Why Most IB Math IAs Lose Easy Marks
The IB Math Internal Assessment (IA) can either lift your final grade or quietly pull it down. Many students do well with the math itself but lose marks in areas like clarity, structure, and reflection.
The truth? Most low-scoring IAs fail not because of weak math, but because of avoidable mistakes. With a little guidance — and by studying RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars — you can learn what examiners expect and how to fix these errors before submission.
Quick-Start Checklist
Before you begin revising your Math IA, make sure you:
- Read the IA criteria in the IB guide (or RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide summary).
- Look at at least two top-scoring IA/EE Exemplars to visualize what “excellent” looks like.
- Check that your topic allows for meaningful, original math exploration.
- Review your structure, notation, and reflection sections carefully.
- Use RevisionDojo’s formatting checklist before submitting.
Mistake #1: Choosing a Topic Without Real Mathematical Depth
A common early pitfall is picking a topic that’s too simple or descriptive.
Examiners want to see exploration, not summaries.
Weak topics look like:
- “The Fibonacci Sequence in Nature” — interesting, but overused and often shallow.
- “The Mathematics of Football Scores” — unless modeled deeply, too descriptive.
Strong topics involve modeling, analysis, or optimization.
For example:
- “Modeling the Cooling Rate of Coffee Using Exponential Functions.”
- “Investigating Projectile Motion to Optimize Basketball Free Throws.”
RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars show real examples of how students turned simple ideas into mathematically rich explorations.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Explain the Mathematics
Too many IAs jump straight into equations without context. Remember, examiners must understand your thinking process.
Avoid dropping formulas without explanation. Instead:
- Define each variable clearly.
- Describe why you chose a specific model.
- Explain assumptions and limitations.
RevisionDojo’s Exemplars highlight the importance of narrative flow — mathematics should tell a story. Each equation should serve a clear purpose in your investigation.
Mistake #3: Poor Structure and Organization
Disorganized IAs make even good math look confusing. A strong structure guides the reader naturally through your logic.
Here’s a recommended structure from the IA/EE Guide:
- Introduction: Topic motivation and research question.
- Methodology: Mathematical models, data, and assumptions.
- Analysis: Calculations, graphs, and reasoning.
- Reflection: Evaluation of strengths, limitations, and extensions.
- Conclusion: Summary of findings and answer to the research question.
Each section should transition smoothly. Use subtitles and consistent formatting — RevisionDojo’s IA Templates make this easy to implement.
Mistake #4: Weak Reflection or Evaluation
Reflection is one of the most overlooked IA components, yet it’s worth a major portion of your grade. Many students end with “This worked well” or “I could have done better.” That’s not enough.
Stronger reflection looks like this:
- “My model assumes constant acceleration, which ignores air resistance. This simplifies the math but reduces real-world accuracy.”
- “Future extensions could include fitting polynomial regression to non-linear data for better precision.”
RevisionDojo’s Exemplars provide perfect examples of reflection phrasing that demonstrates analytical maturity without sounding forced.
Mistake #5: Over-Reliance on Technology Without Explanation
Using Desmos, Excel, or a GDC is perfectly acceptable — but you must explain what the technology is doing.
For example:
- Don’t just paste a regression graph. Explain what model type you used, what parameters mean, and how it supports your conclusion.
- Show understanding by verifying results manually for one or two data points.
Examiners reward clarity over automation. RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Guide has a section on “Technology with Explanation” that shows exactly how to write about software responsibly.
Mistake #6: Formatting and Notation Errors
Even strong explorations can lose marks for inconsistent or incorrect notation.
Common errors include:
- Mixing x and t for the same variable.
- Forgetting units.
- Misplacing equal signs or function notation.
RevisionDojo provides an IA Formatting Checklist to catch these issues before submission. It covers notation, graph labeling, font consistency, and page layout — all details examiners quietly notice.
Mistake #7: Not Connecting Math to the Real-World Context
Every IB Math IA should show how math models or explains something real. Many students stop at calculations without interpreting meaning.
When writing conclusions:
- Always relate findings to the original context.
- Use mathematical vocabulary (“correlation,” “optimization,” “approximation”) correctly.
- Discuss whether your results make logical or physical sense.
RevisionDojo’s Exemplars emphasize this bridge between theory and reality — the hallmark of an exceptional IA.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Word Flow and Clarity
Your IA should read smoothly — like a logical essay with mathematical elements, not a lab report.
Avoid overly long paragraphs and use diagrams whenever possible.
The IA/EE Guide includes examples of concise explanations that blend words and symbols naturally. Following those writing models instantly elevates presentation quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check if my IA has enough mathematical depth?
Compare your draft to RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars and look at the “Mathematical Sophistication” section in the Guide. If your math primarily involves simple graphs or descriptive statistics, consider extending it.
2. Should I use real data or theoretical models?
Either is fine. Real data adds authenticity, but theoretical models can show creativity if explored deeply. What matters is clarity and mathematical reasoning.
3. How can I ensure I’m meeting the Reflection criterion?
Use RevisionDojo’s Reflection Prompts at the end of your IA draft. They’ll guide you to comment on assumptions, limitations, and future extensions effectively.
Final Thoughts
The IB Math IA doesn’t reward perfection — it rewards thoughtful exploration.
Avoiding these common mistakes and following the structure modeled in RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars ensures your work looks polished, professional, and examiner-ready.
When your math, structure, and reflection align, your IA not only earns top marks but also becomes something you’re genuinely proud of.
Call to Action
Ready to fix and perfect your Math IA?
Open RevisionDojo’s IA/EE Exemplars now and learn exactly how top-scoring students structured their investigations for success.
