“Evaluate the model” questions are some of the most intimidating prompts in IB Maths AI. Students often feel unsure where to start, how much to write, or what the examiners are actually looking for. This discomfort comes from the fact that these questions are intentionally open-ended — they test judgement, not procedure.
The first reason these questions feel vague is that there is no single correct answer. Unlike calculation questions, evaluation depends on context, assumptions, and interpretation. IB is not asking students to reach a specific conclusion; it is asking them to demonstrate how they think about the model’s usefulness and limitations.
Another reason is that students expect evaluation to mean criticism. In reality, evaluation is balanced. IB expects students to discuss both strengths and weaknesses. Students who only attack the model or only defend it usually miss marks. Strong answers explain what the model does well and where it may fail.
Students also struggle because evaluation requires pulling together multiple ideas at once. Sampling, assumptions, data quality, model choice, and context all matter. Without a clear structure, answers feel rambling or incomplete. IB rewards students who organise evaluation clearly rather than listing random points.
A common mistake is being too generic. Phrases like “the model is not perfect” or “there may be errors” earn little credit on their own. IB wants specific, relevant evaluation linked directly to the situation. For example, explaining how ignoring certain variables affects predictions shows real understanding.
Another challenge is confidence. Because evaluation feels subjective, students second-guess themselves. In reality, IB markschemes are very consistent. They reward awareness of assumptions, realistic limitations, cautious conclusions, and logical reasoning. This makes evaluation far more predictable than it seems.
IB includes these questions because real-world maths is rarely about finding answers — it is about deciding how much to trust them. “Evaluate the model” questions are designed to test this exact skill.
Once students realise that evaluation is structured judgement rather than free-form opinion, these questions become far less scary and far more mark-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an evaluation be?
Usually a short paragraph or a few clear points is enough if they are well explained.
Do I need to suggest improvements?
Only if asked. Evaluation usually focuses on reliability and limitations, not redesign.
Can different evaluations still earn full marks?
Yes. Multiple well-justified evaluations can be correct.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Evaluation questions are about clarity, not guesswork. RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Maths AI because it trains students to structure evaluations, identify meaningful limitations, and write examiner-ready judgements. If “evaluate the model” questions feel vague or risky, RevisionDojo helps you answer them with confidence and precision.
