One of the most confusing parts of IB coursework is understanding what examiners actually mean by “analysis.” Students are frequently told to “analyse more,” yet are rarely shown what strong analysis looks like in practice. As a result, many IAs contain explanation, description, and summary — but very little genuine analysis.

Knowing what real analysis looks like is essential for accessing higher mark bands.

Analysis Is About Meaning, Not Information

At its core, analysis is about making meaning from information. It goes beyond stating facts or describing outcomes and focuses on interpreting significance.

Real analysis answers questions such as:

• Why did this happen?
• What does this result suggest?
• How does this evidence affect the research question?

If a paragraph only tells the reader what happened, analysis has not yet occurred.

Analysis Is Always Question-Driven

Strong analysis is impossible without a clear link to the research question or aim. Every analytical point should move the investigation forward.

Examiners look for:

• Explicit links between evidence and the question
• Interpretation that directly supports conclusions
• Reasoning that stays focused and relevant

Analysis that is interesting but unrelated does not earn marks.

Analytical Writing Shows Cause and Effect

One clear sign of real analysis is cause-and-effect reasoning.

This includes:

• Explaining why outcomes occurred
• Identifying relationships between variables or ideas
• Discussing implications of findings

Cause-and-effect thinking demonstrates understanding, not just knowledge.

Real Analysis Develops Ideas Fully

Analytical paragraphs are developed, not listed. A strong analytical paragraph usually:

• Introduces a key point
• Supports it with evidence
• Explains what the evidence shows
• Interprets why it matters

If paragraphs jump quickly between points without development, analysis is likely weak.

Analysis Involves Judgment

Analysis requires students to make academic judgments based on evidence. This does not mean giving opinions — it means reasoned interpretation.

Examples include:

• Explaining which factor is most significant
• Interpreting trends or patterns
• Arguing why certain results are more meaningful than others

Judgment backed by evidence is a hallmark of high-scoring work.

Analysis Sets Up Evaluation

Evaluation becomes much easier when analysis is strong. Once students clearly explain why something happens, they can:

• Identify limitations
• Weigh strengths and weaknesses
• Justify conclusions

If evaluation feels vague, analysis is usually the missing step.

What Analysis Is Not

Students often confuse analysis with:

• Longer explanations
• More technical detail
• Complex language

None of these guarantee analysis. In fact, clear and simple writing often supports stronger analytical thinking.

How Examiners Recognise Real Analysis

Examiners recognise analysis when:

• Interpretation is explicit
• Links to the research question are clear
• Reasoning is logical and sustained

They do not reward analysis they have to infer or search for.

Why Students Struggle With Analysis

Most students struggle because:

• Analysis is rarely modelled clearly
• Feedback is often vague
• There is no clear structure for analytical paragraphs

Without guidance, students default to explanation.

Using a Clear Coursework Framework

A structured coursework framework helps students:

• Understand what analysis looks like
• Build analytical paragraphs consistently
• Apply analysis across the entire IA or EE

If you’re working on any IB IA or the Extended Essay, following a clear coursework system can help you develop real analysis that examiners can easily reward.

You can find a step-by-step guide to improving analysis in IB coursework here:
👉 https://www.revisiondojo.com/coursework-guide

Final Thoughts

Real analysis in an IB IA is not about sounding advanced — it is about interpreting evidence, explaining significance, and linking ideas directly to the research question. When students understand what analysis actually looks like, they stop guessing and start writing with purpose. This shift is one of the most powerful ways to improve IA grades.