IB IA and EE Collaboration Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

Even when data is shared, interpretation and writing must be unique.

Sharing Resources and General Advice

You may:

• Share articles, textbooks, or datasets
• Give general feedback such as “this part is unclear” or “check the criteria here”

What matters is that ideas, analysis, and phrasing in the final submission are yours alone.

Supervisor Guidance

Your supervisor may:

• Ask guiding questions
• Comment on structure, focus, or clarity
• Point out where analysis is weak

They may not:

• Rewrite sections
• Edit language line by line
• Tell you exactly what to say

Feedback must remain open-ended.

What Collaboration Is Not Allowed

Copying or Sharing Written Work

You may not:

• Share drafts with classmates
• Copy sentences, paragraphs, or structures
• Submit similar or near-identical reports

Even small overlaps can trigger investigation.

Allowing Others to Edit or Write

Friends, tutors, parents, or AI tools must not:

• Write sections for you
• Rephrase your work line by line
• Add analysis or conclusions

Your voice, reasoning, and argument must be clearly your own.

Collusion

Collusion occurs when:

• Students coordinate to produce similar work
• Ideas or wording are shared in a way that removes independence

This is treated as academic misconduct, even if there was no intent to cheat.

Why These Rules Matter

IB schools and examiners actively check authenticity. Breaches can lead to:

• Loss of marks for the IA or EE
• Invalidated components
• Failure to receive the IB Diploma in serious cases

More importantly, independent work develops research, writing, and critical thinking skills that universities expect.

How to Collaborate Safely Within IB Rules

• Ask your teacher or IB coordinator to clarify what is allowed in your subject
• Keep notes showing how your ideas evolved independently
• Ensure all analysis, interpretation, and wording are original
• When unsure, ask before acting, not after

Transparency is always safer than assumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect data with classmates?
Sometimes, depending on the subject. However, analysis and writing must be entirely individual.

Can a friend proofread my IA or EE?
They may point out unclear sections, but they must not edit language or suggest specific wording.

Can I submit the same IA as my lab partner?
No. Even with shared data, reports must be completely different in structure, analysis, and conclusions.

What happens if the IB finds collusion?
Your IA or EE may be invalidated, which can seriously affect your final diploma outcome.

Final Takeaway

Collaboration in the IB is about thinking together, not writing together. You can discuss, plan, and learn with others—but your IA and EE must clearly reflect your own independent thinking and work.