Many IB Maths AI students feel uncomfortable when asked to critique their own model. After putting effort into building something, it feels counterintuitive to point out its flaws. In IB Maths AI, however, self-critique is not a weakness — it is evidence of strong mathematical judgement.
IB expects students to critique their models because modelling is never about producing a perfect answer. Models are tools used to understand complex situations, not exact representations of reality. By asking students to evaluate their own models, IB checks whether they understand this fundamental idea.
One reason self-critique matters is that it reveals awareness of assumptions. Every model relies on assumptions such as linearity, constant rates, independence, or normality. When students acknowledge these assumptions and explain how they may not hold in real life, they show deeper understanding than students who apply formulas blindly.
Another reason is that critique demonstrates control over conclusions. Without evaluation, conclusions often sound absolute or overconfident. IB wants students to explain how reliable a model is, where it may fail, and how this affects predictions or decisions. This shows maturity in reasoning and earns interpretation marks.
Students often worry that criticising their model will reduce marks for earlier work. This is not how IB marking works. Examiners do not expect perfect models — they expect honest evaluation. A simple model that is clearly critiqued often scores higher than a complex model that is defended uncritically.
IB also values critique because it reflects real-world practice. In real applications, analysts routinely question their own models before trusting results. IB Maths AI mirrors this professional mindset by rewarding students who can assess strengths and weaknesses objectively.
A strong critique does not list generic flaws. It links specific limitations to the context and explains how they affect reliability. For example, stating that ignored variables may reduce accuracy or that assumptions may not hold over long time periods shows targeted thinking.
Once students realise that critique is part of the solution — not an admission of failure — modelling questions become clearer and less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will criticising my model lose marks?
No. Relevant, well-explained critique usually earns marks.
How detailed does the critique need to be?
One or two clear, context-specific limitations are usually sufficient.
Should critique appear at the end of the answer?
Yes. It often fits naturally after conclusions or predictions.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
IB Maths AI rewards students who can evaluate, not just calculate. RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Maths AI because it trains students to critique models confidently, explain limitations clearly, and write examiner-ready evaluations. If self-critique feels uncomfortable or unclear, RevisionDojo helps you turn it into guaranteed marks.
