Most IB students underestimate the Internal Assessment—not because they are careless, but because the IA does not look as demanding as it actually is. Compared to exams or the Extended Essay, the IA seems shorter, more flexible, and less intimidating. This perception leads many students to delay planning, rush key sections, or misunderstand what is being assessed.
One reason the IA is underestimated is its word count. Because IAs are relatively short, students assume they require less effort. In reality, shorter assessments demand greater precision. Every paragraph must earn marks, and there is little room for unfocused writing. Examiners are looking for clear evidence of skills, not length.
Another reason students underestimate the IA is familiarity. IAs often resemble essays or lab reports students have written before. This creates false confidence. Students approach the IA using the same strategies they use for normal assignments, only to discover later that IB marking is far stricter and more criteria-driven.
Timing also plays a role. IAs are spread across months and do not always feel urgent. Without a fixed exam date, students assume there is plenty of time. This leads to procrastination and rushed final stages, where marks are often lost. The flexibility of IA deadlines is deceptive—it requires more self-discipline, not less.
Students also underestimate how much independent thinking the IA requires. Choosing a focused research question, deciding what evidence matters, and evaluating one’s own work are cognitively demanding tasks. These skills take time to develop and cannot be rushed near the deadline.
Another common mistake is underestimating the importance of analysis and evaluation. Many students focus heavily on content, assuming strong knowledge will carry the IA. When marks are lost due to weak analysis or generic evaluation, students are often surprised—even though these skills are explicitly rewarded in the criteria.
The IA is also underestimated because its impact is not always immediately visible. Unlike exams, where performance feels decisive, IA marks quietly accumulate across subjects. Students sometimes only realise how important IAs are when final grades are calculated.
Ultimately, underestimating the IA leads to reactive work instead of strategic planning. Students work harder than necessary while still losing marks.
The RevisionDojo Coursework Guide helps students understand the true demands of the IA from the start, showing how to plan, prioritise, and work strategically. When students take the IA seriously early on, they reduce stress and significantly improve outcomes.
👉 https://www.revisiondojo.com/coursework-guide
