Introduction: Why IA Guidance Matters
The Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important components of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Unlike exams, which test broad knowledge under timed conditions, the IA is a personal research project that dives deep into a chosen subject. It counts significantly toward final grades, and for many students, it’s the difference between a 6 and a 7.
This is why IA guidance is one of the most in-demand services among IB revision platforms. Students want clear direction, feedback on drafts, and reassurance that their work meets IB criteria. Two popular platforms that claim to offer this are NailIB and RevisionDojo.
At first glance, both seem helpful. NailIB provides IA examples, notes, and templates, while RevisionDojo uses Jojo AI to give personalised guidance. But once we dig deeper, it becomes clear that RevisionDojo offers far superior IA support—adaptive, interactive, and always tailored to the student.
This article breaks down the differences between NailIB and RevisionDojo in detail to help IB students make the right choice.
What NailIB Offers for IA Guidance
NailIB is best known for its example-driven approach. The platform offers:
- IA samples across different IB subjects
- Pre-written notes and templates for structuring essays and projects
- Subject-specific guidance created by IB graduates
For students who are just beginning their IA, these resources can be useful. Having access to samples helps clarify what a final IA looks like, and the templates give a starting framework.
However, there are limitations:
- The resources are static — they don’t adapt to the student’s specific topic.
- Examples are helpful for inspiration, but copying structure can feel forced.
- Feedback is limited — students can’t get personalised responses unless they pay for additional tutoring.
- Some content feels generic and surface-level, which may not help with top-band marks.
In short, NailIB works well as a library of references, but it lacks dynamic, student-specific guidance.
What RevisionDojo Offers for IA Guidance
RevisionDojo takes a completely different approach. Instead of static samples, it offers AI-powered, personalised support for every step of the IA process through its intelligent assistant, Jojo AI.
Here’s what students can do with RevisionDojo:
- Generate outlines based on their unique research question
- Refine drafts with instant, AI-driven feedback
- Receive specific suggestions aligned to IB marking criteria (analysis, evaluation, reflection)
- Use AI essay grading to simulate examiner feedback
- Get adaptive practice tasks that build relevant skills (data analysis, argumentation, structure)
The key difference is adaptability. While NailIB shows what a good IA looks like, RevisionDojo shows students how to make their IA good—step by step, tailored to their subject, topic, and level.
Side-by-Side Comparison: NailIB vs RevisionDojo for IA Guidance
1. Resources
- NailIB: IA samples, notes, and templates.
- RevisionDojo: AI-powered essay grading, interactive outlines, personalised feedback.
✅ Winner: RevisionDojo — interactive and tailored, not just static documents.
2. Personalisation
- NailIB: Same material for everyone. Students must adapt resources themselves.
- RevisionDojo: Adaptive feedback powered by Jojo AI, changing based on progress and mistakes.
✅ Winner: RevisionDojo — fully personalised support.
3. Depth of Guidance
- NailIB: Broad suggestions, useful for beginners but shallow for advanced students.
- RevisionDojo: Deep feedback that targets IB-specific criteria (analysis, evaluation, reflection).
✅ Winner: RevisionDojo — stronger for aiming at 6s and 7s.
4. Engagement
- NailIB: Passive reading and note-taking.
- RevisionDojo: Active interaction with Jojo AI, gamified tools, and adaptive practice.
✅ Winner: RevisionDojo — students stay engaged and motivated.
5. Affordability
- NailIB: Cheaper upfront, but personalised tutoring costs extra.
- RevisionDojo: Affordable subscription with AI tutoring included.
✅ Winner: RevisionDojo — more value without hidden costs.
Why RevisionDojo Helps Students Score Higher
The IA is graded holistically by IB examiners, with marks awarded for things like clarity of research, quality of analysis, critical evaluation, and structure. To hit the top bands, students need continuous feedback and refinement.
RevisionDojo is designed for this:
- Jojo AI identifies weaknesses (e.g., lack of analysis or weak evaluation).
- It gives practical, specific improvements, not generic tips.
- Students can get unlimited feedback without waiting for a teacher or tutor.
This constant, adaptive feedback loop is what makes RevisionDojo superior. Students don’t just see examples of good IAs — they learn how to make their own IA reach that standard.
Testimonials and Results
- In the 2024 State of Learning survey, 92% of RevisionDojo students reported higher exam and IA confidence.
- Early users praised Jojo AI’s ability to give “examiner-style feedback in seconds.”
- Many said they saved hours of drafting time compared to using static templates or waiting for teacher responses.
By comparison, NailIB’s value is more in inspiration and initial direction, but it struggles to offer the same hands-on guidance.
The Verdict
Both platforms aim to support IB students, but their methods couldn’t be more different:
- NailIB = best for examples and templates to see what an IA looks like.
- RevisionDojo = best for personalised IA coaching, helping students actually improve their own work.
If your goal is just to browse sample IAs, NailIB will do. But if you want to score higher by refining your IA with tailored feedback, RevisionDojo is the clear winner.
FAQs
1. Is NailIB good for IAs?
Yes, it provides useful examples and templates. But it’s limited to static resources.
2. Can RevisionDojo grade IA drafts?
Yes. Jojo AI simulates examiner feedback, giving detailed comments on analysis, structure, and evaluation.
3. Which platform is better for beginners?
NailIB is easier if you just want to see IA samples. RevisionDojo is better if you want step-by-step improvement.
4. Which helps more for top scores (6s and 7s)?
RevisionDojo. Its adaptive system is designed to refine work to top-band standards.
Conclusion
The IB IA is one of the hardest parts of the Diploma Programme, but with the right support, it can also be the most rewarding. NailIB gives students a library of resources. RevisionDojo gives students a personal coach.
For students aiming high, the choice is clear: RevisionDojo offers better IA guidance, more personalised support, and the tools to actually score higher.
