IB Math Internal Assessment — Complete Guide for AA and AI Students

The IB Math Internal Assessment (IA) is a 12–20 page mathematical exploration that counts for 20% of your final IB grade. This guide covers everything you need to know — what it is, how it is marked, what makes a great exploration, and how Mr Ahmad supports students through every stage.

What Is the IB Math IA?

The IA is an individual piece of work — your own investigation into a mathematical topic you choose. It is not an exam. You write it over several weeks during your IB course, with your teacher giving limited feedback on one draft. The final submission is sent to IB moderators who re-mark a sample from every school.

The IA applies to all four IB Math courses: Math AA HL, Math AA SL, Math AI HL, and Math AI SL. The format and criteria are the same across all four — but the expected level of mathematical sophistication in Criterion E differs significantly between HL and SL.

The Five Marking Criteria

Criterion A — Presentation (4 marks): Is the exploration well-organised, easy to follow, and within the 12–20 page limit? Does it have a clear aim and a logical structure?

Criterion B — Mathematical Communication (4 marks): Is mathematical notation used correctly and consistently? Are graphs, tables, and diagrams labelled and purposeful?

Criterion C — Personal Engagement (3 marks): Does the exploration show genuine curiosity? Has the student gone beyond the obvious, made unexpected connections, or shown individual thinking?

Criterion D — Reflection (3 marks): Does the student reflect meaningfully on results, limitations, and what the exploration revealed? Is there mathematical insight, not just a summary?

Criterion E — Use of Mathematics (6 marks): Is the mathematics correct, relevant, and at the appropriate level for the course? Is it used purposefully to answer the aim, not just displayed?

Common Mistakes That Cost Students Marks

• Choosing a topic that is too simple or too broad — leads to a low Criterion E score
• Describing mathematics instead of doing it — long explanations with no original working
• Bolting on “personal engagement” at the end rather than building it into the investigation
• Reflecting on limitations with phrases like “I could have used a larger sample” without any mathematical insight into what that actually means
• Exceeding 20 pages — moderators stop reading at page 20
• Submitting without proofreading notation — a single incorrect symbol in a key formula can cost a Criterion B mark

IA Resources

• → IB Math IA Topic Ideas — AA and AI
• → IB Math IA Examples — What a Scored Exploration Looks Like
• → IB Math IA FAQ — Word Count, Format, Double Spacing
• → Formula Sheets for AA and AI
• → Past Papers and Mark Schemes