IA common pitfalls Notes

IA Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Why it matters:

1. The Individual Oral (IA) is worth 25% of your final grade at both SL and HL.
2. Small mistakes can cost big marks because the assessment is short and every second counts.
3. Examiners aren’t just checking if you can speak, they’re checking if you can think, connect to themes, and communicate naturally.
4. Avoiding these pitfalls means you don’t lose marks for simple errors that are totally preventable.

1. Just describing the stimulus instead of analyzing it

1. Why it’s a problem: Examiners want to see interpretation and connection to themes, not just “what you see.”
2. How to avoid it: Always move from description to meaning.

2. Ignoring prescribed themes

1. Why it’s a problem: The IA is built around the five themes (identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, sharing the planet). If you don’t link to them, you lose marks in the Message criteria.
2. How to avoid it: Identify the theme in your introduction and keep referring back to it.

3. Running out of ideas after 1–2 minutes

1. Why it’s a problem: The presentation should last 3–4 minutes. If you stop early, you miss chances to show depth and lose marks.
2. How to avoid it: Plan 2–3 key points and a conclusion during prep time. Use PEE (Point → Evidence → Explanation) to stretch each idea.

4. Over-memorizing a script and sounding unnatural

1. Why it’s a problem: Examiners can tell when you’re reciting. It reduces spontaneity and makes it harder to adapt to questions.
2. How to avoid it:
   1. Prepare bullet-point notes (max 10 allowed) and practice speaking from them.
   2. Use natural signposting phrases like “Firstly… This shows that… In conclusion…” to stay flexible.