IB Math IA Criterion A — Presentation (4 Marks)

Criterion A assesses how well your exploration is organised and communicated as a whole. It is worth 4 marks out of 20 and is often the easiest criterion to score well on — yet many students lose marks here through avoidable structural problems.

What Does Criterion A Assess?

According to the IB subject guide, Criterion A looks at whether:

• The exploration has a clear aim or research question introduced at or near the start
• The exploration is coherent and well-organised — ideas flow logically from introduction to conclusion
• The work is concise — 12 to 20 pages, not padded, not over-crammed
• There is a conclusion that relates back to the aim
• The exploration reads as a connected piece of mathematical writing, not a series of calculations with no narrative

The Mark Descriptors

0 marks: The exploration does not reach the standard described below, or no attempt has been made.
1–2 marks: The exploration has some organisation. The aim may be stated but is unclear or too broad. The conclusion is weak or missing. May be significantly over or under the page limit.
3–4 marks: The exploration is well-organised with a clear aim at the start and a meaningful conclusion that links back to it. Ideas build logically. Length is appropriate. The reader can follow the mathematical story without confusion.

Common Criterion A Mistakes

• Vague aim: “I will investigate calculus” scores 0 on aim clarity. “I will use differential calculus to find the angle that maximises the range of a projectile” is scoreable.
• No conclusion: Many students end with their last calculation and nothing else. You need a paragraph that directly answers the aim.
• Over 20 pages: Moderators stop reading at page 20. Content on pages 21+ does not exist for marking purposes.
• Under 12 pages: Immediately signals the exploration is superficial, even if the content is strong.
• Random structure: Definitions section → long calculations → unrelated tangent → brief conclusion. The exploration should read like a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How to Structure Your IA for Full Criterion A Marks

Introduction (1–2 pages): Why this topic? What is the specific aim? Brief background that the reader needs to follow the maths.

Body (8–14 pages): The mathematical investigation itself — working in logical stages, each one connecting to the aim. Label sections clearly.

Conclusion (1–2 pages): What did you find? Does it answer the aim? What are the limitations? What could extend this? Connect explicitly back to your opening aim.

Bibliography & appendices: Do not count toward the 20-page limit. Put lengthy raw data here, not in the main body.

Criterion A and the Other Criteria

A well-structured exploration also makes it easier for moderators to award marks on the other criteria. Good presentation in Criterion A helps moderators see your personal engagement, find your reflections, and assess your use of mathematics more generously. A messy exploration hides good work.