Every mathematical model rests on assumptions — show that you recognize them.
Example:
“Assuming constant acceleration simplified calculations but introduced a fixed-rate limitation not present in real motion.”
RevisionDojo’s Assumption Reflection Tool helps you articulate these connections clearly.
Step 6: Suggest Realistic Improvements
Suggest improvements that are mathematically and practically feasible.
Example:
“Future versions of this model could incorporate drag coefficients to simulate motion more accurately under real-world conditions.”
RevisionDojo’s Improvement Builder offers phrasing templates for suggesting logical next steps.
Step 7: Reflect on Alternative Mathematical Methods
Examiners love seeing intellectual flexibility.
Briefly discuss what other mathematical techniques you could have used — and why you chose your current approach.
Example:
“While numerical methods could provide iterative solutions, the analytical approach offered greater clarity and interpretability.”
RevisionDojo’s Alternative Method Prompts guide you in writing this reflection effectively.
Step 8: Evaluate the Real-World Applicability of Your Results
Show how your mathematical conclusions apply beyond your IA.
Example:
“The derived equation for optimal range could be applied in sports analytics to improve throwing performance or equipment design.”
RevisionDojo’s Application Reflection Tool helps you phrase real-world relevance clearly and insightfully.
Step 9: Reflect on Your Learning Process
Go beyond the math — discuss what this project taught you about mathematical thinking itself.
Example:
“This exploration deepened my appreciation for how mathematical modeling transforms abstract equations into tools for real-world prediction.”
RevisionDojo’s Learning Reflection Prompts make it easy to express personal and academic growth meaningfully.
Step 10: End With a Strong Closing Statement
Conclude your evaluation with a confident, reflective summary.
Example:
“Overall, this IA demonstrated the power of mathematical modeling to describe and predict physical motion, while also revealing the importance of simplifying assumptions and critical reflection.”
RevisionDojo’s Conclusion Builder helps you close your evaluation with professionalism and polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should my evaluation be?
Roughly 250–350 words — enough for depth, but concise enough to remain focused.
2. Should I discuss errors or only limitations?
Include both — numerical errors, model errors, and contextual limitations all demonstrate reflection.
3. Can I include reflection sentences in the evaluation?
Absolutely. In fact, integrating short reflection sentences makes your evaluation more analytical and readable.
Final Thoughts
The evaluation is your IA’s final opportunity to demonstrate understanding, honesty, and maturity.
A strong evaluation doesn’t just summarize your results — it shows you understood the process and can critique it intelligently.
With RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide, Evaluation Templates, and Exemplars, you’ll write evaluations that tie everything together beautifully — from math to meaning.
Call to Action
Finish strong.
Use RevisionDojo’s Evaluation Templates and IA/EE Guide to craft a professional, thoughtful evaluation that leaves examiners impressed.
