Maths Analysis and Approaches (AA) IA Grader
- Lots of students struggle to decode their Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Internal Assessment grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB Math AA IA rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your mathematical exploration stands across all five assessment criteria.
- The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.
The grader works in two modes:
- Draft Mode: Quick assessment of your work-in-progress. Input your current sections and get instant feedback on which criteria need more work before you finish writing.
- Full Mode: Complete evaluation of your finished IA. Input your final project details across all criteria and get a comprehensive grade breakdown with specific improvement suggestions for each section.
Quick Start Checklist
- Before using the grader, ensure you have these key elements ready:
- Mathematical Exploration - Clear mathematical investigation that goes beyond syllabus content
- Personal Engagement - Genuine interest and personal connection to the mathematical topic
- Mathematical Content - Substantial mathematics relevant to AA course with appropriate complexity
- Mathematical Processes - Problem-solving, modeling, proof, pattern recognition, or optimization
- Technology Usage - Appropriate use of mathematical software or graphing calculators
- Word Count Management - 12-20 pages recommended length with mathematical content
- Complete Structure - Introduction, Mathematical Development, Analysis, Conclusion, and Bibliography
- Mathematical Communication - Clear explanations, proper notation, and logical flow
Rubric Breakdown
The IA is assessed based on five criteria, totalling 20 marks:
Criterion A: Presentation (4 marks)
- This criterion tests your mathematical communication and presentation quality.
- It evaluates your organization, clarity, and mathematical language usage.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Poor presentation | Unclear organization with poor mathematical communication |
| 1 | Limited presentation | Some organization but limited mathematical language and unclear structure |
| 2 | Adequate presentation | Generally organized with some mathematical language but inconsistent quality |
| 3 | Good presentation | Well-organized with appropriate mathematical language and clear structure |
| 4 | Excellent presentation | Coherent, well-organized with precise mathematical language throughout |
Criterion B: Mathematical Communication (4 marks)
- This evaluates your mathematical explanation and reasoning clarity.
- It tests your mathematical notation, explanations, and logical development.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No communication | No mathematical explanations or completely unclear |
| 1 | Limited communication | Basic mathematical language with minimal explanations |
| 2 | Adequate communication | Some mathematical explanations but not always clear or complete |
| 3 | Good communication | Clear mathematical explanations with appropriate notation |
| 4 | Excellent communication | Precise, clear explanations with sophisticated mathematical language |
Criterion C: Personal Engagement (3 marks)
- This criterion assesses your personal connection and mathematical thinking.
- It evaluates your genuine interest, creativity, and independent thinking.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No engagement | No evidence of personal involvement or mathematical thinking |
| 1 | Limited engagement | Some evidence of personal engagement but limited independent thinking |
| 2 | Good engagement | Clear evidence of personal engagement with some independent mathematical thinking |
| 3 | Excellent engagement | Outstanding personal engagement with creative and independent mathematical thinking |
Criterion D: Use of Mathematics (6 marks)
- This is a major criterion - testing your mathematical content and techniques.
- It assesses mathematical relevance, complexity, and understanding.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No mathematics | No relevant mathematics or completely incorrect |
| 1 | Limited mathematics | Some mathematics but limited relevance or basic errors |
| 2 | Adequate mathematics | Some relevant mathematics with minor errors |
| 3 | Good mathematics | Relevant mathematics mostly correct with good understanding |
| 4 | Very good mathematics | Relevant mathematics that is correct with clear understanding |
| 5 | Excellent mathematics | Sophisticated mathematics used correctly with deep understanding |
| 6 | Outstanding mathematics | Exceptional mathematical sophistication with complete mastery |
Criterion E: Reflection (3 marks)
- This evaluates your mathematical reflection and critical thinking.
- It tests your evaluation of methods, results, and mathematical significance.
| Mark Band | What It Means | Evidence You Must Show |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No use of mathematics. | No evidence of reflection on mathematical processes |
| 1 | Limited reflection | Basic reflection with minimal evaluation of mathematical work |
| 2 | Good reflection | Clear reflection on mathematical processes with some evaluation |
| 3 | Excellent reflection | Substantial reflection with critical evaluation of mathematical approaches |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
- The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 20 marks across all five criteria.
