Introduction
Every IB student knows that the Internal Assessment (IA) plays a crucial role in final grades. But what makes the difference between an average IA and one that examiners reward with top marks? The answer lies in understanding exactly what examiners are looking for.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of a strong IA, explain how examiners apply the rubric, and share strategies to meet their expectations. For real models of high-scoring IAs, you can review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: What Examiners Look For
- A focused and specific research question
- Strong analysis and evaluation
- Clear structure and organization
- Proper use of evidence or data
- Concise, academic writing
- Alignment with subject-specific criteria
Criterion 1: A Strong Research Question
The IA begins and ends with the research question. Examiners look for a question that is:
- Specific, not broad
- Analytical, not descriptive
- Feasible with available resources
- Directly linked to the subject area
Weak IA questions lead to vague analysis, while strong ones allow examiners to see focus and direction.
Criterion 2: Evidence of Analysis
Examiners are not impressed by description alone. They want to see that you can:
- Interpret data or sources
- Explain trends, not just list them
- Compare perspectives or results
- Link evidence directly back to the research question
Analysis is often the single biggest difference between mid-range and top-range IAs.
Criterion 3: Evaluation and Reflection
Examiners expect you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your IA. This means:
- Acknowledging limitations in methods or sources
- Explaining the impact of these limitations
- Suggesting realistic improvements
- Reflecting on what you learned in the process
Strong evaluation shows maturity and critical thinking.
Criterion 4: Structure and Organization
Even strong ideas can lose marks if the IA is messy. Examiners look for:
- A logical flow of ideas
- Clear sections (introduction, methodology, analysis, conclusion, evaluation)
- Smooth transitions between paragraphs
- Consistent formatting of visuals and citations
A well-structured IA is easier for examiners to follow, which often leads to higher marks.
Criterion 5: Proper Use of Data or Sources
Depending on the subject, examiners expect different forms of evidence:
- Science IAs: Reliable, processed data with graphs and statistics
- History IAs: A mix of primary and secondary sources with evaluation
- Math IAs: Explorations of mathematical concepts with real-world application
In every case, examiners want to see that evidence supports your IA research question directly.
Criterion 6: Academic Writing and Citation
Strong IAs use concise, formal language and cite all sources correctly. Examiners notice when writing is wordy, repetitive, or casual. Proper citation is also crucial for academic honesty — failure here can lead to serious consequences.
Common Mistakes That Lower IA Marks
- Choosing a vague or unmanageable research question
- Being too descriptive instead of analytical
- Ignoring limitations or evaluation
- Poor structure that confuses examiners
- Overly casual or wordy writing
- Missing or inconsistent citations
How to Meet Examiner Expectations
- Check the rubric early and often. Align your IA directly with the criteria.
- Focus on analysis, not description. Always explain significance.
- Integrate evaluation throughout. Don’t leave it all to the conclusion.
- Edit carefully. Clarity and conciseness matter as much as content.
- Study exemplars. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars show exactly how top students meet examiner expectations.
FAQs on What Examiners Look For
1. Do examiners read the whole IA?
Yes, but they stop at the word limit. Anything beyond the allowed count won’t be considered.
2. Which part of the IA matters most to examiners?
Analysis and evaluation usually carry the most weight. Background and description are important, but they don’t earn top marks on their own.
3. How strict are examiners about structure?
Very — unclear or disorganized IAs are difficult to grade highly, even if the content is strong.
4. Can a student score well without perfect data or sources?
Yes — examiners value reflection and evaluation. Acknowledging limitations can strengthen your IA.
5. Where can I see real examples of IAs that examiners gave high marks?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature strong IAs across subjects.
Conclusion
Examiners are not looking for perfection — they’re looking for focus, analysis, evaluation, and clarity. A strong IA has a sharp research question, reliable evidence, thoughtful reflection, and clear organization. By aligning your work with examiner expectations and studying RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, you’ll maximize your chances of earning top marks.
Call to Action
Want to know exactly how examiners award marks? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars and study real IAs that impressed IB examiners.