- Here's how to interpret your results:
- 18-20 marks (Grade 7 territory): Excellent work with sophisticated mathematical exploration. Minor refinements needed.
- 15-17 marks (Grade 6 range): Strong investigation with good mathematical content. Focus on mathematical sophistication and communication.
- 12-14 marks (Grade 5 level): Competent work meeting basic requirements. Strengthen mathematical depth and personal engagement.
- 9-11 marks (Grade 4 range): Adequate foundation but needs significant improvement. Review mathematical content and presentation.
- Below 9 marks (Grade 3 or lower): Major revision required across most criteria. Restructure approach and strengthen mathematical fundamentals.
If you're between bands, focus on Criterion D (Use of Mathematics) - it offers the biggest impact for improvement.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
IB Math AA IA grade boundaries are consistent but can vary slightly by session:
| IB Grade | Typical Mark Range | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 18-20 | 90-100% |
| 6 | 15-17 | 75-85% |
| 5 | 12-14 | 60-70% |
| 4 | 9-11 | 45-55% |
| 3 | 6-8 | 30-40% |
| 2 | 3-5 | 15-25% |
| 1 | 0-2 | 0-10% |
- Your IA grade contributes 20% to your final Math AA grade.
- Your IA exploration must demonstrate mathematical investigation beyond routine exercises.
Subject-Specific Tips
Calculus Focus:
- Investigate optimization problems, area/volume calculations, differential equations, or infinite series.
- Include derivative applications, integration techniques, limits, and mathematical modeling.
Statistics and Probability Focus:
- Examine statistical modeling, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, or regression analysis.
- Use statistical software, confidence intervals, significance testing, and data interpretation.
Trigonometry and Functions Focus:
- Study periodic phenomena, wave equations, complex functions, or trigonometric identities.
- Include function transformations, inverse functions, parametric equations, and polar coordinates.
Algebra and Number Theory Focus:
- Investigate sequences and series, number patterns, modular arithmetic, or abstract algebra.
- Use mathematical induction, recursive formulas, matrix operations, and polynomial analysis.
Geometry Focus:
- Analyze geometric optimization, coordinate geometry, transformations, or non-Euclidean geometry.
- Include vector analysis, geometric proofs, similarity/congruence, and spatial relationships.
Mathematical Modeling Focus:
- Model real-world phenomena using differential equations, linear programming, or game theory.
- Use optimization techniques, simulation methods, mathematical software, and predictive modeling.
And quick fixes:
- Insufficient mathematical complexity → Include advanced techniques beyond basic syllabus content
- Poor mathematical communication → Use precise notation, clear explanations, and logical flow
- Weak personal engagement → Show genuine interest through personal connections and creative approaches
- Limited mathematical exploration → Go beyond calculations to investigate patterns, prove results, or model situations
- Inadequate use of technology → Utilize graphing calculators, computer software, or programming appropriately
- Missing mathematical justification → Explain all mathematical steps and reasoning clearlyPoor organization → Structure work with clear sections and logical progression
- Superficial reflection → Critically evaluate your mathematical approach and consider alternatives
- Lack of mathematical rigor → Include proper proofs, error analysis, and mathematical precision
- Generic conclusions → Reflect on mathematical significance and broader implications
Mathematical Exploration Structure
- Introduction Section: Topic introduction → Personal motivation → Mathematical objectives → Investigation scope
- Mathematical Development: Theoretical foundation → Mathematical techniques → Calculations/proofs → Pattern analysis
- Results and Analysis: Mathematical findings → Graphical representations → Numerical results → Error analysis
- Reflection and Conclusion: Method evaluation → Alternative approaches → Mathematical significance → Further extensions
Use the Free Math AA IA Grader Now
- Stop guessing about your grade.
- The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your IA against all five official criteria, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
- Input your exploration details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
- Math AA-specific analysis helps you master the mathematical sophistication and clear communication that separate excellent from average Mathematics Analysis and Approaches Internal Assessments.